DIVERSIDAD DE COMUNIDADES DE LEÑOSAS DEL BOSQUE TROPICAL SECO EN PITAYERAS DE LA SIERRA DE HUAUTLA, MÉXICO

Abstract

<p><strong>Background. </strong>Pitayeras are traditional agroforestry harvesting systems that have been poorly studied but can harbor a diversity of trees and shrubs as in tropical dry forest (TDF). <strong>Objective. </strong> We described the diversity of woody communities<strong> </strong>in <em>Pitayeras</em> of the Sierra de Huautla to identify their importance in the conservation of TDF species. <strong>Methodology. </strong>150 plots with a defined area (10 x 10 m) divided into three <em>Pitayeras</em> (Plain, Hillside, and Orchard) were sampled. All individuals with a diameter ≥ 1 cm were quantified, and all species were identified. The alpha (H ', <sup>0</sup>D, <sup>1</sup>D, <sup>2</sup>D) and the beta (Bray-Curtis) diversity were estimated. A tree classification was performed to classify the plant communities of the <em>Pirayeras</em>. <strong>Results. </strong>57 species and 22 families were identified, which Fabaceae, Burseraceae, and Cactaceae were the most diverse. The most dominant species were <em>Euphorbia schlechtendalii</em>, <em>Stenocereus stellatus</em> and <em>Mimosa polyantha</em>. La Huerta was the most diverse <em>Pitayera</em>, while the Plain had the least diversity. The Plain and Orchard were the most similar <em>Pitayeras</em>. <strong>Implications</strong>. The diversity of trees and shrubs of the <em>Pitayeras</em> might be associated with particular edaphic, climatological and management conditions; however, these socio-ecological elements were not monitored. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> The <em>Pitayeras</em> harbor a diversity of trees and shrubs similar to the DTF of the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve and other parts of Mexico.</p>