Protocolo de indicadores funcionais ponderados para seleção de espécies arbóreas nativas para restauração de florestas subtropicais

Abstract

The careful selection of native species is one of the main challenges for the success of large scale ecological restoration projects. Technical tools that integrate ecological and operational attributes are essential to guide nurseries and public policies. This study proposes and applies a multicriteria protocol based on ecological and operational indicators to support the selection of native species intended for ecological restoration in southern Brazil. Initially, 11 binary 9 attributes extracted from the tree flora of the Iguaçu National Park were considered, organized into a species × attribute matrix. To evaluate the relative contribution of each attribute to the functional distinction between species with potential for seedling production or enrichment planting, SIMPER analysis was performed. Based on these results, differential weights were assigned to the attributes (0, 1, or 2), refining the protocol's sensitivity. The new classification was validated using Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) and Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA), which confirmed a significant distinction 7 between the groups. Of the 73 taxas evaluated, 39 were classified as production species and 34 as enrichment species. The attributes with the greatest contribution to the separation between the groups were threat status, phenology, seed storage, local abundance, and seed processing. Most species showed wide phytogeographical distribution and good adaptability, which reinforces their potential for different restoration contexts. The resulting protocol can support forest nurseries, public policies, and native vegetation restoration programs, promoting greater technical efficiency and ecological functionality.