Biodiversidade em meio ao concreto: um estudo fitossociológico do parque do Museu Mariano Procópio (Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil)

Abstract

Climate emergencies represent a major contemporary challenge, exacerbated by unplanned urbanization and the fragmentation of natural ecosystems. In this context, urban green areas are essential for climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and quality of life. This study aimed to characterize and analyze the composition, floristic diversity, and structure of the tree community in an urban fragment of the Atlantic Forest. Ten 20 × 20 m plots were established, where tree individuals with a circumference at breast height (CBH) ≥ 15.7 cm were sampled, and phytosociological parameters (species richness, basal area, density, frequency, dominance, and importance value) were calculated, along with Shannon diversity and Pielou’s evenness indices. A total of 590 individuals, distributed across 67 species and 22 botanical families, were recorded. The most species-rich families were Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, and Lauraceae, while the species with the highest importance value (IV) were Nectandra nitidula, Artocarpus heterophyllus, and Piptadenia gonoacantha. The community structure revealed a high basal area (48.9 m².ha⁻¹). The diversity indices (Shannon = 3.42; Pielou = 0.81) were consistent with secondary forests in the region. The results indicate that, although coffee cultivation abandonment, subsequent landscape interventions, and urban fragmentation have limited natural regeneration, the fragment still plays a significant ecological role. In addition to harboring threatened species, it contributes to urban climate regulation, emphasizing the importance of conservation and proper management of green areas for urban sustainability.