Fire effect on the diversity of forest species in a medium superennifolia forest of Mexico

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the effect of fire on natural regeneration and forest species diversity in a medium superennifolia forest in southeastern Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach: Natural regeneration was classified into three height categories (0 to 30 cm, 31 cm to 1 m and 1 to 3 m) and trees in three forest sites burned and unburnt by fire.

Results: A total of 1193 individuals belonging to 69 species in 29 taxonomic families were recorded. Regeneration from 0 to 30 cm presented significant differences in species diversity in unburnt forest sites, while in regeneration from 1 to 3 m in burned forest sites.

Limitations on study/implications: These types of studies are a first approximation to natural regeneration after a fire in tropical forests, so it is important to maintain permanent sites to monitor the recovery of ecosystems and thus be able to establish management strategies for the restoration of these ecosystems.

Findings/conclusions: Regeneration after the fire was established with a low but constant number of species, indicating a tendency towards vegetation resilience. This information allows government institutions to make better decisions on the management and prevention of these ecosystems in Mexico.