An assessment of silvopastoral systems condition and their capacity to generate ecosystem services in the Colombian Amazon

álvarez, F. Lafuente; Casanoves, Fernando; Suárez, Juan Carlos; Rusch, Graciela M.; Bieng, Marie Ange Ngo

doi:10.1080/26395916.2023.2213784

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…Tree diversity is a key element in ecological resilience and the provision of multiple ecosystem services in traditional silvopastoral systems [1][2][3]. These systems, which integrate dispersed trees in pastures, are being recognized for their environmental [4][5][6] and economic benefits [7][8][9], highlighting the importance of tree diversity, which motivates an intense analysis along the Andean-Amazonian altitudinal gradient [7,10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Likewise, timber trees, such as those destined for the construction industry or furniture manufacturing, offer long-term sustainable economic opportunities [21]. This multifunctionality of trees in silvopastoral systems underlines their value as key elements for resilience and sustainability in both environmental and economic terms [2,13], emphasizing the need for a conscious management of tree diversity in forests [22].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The positive effect on soil health has direct implications for livestock productivity and the longterm sustainability of these systems. Therefore, the development of an exploratory study about tree diversity and its ecological importance value in silvopastoral systems is a priority step to optimize natural resource management and improve the resilience of agro-livestock activities in the current context of environmental and climatic challenges [1,2,24].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Tree Diversity and Its Ecological Importance Value in Silvopastoral Systems: A Study along Elevational Gradients in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, Ecuadorian Amazon

Torres,

Herrera-Feijoo,

Torres-Navarrete

et al. 2024

Land

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This study analyzes tree diversity and its ecological importance value in silvopastoral systems in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve (SBR), Ecuador, along an altitudinal gradient of 400–2000 masl. Twenty-six plots distributed into low (400–700 masl), medium (701–1600 masl) and high (1601–2000 masl) zones were used. The Shannon index and the importance value index (IVI), based on abundance, dominance and relative frequency, were estimated. The results highlight that in pastures with dispersed trees, the richness of trees decreases with increasing altitude in the elevational gradient; they also show a higher tree density at lower altitudes in contrast to the Andean–Amazonian primary forests. The lower and middle zones showed higher diversity, linked to regeneration and the presence of nearby forests. Species of high commercial value, such as Cedrela odorata and Jacaranda copaia, were common, reflecting knowledge of the local timber market. In the lower and middle zones, the 10 most important species accounted for more than 70% of the trees, with up to 96% in the upper zone. A total of 51 taxa (including 42 species and nine taxa at the rank of genus) were identified, which were mostly native; 64.7% are classified by the IUCN as least-concern (LC) species, 31.4% as not evaluated (NE) species and 3.9% as vulnerable (VU) species, specifically highlighting Cedrela odorata and Cedrela montana. The study concludes with policy recommendations related to the importance of trees in silvopastoral systems for the conservation of species and the livelihoods of local communities, highlighting the need for responsible management of Amazonian pasturelands.

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