Impacto das espécies exóticas invasoras sobre a biodiversidade vegetal: um estudo de caso na Unidade de Conservação Arie “Matinha do Pici”, Fortaleza-CE

Abstract

Biological invasions are defined as the process of establishment and propagation of species from other geographic areas, in natural ecosystems or managed by humans, where there will be the spread of exotic species to spaces occupied by native species that used to be occupied by native species, causing damage to these and to the ecosystems. The introduction of these species, known as exotic or "alien" species, in geographical regions that are not natural to them, is one of the serious environmental problems of the present time. The objective of this work was to evaluate the occurrence and impact of exotic plant species in a nature reserve, ARIE Matinha do Pici, located at the Pici Campus of the Federal University of Ceará. For this study, we used the point-quadrant method, in order to sample shrubs and trees present in the site. The botanical material was identified and analyzed from Flora do Brasil data, specialized literature and consultation to professionals of the area. This work provides data on the phytosociological composition of an ARIE (Area of Relevant Ecological Interest). Such data may be relevant in the creation and execution of control and monitoring actions of the invasive alien species present in the study area within the city of Fortaleza.