The objective of the present study was to evaluate the population dynamics of 12 woody species. This study was conducted in two fragments of Cerrado stricto sensu in the Gerais de Balsas Colonization Project, located in Southern Maranhão, Brazil, between 1995 and 2002. The frequency distribution in diameter classes showed the reverse J-shape curve for the majority of species studied. The high recruitment rates were registered for Byrsonima coccolobifolia, Sclerolobium paniculatum e Vochysia rufa, in fragment 1, and B. coccolobifolia, Byrsonima crassa, Davilla elliptica and Qualea parviflora, in fragment 2. The high growth rates were registered for B. crassa, Q. parviflora, S. paniculatum and V. rufa, to both fragments. The species that presented high recruitment and high growth rates, probably, will remain as the principal species in the community structure. On the other hand, the populations of Connarus suberosus, D. elliptica, Hirtella ciliata and Erythroxylum deciduum, in fragment 1, and Salvertia convallariaeodora, in fragment 2, did not present high recruitment rates, in this manner, if the tendencies persist these populations will probably have their survival compromised in the future.
Cerrado sensu stricto; recruitment; mortality
