Forest dynamics under different levels of selective logging in the middle Magdalena River (Colombia)

Abstract

Selective logging is a growing forestry activity with less impact on biodiversity than complete deforestation. Despite this, both the magnitude and the direction of ecological change after logging, strongly depend on the intensity, and subsequent temporal forest dynamics. For this reason, it is important to conduct studies to understand the dynamics of different ecosystems after selective logging. We analyzed forest dynamics at El Paujil Reserve (middle Magdalena River, Colombia), in terms of demography, gap dynamics, changes in floristic composition, and ability to gather biomass, comparing two 1 ha plots in a fragment of undisturbed “primary” forest, and two 1 ha plots in a fragment of forest that was subject to selective logging in the past. As expected, forest structure and biomass accumulation were altered as a result of selective logging; however, it did not generate a significant impact on the other aspects evaluated. We suggest that perhaps local steep slopes generate high mortality and gap formation in both forest types.

Keywords

• Biomasa aérea
• bosque primario
• composición florística
• demografía
• Serranía de las Quinchas