Post-fire Regeneration of the Palm Mauritia flexuosa in Vichada, Orinoco Region of Colombia

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportChapter in book/Anthology/ReportContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

In the gallery forests and palm swamps of the Orinoco region of Colombia, fire is present as both an anthropogenic and a natural disturbance. These natural formations are impacted by recurrent fires, which typically originate in the savannas. Although interactions among various factors influence the natural regeneration of the swamp palm Mauritia flexuosa, the role of fire in the dynamics of its communities remains unclear. In order to evaluate the post-fire regeneration response of this species, seedlings and fertile individuals, together with its habitat, were mapped in transects across palm swamps in the Vichada Department. Information of the time since last burn was used to establish burning categories (0–2, 2–4, >4 years). The data were processed via Point Pattern Analysis techniques. Effects of distance to mother palm, of microhabitat, and time since last burn were tested using a generalized linear mixed model. The highest regeneration intensities occurred in plots aged 2–4 years since last burn. This range may indicate how fire frequency impacts the regeneration of the species and ecosystems within the savanna landscape. We discuss how fire management and “fire non-suppression”, are related to mitigation actions, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem risk impact. Furthermore, we discuss how our results could assist conservation programs and long-term prescribed fire planning in the savannas of the region.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication Sustainability in Natural Resources Management and Land Planning
PublisherSPRINGER VS/SPRINGER FACHMEDIEN
Pages445-463
Number of pages18
Volume978-3-030-76624-5 _26
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85112478303
ORCID /0000-0003-3796-3444/work/142242223
ORCID /0009-0009-1886-6869/work/173055313

Keywords

Keywords

  • Fire management, Savanna fires, Seedling intensity, Spatial point pattern analysis, Time since last burn