Avaliação do efeito de península na diversidade de espécies arbóreas em florestas de dunas costeiras no sul de Moçambique

Abstract

The diversity of tree species is fundamental to the stability and functioning of coastal ecosystems, contributing to soil protection, maintenance of fertility, and ecological balance. However, their spatial distribution is conditioned by environmental, geomorphological, and anthropogenic factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the peninsula on the diversity of tree species in coastal dune forests in southern Mozambique, covering the areas of Ponta do Ouro, Maputo National Park (PNAM), and Machangulo Peninsula. Forty-eight 16 x 16 m plots were planned for the inventory of tree species and collection of environmental variables, including average annual temperature, incidence, topographic oscillation index (TWI), road density, housing density, and landscape geometry parameters (area and shape of the patch).

The results demonstrated that the PNAM (Machangulo Peninsula) presented a greater richness and abundance of tree species, followed by Ponta do Ouro, while the Machangulo Peninsula recorded the lowest values. The analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) indicated significant differences in richness and abundance between the locations, but not in evenness. Tukey's test revealed significant differences between the PNAM and the other areas, confirming the role of protected zones in maintaining diversity. Spearman's observation did not show significant relationships between species richness and environmental variations. Mantel's test did not indicate a significant relationship between species richness and distance from the peninsular base, not confirming the classic pattern of the peninsula effect.

In the coastal dune forests of southern Mozambique, the peninsular configuration does not directly determine tree diversity, and the conservation and integrated management of coastal dunThe diversity of tree species is fundamental to the stability and functioning of coastal ecosystems, contributing to soil protection, maintenance of fertility, and ecological balance. However, their spatial distribution is conditioned by environmental, geomorphological, and anthropogenic factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the peninsula on the diversity of tree species in coastal dune forests in southern Mozambique, covering the areas of Ponta do Ouro, Maputo National Park (PNAM), and Machangulo Peninsula. Forty-eight 16 x 16 m plots were planned for the inventory of tree species and collection of environmental variables, including average annual temperature, incidence, topographic oscillation index (TWI), road density, housing density, and landscape geometry parameters (area and shape of the patch).

The results demonstrated that the PNAM (Machangulo Peninsula) presented a greater richness and abundance of tree species, followed by Ponta do Ouro, while the Machangulo Peninsula recorded the lowest values. The analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) indicated significant differences in richness and abundance between the locations, but not in evenness. Tukey's test revealed significant differences between the PNAM and the other areas, confirming the role of protected zones in maintaining diversity. Spearman's observation did not show significant relationships between species richness and environmental variations. Mantel's test did not indicate a significant relationship between species richness and distance from the peninsular base, not confirming the classic pattern of the peninsula effect.

In the coastal dune forests of southern Mozambique, the peninsular configuration does not directly determine tree diversity, and the conservation and integrated management of coastal dune forests is essential to ensure ecological connectivity and reduce the risk of local species extinction. (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)