Structure and tree composition of three successional stages of a semi-evergreen tropical forest in Huautla, Hidalgo, Mexico

Information on the taxonomic composition and conservation status of the semi-evergreen tropical forest in the state of Hidalgo is limited and descriptive, and disturbances caused by human activities are drastically affecting its structure and original physiognomy. For these reasons, the objectives of this study were: 1) to conduct an inventory of the tree flora, and 2) to provide quantitative data on the structure of the different semi-evergreen tropical forest successional stages. The floristic inventory and structural characterization were conducted in 9 localities of Huautla municipality, in the "Huasteca hidalguense". In each locality, the basal area, frequency, density of individuals (normal diameter > 10 cm) and relative importance value of each species were calculated. A total of 92 species, 76 genera and 31 families of trees were identified. The families Fabaceae, Malvaceae and Moraceae were the most representative for their species richness. The species with highest relative importance value were Adelia barbinervis and Cedrela odorata in early stages of succession, Bursera simaruba and Guazuma ulmifolia in intermediate stages and Brosimum alicastrum in mature stages. In few localities, mature vegetation was observed, and total tree species richness was comparable with that recorded in the same type of vegetation in other entities of Mexico. (C) 2017 Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Instituto de Biologia.