Landscape ecology and characterization of forest coverage of the watershed of the Rio La Balsa, Costa Rica

Abstract

Evaluated landscape ecology, which is dominated by three coverages: forests, pastures and crops. The main landscape metrics obtained: a) Forest: Class Area (CA): 11447,72 ha, Number of Patches (NumP): 16344, Mean Patch Size (MPS): 10,73 ± 0,70 ha; Total Edge (TE): 5245378,35 m, Mean Patch Edge (MPE): 320,94 m / ha; Mean Shape Index (MSI): 1,47. b) Pasture: CA: 10467,63 ha; NumP: 13930; MPS: 23,93 ± 0,75 ha, TE: 4,432,678,19 m; MPE: 318,21 m / ha, MSI: 1,47. c) Crops: CA: 3603,76 ha; NumP: 636; MPS: 63,59 ± 5,67 ha, TE: 7,666,342,78 m; MPE: 1204,94 m / ha, MSI: 1,93. Also obtained a diversity index for the landscape of 1,32. The floristic composition and structure were evaluated in three altitudinal levels and major forest cover present. Sixty-eigth temporary plots were established of 2000 m2 (20 x 100 m), species were identified, total height was measured and diameter for all trees greater than 10 cm. The mean values: a) Basal: disturbed forests, d: 23,3 cm, Ht: 24 m, N ha-1: 458 and G / ha: 22,8 m2. b) Premontane: disturbed forest, d: 22,6 cm, Ht: 27,3 m, N ha-1: 423 and G / ha: 20,6 m2, wooded pastures, d: 24,3 cm, Ht: 18,9 m, N ha-1: 121 and G / has: 6,6 m2 c) Lower montane: upland forests, d: 26,6 cm, Ht: 27,5 m, N ha-1: 380 and G / ha: 27,2 m2, disturbed forests, d: 22,9 cm; Ht : 27 m, N ha-1: 318 and G /ha: 15,8 m2, wooded pastures, d: 24,5 cm Ht: 25 m, N ha-1: 118 and G / has: 6,9 m2. The floristic composition and structural variables suggest the habitats present in the watershed are in recovery.