Diversity, distribution, and abundance of woody plants in a dry tropical forest: Recommendations for its management

Abstract

Dry tropical forests cover approximately 35% of Mexico’s surface. However, in the past 20 years, a substantial proportion of these forests have been lost, placing this country among the first three with highest deforestation worldwide. In Aguascalientes this type of forest is located mainly in the municipality of Calvillo and is also in a process of degradation. We conducted a phytoecological analysis to document the species richness, their abundances, spatial distribution, and overall diversity. We established 26 sites in the forested area of the Sierra Fría Protected Natural Area. We identified 79 species of trees and shrubs belonging to 45 genera and 14 families. The diversity index H’ varies from 3.49 in the best preserved sites to 2.77 in the most degraded sites. The species richness found in this area (N = 79) is similar to that reported for other areas in the dry tropical forests of Mexico. Management strategies are suggested to conserve biological diversity and ecosystem services associated with this forest, considering the aspirations and well-being of the rural communities that own the land where these forests are located.