Structure and Composition of Moist Coastal Forest in Dorado, Puerto Rico

摘要

A survey of forest structure, species composition, and change in forest areas over a 44 year period was conducted on 39.5 ha of forest lands in Dorado, Puerto Rico. A total of 51 tree species were found in the study area. Six forest types were identified on white sands and poorly drained clay soil. The primary cause of the changes in forest areas has been human intervention: direct, through cutting, and indirect, through changes in drainage conditions. The study forests, however, support four endangered plant species and an endangered bird species. Their social, scientific, and intrinsic values are significant.