Relación de la composición florística, diversidad y estructura con el potencial maderable de especies leñosas en bosques piemontanos y montanos bajos del macizo de El Cajas, provincia del Azuay

Abstract

Montane forests present an important biologic diversity, and are characterized by a complex vegetation structure. This research generated information about species composition, diversity, density and timber potential of wood species in remaining ripe forests within “Macizo del Cajas” Biosphere Reserve. Information from 20 plots in two altitudinal ranges was collected: 10 parcels in submontane forest (500±500 m asl) and 10 in the lower montane forest (1500±500 m asl). Results indicate that floristic composition was different for the two types of forests. In terms of the richness of woody species with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm, alpha diversity indices (Shannon and Simpson) were higher for the submontane forest. Tree density obtained higher values on the lower montane forest. In relation to forest structure there were evaluated total volume, commercial volume, basal area, average DBH ≥ 10 cm and maximum height with higher results in the lower altitude forest (submontane forest). Correlations were found between the variables of vegetation richness, diversity (Shannon) and tree density with the total and commercial volume, which resulted in seven significant correlations for the different levels of analysis. Results suggest that if forest management standards were applied consistently, the floristic integrity of montane forests would not be affected, however, further research needs to be developed.