Ecological characterization and conservation status of the páramos (moors) and high Andean forests of the Monquentiva and Martos wetlands (Guatavita, Cundinamarca)

Abstract

A floral and structural characterization of High Andean Forests and Paramos was conducted in a future protected regional area in the Paramo of Monquentiva (Martos swamp) in the Guatavita municipality (Cundinamarca, Colombia). The largest plant formations differentiated include the High Andean forests of Weinmannia balbisiana and Clusia multiflora that contain forests of Brunellia colombiana y Weinmannia rolotii and forests of Drimys granadensis and Weinmannia tomentosa. In the paramos were characterized the scrublands of Arcytophyllum nitidum-Diplostephium phylicoides and Aragoa abietina-Puya goudotiana, the chuscales of Chusquea tessellata and Aragoa abietina, the frailejonales of Oreobolus goeppingeri-Espeletia grandiflora, Castratella pilloselloides-Espeletia barclayana and Arcytophyllum nitidum- Espeletia argéntea, the pajonales (grasslands) of Paepalanthus columbiensis-Calamagrostis effusa, the peatland with a mosaic of frailejonales, grasslands, scrublands and wetlands. An analysis of the conservation state was carried out using some key ecological attributes based on ranks found for well-conserved ecosystems in nearby protected areas. The seven plant formations associated with the ecosystems, had good conservation statuses, which implies that the protected area is in a desirable state. It is suggested that management actions focus on continuing the decrease in stressors, natural recuperation and participatory monitoring of the process