"Composición florística, estructura, muestreo diagnóstico y estado de conservación de una cronosecuencia de bosques tropicales del Corredor Biológico Osa, Costa Rica"

Abstract

Fourteen 5000 m2 permanent rectangular plots (50 x 100 m) were established, distributed in Piro, Matapalo, Los Mogos and Bahía Chal, all in Corredor Biológico Osa, Costa Rica. Floristic composition, forest structure, diagnostic sampling (DS) and conservation status were evaluated in four forest successional stages: 5 to 15, 15 to 30, more than 30 year-old and mature forests. A completly random experimental design with three repetitions in each secondary forest, and five repetitions in the mature forest was established. All trees with d ≥ 5 cm were botanically identified; their diameter (d), total height, commercial height, the ecological group and commercial value were determined. In addition, a DS was applied in the 5000 m2 plots to estimate wood production potential of each forest type. Statistical differences in floristic composition, diversity, horizontal and vertical structure were found, and these forest characteristics increased with the advancement of the successional stage. Floristic composition showed differences between mature and secondary forest. According to DS, young forest (Between 5 to 30 year-old) did not register enough highly valuable individuals to assure sustainable wood production. However, secondary forest of more than 30 year-old and mature forest did exhibit enough highly valuable trees to assure its productivity. The number endemic tree species and those under some endangered status, increases with the forest succession stage; however, secondary forests protect highly valuable tree species for conservation as well.