Classification of South Brazilian grasslands: Implications for conservation

Abstract

Aims We offer a first classification of South Brazilian grasslands (Campos Sulinos) based on quantitative vegetation data and describing grassland types in terms of dominant and indicator species. Location South Brazilian grasslands (Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul states). Methods We described vegetation plots in 167 sampling units throughout the region using a stratified nested design, totalizing 1,502 1 m² quadrats. We classified vegetation using cluster analysis based on Bray–Curtis dissimilarities, establishing three vegetation types and ten subtypes. We conducted indicator species analysis within the resulting subtypes, and for all possible combinations of subtypes. Results In the cluster analyses, a clear separation of poorly drained grasslands from the drier sites appeared. Further, a clear distinction between grasslands in the South Brazilian highland region, situated in the Atlantic Forest biome, and the grasslands of the Pampa biome, to the south, emerged, reflecting climatic and management differences. Highland grasslands showed lower species cover dominance, while in the Pampa, Paspalum notatum clearly was the most important species and the abundance of exotic species was higher. Conclusions Our study provides the first classification of South Brazilian grasslands based on quantitative vegetation data recorded in a standardized sampling design. The data support the division of grasslands into the main phytogeographic units of the region (Brazilian biome classification). Grasslands in these two regions also differ in terms of species dominance pattern (higher dominance in Pampa grasslands, likely also due to higher grazing levels) and in terms of conservation state (low presence of exotic species in highland grasslands). Our results are important for conservation policies, which can now consider the presence of different grassland types in different region, but more data will be necessary for a more detailed classification that considers different abiotic features in more detail.

Effects of grazing regimes on the temporal dynamics of grassland communities

“…In our study, the prostrate grasses P. notatum and A. affinis were the main grasses in both treatments. They are the most common species in the grasslands in our study region (Andrade et al., ), where their characteristics — perennial, rhizomatous and stoloniferous — are advantageous when confronted with the effects of grazing and trampling (Boldrini, ). These two species benefitted from rotational grazing, evidenced by the significant increases in their biomass, as they are species that can quickly capture resources and recover their biomass (Cruz et al., ).…”

“…Grasslands in southern Brazil are productive systems that also are very rich in plant species (Andrade et al., ; Overbeck et al., ). They are part of a large grassland region that includes the pampas of Uruguay and Argentina (Andrade et al., ).…”

Passive restoration contributes to bird conservation in Brazilian Pampa grasslands

“…Native grassland with low levels of cattle stocking is almost non‐existent in our study region. Plant species that dominated the study region included Paspalum notatum , Andropogon lateralis , Axonopus affinis , Eryngium horridum , and Aristida jubata (Andrade et al ).…”

Restoration of abandoned subtropical highland grasslands in Brazil: mowing produces fast effects, but hay transfer does not

“…Subtropical Campos Sulinos grasslands, South Brazil, are among the most biodiverse grasslands of the world (Overbeck et al 2007;Andrade et al 2019). These grasslands are traditionally managed with grazing, and fire can be used as an additional management tool (Overbeck et al 2007;Pillar & Vélez 2010).…”