Conservation biology of Atlantic Forest’s medicinal species: a genetical approach to Forest restorations

Abstract

Destruction of Atlantic Forest is one of the most alarming problems in world ecological conservation. To preserve this biome and its native species, it is necessary not only to conserve natural remnants but also to restore already deforested areas. To this end, follow-up studies of long-terrn sustainability in forest restoration areas are needed. Genetic diversity is one of the main bases of environrnental conservation. Besides restoring fioristic diversity, restoration projects also need to equate genetic diversity restoration in these communities. This project aims to pursue a careful study on diversity conditions and genetic structure in areas of forest restoration in Sernideciduous Seasonal Atlantic Forest, comparing these conditions with the ones found in natural remnants. Our proposal is divided in six main topics: 1) study of genetic diversity and structure of target species in areas of forest restoration and natural remnants, using nuclear microsatellite markers (SSR); 2) phylogeographic study of these species, using chloroplast microsatellite markers (cpSSR); 3) pilot project of genetic diversity enrichment in already restored áreas; 4) mating rate study of ali species to determine their mating systems; 5) search, using population genomics (AFLP), target regions in the genorne under selection in anthropic environrnents, and thus that can be irnportant to individual survival in disturbed environments; and 6) pilot project on environmental education with Piracicaba elementary school students, making them aware of the importance of conservation and recovery of natural biomes, especially Atlantic Forest. (AU)