Endemic communities of Cactaceae in danger of extinction. A need for conservation of natural resources in the district of Pacaycasa. Ayacucho-Peru

Abstract

Endemic cactus communities were studied in San Cristobal hill. It is related to a group of plants that have a series of special morpho-physiological adaptations and play an important role in a xerophytic ecosystem where survival is difficult. It was carried out during 2013, between altitudes of 2415 and 2750 meters above sea level with the purpose of analyzing its density, structure, and distribution, and conservation status of the species. Important information for decision making regarding these areas and species by the corresponding authorities. The sampling used is aleatory-stratified, with 24 plots of 50 x 50 m, established in three strata: low ( 2600 masl). In each of the sample units, species were identified using taxonomic keys and population characteristics were evaluated, which were processed and analyzed with the help of computer tools Software R Version 3.0.0 and Microsoft Excel 2013. The results showed 5 endemic species: B. hertlingiana, E. peruviana, C. quadrangularis, C. ayacuchoensis and O. doelzianus, four species have low population densities, O. doelzianus, C. ayacuchoensis, E. peruviana and C. quadrangularis with 16, 14, 9, and 8 plants/ha, while B. hertlingiana has a higher density with 134 plants/ha. According to the conservation status, two endemic species, C. ayacuchoensis and C. quadrangularis, are in the endangered category with a low population density. They present a pattern of crowded distribution and natural regeneration. However, these endemic species are endangered by different threats such as natural and anthropogenic disturbance, mainly because of the population growth that generates logging and destruction of ecosystems for housing construction.

Keywords

• cacti
• endemic
• endemism
• flora
• vegetation
• xerophytic
• biodiversity
• andes
• ayacucho.