Structure, richness and diversity of tree species in a tropical deciduous forest of Morelos

Abstract

Because of its neighborhood to Mexico City, which is the nucleus with the largest population in the country, the state of Morelos has received considerable pressure on its forest resources; the tropical deciduous forest is one of the most impacted vegetation types. In order to know the state of conservation of this association, a study was conducted in which the structure, richness of species and diversity of tree species in the Tepalcingo municipality of said entity was described. All trees with a normal diameter ≥ 10 cm were counted in 34 sampling sites of 500 m² with a minimum separation between them of 200 m. These sites were located using a georeferenced map, which was confirmed in the field; each of them was identified with stakes and a cross ditch in the center, to facilitate its location and subsequent remeasurement. Results indicate the presence of 883 individuals, belonging to 50 species and 20 families, of which Fabaceae stands out. The Importance Value Index (IVI), highlights as main species Lysiloma divaricatum (61.1), Amphipterygium adstringens (28.5), Conzattia multiflora (27.1), Mimosa benthami (21.5), Bursera copallifera (18.03), the index values of diversity indicate trends similar to those described for the number of species.