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Ecología en Bolivia

Print version ISSN 1605-2528On-line version ISSN 2075-5023

Abstract

ACEBEY, Amparo; KESSLER, Michael  and  MAASS, Brigitte. Potential use of Araceae and Bromeliaceae as non-timber forest products in the humid montane forest of Cotapata National Park, Bolivia. Ecología en Bolivia [online]. 2007, vol.42, n.1, pp.4-22. ISSN 1605-2528.

We identified 69 and 55 useful species of the plant families Araceae and Bromeliaceae, respectively, in humid montane forest at 400-3,500 m of elevation. In this forest type, most species in both families have mainly an ornamental value. We present a case study to evaluate the potential for sustainable use of ornamental species in the Bolivian Cotapata National Park. Ecological data of 127 floristic inventories that were carried out in plots of 20 x 20 m in zonal forest at 1,400-3,500 m were analyzed. In order to obtain information about the actual abundance and technical criteria about the harvest, we determinated the frequency, maximum value of cover, and the vertical distributions of the species with ornamental value. Several species with ornamental potential were relatively frequent, but with low cover values, probably due to certain habitat preferences. In both families, local abundances for some species of the genera Anthurium, Guzmania, and Tillandsia were observed. Most species in both families grew mainly in the lower and intermediate strata and only some occurred exclusively in the canopy, which would favor their harvest. In conclusion, the ornamental species of aroids and bromeliads studied did not show suitable features necessary for extraction activities.

Keywords : Bolivia; humid montane forest; aroids; bromeliads; potential use.

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