Estructura y diversidad de especies arbóreas en el sitio arqueológico “El Mirador”, Selva Lacandona, Chiapas

ABSTRACT: The composition, structure, and diversity of tree species was described on the archaeological site "El Mirador", located in the natural protected area (ANP) Metzabok, northeastern portion of the Selva Lacandona. Three tropical forest types were classified: low semi-evergreen (SBSP), medium evergreen (SMP), and high evergreen (SAP). In each type four sampling units (UM) of 20 x 50 m were established. All trees with normal diameter (DN) ≥ 3 cm were taxonomically identified and measured for their DN and total height. Vertical and horizontal structure was described, and the importance value (IVI) and the modified forest value (IVFm) indices were calculated. Diversity was analyzed using indices of Shannon-Wiener (H'), Simpson (S) importance and forest values Haematoxylum campechianum L. in SBSP, Clusia salvinii Donn Sm. in SMP and Brosimum alicastrum Sw. in SAP. Three vertical layers were identified: below ( 8 m; > 9 m up to 25 and 38 m) in the SMP and SAP, in the SBSP a single layer (12 m) was found. Diversity of tree species was significantly (p 9 m; > 8 m); en la SBSP se encontró un solo estrato (< 12 m). La diversidad de especies arbóreas fue significativamente mayor (p < 0.01) en la SAP (H´ = 3.21) en comparación con la SMP (H´ = 2.19) y la SBSP (H´ = 0.91). Las UM fueron florísticamente más parecidas en la SBSP (IS = de 58.5 a 79.9%) en relación con la SAP (IS = de 23.5 a 48.1%) y la SMP (IS = de 1.1 a 35%). En el presente estudio se reconocen las especies relevantes y la composición florística de cada selva, lo cual se espera sea de utilidad en investigaciones futuras y contribuir de esta manera a definir estrategias de conservación, reproducción y aprovechamiento susten- table de éstas selvas