Analysis of Tecoma stans infestation in the rural area of Bandeirantes county, Paraná State, Brazil

Abstract

The anthropic exploration of native areas and the introduction of exotic species resulted in the process of biological contamination, responsible for environmental and economical damages. Biological invasions are considered the second worst threat to biodiversity. This work had the objective of identifying the infestation index of the invader exotic species Tecoma stans. It is aggressive and hard to control and spreads easily by winged seeds and vegetative structures. The work was carried out in the county of Bandeirantes - PR, and the T. stans infestations patches were identified by GPS after field visits. The informations were processed in the Georeferenced Information Processing System - SPRING 4.1. There were identified 72 patches, predominantly in the pastures areas, river adjacent forests and forest fragments borders. Among the 16 microbasins of the county, infestation patches were identified in 10. There were 20, 17, 11, 7 and 7 patches with higher incidence, in Água do Cateto, Água da Cabiúna, Ribeirão dos Índios, Água das Perobas and Água das Antas, respectively. The analysis of spatial distribution revealed that the patches present the tendency to group up to 2.000 m away. The actual situation found in the analyzed areas is concerning, due to the high levels of T. stans infestations. The species is present in many of the neglect areas and puts in risk the forest remainders close to these areas.