High Andean Forest Research Articles

Structure of plant-frugivorous bird interaction networks in two high Andean forests of southwestern Colombia

Structure of plant-frugivorous bird interaction networks in two high Andean forests of southwestern Colombia

Epidendrum manusalinasiae (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae), new species from the high Andean forests of Manu National Park, Cusco, Perú

We describe and illustrate a new species of Epidendrum from the high Andean forests of Manu National Park, Cusco. Epidendrum manusalinasiae belongs the Saxicola group. Information on its distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status is provided. The new species is compared with E. churubambense, E. herreranum and E. tetartociclium from which it is distinguished by having leaves elliptic to widely elliptic, flowers pale yellow to green, sepals sometimes tinged red-brown, column and calli creamy yellow, lip disc with large, fleshy thickened, forming wide cordiform platform, wider than mid-lobe and reaching its base and mid-lobe whit distal portion plicated forward, whit a sub-lobed appearance in natural position.

Evaluating the performance of Polylepis incana seeds: reassessing their potential for restoration and conservation of high Andean forests

The use of high‐quality seeds is essential for reforestation and ecosystem restoration; however, few Andean species have been assessed to determine factors influencing seed quality. Most Andean native tree species used for restoration are propagated from naturally regenerated seedlings or cuttings. We evaluated the seed quality (germination, viability, vigor, and physical characteristics) of a central Peruvian population of the keystone high Andean tree species Polylepis incana (quinual) in relation to the mother tree and microsite characteristics. Our analysis, using 12,912 seeds categorized by weight, included germination tests in incubator, tetrazolium tests, and vigor test (germination in nursery conditions). Results showed a mean germination rate of 30.9 ± 22.4%, with a significant proportion of damaged (38.7%), empty (19.1%), and non‐viable (12.7%) seeds. Heavier seeds exhibited the highest germination, while dasometric variables of the mother tree were not related to seed performance. However, solar incidence and slope negatively impacted germination. We conclude that seed quality may be higher than previously estimated, supporting the need to re‐evaluate and promote the use of seeds for propagating P. incana. Furthermore, since the characteristics of mother trees seem not to be relevant for this species and only solar incidence and terrain slope seem to negatively affect seed quality, we consider it important to change the paradigm from identifying individual seed trees to identifying seed forests. Conservation of natural forests as primary seed sources should be the foundation of future reforestation and restoration efforts in the high Andes.

Habitat Suitability in High Andean Butterflies: The Role of Land Cover in the Occurrence and Conservation of Species.

High Andean butterflies in northern South America are subject to landscape change processes. Our study used models to assess the habitat suitability of three Satyrinae species in the Upper Bogotá River Basin, Colombia. These three species include Pedaliodes polla (Thieme), Pedaliodes phaea (Hewitson), and Pedaliodes phaeina (Staudinger), the last two are endemic to Colombia. We used MaxEnt software to assess the habitat quality of these species, analyze the bioclimatic requirements that most influence them, and propose priority conservation areas. Our results indicated that, in most cases, the contribution of cover is more significant than 60%, so this variable determines the habitat capacity to support the species under study. We identified that the areas with suitable habitats are reduced with values less than or equal to 25% and are located in areas with a medium degree of intervention, which allows the species to occur. On the other hand, the climatic variables with the most significant contribution to the models were Temperature Seasonality and Precipitation of Driest Quarter (May-July). Conservation efforts must be focused on the most suitable areas, given the reduction in habitat for these species. Our research emphasizes the need to safeguard well-connected remnants of the high Andean forest and natural cover in agricultural matrices to counter the impact of agricultural expansion.

Mapping the way: identifying priority potential corridors for protected areas connectivity in Colombia

Colombia has experienced alarming rates of deforestation, posing a threat to forest biodiversity both inside and outside protected areas. Furthermore, a decline in ecological connectivity can potentially disrupt vital ecological processes such as pollination, gene flow, breeding, seed dispersal, among others. To address this issue at a national scale, it is crucial to identify and conserve a comprehensive network of ecological corridors.In this study, we identified high priority potential ecological corridors linking protected areas in Colombia. We categorized a representative set of 16 threatened mammal species into four ecological profiles. Then, we used Least Cost Path (LCP) analysis to model potential corridors between protected areas as those that minimized resistance for forest species dispersal. To prioritize conservation efforts, we applied the decrease in the Probability of Connectivity index (dPC) to identify corridors with the highest priority.Our findings emphasize the importance of preserving large forest patches within protected areas for species inhabiting lowland and sub-Andean forests. However, for species residing in Andean and high Andean forests, restoration measures (e.g., increasing forest cover) between protected areas are needed to enhance landscape permeability and facilitate their dispersal, thereby contributing to their conservation.Our results have practical implications for decision-makers involved in conservation efforts. These findings can aid in identifying conservation priorities for existing protected areas and their surrounding forest habitats in Colombia. Additionally, we provided expert-based resistance values for different forest mammals that can be further used in other large scale connectivity analyses, including other countries where these species inhabit.

A new species of terrestrial toad of the Rhinellafestae group (Anura, Bufonidae) from the highlands of the Central Cordillera of the Andes of Colombia.

The genus Rhinella (Bufonidae) comprises 92 species of Neotropical toads. In Colombia, Rhinella is represented by 22 recognized species, of which nine belong to the Rhinellafestae group. Over the past decade, there has been increasing evidence of cryptic diversity within this group, particularly in the context of Andean forms. Specimens of Rhinella collected in high Andean forests on both slopes of the Central Cordillera in Colombia belong to an undescribed species, Rhinellakumandaysp. nov. Genetic analyses using the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene indicated that the individuals belong to the festae species group. However, they can be distinguished from other closely related species such as Rhinellaparaguas and Rhinellatenrec by a combination of morphological traits including the presence of tarsal fold, a moderate body size, and substantial genetic divergence in the 16S rRNA gene (> 5%). Through this integrative approach, the specimens from the Central Cordillera of Colombia are considered an evolutionary divergent lineage that is sister to R.paraguas, and described as a new species. Rhinellakumandaysp. nov. is restricted to the Central Cordillera of Colombia inhabiting both slopes in the departments of Caldas and Tolima, in an elevational range between 2420 and 3758 m. With the recognition of this new species, the genus Rhinella now comprises 93 species with 23 of them found in Colombia, and ten species endemic to the country.

Water quality assessment using biological indicators in Cane River - Colombia

This study shows the results of a water quality assessment for the Basin of the Cane River, which belongs to Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary National Natural Park, a naturally protected area formed by the Andean Forest and paramo ecosystems in Colombia. The water quality of this river is impacted by agricultural runoff and domestic wastewater from human activities in the buffer area. This was assessed by using chemical, physical, and biological indexes. The IDEAM, NSF and water quality indexes were based on the European standards of measurement. Further to this, BMPW/Col and ETP biological indexes were analyzed and, amongst these, IDEAM WQI (Water quality index) and ETP showed a good correlation. A similar trend was found between the IDEAM water quality index and BMWP/Col index, showing their potential as a good tool for water catchment, diagnosis, assessment, and management in Andean paramo basins. In total, 537 specimens of macroinvertebrates were collected, identifying 8 taxonomic orders, 16 families and 18 genera. Predominant orders were Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, and Diptera. Baetidae and Planariidae taxas were found in the three water quality levels, showing a decrease in number with a decrease in water quality. Thus, both species have shown sensibility to water quality parameters and also to riverine habitat quality, being then interesting species to determine water quality, deserving more detailed studies for similar cases in high Andean forests and paramo basins.

A new species of Tournefortiopsis (Guettardeae, Rubiaceae) from northern Colombia

A new species of Tournefortiopsis from high Andean forests of the Central Colombian Cordillera is described and illustrated. Tournefortiopsis triflora is characterized mainly by its dichasium inflorescence, a feature not previously reported in the genus. It can be distinguished from its related species by its smaller leaves, peduncles, and corolla tube, and by the leaves abaxially glabrous on the areoles. The new species is from an area of biogeographic interest due to the large number of endemic species known to this area. A distribution map, conservation status and taxonomic affinities are provided in this paper.

A new species of Tillandsia (Tillandsioidae, Bromeliaceae) from the high Andean forests near Bogotá (Colombia)

A new species of Tillandsia from high elevation forests of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia is described here: Tillandsia chingacensis. This species is unique because of its floral parts densely covered with a resin-like substance, and exceptionally long fruits. Although this species has distichous flowers and bears petal appendages, it was not placed in Vriesea because it shows morphological affinities to species of Tillandsia subg. Allardtia, suggesting a better placement of this taxon in Tillandsia. The discovery of this species is the result of recent explorations to a former war zone in the proximity of Bogotá (Colombia). This novelty demonstrates that further scientific expeditions to these areas recently opened for exploration will bring numerous taxonomic discoveries for Colombia. Finally, the description of this new species is complemented with notes on its geographical distribution, habitat, conservation status and a discussion of its taxonomic affinities.

Two new species of the genus Hoplopeza Bezzi (Diptera, Hybotidae, Ocydromiinae) from the high Andean forests of Colombia.

Two new Andean species of Hoplopeza Bezzi are described and illustrated: Hoplopeza colombiana sp. nov. and Hoplopeza rafaeli sp. nov. These species are the first record from the Andean ecosystem of Colombia. In addition, the genus is diagnosed, the first description of the female terminalia, as well as a key and distribution map of the Andean species of the genus are presented.

The timing and ecological consequences of Pleistocene megafaunal decline in the eastern Andes of Colombia

AbstractExamining the ecological consequences of the late Quaternary megafaunal extinctions within biodiversity hotspots is crucial for our understanding of the potential consequences of contemporary extinctions. We present the first multi-species record of spores of coprophilous fungi (SCF) from Monquentiva and the high-Andean forests of Colombia to reconstruct Late Pleistocene and Holocene megafaunal abundance. Fossilised pollen and charcoal are used to examine the consequences of megafaunal declines on the surrounding vegetation and fire activity. Our SCF record indicates the presence of Pleistocene megafauna at least since 30,290 BP, with two waves of megafaunal decline at ca. 22,900 BP and 10,990 BP. At Monquentiva, megafaunal decline in the Early Holocene resulted in transitional non-analogue vegetation, loss of some herbivore-dispersed plant taxa, an encroachment of palatable and woody flora, and a rise in fire activity. Differences with other published South-American records suggest that ecological consequences of megafaunal declines were habitat-specific. Overall, we show that ecosystems in the eastern Colombian Cordillera were highly sensitive to the decline of megafaunal populations. Under the current biodiversity crisis, management and conservation efforts must account for the effects of local herbivore declines on plant dispersal, on fire activity, and the potential loss of ecosystem services.

Studies on Neotropical Pseudophyllinae: A new, short-winged Platyphyllini genus (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from a High Andean Forest in Colombia

By combining different research disciplines, biologists can understand natural processes in a broader way. Here, we combine both taxonomic and bioacoustic methodologies to provide the first observations of the morphology, geographical distribution, and the acoustic behavior of the monotypic genus Andeophylloides n. gen. This katydid is the second short-winged genus of the tribe Platyphyllini, after Brachyplatyphylloides, both of which are found in the Colombian Andes. This new genus is unique, because it is the first to be collected in a High Andean Forest, in contrast to the other members of the tribe that have been found predominantly at lower elevations. The sound recordings showed males calling with an echeme duration in average of 5.9 ± 3.1 s, a peak frequency of 22.5 kHz, and peak activity starting at 19:00 and decreasing until 05:00. These calls occur mainly in the months of the first rainy season of the year (March to May). Andeophylloides zarauzensis n. sp., is the sixth species of platyphyllines which calling song is known. Additionally, we discuss the taxonomy, bioacoustics, and differentiate the species with Dasyscelidius atrifrons (Pleminiini). This is required as the females are superficially similar and both species share the same geographical distribution.

Trade‐offs at applying tree nucleation to restore degraded high Andean forests in Colombia

Tree islands, the more recognizable type of applied nucleation, and passive restoration have been proven as cost‐effective restoration strategies. Comparison between them is a priority, particularly through paired experiments in ecosystems wherein restoration research is scarce, such as high forest in the northern Andes (high Andean forests [HAF]). This ecosystem is important given its environmental benefits but also because vegetation development is more limited by abiotic conditions, unlike tropical moist forests. To address these gaps, we set up an experiment in a logged pine plantation comparing the effect of nuclei and passive restoration on vegetation structure and diversity as well as natural regeneration. In this case, we divided emergent shoots into three functional groups related to restoration goals: invasive herbs, páramo species, and woody recruits. After 3 years, nuclei had higher coverage, height, and diversity, but this was exclusively due to planted trees, as nuclei did not affect the abundance of invasive herbs and páramo species. More importantly, the abundance and richness of woody recruits were kept low and constant under nuclei, likely as a by‐product of plantation density. Conversely, it gradually increased at passive restoration plots. Since nuclei contribute to structure and diversity and passive restoration contributes to woody recruits, we propose a combination of both to restore HAF. Possible changes in the direction of the interaction between planted trees and recruits confirm the need for long‐term monitoring to accurately determine the potential of tree nuclei in HAF.

Morphological traits of native species with potential for High Andean agroecological processes - Nariño, Colombia

The intense production systems present in the Andean region have generated serious disturbances to high mountain ecosystems, which provide ecosystem services of great importance such as minerals, flora, and fauna. The study of the native flora through morphological descriptors becomes relevant to characterize and identify the vegetation that could be used in agroecological systems. This could serve as a strategy for the recovery and sustainable use of degraded systems since they promote diversity and responsible use of natural resources. The objective of this research was to determine the foliar morphological patterns that characterize four native shrub species of the High Andean forest: C. arborea; W. mariquitae; V. triphyllum y L. Subseriata. Fifteen qualitative and quantitative morphological leaf descriptors were used. Data were subjected to multivariate analysis of main components and multiple correspondences for quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. Leaf width and leaf shape were found among the most relevant descriptors for C. arborea; leaf length and main petiole length for L. Subseriata; leaf width and color on the upper leaf side for W. mariquitae; and leaf width and petiole thickness for V. triphyllum. This work contributes to identifying the most relevant morphological traits of four High Andean forest shrub species with potential for the implementation of agroecological systems that contribute to the sustainability of areas disturbed by agricultural actions.

Epidendrum alejandrinae (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae), a new species from the high Andean forests of central Peru

The high Andean forests harbor great and unique biodiversity. Here, we report a new species of Epidendrum from Peru. Epidendrum alejandrinae is described, illustrated and compared with the morphologically similar Epidendrum ochoae, Epidendrum pachydiscum and Epidendrum aida-alvareziae. We performed a systematic review of herbarium information on the species reported for the Region of Huancavelica and compared the morphological features of the closest species to rule out possible matches. The new species is characterized by a short, foliate aggregate stems, an apical pendulous inflorescence formed from the stem, green resupinate flowers opening in succession, the petals and sepals semi-extended, a 3-lobed lip, lateral lobes obliquely ovoid, median lobe broadly cuneate, bicallose, and four, obovoid, laterally compressed pollinia. The novelty represents an important record for the flora associated with the high Andean forest dominated by Polylepis and Gynoxys in central Peru.

Taxonomic and functional diversity of birds in a rural landscape of high Andean forest, Colombia

We evaluated the taxonomic and functional diversity of birds in a rural landscape in the north-eastern Andes of Colombia. We carried out seven field trips and used transects of 300 m, separated from each other by 500 m in the dominant plant cover of the rural landscape. We measured alpha (α) and beta (β) diversity at both the taxonomic and functional levels. We registered 10 orders, 21 families, 56 genera and 63 species of birds. In wooded pasture, we recorded 55 species and a relative abundance of 66% and 44 and 34% for an Andean forest fragment. The species that contributed the most to the dissimilarity between the covers wereZonotrichia capensis,Turdus fuscater,Mecocerculus leucophrys,Atlapetes latinuchusandCrotophaga ani. We identified nine functional types, where G1 was made up of small species with anissodactyl and pamprodactyl legs that were insectivorous, frugivorous and nectarivorous as the best represented. The FEve and FDiv were 0.51 and 0.74, respectively in the Andean forest fragment plant cover and, for the wooded pasture, the FEve was 0.45 and the FDiv was 0.81. Both cover types contributed to the diversity of the rural landscape and the dynamics that existed between them formed a complementary factor that favoured the taxonomic and functional richness of the characterised rural landscape.

Riqueza de las plantas vasculares del bosque altoandino de Bijagual, Colombia

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El bosque altoandino en Colombia corresponde a una formación vegetal, localizada entre 2400-3200(-3500) m s.n.m. Se caracteriza por la presencia de especies arbóreas con distribución restringida que determinan su fisionomía y composición. No obstante, dichas especies han sido afectadas por la actividad agrícola que ha generado pérdida de conectividad y de riqueza. Esta investigación registra la riqueza, composición y datos de distribución de flora vascular en el bosque altoandino del Macizo de Bijagual, Boyacá, Colombia. Métodos: Se realizaron muestreos en 27 transectos. Los ejemplares fueron organizados bajo el sistema de clasificación APG IV, curados y depositados en el herbario UPTC (Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia). Se obtuvo el número de especies, listado de taxa, distribución para Colombia y categorías de conservación según la UICN. Resultados: Se registraron 327 especies, distribuidas en 151 géneros y 69 familias; 187 especies (56%) son nativas de la región andina, 51 (15%) endémicas de los Andes y 24 (7%) endémicas de la cordillera Oriental colombiana. Schefflera bejucosa es un nuevo registro de distribución para Boyacá. Greigia stenolepis, Hieronyma rufa, Puya goudotiana y Tillandsia pallescens presentan la categoría Casi Amenazado (NT), Plutarchia guascensis, Quercus humboldtii y Symplocos venulosa, Vulnerable (VU); Diplostephium oblongifolium y Dunalia trianaei En Peligro (EN). Conclusiones: Bijagual es un corredor biológico con gran potencial de biodiversidad comparado con otras áreas altoandinas en Colombia. La riqueza es influenciada por otras localidades cercanas al Macizo (Tota y Mampacha), además de una posible distribución estocástica y heterogénea entre unidades de muestreo. Miconia, Pentacalia, Epidendrum, Elaphoglossum, Tillandsia y algunos otros géneros son ricos en especies. Clusia alata, Weinmannia balbisiana, Weinmannia rollottii, Ternstroemia cf. camelliifolia y Brunellia comocladifolia definen la fisionomia arbórea y arbustiva de Bijagual.

Radial variations in wood density, and their implications for above-ground biomass estimations, in a tropical high-andean forest

Wood density (WD) is a central trait to explain tree functioning, and is also an important predic­tor of tree above-ground biomass (AGB). Therefore, radial trends in WD (i.e., from pith to bark) may have important implications in understanding tree life-history variations, as well as in forest biomass and carbon estimations. The occurrence of these radial trends in WD is thought to vary among forests, particularly with canopy openness and stratification. Yet, most of the studies on this topic in tropical forests have been conducted on lowland closed-canopy forests, while very little is known about the prevalence and magnitude of these trends among trees from open-canopy forests, such as high-mountain forests. I examined radial gradients in WD and explored their implications for AGB estimations. Radial wood cores were taken with increment borers from 69 trees belonging to 18 species from a high-An­dean forest. Each wood core was cut every 1-cm, and WD was measured for every 1-cm segment. Errors in AGB estimations that resulted from not considering radial trends in WD were estimated for each tree and species. Eight out of eighteen species had significant radial trends in WD. Among these species, two species showed decreases of WD towards the bark, one species showed increments of WD from pith to bark, and five species showed U-shaped gradients (i.e., high WD near the pith and bark, and relatively low WD at inter­mediate diameters). The prevalence of U-shaped radial trends in WD may be related to the relatively open and less stratified canopy of the study forest. Not taking into account radial trends in WD led in general to under-estimations of AGB (averaging −7.66 % when using mean WD, and −5.56 % for outer WD) in most of the study species, suggesting that tropical high-Andean forests may possibly store more biomass carbon than has been previously estimated. These findings are important to expand our knowledge on wood allocation patterns during tree ontogeny, and also to improve the accuracy of biomass and carbon estimations in tropical high-Andean forests.

Reflexiones sobre las perspectivas de sostenibilidad ambiental e institucional para la planeación territorial de los sistemas socioecológicos de páramo y bosque altoandino en Colombia

Los sistemas socioecológicos (SSE) de páramo y bosque altoandino en Colombia son sistemas ecológicos que se caracterizan por sus particularidades de estructura, composición y funcionamiento. Son espacios que se han desarrollado como parte de procesos históricos de relación entre los humanos y la naturaleza, lo cual ha determinado lo que son al día de hoy. Este artículo realiza un análisis de las perspectivas y discursos producidos desde los gobiernos y las políticas públicas en torno a la sostenibilidad ambiental, la institucionalidad y la planeación territorial que se emplean para gestionar los territorios con presencia de estos socioecosistemas.

Two new species of Astrothelium (Trypetheliaceae) with amyloid ascospores inhabiting the canopy of Quercus humboldtii trees in Colombia

Subandine and high Andean forests are often dominated by oak trees and these are recognized as suitable phorophytes for diverse epiphyte communities. Among the latter, lichens in the upper strata appear to be understudied. Here, we report the discovery of two new species of Astrothelium (Trypetheliaceae), a diverse genus of tropical crustose lichens, both with the unusual feature of muriform, amyloid ascospores. Astrothelium mordonialensis is characterized by an olive-green thallus with solitary ascomata producing muriform and amyloid ascospores with tightened center and A. rogitamae by a light brownish to greenish grey thallus with yellow pigmented solitary ascomata, producing muriform and amyloid ascospores.