Abstract

ZAMORA-CRESCENCIO, Pedro et al. Arboreal composition and structure of the petenes of the Petenes Biosphere Reserve, Campeche, Mexico. Polibotánica [online]. 2015, n.39, pp.01-19. ISSN 1405-2768.

We analyzed the composition and vegetation structure of 11 petenes of the Reserva de la Biosfera de Los Petenes (RBLP), Campeche. In each peten we selected five 20 m x 20 m plots (400 m², total 2000 m²) where we recorded and measured all woody individuals with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5cm. The structure of each peten was described based on relative values of density, frequency and dominance (RIVI), and the distribution of diameter classes. Species diversity for each peten was estimated using the Shannon-Wiener Index (H'), and floristic similarity between petenes was evaluated using the Morisita Index. We recorded 2 927 individuals of 32 woody species, in 29 genera, and 23 families. The families with most genera and species were the Fabaceae (3/3) and the Sapotaceae (3/3), while Metopium brownei, Manilkara zapota and Laguncularia racemosa presented the greatest density per hectare. The distribution of diameter classes shows that most individuals were grouped in the lower classes. The highest RIVI was obtained for Laguncularia racemosa (128.43), Metopium brownei (128.34) and Manilkara zapota (110.89). Based on species similarity, the area was divided into two groups: Center Group (petenes 5-11) and Northern Group (petens 1-4). The highest diversity indices were recorded for peten 5 (Center Group, H'=3.54), and peten 1 (H'=2.44, Northern Group). In the Northern Group, petens 1 and 3 were the most similar (98%), whereas petens 5 and 7 were the most similar in the Center Group (94%). Despite the degree of disturbance of the areas, the characteristic woody species were Metopium brownei, Manilkara zapota and the palm Sabal yapa.

Keywords : diversity; floristic; mangrove; jungle; similarity.

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