Diametric and population structure of Caryodendron orinocense in the Amazonian rainforest of Ecuador

Abstract

In the Ecuadorian Amazon, non-timber forest products provided by forest species such as Caryodendron orinocense play an important role in the daily life of the ancestral communities that have contributed to the conservation of these ecosystems. Therefore, for an adequate management and conservation of the species, the first step is to know the population structure based on the density and size of the individuals, considered as an indicator of the viability of the populations of a species. We studied the population and diametric of C. orinocense in the lowland forest of a Shuar community (Wisui). Four monitoring plots of 10000 m2 and one of 2500 m2 were installed, where the diameter at breast height (DBH) and the height of all individuals of C. orinocense were evaluated. A total of 127 individuals were recorded in the 5 plots, which were mainly associated with Cedrela odorata y Vochysia guianensis trees. The population and diameter structure presented an inverted “J” curve, which preliminarily shows that the population of the species has a stable or viable population structure related to a high abundance of individuals in smaller diameter and size classes (seedlings and juveniles) and diameter. Thus, it is concluded that the Socio Bosque program and the use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) by the Wisui community play an important role in the management and conservation of Caryodendron orinocense in lowland Amazonian rainforests.