A COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF CERRADO (SENSU-STRICTO) VEGETATION IN CENTRAL BRAZIL

Floristic and structural comparisons and a numerical classification we re performed to identify the priority areas for conservation of geneti c resources in central Brazil. The main type of woody vegetation, cerr ado sensu stricto (savanna woodland with 10-60% tree cover), was sampl ed under a uniform methodology in six selected sites (total sample of 6 ha) scattered in a physiographic unit called the Pratinha Plateau lo cated between 15-20-degrees-S and 46-49-degrees-W. A total of 6971 tre es belonging to 139 species and 42 families was measured. Each site ha d a combination of 50-80 species and approximately 30 families but onl y 22 species from 14 families were common to all sites. Similarity dec reased with distance, indicating the existence of geographical gradien ts as the physical characteristics were relatively uniform and the soi ls were dystrophic at all sites. The most dissimilar sites, in the loc alities of Patrocinio-MG and Paracatu-MG were recommended for the esta blishment of conservation units. The already existent conservation uni ts are all clumped in the Federal District and are not enough to prote ct the genetic heritage of the plateau. Floristics and phytosociologic al surveys based on land system zoning were recommended as useful tool s in planning conservation areas at a regional level to preserve the m aximum biodiversity.