Hurricane Hugo: damage to a tropical rain forest in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Hurricane Hugo of September 1989 caused severe damage to the rain forest in the north-rust corner of Puerto Rico. We assessed the severity of damage distributed in space, species, and size-classes of trees in the Bisley Watersheds of the Luquillo Experimental Forest. We analyzed pie- and post-hurricane data for vegetation from transects established in 1987 and 1988. The severity of damage was significantly greater in valleys than on ridges and slopes. All the species exceptDacryodes excelsa, Sloanea berteriana, andGuarea guidoniashowed 100% severe damage. Large trees (> 70 cm DBH) were highly susceptible to hurricane damage, but there was no clear pattern in the small size-classes.D. excelsa(tabonuco) was the most resistant to damage by the hurricane. Tabonuco which has extensive root-grafts and root anchorage to bedrock and subsurficial rocks, apparently can survive frequent hurricanes and continue as a dominant species in this montane tropical rain forest. The high frequency of hurricanes, which can override other ecological and topographic factors, may largely determine the overall spatial pattern of species in this rain forest.

Proceedings of the eighth annual forest inventory and analysis symposium

“…the forest damage estimate map shown in figure 2. The damage represented is concentrated in the southern portion of the study area, where wind speeds were highest, and in floodplain areas, in keeping with the general findings of Gresham et al (1991) and Basnet et al (1992). Windham (2005).…”

“…As it is, the auxiliary data prediction provides at least a useful spatial envelope within which most forest damage can be expected to occur. Gresham et al (1991) and Basnet et al (1992) and with the specific observations of Windham (2005). …”

“…Topography also influences the soil conditions available for tree rooting. Damage has been found to be greater in valleys than on ridges and slopes, probably because of poor soil drainage, shallow rooting depths, and lack of root anchorage (Basnet et al 1992). Boose et al (1984) summed up the influence of both wind and topography by stating that regional scale damage corresponded with the distribution of peak wind speeds, while topographic exposure to predominant wind directions explained the distribution of damage at the landscape scale.…”

Adapting Tropical Forest Policy and Practice in the Context of the Anthropocene: Opportunities and Challenges for the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico

“…During this time, the EYNF continued to confront environmental and anthropological processes, pressures, and surprises, further shaping local policies and practices. For example, Hurricane Hugo passed very near to the EYNF in 1989, causing significant loss of standing biomass and wildlife, short-term changes in the water regime, and road and infrastructure damage among other effects throughout many parts of the forest, affecting its functions and services [49]. Additionally, the island's population expanded throughout the latter half of the 20th century (e.g., Pop.…”

Using Regional-scale Pre- and Post Hurricane Katrina Lidar for Monitoring and Modeling

“…Topography also influences the soil conditions available for tree rooting. Damage has been found to be greater in valleys than on ridges and slopes, probably because of poor soil drainage, shallow rooting depths, and lack of root anchorage (Basnet et al 1992). Lidar was collected by NOAA after Katrina for the southern portions of Hancock, Harrison and Jackson Counties in Mississippi.…”