FLORISTIC COMPOSITION AND DIVERSITY IN AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FOREST IN SOUTHWESTERN AMAZONIA

Abstract

The Western Amazon harbors one of the greatest floristic riches on the planet but faces increasing pressure from deforestation and the conversion of forest areas into productive systems. In this context, it is essential to evaluate how different lands are used, such as primary forests, regenerating areas, and agroforestry systems, influence species diversity and the conservation of natural resources. The aim of this study was to assess floristic composition and species diversity in three different environments in the Western Amazon: primary forest (PF), secondary regenerating forest (capoeira – CAP), and agroforestry system (AFS). The survey was conducted in the municipality of Senador Guiomard, Acre, using permanent plots (10 × 10 m), recording individuals with DBH ≥ 4.8 cm. Diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Pielou, Fisher’s alpha) and similarity (Jaccard) were analyzed. A total of 632 individuals were recorded in PF, 511 in AFS, and 335 in CAP, distributed into 123, 88, and 50 species, respectively. PF showed the highest diversity (H’ = 4.27), followed by AFS (H’ = 3.84) and CAP (H’ = 2.90). The results show that, after 15 years of establishment, the AFS is more similar to PF in terms of diversity, standing out as a promising alternative for biodiversity conservation and the restoration of degraded areas.