Grassland Vegetation of Pitangui River Valley, Southern Brazil

A systematic floristic survey was carried out on native grasslands at Pitangui river valley areas, in the state of Paraná, Southern Brazil. Monthly samples collection covering an area of 9.4 ha over a two year period was conducted. A total of 51 angiosperm, one conifer and 4 fern families from four mesic steppic areas were identified. There were 196 genera and 420 species present in the area surveyed. The family Asteraceae contributed the highest species richness with a total of 119 species, 28% of the total. Herbs were found to dominate the area contributing almost 80% of all the plant forms. There were six non-native species, including African grasses and contaminating exotic pines observed and identified in the grassland area. Twelve native species, belonging to 11 families (contributing a total of 2.8% of all the flora identified) are listed as threatened. The high species richness and the considerably high number of threatened species in such a small area underlined the need for more conservation efforts in these grasslands. It is therefore recommended that additional zoning and better management effort be the primary concerns to conserve the area.