Phenology of tree species of the Tambopata National Reserve, Peru

Abstract

The Amazonian ecosystem is one of the most important in the world and also one of the least studied, especially in regard to its vegetation and its phenophases. The objective of this study was to identify and describe the phenological patterns of the most frequent large tree species in the Tambopata National Reserve, Madre de Dios, Peru. The study was conducted between the years 2010 to 2017; by establishing five 50 × 30 m plots for each forest type: Aguajal Forest, Bajío Forest, Successional Forest and Tierra Firme Forest. In each plot, all tree individuals with a diameter ≥ 10 cm were marked and identified at 1.30 m above the ground. An analysis of indicator species by habitat was performed, and the resulting taxa were periodically observed to evaluate the flower bud, flower, immature fruit and mature fruit phenophases. In addition, the influence of precipitation and temperature variables on their phenological responses was evaluated. A total of 1 958 individuals were recorded, belonging to 57 families, 173 genera and 300 species; the Fabaceae, Moraceae and Annonaceae families stand out with the highest number of taxa and Arecaceae, with the highest number of individuals. Eight indicator species were analyzed, two for each forest type. Except in the Aguajal forest, the flower bud and mature fruit phenophases reached their maximum values in September and December-January. This information will contribute to a better understanding of the phenodynamics of each of the forest types in the Tambopata National Reserve.