Determination of the Effective Dispersal Distance of Cabralea canjerana

This study aimed to know the effective dispersal distance of Cabralea canjerana (Vell.) Mart. in a forest fragment. Plots of 5 × 5 m were allocated in an area with high density of regenerating individuals of the species. Individuals higher than 30 cm and with diameter at breast height (DBH) smaller than 15 cm were recorded and referenced in pseudo-coordinates. Individuals with DBH greater than 15 cm were considered as seed producers. The dispersal distance was calculated using the methodology by Nathan & Muller-Landau (2000); two distances were calculated: the distance of each individual in relation to the nearest adult tree, and the average distance between all matrix trees. The effective dispersal peak occurs at a mean distance of 30 meters from the mother trees. Three seed producing individuals per hectare are needed to ensure the continuous regeneration of the species.

seed dispersal; natural regeneration; seed density