Natural History of Caparú
Grassland and Cerrado
These formations represent a series of habitats which vary from open grasslands to savannas with a tree and shrub layer.
Within the property boundary there exist three types of cerrado:
the campos cerrados (savannas with scattered low trees), cerrado (savannas
with a higher tree density and shrubs) and cerradao (savannas
with a denser tree cover). The physiognomy of the cerrado
is unique; as with all grasslands, its dominated by a continuous
grass layer with a tree layer predominated by species such as Tabebuia sp.
and Curatella americana y arbustos. The importance
of fire within this ecosystem is evident and woody plant species
almost always show some evidence of recent fire. Various
plant species have adaptation to fire such as thick and flaky
bark, while most of the grasses, herbaceous plants, perennials
and shrubs maintain underground growth tissue.
The annual rhythms of the plant species of cerrado reflect the fire cycle which in turn is determined by the dry, wet cycle of the seasons. The dry season lasts approximately 5 months from June to October. Various species flower after having experiences recent burns, assuring that seeds and seedlings are not exposed to fire in the short term. However, if there is a frequent fire regime – for example when fire is started by humans – it could alter natural processes and result in lower biodiversity.
Grasslands and much of the cerrado on the property are predominantly seasonally inundated. Thus, a significant woody plant layer is absent due to the intolerance of many tree and shrub species to the high water levels present during much of the year.
Humid forests
These are found principally in the northwest corner of the property (around Lagunitas) and represent southern extensions of the Amazon rainforest. These forests are partially seasonally inundated and are characterized by a lower canopy than terra firme humid forests.
Riparian and Inundated Forests
These habitats are found in relatively small patches near the
neighboring seasonally inundated grasslands. The seasonality
in these formations is very sharp, with surface water levels
increasing from zero in the dry season to up to 3 meters in the
wet season.
During the dry season,
water is limited to the Paraguá River and its bays.