Abstract The current study has investigated whether arthropod richness in soybean monoculture (Glycine max) decreases, whereas the abundance, mainly of herbivores, increases as distance from Parque Nacional do Iguaçu (PNI) increases. Active and passive arthropod collections were performed at different distances (5, 50, 300 and 600 m) from PNI. Arthropod richness in agricultural area decreased as distance from PNI increased. Results have shown that Conservation Units can act as source of ecosystem services for surrounding monocultures. The presence of pollinators in collections has confirmed the important role played by protected natural areas in agriculture, since they contribute to this economic activity by providing ecosystem services such as pollination.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the landscape structure of a watershed located in a region considered strategic for the implementation of the Paraná River Biodiversity Corridor. Based on land-use/land-cover mapping, four different scenarios were generated: 1) real situation, 2) considering the edge effect, 3) without Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs), and 4) with restoration of the riparian APPs. Different landscape metrics were calculated for each scenario. In scenario 2, only 28% of the total natural vegetation cover remained as core areas. In scenario 3, there was a considerable increase in forest fragmentation. In scenario 4, an expressive increase in landscape connectivity was promoted. In conclusion, a relatively small increase in natural vegetation cover can promote considerable increase in landscape connectivity and restoration of the riparian APPs in watersheds of the region should be considered as a priority action for the implementation of the Paraná River Biodiversity Corridor.

RESUMO Conduzimos um estudo florístico em fragmentos de floresta nativa de uma área localizada entre o ParqueNacional do Iguaçu e a Área de Preservação Permanente do Lago de Itaipu, oeste do Estado do Paraná, objetivando ampliar o conhecimento florístico regional e compilar informações sobre as espécies para subsidiar projetos de restauração naquela área. Encontramos 204 espécies e 51 famílias, sendo as mais ricas Fabaceae (29 spp.), Myrtaceae (18 spp.), Solanaceae (10 spp.), Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae e Rutaceae (nove spp. cada). A síndrome zoocórica foi a mais comum (69% das espécies), seguida pela anemocórica (17%) e autocórica (14%). As espécies não pioneiras foram as mais frequentes (64%). Qualitativamente, de modo geral, esses resultados coincidem com o observado em florestas estacionais semideciduais. Com base em dados fitossociológicos de outros estudos, indicamos 34 espécies localmente abundantes que podem ser usadas em maiores proporções em projetos de restauração. Registramos sete espécies ameaçadas de extinção e 15 exóticas, das quais 12 possuem potencial invasivo demandando ações de controle.

ABSTRACT Aiming to expand the regional floristic knowledge and compile species information to subsidize restoration projects, we conducted a floristic survey in native forest fragments of an area located between the Parque Nacionaldo Iguaçu and the Área de Preservação Permanente do Lago de Itaipu, in western Paraná State. We found 204 species and 51 families, being the richest Fabaceae (29 spp.), Myrtaceae (18 spp.), Solanaceae (10 spp.), Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae and Rutaceae (nine spp. each). The zoochoric syndrome was the most common (69% of the species), followed by anemochoric (17%) and autochoric (14%). The non-pioneer species were the most frequent (64%). In general terms, these results agree qualitatively with those observed in seasonal semideciduous forests. Based on phytosociological data from other studies, we indicated 34 locally abundant species that can be used in greater proportions in restoration projects. We recorded seven species threatened and 15 exotic, of which 12 have invasive potential and require actions for controlling.