Héctor A Keller

Florística e Fitossociologia de uma Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Reserva Privada Osununú-Misiones, Argentina

This survey was conducted in a fragment of Semideciduous Seasonal Forest (Misiones, Argentina) in order to analyze the phytosociological variable of tree species by means of area stratification according to geomorphology. Initially, based on the slope and through photointerpretation, the area was compartmentalized in lowland, hillsides with intermediate slopes and high slopes, and highlands. Within each compartment, three plots composed of four 100 m2 sub-units were allocated; totaling 48 sub-units, where all trees with circumference at breast height ≥ 10 cm were included, and soil depth and slope were measured. Sampling comprised 72 species, 59 genera, and 31 families. Variations were detected regarding species and importance values obtained according to the topographic gradient. In the Canonical Correspondence Analysis, the coverage values of species showed significant correlation with the parameters of soil depth and slope.

Florística e Fitossociologia de uma Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Reserva Privada Osununú-Misiones, Argentina / Floristic and Phytosociology in a Semideciduous Seasonal Forest - Osununú Private Reserve, Misiones, Argentina

This survey was conducted in a fragment of Semideciduous Seasonal Forest (Misiones, Argentina) in order to analyze the phytosociological variable of tree species by means of area stratification according to geomorphology. Initially, based on the slope and through photointerpretation, the area was compartmentalized in lowland, hillsides with intermediate slopes and high slopes, and highlands. Within each compartment, three plots composed of four 100 m2 sub-units were allocated; totaling 48 sub-units, where all trees with circumference at breast height ≥ 10 cm were included, and soil depth and slope were measured. Sampling comprised 72 species, 59 genera, and 31 families. Variations were detected regarding species and importance values obtained according to the topographic gradient. In the Canonical Correspondence Analysis, the coverage values of species showed significant correlation with the parameters of soil depth and slope.

Ethnopteridology of the Guaranís of Misiones Province, Argentina

Abstract An ethnobotanical study was performed of the ferns and lycophytes used by the Guaraní of Misiones Province, Argentina. It was determined that fifty species are used, and details of the uses and the Guaraní names and nomenclature are given and discussed. Fern and lycophytes are used for medicines, crafts, in magic rituals, and marketing of the plants. The most important traditional use of ferns is for medicine and the most important modern use is commercialization for use in horticulture.

Cerrados in Argentina? Structure, diversity and biogeography of the woody component of a savanna in the Misiones Province

The Teyú Cuaré field, in Misiones province, Argentina, has been renowned for its flora and physiognomy, which led researchers to indicate that it could be a relict of Cerrado biome. We analyzed the floristic structure of the woody component of a savanna community in this site, and discussed the processes that could contribute to the permanence of this vegetation type over time. Perimeter and height of all woody individuals ≥ 10 cm of perimeter at soil height were collected in 12 square plots (400 m each one). We found 15 families and 17 species in our site and compared the woody flora surveyed at this site with the flora of other Cerrado areas from Brazil and Paraguay. Leptolobium elegans had the highest importance value. The woody flora of the area is closely related to the Cerrado areas from Paraná state in Brazil and Canindeyú and Amambay in Paraguay. This site probably reflects old open physiognomies which were predominant in Misiones and Southern of Brazil in the late Pleistocene and middle Holocene. We inferred that the permanence of open physiognomies at Teyú Cuaré is probably related to mechanisms that act at different levels, such as geological, edaphic, anthropic, and fire disturbance.

Ecological Indigenous (EIK) and Scientific (ESK) Knowledge Integration as a Tool for Sustainable Development in Indigenous Communities. Experience in Misiones, Argentina

Globally, and particularly in Argentina, biodiversity is declining due to the loss of species and habitats, while indigenous cultures are being eroded simultaneously. This results in a reduced capacity to transmit indigenous cultural diversity, the EIK (Ecological Indigenous Knowledge), and biological and cultural resources for future generations. The traditional use of the land by indigenous peoples for thousands of years has contributed to maintain biodiversity and cultural values. The use of EIK can generate new strategies for R + D (Research and Development) for biodiversity conservation and for the implementation of natural resources management (NRM) systems promoting the integration of indigenous communities in decision-making processes. This chapter reports results of an analysis on integration of EIK and ESK (Ecological Scientific Knowledge) in NRM in Misiones Province (Argentina). We describe the results and recommendations generated by analyzing national and international experiences in NRM, including agroforestry; and present a case study in the indigenous communities that inhabit the Guarani Reserve for Multiple Use (GRMU) of the School of Forestry-National University of Misiones, regarding NRM activities and related cultural values. From the results of surveys conducted with indigenous communities it appears that the place where the EIK can regenerate lies in the natural context where the EIK has originated. There is a need to take preventive measures to remediate the erosive processes that undermine the integrity of the cultural setting where the EIK could be applied. Preventive measures include the legal possession of large areas of forest in order to stop or slow the advance of the agricultural frontier on natural spaces where the EIK is recreated.