Impacto do pastoreio bovino em florestas nebulares no Parque Nacional de São Joaquim, Santa Catarina

The cattle grazing is a common economic activity on montane forests (MFs) in subtropical highlands of Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. There is no study on this impact on MFs. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in floristic and structure in the MFs(~1,700m.a.s.l) with different successional and levels of impact of cattle grazing in farms not expropriated located in Sao Joaquim National Park. Six plots with 1000m2 were installed in the same mountain side (small variations in environmental conditions among sites) and two areas around the mountain. All arboreal component (shrubs and trees) in two classes (A= height>0,2m e DBH 0.2m and DAP <1.9cm) than with larger plants. To promote sustainable grazing systems in Legal Reserve Areas, many studies are still needed. However, passive restoration has proven effective to restore cloud forests which suffer the impact of with cattle grazing.