Abstract

MOLINA MARCHAN, Emanuel et al. Distribution, structure and diversity of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco forests in the Sierra Madre Occidental in Chihuahua. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2024, vol.15, n.85, pp.123-149.  Epub Nov 19, 2024. ISSN 2007-1132.  https://doi.org/10.29298/rmcf.v15i85.1471.

Pseudotsuga menziesii is “subject to special protection”. In Mexico due to its restricted distribution in small and isolated populations in the Sierra Madre Occidental and Oriental, and some localities in Central Mexico. Currently, few ecological studies allow implementation strategies for its conservation. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the distribution, structure and diversity of mixed forests with the presence of this species in Chihuahua. Using the Land Use and Vegetation Chart of Chihuahua State scale 1:50 000, geographical coordinates of the State Forest and Soil Inventory (Iefys) 2009-2014 and records of various locations, the map of its distribution in the state was prepared. With the information on the tree stratum of 11 Iefys locations, the Importance Value Index (IVI) and diversity were determined with the Shannon-Wiener index (H') and Pielou's evenness index (J'); Hutcheson's t-test was used to obtain significant differences in H' and true diversity for the magnitude of their differences. 21 species were recorded, of which the most important are Pinus durangensis, Pinus strobiformis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus arizonica and Quercus sideroxyla. The species of interest is distributed in 23 municipalities of Chihuahua, and covers an approximate area of 17 000 ha. The values of H' (<2.00) and J' (>0.70) indicate low diversity and high evenness of their abundances. The present study will contribute to the State Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Biodiversity of species at risk.

Keywords : Oregon pine; biological conservation; temperate ecosystems; Importance Value Index; Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco; floristic richness.

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