Artigo

THE FERRUGINOUS FIELD

The Rupestrian Ferruginous Fields are herbaceous-shrubby formations associated with outcrops of iron-rich rocks. These environments harbor unique environmental attributes, such as rare and endemic species of flora and fauna, speleological sites, scenic beauty and water resources. In Brazil, they occur mainly in the Iron Quadrangle (Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais) and Serra dos Carajás (Pará).

The vegetation of these fields is capable of tolerating a set of limiting environmental characteristics, such as shallow and nutrient-poor soils, water deficit, low fertility, high concentration of oxidized iron, low water retention, marked daily thermal amplitudes, frequent incidence of fire, high sun exposure and constant winds. Thus, the species of rupestrian filedshave developed very peculiar adaptations that allow their survival in such an adverse environment.

Although they cover a small percentage of the earth's surface, the Ferruginous Fields are environments of profound natural and economic importance. Today they are considered as a “threatened” vegetation, due to the great transformations they are undergoing.

The presence of ferruginous fields here within Rola-Moça Mountains State Park reinforces the importance of this protected area as a guardian of testimonies of the rich biodiversity that occurred in the Iron Quadrangle, which is, nowadays, so devastated.