SOIL MACROFAUNA IN A MIXED OMBROPHILOUS FOREST FRAGMENT IN GUARAPUAVA-PR

Abstract

This article aimed to characterize the soil macrofauna in the Araucárias Municipal Park, located in Guarapuava-PR, by evaluating the impact of public visitation on soil quality and local biodiversity. The methodology involved collections conducted in two stages (April and August 2024) using pitfall traps installed along the trail and within the forest. Physical and chemical properties of the soil were analyzed, as well as indices of diversity, dominance, evenness, and richness.The results indicated that the soil along the trail exhibited lower macrofauna diversity and evenness, greater compaction, and chemical alterations, suggesting negative impacts from visitation. In contrast, the forest environment showed higher diversity and more favorable conditions for macrofauna, associated with less disturbed soil.It was concluded that public visitation negatively affects soil quality and macrofauna biodiversity, underscoring the importance of conservation practices to mitigate anthropogenic impacts and preserve the park's ecological integrity. Soil macrofauna proved to be a valuable tool for monitoring environmental quality in conservation units.