Nevado De Research Articles

Modelado espacial histórico y actual del oyamel (Abies religiosa [Kunth] Schltdl. & Cham.) en la Faja Volcánica Transmexicana

Introduction: Climatic conditions in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt during the middle Holocene were different from today's conditions, which may have an effect on the historical distribution areas of the sacred fir (Abies religiosa [Kunth] Schltdl. & Cham.). Objective: To determine whether the environmental requirements that delimit the current distribution of the sacred fir in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt have changed since 6,000 years ago. Materials and methods: A. religiosa records were obtained from the Niche Toolbox platform. The WorldClim version 2.0 variables for the current (1970-2000) and middle Holocene (CNRMCM5 and MIROC_ESM models) periods were downloaded. The distribution models were generated in MaxEnt using 75 % of the data for training and 25 % for validation. The most important variables of each period were determined with the Jackknife test. Results and discussion: The estimated sacred fir areas were similar in both periods. Approximately 86.5 % of the sacred fir distribution is found in protected natural areas of the zone. The limiting environmental variables of its distribution are: elevation, annual precipitation, summer precipitation, annual mean temperature and diurnal temperature oscillation. Nevado de Toluca and Mexico City had larger sacred fir areas (+2 658.4 ha and +20 129.7 ha, respectively) during the Middle Holocene. Annual precipitation was 80 to 224 mm higher than the current level and the temperature was 1 °C colder. Conclusion: The most important environmental variables for sacred fir distribution are similar to those reported in the literature, indicating similarity between the current and historical ecological niche of A. religiosa.

Probabilistic forecasting of plausible debris flows from Nevado de Colima (Mexico) using data from the Atenquique debris flow, 1955

Abstract. We detail a new prediction-oriented procedure aimed at volcanic hazard assessment based on geophysical mass flow models constrained with heterogeneous and poorly defined data. Our method relies on an itemized application of the empirical falsification principle over an arbitrarily wide envelope of possible input conditions. We thus provide a first step towards a objective and partially automated experimental design construction. In particular, instead of fully calibrating model inputs on past observations, we create and explore more general requirements of consistency, and then we separately use each piece of empirical data to remove those input values that are not compatible with it. Hence, partial solutions are defined to the inverse problem. This has several advantages compared to a traditionally posed inverse problem: (i) the potentially nonempty inverse images of partial solutions of multiple possible forward models characterize the solutions to the inverse problem; (ii) the partial solutions can provide hazard estimates under weaker constraints, potentially including extreme cases that are important for hazard analysis; (iii) if multiple models are applicable, specific performance scores against each piece of empirical information can be calculated. We apply our procedure to the case study of the Atenquique volcaniclastic debris flow, which occurred on the flanks of Nevado de Colima volcano (Mexico), 1955. We adopt and compare three depth-averaged models currently implemented in the TITAN2D solver, available from https://vhub.org (Version 4.0.0 – last access: 23 June 2016). The associated inverse problem is not well-posed if approached in a traditional way. We show that our procedure can extract valuable information for hazard assessment, allowing the exploration of the impact of synthetic flows that are similar to those that occurred in the past but different in plausible ways. The implementation of multiple models is thus a crucial aspect of our approach, as they can allow the covering of other plausible flows. We also observe that model selection is inherently linked to the inversion problem.

Impact of timber harvesting on carbon storage in montane forests of central Mexico

Cut stumps are the legacy of forest harvesting and allow for the estimation of carbon loss from the ecosystem. The objective of this study was to estimate aboveground carbon storage and the impact of forest harvesting based on measurements of cut stumps in pine forests within the Area de Proteccion de Flora y Fauna Nevado de Toluca (APFFNT) in the state of Mexico. A total of 1621 circular 0.1-ha sampling plots were established in a 12,924 ha pine forest (1.25% sampling intensity). Biomass was calculated using conventional volumetric equations incorporating species-specific wood densities. Aboveground carbon storage in the biomass was stratified by forest type including dense forest (≥ 336 trees), semi-dense forest ( 150 trees), fragmented forest ( 20 trees), and stands with isolated trees (< 20 trees). In the 12, 924 ha of forest dominated by Pinus hartwegii, 1,695,004 MgC was contained in aboveground biomass. Data on forest harvesting obtained by analysis of recent cut stumps allowed for the estimation of the removal of 42,701 MgC. In addition, we accounted for carbon in wind thrown trees of 14,904 MgC, some of which were removed over time in harvests. Total loss of carbon from the forest corresponded to 211,218 MgCO2 per year. In the APFFNT, forests dominated by pine with high biomass (P. hartwegii and P. montezumae) are being replaced by those with lower biomass (Alnus jorullensis). Changes in these communities will result in lower carbon capture in the APFFNT.

Genetic diversity and demography of the critically endangered Roberts' false brook salamander (Pseudoeurycea robertsi) in Central Mexico.

Land use changes are threatening the maintenance of biodiversity. Genetic diversity is one of the main indicators of biological diversity and is highly important as it shapes the capability of populations to respond to environmental changes. We studied eleven populations of Pseudoeurycea robertsi, a micro-endemic and critically endangered species from the Nevado de Toluca Volcano, a mountain that is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico. We sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from 71 individuals and genotyped 9 microsatellites from 150 individuals. Our results based on the cytochrome b showed two divergent lineages, with moderate levels of genetic diversity and a recently historical demographic expansion. Microsatellite-based results indicated low levels of heterozygosity for all populations and few alleles per locus, as compared with other mole salamander species. We identified two genetically differentiated subpopulations with a significant level of genetic structure. These results provide fundamental data for the development of management plans and conservation efforts for this critically endangered species.

Echeveria sonianevadensis (Crassulaceae), una nueva especie del Volcán Nevado de Colima del occidente de México y una clave para la serie Gibbiflorae

Echeveria sonianevadensis, a new species endemic to the fir forests of Nevado de Colima volcano, southern Jalisco, Mexico, is described and illustrated. It belongs to series Gibbiflorae and it differs from Echeveria fulgens var. obtusifolia as an apparently closest taxon in having broader, obovate and not pruinose leaves, a cylindrical and not urceolate or campanulate corolla and scarlet-red nectaries. Its conservation status according to the IUCN criteria is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

Modos de vida rurales en el Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Nevado de Toluca

Se caracterizan los modos de vida rurales desarrollados por los pobladores de Raíces, Zinacantepec, que se ubica dentro del perímetro del área de protección de flora y fauna Nevado de Toluca (APNT). Los datos mostrados fueron obtenidos a partir del uso de métodos cualitativos, de donde se analizaron 29 grupos domésticos seleccionados a partir de un muestreo no probabilístico. Se detectaron tres modos de vida en la región: modo de vida agrícola, del empleado en el sector servicios y jornalero agrícola. En conclusión, se requiere que el Estado desarrolle un plan de manejo integral que considere los tres modos de vida rurales detectados en el APNT, puesto que en el actual programa de manejo no se contemplan.

CARACTERIZACIÓN DE LOS PASTIZALES DEL ÁREA DE PROTECCIÓN DE FLORA Y FAUNA NEVADO DE TOLUCA PARA LA PRODUCCIÓN OVINA

&lt;p&gt;In the Nevado de Toluca Flora and Fauna Protection Area (&lt;em&gt;Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Nevado de Toluca&lt;/em&gt;—APFFNT), farmers engage in pastoral activity, using communal areas for grazing. This activity is a means of production that provides the necessary products for the subsistence of shepherds, although knowledge of the specific characteristics of the grasses and implications for livestock production is lacking. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the primary productivity, nutritional quality and predominant plant species of three grasslands in the APFFNT, in order to evaluate their Dry Matter (DM) production. Grasslands were selected in the Agua Blanca, Loma Alta and La Peñuela localities. In each locality six areas for study were defined, and in each of the area, an exclusion cage was placed. From September 2013 to August 2014, samples were taken every 28 days to determine the increase of the grass yield in each area over time. In the grasslands in Agua Blanca, significant differences were not observed in Net Forage Accumulation (NFA) across time. In the Loma Alta grasslands, however, production was different (P&amp;lt;0.05) from November to April, the months corresponding to the lowest production levels and the least precipitation. In the La Peñuela grasslands, the lowest NFA was produced in February and the highest NFA in July (P&amp;lt;0.05). The results presented in this paper indicate a high degree of variation in forage quality across the months studied. An increase in fiber and a decrease in protein was observed during the dry season. The results of this study provide an important foundation for sustainable development in livestock activity in the APFFNT grasslands.&lt;/p&gt;

Caracterización del sotobosque en bosques densos de pino y oyamel en el Nevado de Toluca, México

La mayor diversidad florística de los bosques templados se encuentra en el componente herbáceo y arbustivo del sotobosque, en estos, la flora adquiere gran importancia ecológica y funcional. Los procesos esenciales del ciclo de nutrientes y la trayectoria sucesional, dependen directamente de la vegetación del sotobosque. Por ello, es necesario realizar la caracterización florística de estas comunidades y conocer su diversidad. En este estudio se determinó la composición y estructura de las especies herbáceas y arbustivas en bosques densos de Pinus hartwegii (Lindl) y Abies religiosa (Kunth Schltdl. et Cham.) del Nevado de Toluca y se cuantificó la abundancia de regeneración arbórea en 10 cuadrantes continuos de 10 m × 10 m. En las especies menores a 50 cm de altura se estimó la cobertura y abundancia con base en la escala Braun-Blanquet. En las especies mayores a 50 cm se obtuvo el valor relativo en cobertura, frecuencia y densidad, además del valor de importancia. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, la flora del sotobosque de Abies religiosa posee una mayor riqueza y está compuesta por 33 especies, 25 géneros y 14 familias, donde Asteraceae es la familia dominante. El sotobosque de Pinus hartwegii registró un total de 18 especies, 16 géneros y 10 familias, con dominancia en cobertura y abundancia de la familia Poaceae. En ambas comunidades vegetales la abundancia de la regeneración es mayor en plántulas y menor en brinzales y latizales.

Escenarios de cambio climático (CMIP-5) para tres áreas naturales protegidas en el Eje Neovolcánico Transversal

Debido al cambio climático, los patrones de precipitación y temperatura ocasionarían cambios importantes en los ecosistemas del mundo. Los Modelos de Circulación Global (MCG) se utilizan para simular el clima a futuro y con ello se generan escenarios climáticos. El objetivo del presente trabajo consistió en estimar escenarios climáticos para 2045-2069 para las áreas naturales protegidas (ANP) Pico de Orizaba, Nevado de Toluca y Volcán Nevado de Colima. Se emplearon las capas climáticas mensuales a 1 km2 para el presente y futuro de los MCG CRNMCM5 y GDFL_CM3 con un forzamiento radiactivo (RCP) 4.5 (emisiones de CO2 constantes) y 8.5 (emisiones de CO2 en aumento). Se recortaron las capas al tamaño de las ANP, y se ajustó la escala de 1 km2 a 30 m. Se generaron diversos escenarios de cambio climático. Los resultados para el periodo 2045-2069 indican una disminución en la precipitación pluvial entre 18 y 52 mm para el Pico de Orizaba, de 61 a 99 mm para el Nevado de Toluca y de 27 a 38 mm para el Volcán Nevado de Colima; un aumento en la temperatura media anual de 1.32 °C a 1.67 °C en el Pico de Orizaba, de 1.30 °C a 1.76 °C en el Nevado de Toluca y de 0.91 °C a 1 °C en el Nevado de Colima. Los cambios en ambas variables pueden propiciar incendios forestales más frecuentes, mayor incidencia de plagas forestales y menor recarga de los mantos acuíferos.

Differentiated payments for environmental services schemes: Amethodology proposal

Payment schemes for environmental services face serious budget constraints in Mexico. Payments are equally distributed among forest owners, and the governmental agencies that make payments to beneficiaries do not evaluate the amount of environmental services produced by forested areas. This lack of evaluation could lead to economic and environmental deficiencies that restrict the possible benefits of such programmes. In general, these programmes do not achieve their conservation objectives, and local beneficiaries are not involved in the design or application of these programmes. Similarly, the Payments for Hydrological Environmental Services (PHES) programme of the State of Mexico, Mexico, makes equal payments to beneficiaries of forested areas considering tree density. The objective of the present work was to create a methodology for determining differentiated payments schemes for hydrological environmental services, prioritising areas that contribute the most to groundwater recharge and promote the participation of society. In the Nevado de Toluca Natural Protected Area, the environmental criteria of forest type, tree density and aquifer overexploitation as well as social participation were considered in a multi-criteria analysis implemented in a Geographic Information System. A methodology was developed to determine differentiated payments based on specific forest characteristics that influence the potential capacity of forests to recharge groundwater reserves in addition to the level of social participation. In particular, social participation is key as it could ensure the viability of PHES programmes as conservation alternatives in forested areas with high groundwater recharge potential.

Culto y Peregrinaje Inka en el Nevado de Cachi, Salta, Argentina. Nuevos datos en Arqueología de Alta Montaña

This work presents new results of archaeological research carried out in a mountain massif known as Nevado de Cachi (Salta, Argentina). We will focus on an Inka ceremonial platform located near the summit of Cerro Meléndez (6020 masl), which is one of its most prominent peaks, and integrate this information with data collected on two archaeological settlements located on its hillsides to the east. We will argue that a complex system of archaeological settlements and sacred places which included local and Inka enclosures, was designed not only for mountain worship but also as the manifestation of the Inka conquest of the North Calchaquí Valley. Thus, the existence of a complex system of settlements and sacred Inka sites in the Nevado de Cachi is highlighted.

Estimación del retroceso glaciar en los volcanes Nevado del Ruiz, Tolima y Santa Isabel, Colombia a través de imágenes ópticas y Din-SAR

Se realizó una cuantificación del retroceso glaciar del Volcán Nevado del Ruiz (VNR), Volcán Nevado de Santa Isabel (VNSI) y el Volcán Nevado del Tolima (VNT), utilizando imágenes satelitales Landsat 8 OLI TIRS. Se calcularon índices espectrales y clasificación supervisada de imágenes para diferenciar el límite entre hielo, se utilizó la técnica DinSAR usando imágenes de Radarsat II, específicamente las imágenes de coherencia. Entre 2010 y 2015 la capa de hielo de los volcanes en estudio ha retrocedido 24%, 42% y 60% respectivamente. Las imágenes de coherencia muestran resultados similares que los obtenidos mediante imágenes ópticas. El uso de las imágenes de coherencia puede utilizarse para la delimitación de hielo y roca en zonas glaciares. La ceniza sobre la capa de hielo es un fenómeno particular sobre el casquete glaciar del VNR, lo que complica la delimitación de la superficie glaciar para ese volcán.

Efecto de las podas sobre Arceuthobium spp. en bosques densos y semidensos de Pinus hartwegii (Lindl.)

Los muérdagos son una de las principales plagas en bosques templados de México, y las podas se han implementado como una estrategia para su control y evitar su propagación. El objetivo fue determinar el efecto de las podas sobre las poblaciones de muérdago enano (Arceuthobium spp.) en bosque semidenso y denso del área natural protegida Nevado de Toluca, México. Se seleccionaron 26 parcelas en bosques densos y semidensos con poda y sin poda. En cada parcela se determinó el diámetro normal y la altura de los árboles, así como su porcentaje y grado de infestación, comparando sitios con poda y sin poda durante tres años de evaluación. Los bosques semidenso y denso corresponden a una sucesión secundaria y dirigida, respectivamente; con diferencias estadísticas (p &lt; 0.05) entre la talla de los árboles podados y no podados. El porcentaje de árboles infestados por muérdago enano no mostró diferencias estadísticas significativas entre los tres periodos de evaluación, tanto en el bosque denso (4.7%) como semidenso (12.1%). Ambos tipos de bosque sin tratamiento fueron diferentes significativamente en el porcentaje de árboles infestados entre los tres periodos de evaluación, registrando los mayores porcentajes de árboles infestados en los grados de infección 1, 2 y 6, siendo las clases diamétricas ≤ 20 cm más susceptibles al ataque de este patógeno. Las podas reducen la incidencia de muérdago enano tanto en bosque semidenso como denso y su efecto fue permanente en el periodo evaluado.

Impact of Extensive Grazing on Supporting and Regulating Ecosystem Services of Mountain Soils

Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia A.C. a traves de proyecto Ciencia Basica 219696. Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico; project 3770/2014/CID.

Cartografía Temática del Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Nevado de Toluca y Propuesta de Senderos Geoturísticos

El Nevado de Toluca es, desde 2013, un Área Natural Protegida en la categoría de Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna de acuerdo con la legislación mexicana. El volcán cuenta con fácil acceso y con una alta afluencia de visitantes, sin embargo, no cuenta con información orientativa y visible in situ, lo cual favorece el deterioro de la zona y las situaciones de riesgo por no conocer las precauciones al adentrarse a una zona de alta y media montaña.&#x0D; Este proyecto presenta una estrategia de fomento a la conservación del entorno natural a través de una serie de mapas que contienen el área cratérica del volcán y sus alrededores, donde se muestra la ubicación de rutas de montaña, bicicleta y senderos interpretativos, así como información contextualizada sobre salud y prevención, además de su geología, historia eruptiva y biodiversidad. Así mismo, se espera que la consulta o uso in situ por parte de los visitantes de la zona, mitigará las situaciones de riesgo y disminuirá los accidentes de montaña provocados por desconocimiento.

Actividades recreativas y conservación en Áreas Naturales Protegidas en el centro de México: un enfoque desde los Socioecosistemas

Gonzalez-Romero, N.I., Galicia, L., Arteaga-Reyes, T.T., Thome-Ortiz, H., Heritier, S. 2018. Recreational activities and conservation in Natural Protected Areas in central Mexico: an approach from socio-ecosystems. Ecosistemas 27(1): 116-126. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.1407 The Protected Area of Flora and Fauna Nevado de Toluca (APFFNT) does not consider the double mandate to reduce conflicts between use and protection of Natural Protected Areas (NPAs), which requires integrating the socio-ecosystems approach. The objective of the present study was to analyze the recreational activity in three socio-ecological units within the socio-ecosystem APFFNT, in order to understand the interaction and compatibility between recreation and conservation in NPAs. From a literature review, direct observation, field trips and semi-structured interviews, it was observed that within the management of the three socio-ecological units, conservation actions and recreational activities coexist that are developed in social and ecologically fragile and complex contexts; however, these activities have not been carried out in a formal way, due to the limited synergies between actors and to failures in the application and enforcement of existing regulation. The socio-ecosystem approach allows to analyze recreational activities and the visualization of dynamics, temporality and complexity of the interactions of socio-ecosystem components to implement management and governance alternatives that contribute to preventing and reducing conservation-management-environmental degradation conflicts.

Efecto de Arceuthobium vaginatum (Willd.) Presl. subsp. vaginatum en Pinus hartwegii Lindl. en Colima

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; A pesar de que los muérdagos son abundantes en México, se sabe muy poco acerca de su comportamiento en los diferentes hospederos. Existen algunos trabajos que documentan evaluaciones de daños y son más escasos los que integran información de árboles infestados con diferentes grados de ataque. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de Arceuthobium vaginatum subsp. vaginatum en la altura, diámetro y volumen de Pinus hartwegii, en el parque nacional Volcán Nevado de Colima. Se eligieron 18 árboles en un rodal natural con presencia de muérdago enano: nueve sanos y nueve enfermos; con edades entre 30 y 40 años a los cuales se les realizaron análisis troncales para reconstruir su historial de crecimiento. Se consideró el grado de infección 6, con base en el sistema de clasificación de Hawksworth. Se probaron las ecuaciones de Shumacher y Chapman-Richards a fin de seleccionar el modelo más adecuado para la descripción del fenómeno. El modelo de Shumacher presentó mejores ajustes en la predicción del crecimiento. La infestación por muérdago enano lo redujo 22 % en altura, 9 % en diámetro y 50 % en volumen; además afectó en porcentajes similares al incremento corriente anual e incremento medio anual, lo cual disminuye el volumen de madera producido y aumenta el turno técnico maderable del arbolado, en un promedio de 10 años. Los resultados sugieren la aplicación de prácticas de prevención y combate del parásito, así como el establecimiento de sitios de monitoreo continuo para la generación de conocimiento sobre la relación parásito-hospedero.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

National Park Declassification in Mexico: Between Propaganda, Legitimisation and Bargaining

This article analyses the discursive, participative, and negotiation practices in the territorialised public action that occurred during the category change of the Nevado de Toluca Protected Area in Mexico—i.e. the declassification from a high conservation status to a more flexible one. We use a sociological approach for the analysis of the three public policy instruments, namely discourse, participatory mechanisms, and negotiation agreements, implemented by the Mexican government to accompany this change. The analysis reveals how the government instrumentalised this declassification in order to construct an environmental problem to legitimise public intervention and neutralise existing conflicts around specific scientific and democratic controversies. As a result, despite the use of supposedly more democratic and participatory instruments, Mexican conservation policies remain rooted in top-down approaches.

Radiocarbon Dating of Underwater Archaeological Objects from the Nevado de Toluca, Mexico

ABSTRACTThe Nevado de Toluca is a stratovolcano located in the southwest of the Toluca Valley in central Mexico. At a height of around 4200 m there are two crater lakes: El Sol and La Luna. Since Precolumbian times, people in the surrounding valleys carried out rituals and deposited offerings into the lakes. After the Spanish conquest, these rituals were kept alive clandestinely. Currently, reminiscent of Mesoamerican rituals subsist. Due to the long duration of the ritual at the Nevado de Toluca, it is important to date the materials recovered in the underwater and terrestrial archaeological explorations. This article proposes a chronology of Prehispanic ritual activities performed in the Nevado de Toluca based on the characterization and radiocarbon (14C) dating performed to materials from the volcano’s lakes.

Tephrostratigraphy of the late Quaternary record from Lake Chalco, central México

Lacustrine sequences in active volcanic settings preserve the record of fall-out products (tephras) from explosive volcanic activity from both proximal and distal sources. Sediments of Lake Chalco, located in the western part of the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt, offer the opportunity to develop a detailed tephrostratigraphy of proximal and distal sources, and to provide stratigraphic marker horizons for the correlation of paleoclimate records. Here, we present major oxide glass and pumice data from 18 tephra layers interbedded in the lacustrine sediments of Chalco, from 11.5 to 31.3 cal ka BP. Tephra glass compositions range from basaltic trachyandesitic to rhyolitic. Two tephras were successfully correlated with the Tutti Frutti Plinian Eruption of Popocatépetl volcano; and two tephra layers from the Nevado de Toluca Plinian activity: the Upper Toluca Pumice and the Lower Toluca Pumice. Although the source of most of the tephras analyzed is unknown, their geochemical characterization, coupled with a robust chronology, contributes to establish a detailed tephrostratigraphy for the region. This tephra record also contributes to improving the estimated frequency of explosive volcanic activity for future hazards in the Basin of México and surrounding areas, where more than 29 million people live. Our findings estimate a recurrence interval of volcanic activity of ca. 1100 years in the interval between ca. 32 and 11.5 cal ka BP, shorter than previously estimated.