Evaluación De Los Procesos De Restauración Ecológica En La Reserva Biológica El Encenillo

Abstract

The present study presents an evaluation of the current state of active restoration in three sites of Andean cloud forest located at Reserva Biológica El Encenillo, Guasca (Cundinamarca), 2011-2016 period. Evaluation takes into account parameters of structure, floristic composition, and diversity. Methodology consisted in stablishing 12 permanent plots (each of 500 square meters), marking off and measuring the height of the individuals with height≥30 cms. Measured índices correspond to: total height, DBH, tree crown diameter, phytosanitary state, taxonomics, and general remarks. 2.848 individuals were registered, representing 22 families, 26 genera, and 30 species. According to IVI index, the most important species found inside the reserve are: Alnus acuminata (33%), Baccharis bogotensis (8%), and Baccharis latifolia (8%). Diametrical distribution of the structure shows a high number of individuals in the first clases, and suggest an initial successional state phase in restoration process. Lowest species richness was found in 2011-2012 layer (Berger-Parker index 0,46 which indicates high dominance and low diversity); layers from 2013-14 and 2015-16 showed Berger-Parker indeces of 0,164 and 0,143, respectively. Comparison with a reference forest (which has 65 species) shows a lower species richness in the restored área. This finding proves that restoration processes in relation to compositional approach requieres a redirecting looking for achieving the goals proposed by Fundación Natura for the restoration of Reserva Biológica El Encenillo.