Regeneration of woody plants in tropical rainforest patches: Community structure and new records for Chiapas, Tabasco and Mexico

Abstract

This study presents the floristic list of regenerating trees, shrubs and palms sampled in 60 tropical rainforests fragments in 3 different regions (n = 20 per region): Marqués de Comillas (Chiapas), Los Tuxtlas (Veracruz) and northern region of Chiapas. In each fragment, we recorded saplings in 25 8 m2-circular plots (200 m2 per fragment). In total, we recorded 24,612 individuals belonging to 431 species, 220 genera and 70 families, including 3 new records, 2 at the state level (Piper phytolaccifolium Opiz and Coccoloba acuminata Kunth) and 1 at the national level (Piper philodendroides Standl. et Steyerm.). Mean species density was significantly higher in the best-preserved landscape (Marqués de Comillas) than in the most degraded one (northern Chiapas), and Los Tuxtlas presented an intermediate value. According to the regeneration strategy, 43% of the species were generalists (intermediate succession species), 31% shade tolerant and 13% pioneers (early succession). All regions were dominated by few species; most were rare. The percentage of threatened species did not differ between regions (5.5-6%). This study highlights the regenerative potential of forest fragments and their high conservation value in the face of increasing deforestation and degradation that threaten their persistence.