Species diversity in tropical dry forests of Ecuador: How effective are regenerated ecosystems?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56124/sapientiae.v8i17.013Keywords:
Tropical dry forest, Sssisted regeneration, Biodiversity, Ecological succession, Ecological restorationAbstract
Tropical dry forests are ecosystems highly vulnerable to degradation, whose restoration requires effective conservation strategies. This study assessed the biodiversity of a tropical dry forest in its natural state and a forest under assisted regeneration, comparing species richness, equity, and community structure. Four sample plots of 20 x 50 meters each were established in ecosystems, and diversity indices were analyzed using iNEXT.4steps and PAST software. The results show that the natural forest has a higher species richness (54) than the regenerated forest (28) and a more even abundance distribution. The dominance of pioneer species in the regenerated forest indicates that it is still in an early stage of ecological succession. Extrapolation of diversity suggests that the restored ecosystem is unlikely to reach the complexity of natural forests in the medium term. These findings highlight the importance of complementary restoration strategies, such as introducing late-successional species, to accelerate structural and functional convergence. The study underscores the need for long-term monitoring to assess the effectiveness of assisted regeneration in tropical dry forests. More holistic restoration approaches could improve the resilience and stability of these ecosystems.
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