Effects of partial overstory removal on the natural regeneration of a tropical forest in Quintana Roo, Mexico

Abstract

In a tropical, semi-evergreen forest in Quintana Roo, Mexico, a study was conducted to observe the effects of partial overstory removal (creation of multiple gaps) on natural regeneration, with special attention to commercially valuable tree species. Five 0.5-ha plots were subjected to different levels of overstory removal of 0%, 8%, 28%, 45% and 55%. The regeneration population 3 years after overstory removal was similar in density and composition to the population before overstory removal except for an unidentified liana that was not found in 1986 but was moderately abundant in 1989. Regeneration of commercial tree species (tolerant and intolerant), noncommercial tree species, and nontree species was compared with the residual basal area and percentage of basal area removed. Frequency of intolerant commercial species increased as residual basal area decreased. Frequency of tolerant commercial species was not affected by residual basal area or percentage of basal area reduced.