Abstract

SANTOS, Jussiara Dias dos et al. From the 19th to the 21st century: a comparative study of primitive vegetation by Saint-Hilaire and current phytophysiognomies. Finisterra [online]. 2020, n.113, pp.117-134. ISSN 0430-5027.  https://doi.org/10.18055/Finis17881.

The objective of this work is to compare the vegetation domains described by Saint-Hilaire at 1817 to current phytophysionomic classifications and ecotone areas for the region between Diamantina, Serro and Minas Novas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A database was elaborated from the analysis of his works with localities, species and descriptions of the vegetation strata for the trajectory he traveled and steps he covered in the field. Current vegetation and land cover maps were elaborated using the ArcGIS 10.3.1 software. Three paths were defined from the analysis of the traveller’s works. Vegetation domains such as virgin forest, catingas, carrasqueiros, carrascos and natural grasslands, described by Saint Hilaire for Minas Gerais were described in the study area and compared to the current phytophysiognomies: Semi-deciduous Seasonal Forests, Deciduous Seasonal Forests; Open Arboreal Caatinga; Dense, Typical, Ralo and Rupestrian Cerrado; Dirty, Clean and Rupestrian Grasslands respectively. The naturalist describes anthropic domains called capoeira and artificial grasslands whose vegetation is at different stages of ecological succession. Comparisons between old and current descriptions have proved to be feasible and relevant. This information contributes with ecological, biological and geographical data, subsidizing studies and strategies for the conservation of the natural resources of Biomes.

Keywords : Cerrado; ecotone; Atlantic Forest; naturalist traveler.

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