Abstract

USLAR, Ynes V.; MOSTACEDO, Bonifacio  and  SALDIAS, Mario. Composition, structure, and dynamic of a semideciduous dry forest in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Ecología en Bolivia [online]. 2004, vol.39, n.1, pp.25-43. ISSN 1605-2528.

This study analyses the structure, composition and dynamic of a semideciduous dry forest in the Botanical Garden of Santa Cruz. In 1995 and 2002, we measured the richness and abundance, diameter at breast height, crown position, and liana infestation of all trees. With this data we have evaluated the rate of natural regeneration, mortality recruitment rate, basal area, and diameter increment. On average, we have found 19.5 species and 526 individuals, with higher numbers in the first evaluation. Aspidosperma cylindrocarpon and Phyllostylon rhamnoides were the most abundant and frequent species, while Anadenanthera colubrina and Gallesia integrifolia had the larger basal area. In regards to crown position, most of the trees were found as co-dominants and suprime. In addition, 76% of trees were covered with lianas on the trunk or crown, but only 7.5% of trees were severely infested. Diametric distribution of all trees in the forest had a “J inverted” pattern, indicating that the forest has a good regeneration; however, few species showed this pattern. Annual mortality rate was 1.98%, while the annual recruitment rate was 0.73%. The annual basal area increment rate was 1.78%; A. colubrina presented the highest increment rate. Finally, annual diameter increment varied between 0.11 and 0.71 and was greater in individuals of 50 to 60 cm dbh. These results suggest that this forest is in transition to Chaco forest with low diversity and regeneration problems that should be considered as fragile for management purposes.

Keywords : Dry forest; forest structure; floristic richness; forest dynamics; Santa Cruz; Bolivia.

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