Toledo et al. 2012 (Conference Paper) Mexico, Epiphyte

Epiphytic Bromeliads management? The answer is yes.

Author(s):—T. Toledo A., M. Hernández A. & J. García F.

Corresponding email:—tarintoledo@gmail.com

Publication:— (2012).

Abstract:—Large numbers of epiphytic bromeliads are extracted from cloud forests in Southern Mexico for the construction of floral arches and illegal trade. In partnership with the local community, we determined the potential for management of epiphytic bromeliads in cloud forests in Veracruz, México. We organized participatory inventories with the local community in order to assess forest condition and abundance of bromeliads in four cloud forest fragments (area = 2, 4, 8 and 10 ha). To establish sustainable harvest guidelines, population dynamics analyses were carried out for Tillandsia multicaulis, T. punctulata and T. butzii over a 3-year period. Retrospective and prospective analyses were used to identify which stages of the life cycle and demographic processes contribute relatively the most to variation in the population growth rate (λ value) between populations. Potential for recovery and use of fallen epiphytic bromeliads was also assessed. Matrix analyses revealed that the studied populations are likely to decline even in the absence of harvest; the λ value was below unity for all three species. Simulation of different extraction levels showed that population growth rate values would drop substantially even if less than 6% of the plants were removed. Elasticity matrices showed that stasis was the vital rate with the highest contribution to population growth in all species. One of the main causes of natural death in epiphytes is detachment from the support tree and this can represent a source of epiphyte supply for commercial use that has no impact on the population. The collection of fallen plants, in conjunction with nursery propagation, can add to the diversification of the productive system and contribute to cloud forest conservation while helping to maintain local traditions.