Diversity and Floristic Structure in Riparian Areas of a Tropical Dry-Forest Remnant

Abstract

Tropical dry forests (TDFs) are one of the most threatened ecosystems in Colombia, with remnants concentrated in riparian forests. This research studied the vegetation of a riparian forest from a TDF remnant in the Magdalena River's upper basin using transects at three stations along the La Averia stream (Paicol, Huila). 199 individuals distributed in 47 species were found. The floristic composition was similar to that of other TDFs, while the number of individuals was lower. Fabaceae was the most represented family, and Zygia longifolia and Guadua angustifolia were the species with the highest Importance Value Index (IVI). It was concluded that the forest has been subjected to anthropic disturbances and is in an early successional stage. In addition, differences were found in the degree of conservation of the forest between the three sampled stations.