Abstract
Aim of the study: The objective of this work is to compare tree diversity and richness among one grown-shade coffee plantation (CAE) and two sites of montane cloud forests, one preserved (MCF1) and other perturbed (MCF2). We also develop an analysis of the importance of coffee plantations as a refuge of tree species, holding a potential role for conservation.Area of study: Our study area is the coffee region of Coatepec-Xico, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico.Material and methods: We compiled a list of all tree species in each site to determine tree diversity and floristic similarity (dissimilarity). We used different similarity indices and a cluster analysis to show relations among sites.Main results: 2721 individuals from 154 species were registered in the montane cloud forests as a whole. In the grown-shade coffee plantation we registered 2947 individuals from 64 species. The most similar sites were the perturbed montane cloud forest and the grown-shade coffee plantation and the least similar were the preserved montane cloud forest and the grown-shade coffee plantation. The high biodiversity found in all sites and the differences in tree composition between the two montane cloud forests supports evidence of the ecosystems richness in the region.Research highlight: Diversity differences among sites determine that the grown-shade coffee plantation is not substitute for montane cloud forest. CAE’s are developed under similar environmental conditions than the MCF; therefore, coexistence and recombination (replacement) of species make them particularly complementary. CAE’s in Veracruz have a potential role as refuge for biodiversity.
Highlights
In tropical regions, extensive conversion of forests and agricultural intensification are typically identified as the most prominent drivers of land-use change and biodiversity loss (Sala et al, 2000; Wright 2005)
For MCF2 we found several species that evidenced the perturbation degree: Citrus spp., Heliocarpus donnellsmithii, Lippia myriocephala, Myrsine coriácea, Solanum schlechtendalianum and Trema micrantha
The highest and lowest species diversity corresponded to MCF1 and MCF2 respectively; this was reflected in the Margalef (DMg) and the Menhinick (DMn) indices (Table 2)
Summary
Extensive conversion of forests and agricultural intensification are typically identified as the most prominent drivers of land-use change and biodiversity loss (Sala et al, 2000; Wright 2005). The mitigation of tropical deforestation and biodiversity protection must address livelihoods and needs of local communities (Bhagwat et al, 2008) In this sense, agroforestry is considered as a promising approach to reduce deforestation and improve rural livelihoods in the tropics (Current et al, 1995; Ashley et al, 2006). Many agroforestry systems are important for protection of species and habitats outside protected areas, and agroforestry systems can be considered as refuges for biodiversity (Bhagwat et al, 2008; Manson et al, 2008; Nonato de Souza et al, 2012).
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