Density, Population Structure and Regeneration of Phytelephas macrocarpa Ruiz & Pavón in the Northwest of the Peruvian Amazon

Raygada Rengifo D.A.; Rodríguez-Cabrera E.H.; Urbina-Arévalo F.A.; Cachique Huansi D.; Salazar-Vega Á.A.; Miranda I.P.A.; Mejía K.; del-Castillo Á.M.R. · Colombia Forestal (2025) · DOI: 10.14483/2256201x.22662

Resumen

Phytelephas macrocarpa is a palm tree of ecological and economic importance, especially due to the export of its seeds for handicrafts. However, it suffers from overexploitation and habitat degradation, which affects its sustainability and the livelihoods of local communities. This study evaluated its density, population structure, and regeneration in the northwestern Peruvian Amazon while also describing the environment which it grows. Ten 1000 m2 plots were established, recording 3824 palms in four categories: seedlings (2134), saplings (436), subadults (252), and adults (1002). Seedlings showed the highest density (2134 ind.10 000m-2), with the locality of Ahuashillo standing out for the highest regeneration index (4.200). This species thrives in dry, premontane, and humid forests, up to 663 m in altitude, and half of its populations exhibit sustainable regeneration, whereas the others reflect their current and historical management, as well as changes in vegetation cover.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Unión