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Abstract Detail



Ecological Section

Martinez Avalos, Jose Gadalupe [1], Mora Olivo, Arturo [1], Martinez Gallegos, Rodolfo [2].

Population analysis of Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri (Cactaceae) in the northeast region of Mexico.

An analysis of populations of Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri was performed at three sites in the Natural Protected Area of Laguna Madre and Delta del Rio Bravo in Tamaulipas, Mexico (Site 1: Matamoros; Site 2: Punta de Alambre and Site 3:La Pesca). For this study, the following objectives were set: 1) to determine the density and vertical structure of the populations, 2) to analyze the geographical distribution of the species and 3) to conduct a descriptive analysis of the associated flora. To accomplish this, 10 transects of 2 x 50 m (0.1 ha) (N = 30) at each study site were performed. A count of all individuals was performed, height was measured, and the number of divisions per plant was counted too. To determine the geographic distribution, numerous field trips were made in the three study areas, and with the help of a GPS (latitude-longitude to UTM using the datum ITRF92), each population was referenced to further develop a Geographical distribution map of the species. Finally, a floristic list of species in each study site was obtained. As final results were obtained, it was noted that site Punta de Alambre showed average density and structure in higher height than the other two sites (130 ind / ha and 0.78 m high), being the category of 60-90 cm in height, the more dominant in the three study sites. Likewise, the populations of Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri showed a preferential distribution in open areas with deep soils with abundant clay and rich in organic matter in the three areas of work. The vegetation in this area of ​​study is made by tamaulipecan thorn scrub (MET), mesquite and prickly forest floor. Generally, it was observed two main layers; the shrub and herbaceous the first dominated by species like: ebony Ebenopsis, Erythrina herbaceous and Prosopis glandulosa; the herbaceous composed of species such as: Lantana horrida, Lycium carolinianum and Jatropha dioica. At the end of the study it was estimated the presence of 45 botanical families and about 117 species. We conclude that Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri is a well-represented species in the study area showing relatively high densities in open areas with deep soils rich in organic matter for what it is considered specie of high ecological importance for the ecological restoration of the study area.


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1 - Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Instituto de Ecología Aplicada, División del Golfo 356, Victoria, Tamaulipas, 87019, Mexico
2 - Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Carretera Linares-Cd. Victoria km 145, Linares, Nuevo Leon, 67700, Mexico

Keywords:
distribution
density
Opuntia engl. var. lindheimeri
species
O. engelmannii var. lindheimeri.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PEC003
Abstract ID:137
Candidate for Awards:None


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