Colombia Forestal

9

Authors: Carlos Patricio Corvalan Vera, Guillermo Trincado, Catalina Izquierdo

A destructive sampling method to estimate the age of first-order branches is presented. The proposed method can be applied only to living tree species showing annual growth rings. The implementation requires an estimate of total tree height development applying stem analysis techniques and the measurement of stem height and insertion angle for a sample of first-order branches. The developed procedure allows estimating the age and year of branch formation, and the maintenance of branches within the death and live crown. It can be considered an alternative to branch dissection methods. The algorithms’ implementation is illustrated for a 48-year old Nothofagus obliqua (Mirb.) Oerst. tree.

13

Authors: francisco Javier Mijares Santana, Néstor Pérez Buitrago

We described the structure and floristic composition of a zurales forest with earth-mounds presenting average heights of 1.36 m and average diameters of 2.7 m. This area was located in an alluvial savanna of the Arauca Department. We sampled 0,1 ha plot by setting 10 transects (50 x 2 m each) to survey all woody and herbaceous plant species. It was found 849 individuals from 29 families, 36 genera and 40 species. Based on their attributes such as the tree diametric distribution and sociological aspects, the “zural” forest does not seem appropriate for wood commercial extraction, but it is likely to provide regulation ecosystem services. From the recorded species, three were notable; Sarcoglottis acaulis (Sm.) Schltr (Orchidaceae), considered a new record for the Arauca department, and Guapira cf. pubescens (Kunth) Lundell (Nyctaginaceae) and Pouteria cf. stipitata Cronquist (Sapotaceae) probably new records for the Colombian flora.

18

Authors: Doris Duarte Hernández, Edgar Andrés Avella Muñoz

A socioecological analysis was carried out on a restoration project led by environmental authorities in Santander (Colombia). Social and ecological criteria were identified. A social characterization and a multi-criteria analysis were made, and the last one allowed obtaining the assessment by criterion for each stakeholder and a general project’s assessment. At a social level, the linkage between actors was high (81/100), comparing to the conceptual clarity and contribution of voluntary work (50/100). At an ecological level, the priority to recover structure, function and ecosystem services was high (79/100), while the number of native species used was low (49/100). The project management had a good performance (63/100) according to the socio-ecological criteria. It was concluded that it is essential to plan the propagation phase of plant material, selecting species according to functional criteria and importance for the communities that are important actors for governance and empowerment under the project management.