Tree Quality, Damage and Mortality, and its Incidence in Forest Production, in the Chiquitano Dry Forest of Alta Vista, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Abstract

The quality of the trees depends on the place where they grow, the species, and the management that is carried out. Trees suffer different physical and biological damages that affect the quality of the stems and their wood, therefore, in their development and productivity. This study was focused on knowing the quality of trees in two types of forests: well drained chiquitano dry forest (BOSSCHI-well drained) and hydrophytic chiquitano dry forest (BOSSCHI-hydrophytic), in Alta Vista, municipality of Concepción. The study was carried out in harvested and non-harvested areas; where 27 transects of 100x10 m were installed, located at random. All individuals greater than 10 cm in diameter, of timber species, were recorded. Most of the trees (57-59%) were found to have semi-straight quality stems in both forest types. In relation to the socio-ecological position, 36% of trees were from the upper stratum, and 51% from the middle stratum. Many species are characteristic of certain strata. In the harvested areas of the BOSSCHI-well drained forest, 77% of the trees had some degree of damage, while in the BOSSCHI-hydrophytic forest it was 53%. In the unharvested areas the damage reached 40% in both forest types. The harvested areas, in both types of forest, had a greater number of damaged trees. For abundant species, it was found that trees with lower DBH had a higher level of damage. Tree mortality was similar in all studied areas. Losses in forest production would be considerable as a result of tree damage and mortality. In harvesting activities carried out, protection actions should be taken into account to reduce damage, especially in those species that have high economic value.