<b>Spatial distribution pattern and diameter structure of <i>Protium</i> Burm. f. in Iratapuru river sustainable development reserve, Amapá, Brazil

Abstract

The present work aims to determine the spatial distribution pattern of Protium Burm. f and the diametric structure of these species in a dense tropical submontane rainforest along the Sustainable Development Reserve (SDR) of the Iratapuru river. The area of study was divided into three plateau compartments called Mane Preto Sierra, Banco Grande Sierra and Alaska Sierra. In each plateau compartment it was settled a single area transect with 1,000 x 20 m, where DAP ≥ 10 cm of the entire Protium population within the transects was measured. The data was processed in the specific software Mata Nativa 2. There were inventoried Protium tenuifolium, Protium altsoni, Protium polybotryum subsp. blackii and Protium paniculatum var. riedelianum. Most individuals concentrated in smaller diametric classes, decreasing progressively to a lesser extent in larger classes. It can be concluded that the population has medium size and its vertical structure is characterized by the presence of three strata, however, its phytocenoses is defined by two clear constants: the first groups individuals of up to 15 m of height and forms the uniform and dominant stratum; the second is composed by emerging up to 35 m high and whose diameter structure shows a population in dynamic balance.