Abstract

ALANIS-RODRIGUEZ, Eduardo et al. Composition and diversity of natural regeneration in Pinus-Quercus communities under high fire recurrence in northeastern México. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2012, vol.83, n.4, pp.1208-1214. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.7550/rmb.29708.

We evaluated the natural regeneration of woody species at the mid-term in a Pinus-Quercus mixed forest affected by frequent medium-to-high intensity wildfires (1972, 1984 and 1998) in northeastern Mexico. The objective was to determine the recovery of vegetation from recurrent fires, and whether it depends on slope exposure (NE vs. NW). The results indicated that 93% of the species are obligated resprouters already present in the site before the fires. This capability enables the reconstitution of aerial part of existing individuals. According to abundance records, the key genus was Quercus, and Q. rysophylla was the most abundant species after the fires. While the specie Pinus pseudostrobus is adapted to fire due to a thick bark and the long life span of its seed bank, frequent medium-to-high intensity fires implied the local extinction of the species. We did not find significant differences in density (N/ha) and dominance (m²/ha) in relation to the exposures assessed, but in terms of diversity and composition there were significant differences, being the NW the most diverse exposure. These results provide useful information to be considered for the development and design of management plans of protected areas in NE Mexico.

Keywords : diversity; exposure; Pinus pseudostrobus; Quercus spp.; species richness.

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