Forest Management and Tree Species Diversity in a Temperate Forest of the Meseta Purhépecha, Michoacán

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate how traditional forest management practices impact the diversity and structure of temperate forests in the Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro Indigenous Community (ICNSJP), with the goal of providing information on the sustainable management of these forests.

Design/methodology/approach: Forest inventory data were collected and analyzed in stands treated with four thinning (A4) through the Silvicultural Development Method (SDM) and contrasted with stands that have not been intervened for more than 30 years (A0). Diversity indices and stand variables were used to statistically compare the effects of the treatments.

Results: In total 20 species were recorded, 13 in A0 and 18 in A4. The true diversity (q1) recorded a value of 3.3±1.6 in A4 and 1.9±0.8 in A0, although this difference was not statistically significant. The species with highest importance value were Pinus douglasiana Martinez (30%) for A0 and P. pseudostrobus Lindl (27%) for A4.

Limitations on study/implications: According to the SDM, the cutting cycle in A4 has not yet ended since the release and regeneration treatments are missing, therefore, monitoring is recommended to evaluate the effect of the SDM more comprehensively on diversity and structure in the forests of the ICNSJP.

Findings/conclusions: Forest management in the ICNSJP has shown a positive effect in terms of species diversity and due to its commercial value, the development of P. pseudostrobus has been favored. In general, forest management has contributed to socioeconomic development by promoting species diversity, a key element for sustainable development.