Characterization of species diversity in the Bicuar National Park and implications for the management and conservation of biodiversity

Abstract

Bicuar National Park has an area of 7,900 km2 and is located in Huíla Province, the park rose to this category in 1964. The aim of this work was to characterize the floristic diversity of tree species and to investigate the threats that may have implications in management and conservation of biodiversity of the park. We selected five (5) of fifteen (15) permanent plots of 10,000 m2 established for vegetation sampling, where all trees with DBH ≥ 5 cm were measured, properly identified and marked with aluminium plates sequentially enumerated, to allow their subsequent re-measurement. Preliminary analysis of the plots showed an estimated density of about 3,672 individuals, belonging to 12 botanical families and 43 species. As presumed, Fabaceae family was the most representative, being dominated by species of the genus characteristic of miombo, such as Julbernardia and Brachystegia. In future we intended to evaluate mortality rates, mainly due to fires and herbivory.