Vegetação arbórea em uma área de serra no bioma caatinga: composição, estrutura e riscos ecológicos da implantação de um parque eólico

Abstract

The Caatinga is an exclusively Brazilian biome, characterized as a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest, with vegetation adapted to the semi-arid climate, including tree, shrub, cactus, and ephemeral herbaceous species. It is widely distributed throughout the Northeast and is currently one of the most degraded biomes in Brazil, with a large portion of its area altered by human activities. This study aimed to analyze the composition and structure of arboreal vegetation in a mountainous area within the Caatinga biome, evaluating its ecological relevance and the potential risks associated with the implementation of a wind farm. The study was conducted in Serra do Parafuso, located in the municipality of Mata Grande, Alagoas, Brazil, in a relatively well-preserved arboreal-shrub vegetation area. To characterize the vegetation, a phytosociological survey was carried out using four transects measuring 50 x 20 m, subdivided into 10 x 10 m plots, where individuals with circumference at breast height (CBH) ≥ 10 cm were sampled. Field data were collected, including species identification, estimated height, and dendrometric measurements, along with botanical material collection for herbarium identification. A total of 455 individuals were recorded, distributed across 42 species, 33 genera, and 18 botanical families, with emphasis on the families Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. The most structurally representative species were Guapira noxia, Psidium sp., Sapium argutum, and Eugenia punicifolia, which showed high values in phytosociological parameters such as density, dominance, and importance value index (IVI). The diameter distribution exhibited an inverted “J” pattern, indicating a predominance of young individuals and continuous regeneration of the plant community. The analysis of ecological aspects showed a predominance of species with melittophilous pollination and zoochoric and autochoric dispersal, as well as a higher occurrence of species in secondary successional stages, suggesting that the area is in an intermediate to advanced stage of regeneration. The presence of endemic species and species in different threat categories highlights the ecological importance of the area for the conservation of Caatinga biodiversity. Although wind energy is considered a renewable source, the results indicate that the installation of wind farms may cause significant impacts on local vegetation, such as vegetation removal, habitat fragmentation, and alteration of ecological dynamics. Therefore, it is concluded that the studied area has high ecological relevance, and careful environmental assessments are essential prior to the implementation of wind energy projects in order to minimize impacts and ensure biodiversity conservation.