Estructura poblacional y características morfológicas de Abarema glauca (Fabaceae) en el sur de Artemisa, Cuba

Abstract

Abarema glaucum is a tree species native to Cuba, Hispaniola and Bahamas. It is considered Vulnerable to extinction in Cuba. The evaluation in Cuba also warns of the need to carry out population studies of the species. This work made the assessment of the status of Abarema glaucum in Artemisa, where the species had been reported before the half of 20^th century. For this, the population structure was characterized; amount of accumulated aerial biomass in the region was estimated; and the threats to its conservation in the region were identified. Abarema glaucum has less than 250 individuals, with less than 50 mature individuals, dispersed between three sites in Güira de Melena y Alquízar. The diameter and height vary between 0.03 and 36.31 cm, and 0.05 and 15 m, respectively. The accumulated aerial biomass is estimated between 3 and 4 metric tons among 33 adults. The individuals are aggregated with good natural regeneration, but low recruitment towards older age phases. It is a species dispersed in patches of remaining forest in the region, where the risk of fire, logging, trampling, as well as the degradation of its habitat, constitute threats to its conservation. Logging could delay and even prevent flowering in the adults. The logging and the continuous decline of the quality of the habitat are putting the sustainability of the species in the area in danger.