STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SUBMONTANE SCRUB OF THE SIERRA MADRE ORIENTAL, NUEVO LEON, MEXICO

Investigations about the submontane scrub ecosystem are insufficient and the richness and diversity of its natural resources are still poorly known. This study was conducted in seven areas of the Sierra Madre Oriental (SMO) with a history of selective removal of woody species, in order to assess the characterization of the vertical and horizontal submontane scrub ecosystem, and determine diversity alpha alpha. Sampling was carried out in 73 sites of 100 m(2) in an altitudinal range of 600-800 m, in which all woody species were assessed by obtaining dasometric information height (h), diameter (d(0.10m)) and cover (NS, EO). The ecological parameters of abundance (A(r)), dominance (D-r), frequency (F-r), importance value index (IVI) were determined, as well as, the Shannon (H') and Margalef (D-a) indices. A total 23 families distributed in 52 species and 42 genera were found, Fabaceae being represented with 15 species. The most representative species were Acacia rigidula, Acacia berlandieri and Bemardia myricaefolia. A diversity index H' = 3, 0, indicates that is submontane scrub is very diverse in relation to other types of ecosystems of northeastern Mexico.