The present study aimed to evaluate the evolution of the restoration of degraded areas, in full protection conservation unit in the Atlantic Forest biome, in southern Brazil. The evaluated attributes were floristic composition and structure of vegetation and soil enzymatic activity (amidase, urease, phosphatase and arylsulfatase), involved in ecological processes, able to characterize different areas in restoration. The vegetation of the upper stratum was sampled in 18 plots of 10 x 20 m, in two recovered areas (A1 and A2), and in 12 plots in a forest area used as reference (AR). In these plots, the tree-shrub component was measured as for the diameter, height and canopy coverage of individuals and natural regeneration was studied in subplots, through the obtention of the root collar diameter and height. The enzyme activity was measured through the collection of 10 soil samples, in layers ranging from 0 to 5 cm and 5 to 20 cm in each area. The results showed that the areas in restoration presented lower diversity (H' = 2.31) when compared to the reference area (H' = 3.00), as well as lowest basal area, height and density. It is concluded that the enzyme activity is a good indicator for the development in both areas restored, which compared to the reference area, will occur in the long term, indicating the need for management of A1 and A2, by eliminating grasses and exotic tree species, the determining factor for the success of the restoration.
Protected areas; Diversity; Enzymatic activity
