Relación entre la estructura forestal con la dominancia del bambú (Poaceae - Bambusoideae) en bosques montanos andinos de la parroquia Molleturo

Abstract

The Andean forests are one of the richest ecosystems in vascular plant species. The academy has not collected information on specific taxonomic groups such as bamboo, Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae. To fill knowledge gaps, in this research we collected information under a stratified sampling design on three altitudinal floors in the parish of Molleturo: 1 (2 000 – 2 500 msnm); 2 (2 500 – 3 000 msnm); and 3 (3 000 – 3 500 msnm). We identified and quantified bamboo species diversity, basal area, and density, and further related to the composition, diversity, and structure of woody vegetation. Bamboo richness was higher in altitudinal floor 1. The basal area of the bamboo mats presented significantly higher values for altitudinal floor 2. The dominant height presented higher significant values on floor 1. Positive relationships were obtained between the density of woody plants with the basal area per bush and the number of individuals per hectare of bamboo; and negative relationships with richness and basal area per bamboo culm. The qualitative and quantitative information obtained, served to know and understand the floristic existence in these ecosystems. In addition, we generate information that serves as a technical tool for decision-makers to conserve and manage forest resources. The information generated will also serve as a basis for future planning on the functions of bamboo within Andean montane forests.