Avaliação da diversidade de plantas na floresta de Icuria dunensis- nas províncias de Nampula e Zambézia

Abstract

This study aims to characterize the diversity of flora species in the Icuria dunensis forest on the coastline, located in the provinces of Zambézia and Nampula, northern Mozambique. Icuria dunensis is an endemic species of Mozambique and is endangered according to the IUCN. Habitat transformation and restricted distribution are some of the threats affecting the abundance and diversity of this species' population, with mining and subsistence agriculture being the main threats that have led to the decline of this species. Sampling was carried out during an expedition coordinated by Professor Alice Massingue, between March 18 and April 7, 2022, in the districts of Moma, Larde, Mongicual, and Mossuril in Nampula province and Pebane in Zambézia province. The process consisted of stratified random sampling, where five 1,000-meter-long transects were established. In each transect, 14 grids (20m x 50m) were established. A total of 2,756 individuals from 158 species were recorded throughout the study. The families with the largest number of individuals were: Euphorbiaceae (697), Fabaceae (640), Annoneaceae (253), Rubiaceae (197), Acanthaceae (88), Erythroxylaceae (82), and Strychnaceae (77 individuals). The families with the fewest individuals were: Asteraceae, Celastraceae, and Vitaceae, each with one individual. Moebase had the largest number of individuals (993), followed by Mongicual Sul, which recorded 850 individuals. In third place, Mongicual Norte had 414 individuals, Serra Mesa had 181 individuals, Matibane had 126 individuals, Mulimone had 113 individuals, and M'pago had 79 individuals. Mulimone had the highest Shannon-Weaver index (4.437), North of Mongicual, South of Mongicual, Matibane, M'pago (4.341, 4.278, 3.939, and 3.873), respectively, and the lowest Shannon-Weaver indices were recorded in Matibane and Moebase (3.550 and 3.582), respectively. The highest Simpson indices were observed in Mulimone, M'pago, North Mongicual, and South Mongicual (0.939, 0.920, 0.904, and 0.901), respectively, and the lowest indices were recorded in Moebase, Serra da Mesa, and Matibane (0.803, 0.872, and 0.887), respectively.(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)