Forest management effects on the abundance and species composition of ferns in South West of Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

During the last decades, the tropical timber species demand has intensified. However, mostly of the tropical timber harvesting is still done conventionally. Forest management optimizes the production and aims at the maintenance of the forest and its biodiversity. This study evaluates the effects of logging on the abundance and composition of ferns on the Projeto Agroextrativista Chico Mendes, Acre state, Brazil. A forest managed area was compared with an area of old growth forest (non managed area). Six species of ferns have been found; Adiantum arguntum was the most abundant in both areas. The total abundance was higher in the non managed area than in the managed forest. Species richness was higher in the managed forest than in the non managed area. The canopy openness affected the ferns abundance in the managed forest. The litter height variation did not affect ferns abundance in the managed forest. Although changing in species composition and abundance has been observed in the logging area, forest management can minimize the effects of conventional logging on ferns assemblies. © 2013 by Unisinos.