Abstract

JIMENEZ-OROCIO, Oscar; ESPEJEL, Ileana  and  MARTINEZ, María Luisa. Scientific research on coastal dunes of Mexico: origin, evolution and challenges. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2015, vol.86, n.2, pp.486-507. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmb.2015.04.022.

The knowledge on key ecosystems is necessary to promote scientific policies that encourage science projects that aim at fulfilling information gaps. We conducted a thorough literature review in order to assess the state of the art in the scientific research that has been performed on Mexican coastal dunes. We found that 47% of the studies focused on plant ecology mostly along the Atlantic coast. The state of Veracruz has been the most studied (86). In addition, the spatial distribution of 844 plant species and 166 of animal species have been reported. Four hundred ecological interactions have demonstrated the relevance of different species for reproductive fitness in plants and plant succession processes. The studies highlight human activities as the main stressor on coastal dunes systems. We conclude that it is necessary to use biodiversity variables as ecological indicators for monitoring climate changes as well as the impacts of human activities on coastal dunes. The above will enable us to devise conservation and environmental management strategies where economic development and environmental impact are integrated within the ecological studies hypothesis.

Keywords : State of the art; Coastal ecosystems; National studies; Coastal biodiversity.

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