Diversity, phytosociological aspects, and indicator species of natural forests in Paraguay

This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive comparison between the vegetation of five forest formations in Paraguay, Chaco Dry Forest—BSCH, Floodplain Subhumid Forest of the Paraguay River—BSHIRP, Palm Forest—BP, Cerrado Subhumid Forest—BSHC, and Eastern Region Humid Forest—BHRO. Data were obtained from the National Forest Inventory through 20 sampling units of 3600 m 2 in each formation, recording all living woody individuals with a diameter at breast height ≥ 5 cm. We analyzed species diversity, floristic composition, and phytosociological structure across formations. Our findings revealed distinct floristic and structural characteristics among the formations, with each one harboring its own assemblages of species. The highest floristic similarity was between BSHIRP and BSHC (0.23), indicating that it is possible to distinguish the five forest formations of Paraguay by their floristic composition. The BSHC and BP formations had, respectively, the highest and lowest diversity in relation to the other formations. However, the BHRO formation has the greatest richness (131 species) and abundance (approximately 2584 individuals). Species indicator analysis has identified a limited number of species with a specific preference for a single formation. These findings highlight the ecological singularity of each forest type and underscore the importance of tailored conservation and restoration strategies, especially in light of ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation in Paraguay.