Study sites and undertaken research
In the National Forest (NF) of Amapá, in an ombrophylous dense terra-fime forest, a trail system with 30 permanent plots was installed by the Brazilian Research Program on Biodiversity (PPBio), which allows studies of several groups of organisms in the same area, allowing integration between researchers and their data. In these plots we are studying the patterns and factors that determine the stock and accumulation of biomass, tree species distribution, epiphytes, functional diversity, phenology and frugivory. Such studies will be useful for planning conservation strategies which mitigate the impacts of future logging that will occur when log concessions are released in protected areas in the region.
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In the savannas of Amapá, particularly in the Curiaú Environmental Protection Area Area (APA) and areas in the center and southeast of the state, we are studying the processes that determine the distribution of tree and mammal species, especially bats and primates. In the region there is a scenario of riparian forest patches surrounded by a savanna matrix, which is being rapidly converted into soybean plantations and other commodities. Thousands of years of existence of these forest patches offer a unique opportunity to predict the future of biodiversity in landscapes which are suffering rapid anthropic fragmentation. Our team also has focused on research regarding ecological knowledge of local human populations, making a interface between traditional knowledge and science, undertaking studies on perception, ethnobiology and environmental awareness.
In the Serra da Lua region, in the state of Roraima, Norhermost region of Amazonia, a site study composed of four modules of trails was installed by PPBio to allow access to almost 40 permanent plots distributed over a mosaic of forest plantations of different ages, remnants of savanna and forest patches. In these plots we are developing studies to determine the conservation value and maintenance of ecosystem services services by forest plantations. Studies on the diversity of various groups of organisms (medium and large terrestrial mammals, bats, birds, trees and herbaceous plants) and ecosystem services (stocking and accumulation of carbon ) will serve to estimate the magnitude of the change in biodiversity and ecosystem services caused by single tree species plantations. This information will be essential for implementation of management strategies that couple production with biodiversity conservation and provision of ecosystem services in the Amazonia.