Structure of the forests exploited in the Toa river basin and its relationship with environmental variables.

Abstract

This research work was carried out in exploited forests, of the Toa river basin, in brown- to –yellowish- brown alluvial soil. Its objective is to characterize the structure and its relationship with environmental variables. The sampling data taken in 60 ha, out of 36 plots of 500 m2, randomly distributed, was valued with an area/species curve using PCord software. Biodiversity was determined from the study of abundance, dominance, and proportional abundance of species. 24 families, 49 genus and 52 species were identified: the biggest families: Moraceae, Lauraceae, Fabaceae, Meliaceae, and Rutaceae; The species of greater abundance: Hibiscus elatus, Calophyllum antillanum, Jambosa vulgaris, Guarea guara, Castillea elastica, Terminalia catappa, and those of greater IVIE: H. elatus, C. guianensis, C. antillanum, B. capitata, Cedrela odorata. The distance to roads and distance to dwellings among others, are the main factors that explain changes in the structure of the forest.