Population structure of Alnus jorullensis , a species used as firewood by five rural communities in a natural protected area of Mexico

Abstract

Background: Ilite (Alnus jorullensis ) is a very important pioneer species for the regeneration of temperate forests but also the source of fuel for the inhabitants of the Cofre de Perote National Park in Veracruz, Mexico.
 Questions: How much ilite is consumed by families in the Cofre de Perote National Park? What type of population structure is exhibited by Alnus jorullensis ? Are there differences in population structure of this species between years? What is the diameter of the individuals extracted for firewood?
 Study site and dates: The population structure of ilite was evaluated during April 2016 and April 2017 in five localities of the Cofre de Perote National Park.
 Methods: Eighty families in these localities were interviewed about the use of firewood. Eighteen permanent plots of 20 × 50 m were established in order to record total height and diameter at breast height (130 cm) of standing trees of A. jorullensis and the basal diameter of its stumps.
 Results: Families in the study area indicated that they use in average 2 loads of ilite as firewood per week and extract adult individuals. Population density of ilite decreased from 2016 to 2017, in both years juvenile individuals were predominant, with a low presence of seedlings. Population structure did not differ between years. The basal diameters of stumps measured between 6 and 214 cm.
 Conclusions: Extraction of A. jorullensis did not change its population structure between years, however local inhabitants perceive that this activity and clandestine logging are affecting their availability.