Combining ecological, social and technical criteria to select species for forest restoration
Por:
Meli P., Martínez-Ramos M., Rey-Benayas J.M., Carabias J.
Publicada:
1 oct 2014
Resumen:
QuestionHow to evaluate and integrate relevant ecological, social and
technical criteria to select species to be introduced in restoration
projects of highly diverse ecosystems such as tropical riparian forests.
LocationRiparian forest, Marques de Comillas municipality, southeast
Mexico (16 degrees 54N, 92 degrees 05W).
MethodsWe proposed a species selection index' (SSI) using five
independent criteria related to ecological, social and technical
information. SSI targeted species that (1) are important in the
reference forest; (2) are less likely to establish following
disturbance; (3) are not specific to a particular habitat; (4) are
socially accepted; and (5) their propagation requires a reasonable time
and financial investment. SSI may range between zero and 50, with higher
values meaning higher potential for restoration purposes.
ResultsOut of a local pool of 97 species, we identified 30 target tree
species that together represented >60% of total importance value index
in the reference riparian forests. SSI averaged 28.31.0 over the studied
species, suggesting that species with high values are not frequent. For
20 species, reintroduction by means of active forest restoration was
deemed necessary. Species that established through natural regeneration,
following secondary regrowth, had lower social value among local
farmers. Nearly half of the identified species showed technical
constraints for easy propagation and seeding.
ConclusionsThe proposed procedure is useful for selecting species to
initiate forest restoration projects and of other woody ecosystems that
harbour high biodiversity, and is suitable for several stakeholders
interested in restoration.
Filiaciones:
Meli P.:
Natura y Ecosistemas Mexicanos A.C., San Jacinto 23-D, Col, San Ángel, México D.F, 01000, Mexico
Martínez-Ramos M.:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Ctr Invest Ecosistemas, Morelia 58190, Michoacan, Mexico
Rey-Benayas J.M.:
Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, Edificio de Ciencias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28871, Spain
Carabias J.:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Fac Ciencias, Dept Ecol & Recursos Nat, Mexico City 04510, DF, Mexico
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