Diversity, Composition and Structure of Andean High Forest in Ecuador, South America

Abstract

Andean highland ecosystems are important for human well-being by presenting unique plant formations in the world which are valued for their floristic composition and for their evolutionary peculiarities that have resulted in high levels of endemism and biological diversity. They contribute to the sustenance of life of the planet by ecological functions and by providing essential goods and services for human development. This study was carried out in the Polylepis relict forest from the Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo. 8 transects and 54 plots were established in a study area corresponding to 0.5 ha, in order to determine the diversity, composition and structure of the forest. A total of 18 species and 6252 individuals, belonging to 11 families were identified. The most abundant species were Polylepis reticulata Hieron (2396), Bomarea glaucescens (768), and Hypochaeris sessiliflora (557). Margalef’s, Shannon’s, Simpson’s, Fisher's alpha, and Pielou's indexes were calculated. While all the component species were evaluated, the number of individuals of Polylepis reticulata Hieron with a height greater than 1 m (1190) was determined in each plot. The analyzed structural parameters were the height, diameter at the breast height, and basal area of the individuals of the Polylepis sp., in relation to the plots. In addition, the physical and chemical properties of the soil as well as a microbiological analysis were taken into study. The results characterize the complexity of the forest and they can be used for the formulation of strategies for biodiversity conservation.