LA VEGETACIÓN Y DIVERSIDAD DEL BOSQUE NUBOSO ENTRE SIGCHOS Y PUCAYACU, COTOPAXI-ECUADOR

Abstract

In september 2004 we carried out a botanic research in the forests between Chiritambo - Sigchos (2.800 masi) and Pucuyacu (1.280 masl), in the Cotopaxi province (mid-area coordinates: 00°41.47’S - 78°59.20’W). In the areas of Los Higos (2.200 masl) and Pucuyacu (1.000 masl), we established 50 X 4 m X 5 transects in a radial model for species with DBH > 2.5 cm. We also collected randomly along the altitudinal gradient. The collected specimens are kept in the Alfredo Paredes herbarium (QAP), Cerón et al. series 51810 to 52109. We calculated indices of diversity (DI) and similarity (SI) for each of the collection sites. In Los Higos site we found 298 individuáis of 51 sspecies; DI was 4.74 (low diversity). The most common species were Chusquea lehmannii, Piper lanulibracteatum, Pitcair- 2 Cerón et al.: Flora, Sigchos-Pucayacu nía fusca, Anthurium umbraculum and Xanthosoma undipes In Pucuyacu we found 213 individuáis of 83 species; DI was 38.5 (cióse to mean diversity). The most common species were Erythrina megistophylla, Palicourea heilbornii, Acalypha diversifolia, Faramea oblongifolia and Catatóla costaricensis. The SI between the two sites was 2.9%. Selective logging has altered most of the forest patches in the Sigchos - Pucuyacu area; in addition, the areas with lower slopes have been transformed into pastures. The expected construction of a highway between the Coast and the Andes will increase the destruction of these forests with the subsequent loss of the unique flora, the endemic species and the water source function of these ecosystems