Can Pinus Plantations Facilitate Reintroduction of Endangered Cloud Forest Species?

background

This study tested the hypothesis that pine plantations can simulate the conditions of early forest succession, acting as a habitat for other native or endangered species to establish. In the cloud forest region of central Mexico, some tree species have become endangered due to land use change for both livestock production and tree plantations.

research goals & methods

To test the concept of facilitation, the study planted endangered tree species in 12-year-old pine plantations in central Veracruz, Mexico and compared them to trees planted in open control sites.

conclusions & takeaways

The study found that the seedlings under the canopy of the pine plantation had a much higher survival rate than the open-grown seedlings but growth rates were variable between species and sites. However the study concludes that pine plantations can be used to facilitate return of native and endangered forest cover.