Assessment of habitat quality and landscape connectivity for forest-dependent cracids in the Sierra Madre del Sur Mesoamerican biological corridor, Mexico

Assessing landscape connectivity allows us to identify critical areas that impede or facilitate the movement of organisms and their genes and to plan their conservation and management. In this article, we assessed landscape connectivity and ecological condition of the habitat patches of a highly biodiverse region in Chiapas, Mexico. We employed data of three cracid species with different characteristics in habitat use and mobility. The habitat map of each species was derived from a spatial intersection of the models of potential distribution and a high-resolution map of current land cover and land use. The ecological condition of vegetation types was evaluated using 75 field plots. Structure of landscape was estimated by fragmentation metrics, while functional connectivity was assessed using spatially explicit graph analysis. The extent of suitable habitat for Oreophasis derbianus, Penelopina nigra, and Penelope purpurascens correspond to 25%, 46%, and 55% of the study area (5,185.6 km2), respectively. Although the pine-oak forests were the most fragmented vegetation type, habitats of the three species were well connected, and only 4% to 9% of the fragments located on the periphery of the corridor had low connectivity. Landscape connectivity depends mainly on land uses with an intermediate and lower ecological condition (secondary forests and coffee agroforestry systems). Therefore, we suggest that in addition to promoting the improvement in connectivity in fragmented forests, conservation efforts should be aimed at preventing the conversion of mature forests into agricultural uses and maintaining agroforestry systems

Abundance and Diversity of Earthworms in Managed and Non- Managed Fallow Lands of Calakmul Reserve of Campeche, Mexico

In Mexico, the best preserved tropical rain forest is found in Calakmul Reserve, where fallow land management has been established. Fallow lands are developed as a consequence of a successional vegetation process after clearing the primary vegetation and milpa production. Forty-nine sites were studied, where 17 were managed fallow lands, 24 non-managed fallow lands, and 8 tropical rain forests. Earthworms were collected at the end of the raining season, and four monoliths of 25 × 25 × 30 cm were developed per site according to the TSBF method. We observed how Zapatadrilus siboney, a native species was dominant in managed and non-managed fallow lands. Earthworm’s total biomass and density were not significantly different between the managed and non-managed fallow lands. Earthworm’s species richness was significantly low in non-managed fallow lands. We observed a strong correlation between earthworm density and richness with the age of the fallow lands (r2: 0.9 and 0.7; p < 0.05, respectively). The management type of the fallow land seems to affect earthworm biomasses (r2: 0.56; p < 0.05)

Influencia de tres tipos de vegetación riberena en el control de la erosión fluvial en Pantanos de Centla, México

Influence of three types of riparian vegetation on fluvial erosion control in Pantanos de Centla, Mexico. Wetlands constitute very important ecological areas. The aim of this study was to quantify the soil losses due to fluvial erosion from 2006 to 2008 in two riverbanks under three types of vegetal coverage dominated by Haematoxylum campechianum, Dalbergia brownei and Brachiaria mutica, in the Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve, SE Mexico. The relationship between the texture, organic matter and pH of soils and soil losses was evaluated. We used erosion sticks to estimate soil losses in 18 plots (three plots per type, three vegetation types, two riverbanks). Soil loss decreased in this order: H. campechianum>B. mutica>D. brownei indicating that D. brownei scrubland has the most potential to retain soil. The higher erosive impact within H. campechianum sites can be related with the low density of these trees in the study areas, as well as the lack of association with other types of vegetation that could reinforce the rooting of the soil profile. Furthermore, soil losses in H. campechianum sites were dependent on soil texture. The soils under this type of vegetal coverage were mainly sandy, which are more vulnerable to the erosive action in comparison with fine textured soils or soils with higher clay content, like the ones found in D. brownei and B. mutica sites. Soil losses of 100 % in the second year ( B. mutica plots) can be attributed to the distribution of roots in the upper soil layer and also to livestock management along riverbanks. This study recognizes the importance of D. brownei scrublands in riverbank soil retention. Nevertheless it is necessary to consider the role of an entire vegetal community in future research. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (4): 1153-1163. Epub 2009 December 01

Ensambles de aves diurnas a través de un gradiente de perturbación en un paisaje en el sureste de México

In order to assess of a Mexican tropical landscape like birds shelter, in the 2008 we evaluated richness, abundance, distribution and foraging guilds of birds in eight landscape units, nested within two ecomosaics. Of 218 species identified, 207 were recorded during dry season and 119 in the rain season. Species composition differed between the two ecomosaics, (a) heterogeneous agriculture matrix and (b) rain forest remnant, and among their nested landscape units. Shannon-Wiener index was similar (from 3.20 to 4.44) among landscape units, and mean species richness varied from 76 to 118species, while avian communities were equally distributed (Pielou: 0.71 to 0.91). At the landscape scale, the two ecomosaics play complementary roles in maintaining high bird diversity, providing habitat for high value conservation species like Tinamus major, Crypturellus soui, Crax rubra, Amazona farinosa, Odonthophorus guttatus, Chondrohierax uncinatus, Platyrinchus cancrominus, Onycorhynchus coronatus and Manacus candei. Foraging guilds frequencies differ by landscape units. For example in pasturelandswith spare trees, perch hunters and cattle-associated birds were abundant, while insectivores gleaning from soil, bark and foliage were common into the forest. Species like Lipaugus unirufus, Pipramentalis and Shiffornis turdinus could be ecological indicators of conserved forest conditions while Sporophila americana, S. torqueola, Pitangus sulphuratus, Cyanocorax morio and Crotophaga sulcirostris favor disturbed native forest habitat. Current patterns of landscape management constitute a potential model of sustainable management for both agricultural production and bird conservation. However this management model is threatened by external and internal drivers of extensive cattle ranching, the abandonment of swidden systems and gradual extraction of wood from local forests.Con el objetivo de evaluar la diversidad de aves que se presentan en un paisaje del trópico mexicano, en el año 2008 se evaluó la riqueza, abundancia y distribución de las aves y sus gremios de forrajeo en ocho unidades del paisaje agrupadas en dos ecomosaicos. De las 218 especies identificadas, 207 estuvieron presentes en la estación seca y 119 en la de lluvias. Se encontró que la composición de avifauna difiere entre los ecomosaicos (a) matriz agropecuaria heterogénea y (b) bosque tropical perennifolio,así como entre las unidades de paisaje anidadas en ellos. La riqueza varió de 76 a 118 especies entre unidades del paisaje, mientras que el índice de diversidad de Shannon-Wiener resultó similar (de 3.20 a 4.44), y las comunidades de aves se distribuyeron equitativamente (Pielou: 0.71 a 0.91). En el paisaje se configura un escenario complementario entre ecomosaicos y una diversidad de aves muy alta, incluyendo especies importantes para la conservación como Tinamus major, Crypturellus soui, Crax rubra, Amazona farinosa, Odontophorus guttatus, Chondrohierax uncinatus, Platyrinchus cancrominus, Onycorhynchus coronatus y Manacus candei. Los gremios de forrajeo de aves se separan en función de las características ambientales de las unidades de paisaje por ejemplo, en los potreros con árboles dispersos predominan cazadoras desde percha y especies asociadas al ganado, mientras que en el bosquepredominan los insectívoros que buscan sus presas en el suelo, corteza y follaje. Algunas especies como Lipaugus unirufus, Pipra mentalis y Schiffornis turdinus pueden funcionar como indicadoras ecológicas del bosque conservado, mientras otras como Sporophila americana, S. torqueola, Pitangus sulphuratus, Myozetetes similis, Cyanocorax morio y Crotophaga sulcirostris lo son para el estado perturbado del bosque nativo. El paisaje actual conformado por remanentes de bosque y una matriz agropecuaria con arbolado, posibilita la conservación biológica de aves, constituyendo un modelo potencial para su refugio y manejo sustentable. Sin embargo, la expansión de la ganadería extensiva, el abandono del sistema de rotación milpa-acahual y la extracción gradual de madera del bosque en el ejido, pone en riesgo la diversidad de la avifauna en la zona de estudio.

La selva inundable de canacoite en Tabasco, México, una comunidad vegetal amenazada

The structure, composition and diversity of the floodplain forest (SMPC) of Bravaisia integerrima were studied in the two largest forest stands in Tabasco, Mexico: the Ecological Reserve Yu-Balcah (YCAH) with 271 ha, and State Park La Chontalpa (PECH) with 191 ha. In each forest stand 10 plots of 1000 m2 were sampled. Tree individuals sampled were identified to species, and evaluated in three age categories, seedlings, saplings, and adults. The relationship between species richness and sampling effort was analyzed using Chao 2, ICE, Jacknife 1, Jacknife 2 and Bootstrap. The structural analysis was based on the importance value index. The diversity of species was evaluated, using the Margalef index (DMg), α de Fisher, Shannon-Wiener (H') and equity of Pielou J. The dominance indices of Berger-Parker (d) and Simpson (D) were also used. The total number of species was 76, belonging to 64 genera and 33 botanical families. The richest family was Leguminosae with 15 species. The basal area of the sites YCAH and PECH was 37.2 and 29.5 m2ha-1, respectively. Bravaisia integerrima was the most important tree species in all stands, with an Importance Index of 277. The value of the Shannon index was 2.0 in both sites. YCAH showed the best ecological condition. Six species present in the stands are considered as threatened in Mexico (NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010). The current extent of the floodplain forest of Bravaisia in Tabasco State is 490 ha. The results suggest that the structure and composition of this forest has been affected by human activity. As a consequence, to guarantee the conservation of these remnants of SMPC in Tabasco, it is important to verify their legal situation and the application of management plans, designed to improve the productive activities of the rural communities that live around the stands. To succeed in this endeavor, it is necessary that governmental actors, academics, non-governmental organizations, and civil society work together.Se analizó la estructura, composición y diversidad arbórea de los dos rodales más importantes de selva mediana perennifolia de Bravaisia integerrima (SMPC) de Tabasco, México: el de la Reserva Ecológica Yu-Balcah (YCAH) con una superficie de 271 ha y el del Parque Estatal La Chontalpa (PECH) con 191 ha. En cada uno se levantaron 10 parcelas de muestreo de 1000 m2, cubriendo un área total de 2 ha. Se identificó y registró a las plantas arbóreas, diferenciando brinzales, plantas juveniles y adultos. Se aplicaron diversos índices para analizar el esfuerzo de muestreo, la diversidad de especies, la abundancia proporcional, la dominancia y la equidad. El análisis estructural se basó en el valor de importancia. La riqueza total fue 76 especies, pertenecientes a 64 géneros y 31 familias botánicas, de las que la mejor representada fue Leguminosae con 15 especies. El área basal de YCAH y PECH fue de 37.2 y 29.5 m2ha-1, respectivamente. Bravaisia integerrima fue el árbol con mayor valor de importancia en los dos rodales con un Índice correspondiente de 277. Ambos fragmentos tienen un valor del índice de Shannon de 2.0. El sitio con mejor condición ecológica fue YCAH. Se identificaron seis especies catalogadas en la NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. La SMPC presenta una cobertura actual en Tabasco de 490 ha. Los resultados sugieren que su estructura y composición se han visto afectados por la actividad antrópica en la región. Para garantizar la conservación de los remanentes de SMPC en el estado, es importante revisar y actualizar su situación legal y sus planes de manejo, así como generar alternativas sociales y productivas en las poblaciones cercanas. Para lograrlo se requiere de la participación de actores gubernamentales, académicos, organizaciones no gubernamentales, particulares y sociedad en conjunto

Características del paisaje y su relación con la diversidad y estructura de la vegetación ribereña del sureste de México

Background and Aims: Land use change generated by human activities has fragmented riparian corridors causing changes in the diversity and structure of its vegetation. The objective of this study was to compare the diversity, structure and floristic similarity in five sites of the Tacotalpa River, Tabasco, Mexico, related to vegetation variables with landscape metrics.Methods: Sampling was performed at five sites of the Tacotalpa River: Tapijulapa (s1), Arroyo Chispa (s2), Nuevo Madero (s3), Mexiquito (s4) and Oxolotán (s5). At each site, 20 sampling units of 10 × 10 m were established. Trees and shrubs with a DBH ≥1 cm were counted. The diversity and structure were compared with a one-way ANOVA. The floristic similarity between sites was compared with a Bray-Curtis cluster, Pearson correlation and PCA between vegetation variables and landscape metrics, using PAST and SPSS.Key results: There were 2589 individuals in 38 families, 92 genera and 119 species. The diversity 0D of s2 was statistically lower than s1 and s3, while 1D was similar in the five sites. The tree density of s1 was significantly greater than in s2, s3 and s5. The averages of DHB and height of s1 were low, showing significance with s2 (p &lt;0.05). The floristic similarity ranged from 0.41 to 0.58. Order 0D diversity, shrub species and tree density correlated positively with some of the landscape metrics. The 1D diversity and tree species correlated positively with the paved road distance, and height with the dirt road.Conclusions: The differences between the sites suggest that there are different levels of disturbance along the Tacotalpa River. Positive correlations between vegetation variables and landscape metrics indicate that infrastructures near the river modify the diversity and structure of the riparian vegetation.Antecedentes y Objetivos: El cambio de uso del suelo generado por actividades humanas, ha fragmentado los corredores ribereños causando cambios en la diversidad y estructura de su vegetación. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la diversidad, estructura y similitud florística en cinco sitios del río Tacotalpa en Tabasco, México, relacionando las variables de vegetación con métricas del paisaje.Métodos: Se realizó un muestreo en cinco sitios del río Tacotalpa: Tapijulapa (s1), Arroyo Chispa (s2), Nuevo Madero (s3), Mexiquito (s4) y Oxolotán (s5). En cada sitio se establecieron 20 unidades de muestreo de 10 × 10 m. Los árboles y arbustos con un DAP≥1 cm fueron censados. La diversidad y estructura se comparó con un ANOVA de un factor. La similitud florística entre sitios se comparó con un cluster Bray-Curtis correlación de Pearson y ACP entre las variables de vegetación y métricas del paisaje, usando PAST y SPSS.Resultados clave: Se registraron 2589 individuos en 38 familias, 92 géneros y 119 especies. La diversidad 0D del s2 fue estadísticamente menor que en s1 y s3, mientras que 1D fue similar en los cinco sitios. La densidad de árboles del s1 fue significativamente mayor que s2, s3 y s5. Los promedios del DAP y altura del s1 fueron bajos, mostrando significancia con el s2 (p&lt;0.05). La similitud florística osciló entre 0.41 a 0.58. La diversidad orden 0D, las especies arbustivas y la densidad de árboles se correlacionaron positivamente con algunas de las métricas del paisaje. La diversidad 1D y especies arbóreas se correlacionaron positivamente con la distancia de carretera pavimentada, y la altura con la de terracería.Conclusiones: Las diferencias entre los sitios sugieren que existen diferentes niveles de perturbación en el río Tacotalpa. Las correlaciones positivas entre las variables de vegetación y métricas del paisaje indican que las infraestructuras cercanas a la ribera modifican la diversidad y estructura de la vegetación ribereña.

The Tree Biodiversity Network (BIOTREE-NET): prospects for biodiversity research and conservation in the Neotropics

Biodiversity research and conservation efforts in the tropics are hindered by the lack of knowledge of the assemblages found there, with many species undescribed or poorly known. Our initiative, the Tree Biodiversity Network (BIOTREE-NET), aims to address this problem by assembling georeferenced data from a wide range of sources, making these data easily accessible and easily queried, and promoting data sharing. The database (GIVD ID NA-00-002) currently comprises ca. 50,000 tree records of ca. 5,000 species (230 in the IUCN Red List) from \u3e2,000 forest plots in 11 countries. The focus is on trees because of their pivotal role in tropical forest ecosystems (which contain most of the world\u27s biodiversity) in terms of ecosystem function, carbon storage and effects on other species. BIOTREE-NET currently focuses on southern Mexico and Central America, but we aim to expand coverage to other parts of tropical America. The database is relational, comprising 12 linked data tables. We summarise its structure and contents. Key tables contain data on forest plots (including size, location and date(s) sampled), individual trees (including diameter, when available, and both recorded and standardised species name), species (including biological traits of each species) and the researchers who collected the data. Many types of queries are facilitated and species distribution modelling is enabled. Examining the data in BIOTREE-NET to date, we found an uneven distribution of data in space and across biomes, reflecting the general state of knowledge of the tropics. More than 90% of the data were collected since 1990 and plot size varies widely, but with most less than one hectare in size. A wide range of minimum sizes is used to define a \u27tree\u27. The database helps to identify gaps that need filling by further data collection and collation. The data can be publicly accessed through a web application at http://portal.biotreenet.com. Researchers are invited and encouraged to contribute data to BIOTREE-NET