Tree Species Composition and Structure of a Vegetation Plot in a Montane Forest in the Department of Amazonas, Peru

Abstract

The diversity and floristic composition of a primeval forest was studied, located in the district of Yambrasbamba–Bongará–Amazonas, delimiting a 1 ha area, and at an altitude of 1890 m.a.s.l. All individuals with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm were inventoried. The plant diversity in the area was measured and a description of its composition and floristic structure was made. The following were recorded: a total of 640 trees distributed in 39 families, 60 genera and 152 species. The value of the Simpson’s index (D) was 0.974 and that of the Shannon–Wiener index was 4.264, indicating that the species had a high abundance of individuals. In turn, Fisher’s alpha value (α) was 23.744, indicating a regular diversity in montane forests in relation to different altitudinal gradients. The families with the highest number of individuals were Melastomataceae, Rubiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Phyllanthaceae, and Lauraceae. The most abundant species were Alchornea acutifolia Müll.Arg. with 47 individuals (7.34%), Chimarrhis glabriflora Ducke with 39 individuals (6.09%), Hieronyma alchorneoides Allemão with 39 individuals (6.09%), and Cyathea lasiosora (Kuhn) Domin with 33 individuals (5.16%). A comparative analysis was carried out of plots of montane and premontane forests, and the studied plot presented had the third-highest register of families and genera, behind the plots studied in the provinces of Oxapampa and Chanchamayo.