Efectos del huracán Georges en la composición de especies y estructura de un bosque secundario en el interior de Puerto Rico

Abstract

From 1995 to 2003 we studied species composition and structure in a secondary subtropical wet forest in Utuado Puerto Rico. During September 21-22, 1998, hurricane Georges passed through the stand with maximum sustained winds of 184 km/h and gusts of 240 km/h. Species richness increased after the hurricane. While native species Miconia prasina reduced its Importance Value, the naturalized species Eugenia jambos (synonymous with Syzygium jambos) increased in Importance Value because of the hurricane. Effects to the forest structure brought about by the hurricane were more noticeable in the reduction in height of the stand and taller trees. A number of trees were bent over in the understory but the majority survived. Mortality from the passage of the hurricane was twice of that before the hurricane, but regeneration of new individuals was five times higher than losses due to mortality. Because of the high Importance Values of two introduced and naturalized species (Eugenia jambos and Coffea arabica) we conclude that the forest is a new forest in Puerto Rico, in spite of the fact that the majority of the regeneration and entry of new species are native species. This forest reflected high resistance and rapid structural resilience with the passage of the hurricane and exhibited rates of change comparable o superior to other forests in the Island.

Citation

Lugo, A.E.; Domínguez Cristóbal, C.M.; Méndez Irizarry, N. 2005. Efectos del huracán Georges en la composición de especies y estructura de un bosque secundario en el interior de Puerto Rico. Acta Cientifica. 19(1-3):41-61.