Análise sobre a interferência antrópica na origem dos campos do Núcleo Curucutu, Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, São Paulo

Abstract

Aiming to investigate the importance of human interference on the origin of grasslands on crests of Serra do Mar in the municipality of São Paulo, a survey was made using several types of historical records. The latter dealt with the region, particularly with features of economic activities, urban expansion and communicating paths as possible factors impacting the vegetation. Timber felling for charcoal production in the midst of the 20th century was the main factor for local degradation. However, such activity was not strong enough to account for the total occurrence of local grasslands. A possibility is admitted, however, that charcoal production has delayed the natural grassland replacement for rain forest. The Curucutu flora is discussed in connection with its importance as means for the historical recovery of the flora of São Paulo municipality.