Qualitative and Quantitative Study of a Forested Area at the Federal University of Pampa, Caçapava Do Sul Campus

Objective: To characterize the floristic composition, structure and diversity of the tree component of a forest fragment on land belonging to the Federal University of Pampa (Unipampa), Caçapava do Sul campus, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in support of its environmental management. Theoretical Framework: The Pampa is the Brazilian biome with the smallest share of protected area, and its forest formations, although limited in extent, hold a relevant part of regional biodiversity and are under pressure from land-use conversion. Method: Six sampling points were surveyed, each with a 15 m transect (105 m² strip; 0.063 ha in total), including all trees with circumference at breast height ≥ 11 cm. Phytosociological parameters, diversity indices and richness estimators were calculated. Results and Discussion: A total of 60 individuals from 24 species, 17 genera and 14 families were recorded, with Euphorbiaceae and Sapindaceae standing out. Sebastiania serrata, Magnolia cf. ovata and Allophylus edulis had the highest importance values. Diversity was high (H' = 2.98; J' = 0.92), small-diameter trees predominated and zoochory was the main dispersal syndrome (68% of species). The species accumulation curve did not stabilize, indicating undersampled richness. Research Implications: The results support the university's planning of the area's use, such as controlling cattle access and establishing permanent monitoring of the fragment. Originality/Value: This study provides the first quantitative characterization of the tree component of this area and highlights the conservation value of Pampa forest remnants on institutional land.