Ferraz, D.K., Eleutério, A.A. & Santos, F.A.M. 2002. Population densities of Lytocaryum hoehnei (Arecaceae) in different spatial scales in Cotia, Southeast Brazil. 45th Symposium of the International Association for Vegetation Science, p. 44.

Abstract: Lytocaryum hoehnei is an endangered palm, narrowly distributed in Southeast Brazil, having little available information on its population ecology and local distribution. This palm occurs in patches in the Morro Grande Forest Reserve (10,700 ha), Cotia, São Paulo State. The study aimed at understanding the spatial pattern of this species in different scales: (1) What is the species frequency of occurence in the reserve? (2) Is there variation in density among three patches and (3) within them? We used 30 plots (10 x 30m) distributed along a trail, within and outside patches, for question (1), and within each patch for question (2). For question (3), we used 4 plots (50 x 50m) divided into 25 plots (10 x 10m), within each patch. L. hoehnei occurred in 20% of the 30 plots, suggesting that it occupies approximately 2,100 ha of the Reserve. Median densities varied among patches, from 2.5 to 43 plants per plot, being significantly higher in one patch and similar in the other two. We also observed variation in density within each patch. The heterogeneity observed in all spatial scales analysed may be caused by historical and environmental differences. Results pointed out that spatial variability and density effects should be considered in the demographic analyses of this species.