Estructura horizontal y diversidad de los bosques de Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb) Franco en México

Abstract

Assessing diversity allows us to know the general state of ecological systems and the impact of climate change, forest management and other anthropogenic activities, and has been used for practical purposes of conservation, monitoring and forest management. The objective of the study was to analyze the structure, diversity and similarity of the tree stratum of Pseudotsuga menziesii forests in Mexico, a species listed in NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, whose areas are considered of High Conservation Value. The present study encompassed 11 of the 14 States where this species is distributed in Mexico. Information from 28 Pseudotsuga communities was analyzed and processed, obtained from the National Forest and Soil Inventory, research studies and own information; The horizontal structure was determined with the Importance Value Index (IVI), diversity with the Shannon-Wiener (H') and Pielou (J) index, Hutchenson's t-test was performed to determine significant differences in H' diversity. Floristic similarity was obtained with the Morisita-Horn index. At the national level, 9 families, 14 genera and 45 species were recorded. The IVI of Pseudotsuga ranged from 20.77 and 53.33; the H' values in general indicate low diversity (<2.00) and high equity (J>0.70). The Morisita index presents three clusters corresponding to the northwest, northeast and central regions, reflecting a high similarity within each region and medium to low similarity between regions. This study will contribute to the development of management strategies for monitoring and conservation in these forests.