Structure and composition of the vegetation of a tropical forest in the Peruvian Amazon

David Prudencio Quispe-Janampa; Tania Elizabeth Guerrero-Vejarano; Robert Gilbert Pecho de la Cruz; Cleide Santos-Flores; Gunter Daza-Panduro; Brayan André Caldas de la Cruz; José Antonio Dionisio-Armas; Leif Armando Portal-Cahuana

doi:10.53661/1806-9088202650264040

Authors

David Prudencio Quispe-Janampa Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva, Tingo María, Huánuco, Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2439-5556
Tania Elizabeth Guerrero-Vejarano Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva, Tingo María, Huánuco, Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3908-7695
Robert Gilbert Pecho de la Cruz Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva, Tingo María, Huánuco, Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6675-4441
Cleide Santos-Flores Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva, Tingo María, Huánuco, Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6810-0604
Gunter Daza-Panduro Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva, Tingo María, Huánuco, Perú https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6809-6859
Brayan André Caldas de la Cruz Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva, Tingo María, Huánuco, Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9433-5861
José Antonio Dionisio-Armas Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva, Tingo María, Huánuco, Perú https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5222-3283
Leif Armando Portal-Cahuana Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Instituto de Investigación en Forestería y Ecosistemas Tropicales, Chachapoyas, Amazonas, Perú https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2717-4348

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53661/1806-9088202650264040

Keywords:

Forest management, Forest structure, Importance Value Index, Sociological position, Tropical biodiversity

Abstract

The tropical forests in the Peruvian High Amazon are strategic ecosystems for biodiversity conservation; however, their structural complexity and successional patterns remain understudied, limiting the development of effective management plans. This study characterizes the floristic composition, Importance Value Index (IVI), diametric structure, and sociological position of the National Agrarian University of the Amazon Reserved Forest (BRUNAS). The study provides a quantitative diagnostic of the forest’s structural integrity to facilitate conservation strategies in high-altitude Amazonian remnants. Two permanent sampling plots (1.0 ha each) were established, recording all individuals with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm. Horizontal structure was determined through IVI, while vertical organization was assessed using sociological position analysis. The results revealed high taxonomic diversity, with a total richness of 113 and 114 species per plot. Senefeldera inclinata (IVI = 16.4%) and Parkia panurensis (IVI = 10.2%) emerged as the most dominant species. The diameter distribution followed an inverted "J" curve, with 85.5% of individuals concentrated in the lower DBH classes (10-20 cm), indicating vigorous natural regeneration. Vertical stratification showed a well-defined hierarchy where S. inclinata dominates the lower strata, whereas P. panurensis occupies the middle and upper layers. In conclusion, the BRUNAS forest exhibits a balanced structure and high resilience, typical of primary forest remnants. These findings demonstrate that stem diameter distribution and vertical organization analysis is essential to ensure the long-term conservation of these high-Amazonian ecosystems.

Keywords: Forest management, Forest structure, Importance Value Index, Sociological position, Tropical biodiversity