Hurricane recovery at Cabezas de San Juan, Puerto Rico, and research opportunities at Conservation Trust Reserves

Abstract

The Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve (El Faro), an exposed peninsular area located in the Subtropical dry forest of northeastern Puerto Rico, was impacted by hurricanes Hugo (1989) and Georges (1998). From 1998 to 2008, a 0.10 ha plot was used to assess forest structure, species composition, and stem growth. During post-hurricane recovery, stem density, tree height, basal area, and aboveground woody biomass all increased on the plot. The 10-yr mean annual dbh (i.e., diameter at 1.4 m above the ground) growth was 0.11±0.00 cm yr-1 for the 181 stems of 16 species that survived the measurement period. All of the originally recorded tree species survived and two new ones entered the plot in 2004, one of which had disappeared by 2008. Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) DeWit, an aggressive secondary species, showed the greatest increase in stems, gaining 470 ha-1 in 10 years. Las Cabezas de San Juan is one of 29 properties totaling 9,820 ha that is managed by the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. Conservation Trust properties offer educational and research opportunities for cooperators.

Parent Publication

• Quantitative genetics in natural populations: Means of monitoring natural biological processes

Citation

Weaver, Peter L.; Padilla Rodriguez, Elizabeth. 2009. Hurricane recovery at Cabezas de San Juan, Puerto Rico, and research opportunities at Conservation Trust Reserves. Acta Científica. 23(1-3): 12-22.