Composition, Structure, and Bioeconomy of the Restinga Flora in the Rio dos Frades Wildlife Refuge, Porto Seguro, Bahia
Floristics; Phytosociology; Potential use; Economic Botany; Systematic literature review.
Restinga vegetation has played a fundamental role in the Brazilian coastal zone by providing essential ecosystem services, but has been under intense human pressure. This study aimed to analyze the small-scale variations of restinga plant communities in thickets (shrub formations) of two areas separated by the Rio dos Frades and in different stages of conservation, in the Rio dos Frades Wildlife Refuge (RVSRF), as well as to prepare a list of potential species for the bioeconomy, highlighting those with greater real or potential use in the different plant formations. The floristic survey, conducted monthly between December 2024 and August 2025, included two areas: the left bank (area 1) and the right bank (area 2) of the RVSRF. All collected angiosperms were herborized and identified according to standard methodologies, with the samples incorporated into the Prof. Geraldo Carlos Pereira Pinto Herbarium (GCPP/UFSB) and complemented by records from scientific collections and virtual herbaria. Information was obtained on origin, geographical distribution, domains and vegetation types, endemism, popular names, and threat status. In total, 124 species and 96 genera distributed in 49 families were recorded, with emphasis on Bromeliaceae and Rubiaceae (7 spp. each), Eriocaulaceae and Fabaceae (6 spp. each), in addition to Apocynaceae, Melastomataceae, and Poaceae (5 spp. each), while families with up to four species represented 44.35% of the total diversity. Concurrently, permanent plots were installed according to the RAPELD protocol, within the scope of the PPBio Restinga Beira-Mar Network, to support long-term biodiversity monitoring in the face of climate change. For the bioeconomic dimension, a Systematic Review based on the PRISMA Protocol is conducted, focusing on identifying and ranking native species with higher and lower potential for use. The research was organized into three chapters: angiosperm floristic diversity and similarity and conservation stages of the RVSRF plant communities; small-scale variations in composition, structure, and diversity under different conservation stages; and the potential of restinga flora as an alternative for sustainable income generation in coastal communities. Thus, the study directly contributes to conservation strategies and the generation of sustainable income in coastal communities in southern Bahia.