Resumo

TOVAR-CARDENAS, Aldo et al. Current status of the structure and composition of the Pinus culminicola var. culminicola forest in an altitudinal gradient at Cerro El Potosi, Galeana, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Polibotánica [online]. 2024, n.58, pp.65-83.  Epub 22-Out-2024. ISSN 1405-2768.  https://doi.org/10.18387/polibotanica.58.5.

Climatic variations modify the distribution of species in temperate forests, affecting their composition, structure, richness, growth and regeneration. Cerro El Potosí has experienced multiple anthropogenic events that have caused a degradation and reduction in vegetation cover, affecting and reducing the populations of Pinus culminicola Andresen & Beaman. The objective was to determine the composition, structure, diversity, dasometry and regeneration of species in the distribution area of Pinus culminicola in an altitudinal gradient (3190

to 3700 masl) in Cerro El Potosí. Twelve circular sites of 400 m2 distributed in 4 altitudinal levels were established. The importance value indexes (IVI), species richness (Simpson, Shannon-Weiner and Margalef), dasometric parameters (height, stem diameter and crown area) and natural regeneration were determined. Levene, Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for data analysis. The Pinaceae family was found to be the most abundant, with four species. Species diversity is low at higher altitudes and gradually increases as altitude decreases. The species with the highest IVI at each altitudinal level were the following: 1) at 3190 masl: Pinus hartwegii; 2) at 3300 masl: Pinus culminicola; 3) at 3500 and 3700 masl: Pinus hartwegii and Pinus culminicola had similar values. The dasometric parameters showed that the sizes of P. culminicola and P. hartwegii decreased with altitude, with the largest individuals occurring at 3500 masl. The density of adult trees is higher than young trees at all altitudes, so the state of regeneration is low. It is concluded that in Cerro El Potosí, the increase in altitude influences the studied variables of abundance and richness. The findings of this study could guide future studies that include management and conservation plans.

Palavras-chave : temperate forest; importance value index; Pinus; regeneration.

        · resumo em Espanhol     · texto em Espanhol     · Espanhol ( pdf )