Natural and human disturbances affect natural regeneration of Swietenia macrophylla: Implications for rainforest management |
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Authors: | Gabriel Gutiérrez-Granados Veronica Juárez |
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Institution: | a Laboratorio de Sistemas de Información Geográfica, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, México D.F. C.P. 04510, Mexico b Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Campus II, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Batalla 5 de Mayo s/n, Col. Ejército de Oriente, Iztapalapa, México D.F. C.P. 09230, Mexico c Centro de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos C.P. 62209, Mexico |
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Abstract: | In this paper we document how changes in forest structure mediated by natural (hurricane) and human (logging) disturbances affect natural regeneration of Swietenia macrophylla via its effects on seed predation, germination, and early recruitment. Work was carried out in two ejidos within the Mayan zone of Quintana Roo, differing with regard to their exposure to the effect of the hurricane Dean 2008 (Naranjal Poniente; high hurricane impact) and Señor (with no evidence of hurricane effects). We experimentally set S. macrophylla seeds in both hurricane conditions and contrasting logging effects, in three treatments: (1) open access, (2) rodent and insect access and (3) rodent and insect exclusion. We measured three dependent variables: (i) number of seeds predated, (ii) number of seeds germinated and (iii) number of seedlings established. We found that the three variables measured were differentially affected by logging and hurricane Dean. Seed predation was higher in areas with hurricane effects; germination showed no differences, but early recruitment was differentially affected by the two conditions, via an increasing of herbivory and sun exposition. Both types of disturbances studied occurred periodically in Yucatan Peninsula and elsewhere in tropics, so it is necessary to implement specific actions in order to face changes in mahogany natural regeneration stocks, and supporting the future management of tropical forests. |
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Keywords: | Big-leaf mahogany Early recruitment Forest management Germination Seed predation Seedling mortality |
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