Ecological characterization of the riverside vegetation of the Toa River

Abstract

The work was carried out on the banks of the Toa River. Ten plots of 20 x 25 m (500 m²) were surveyed, with systematic sampling. The sample size was validated using the area-species curve. The characterization was determined from the study of alpha (α) and beta (β) diversity. A total of 66 families, 24 genera, 68 species and 467 individuals were identified, corresponding to the herbaceus, shrub and tree strata. The most represented family was Moraceae with five species and 121 individuals. Cecropia peltata L, Terminalia catappa L, Cedrela odorata L and Calophyllum antillanum Britt are the species that dominate the riverside ecosystem, decreasing in their representation Jambosa vulgaris DC and Leucaena leucocephala L, those with the highest Value Index of Ecological importance Cecropia peltata L, Terminalia catappa and Calophyllum antillanum.