Find out how a forest inventory is conducted

Even before the IFFSC got into the story, two great researchers studied Santa Catarina's forests and plants between 1950 and 1970. The IFFSC project began in 2007. We present how the forest inventory is conducted.

How much forest we still have and other findings

A forest inventory includes quantitative and qualitative surveys. Here we show how much forest we still have in the state, as well as their conservation status. Which are the main species and major concerns related to biological conservation?

Forests types occurring in Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina is inserted in the Atlantic Rainforest Domain, wherein different forest types are found. The several forest types are related to distinct climate patterns, soil properties, topography, and geographical location.

Plant types

Tropical and subtropical forests, like ours, are those with the greater variety of plant types in the globe. In five years of survey, an outstanding number of species was recorded. Here we present characteristics of several plant groups and the number of species found in each one of them.

Epiphytes

Epiphytes are typical plants of tropical and subtropical forests; they use trees as a support, but without harming them. There are many people that love this kind of plant, which have their own beauty and a whole different way to live.

Ferns

Ferns are well-known plants because they are used for decorating houses and gardens. Many ferns found in forests do not have the characteristic shape of those cultivated in homes and gardens. Let's show a little more about ferns found in nature.

Herbarium: a large plant collection

The paradise of plant taxonomists is the Herbarium, the place where plant samples collected in the field are archived. An Herbarium has its own rules; we will show how the FURB Herbarium works; in this place, all species collected by the IFFSC are archived.

Forest succession

Did you know that degraded forests may recover themselves? However, this is not a quick process; it may take centuries. Therefore, it is important to conserve the forests. Here we will show how forest succession develops.

Plants and animals partnership

The partnership among plants and animals may be so specific that the lack of one may result in the extinction of the other. The plants provide food and shelter to animals, and animals pollinate their flowers and disperse their seeds - it is truly an everlasting partnership!

Genetic diversity

Every living being has genes; they contain information that may lead species to adapt to different environmental conditions over time. When plants lose their genetic diversity, their future may be at risk. Learn about the genetic diversity of endangered species studied by the IFFSC.

Using forest resources

The EPAGRI (Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária e Extensão Rural de Santa Catarina), in partnership with the IFFSC, visited farmers throughout the state to find out which species were the most used ones for timber, medicinal, food, and ornamental use. The most cited species by the farmers are presented here. Perhaps, these species may be further investigated and innovations may be presented to the public.

Impacts on forests

There are many human activities that are being carried out in Santa Catarina's forests. Do you know which are the most common ones? The IFFSC sought to answer this question.

What we may do?

Though we lost a significant portion of our forests, we still have a great wealth of natural resources -- we just need to know how to manage them. Here we present suggestions that could be taken by the state's government and by us, of course. Take your time and meditate over this matter!