Structure and Composition of a Coastal Dune Forest in Maputo National Park, Mozambique

Abstract

Abstract The Maputo National Park (MNP) is an endemic area of the eastern Mozambique, featuring rare southern African habitats and coastal dune forest remnants. We aimed to understand the structure and species composition of a coastal dune forest in the MNP and assess the relationship between environmental variables and vegetation. We installed 20 500-m2 plots in the forest, sampling plants with a DBH > 2.5 cm and measuring environmental variables. We sampled 2,524 individuals from 89 species. The most abundant species were Drypetes natalensis, Diospyros inhacaensis and Vepris lanceolata. Results showed differences in species distribution, forming floristically distinct groups. We found no significant relationship between the tree community and the evaluated environmental variables, suggesting species adaptability to high environmental heterogeneity, marked by low water availability and few nutrients. This study highlights the importance of understanding coastal vegetation for conservation and management on the east and southeast coast of Africa.