Signals of climate variability/change in surface water supply of high-mountain watersheds Case study: Claro River high mountain basin, Los Nevados Natural Park, Andean Central Mountain Range
Chapter 3: Life zones February 2009
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Signals of climate variability/change in surface water supply of high-mountain watersheds Case study: Claro River high mountain basin, Los Nevados Natural Park, Andean Central Mountain Range
Contract 7147577 – The World Bank Group
Daniel Ruiz Carrascal Línea de Investigación en Hidroclimatología Grupo de Investigación ‘Gestión del Ambiente para el Bienestar Social - GABiS’ Escuela de Ingeniería de Antioquia Calle 25Sur No. 42-73, Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia Phone: (57-4) 339-3200; Fax: (57-4) 331 7851; E-mail: [email protected]
Chapter 3: Life zones February 2009
2 Escuela de Ingeniería de Antioquia
Executive, academia and research administration
President
Carlos Felipe Londoño Álvarez
Secretary
Olga Lucía Ocampo Toro
Dean of Engineering
Carlos Rodríguez Lalinde
Director of Research Activities
Nathalia Vélez López de Mesa
Director of Research Group ‘GABiS’
Maria del Pilar Arroyave Maya
Director of Environmental Engineering Program
Santiago Jaramillo Jaramillo
Research Team
Principal Investigator
Daniel Ruiz Carrascal
Co-PI
Maria del Pilar Arroyave Maya Adriana María Molina Giraldo Juan Fernando Barros Martínez
Research Assistants
Maria Elena Gutiérrez Lagoueyte Paula Andrea Zapata Jaramillo
Field Assistant
Diego Alejandro Molina Franco
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Table of content
3.1 Introduction 8
3.2 Life zones 9 3.2.1 Analysis of local conditions 10 3.2.2 Analysis of the Claro River’s watershed 13
3.3 Field analysis 18 3.3.1 Experimental plots and life zones 18 3.3.2 Plots methodology 22 3.3.3 Plot results 23 3.3.3.1 Vascular plant species 23 3.3.3.2 Other elements 23 3.3.3.3 Floristic composition 24
3.4 Key species of life zones 26
Appendix A Data gathered during field campaigns 29
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Tables
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3.1 Displacement of Holdridge life zones under a moderate climate change scenario (2xCO 2) 10 Holdridge life zones defined for the location of the weather stations included in the analysis of local 3.2 11 conditions 3.3 Holdridge life zones defined for the Claro River’s watershed under historical climatic conditions 14 Holdridge life zones defined for the Claro River’s watershed under future climatic conditions 3.4 15 (2050) 3.5 Estimated changes in the extension of life zones under predicted climatic conditions (2050) 17 3.6 Experimental plots installed in the headwaters of the Claro River’s basin 18 Characteristics of the defined experimental plots - Holdridge life zones system, páramo belts 3.7 20 according to Rangel (1997), and Ecoandes transect by Kloosterman et al . (2003) Life and vegetation zones defined for the installed experimental plots, according to Kloosterman et 3.8 20 al . (2003)
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Figures
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3.1 High-altitude watershed of the Claro River and páramo belt classification according to altitude 8 3.2 Frailejón ( Espeletia hartwegiana ) 9 3.3 Typical flora of subpáramo , proper páramo , and superpáramo life zones 9 3.4 Holdridge life zones in the selected spatial domain (04 °25’N-05 °15’N and 75 °00’W-76 °00’W) 11 3.5 Areas of influence of nearby weather stations 14 3.6 Estimated spatial distribution of Holdridge life zones in the Claro River’s high altitude basin 16 Estimated areas of life zones present in the Claro River’s high altitude basin for current (historical) 3.7 17 and predicted (2050) climatic conditions Experimental plots installed in the headwaters of the Claro river’s high altitude basin during the 3.8 19 field campaign of December, 2009 3.9 Vegetation map of the headwaters of the Claro River’s high-altitude basin 21 Spatial distribution of Holdridge life zones (for historical climatic conditions) and experimental 3.10 21 plots installed during December, 2009 3.11 5 x 5 m experimental plot in proper páramo zone 22 3.12 1 x 1 m experimental plots in high proper páramo and superpáramo zones 22 3.13 Number of vascular species in 1 x 1 m and 5 x 5 m experimental plots 23 3.14 Percentage of ground cover in the 1 x 1 m experimental plots 24 3.15 Percentage of ground cover in the 5 x 5 m experimental plots 24 3.16 Number of families in the 1 x 1 m and 5 x 5 m experimental plots 25 3.17 Total number of species per family found in the 1 x 1 m plots 25 3.18 Total number of species per family found in the 5 x 5 m plots 26 3.19 Examples of key species in the subpáramo life zone of the Claro River’s high-altitude basin 27 Examples of characteristic species in the proper páramo life zone of the Claro River’s high-altitude 3.20 27 basin 3.21 Examples of key species in the superpáramo life zone of the Claro River’s high-altitude basin 28
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Chapter 3 Life zones
High altitude ecosystems are considered among the most vulnerable environments to changes in climatic conditions. This chapter describes our analyses on the extension of life zones in the area of the Claro River’s high-altitude basin, and the activities we propose to monitor potential changes in their distribution under future climatic conditions. The first section provides a delimitation of páramo belts in the selected watershed. It also includes a brief list of plant species inhabiting the Andean forests, and the subpáramo , proper páramo and superpáramo life zones. The second section deals with the delimitation of these areas in the high-altitude basin and its surroundings. Three classifications of high mountain ecosystems proposed in the literature are reviewed. The Holdridge classification system is then used to characterize the watershed and a selected spatial domain (04 °25’N-05 °15’N and 75 °00’W-76 °00’W), both under historical climatic conditions. Changes in the distribution and extension of life zones are also explored assuming the 2050-predicted climatic conditions, which are inferred from the statistically significant trends in temperature and rainfall discussed in Chapter 6. Upward-shifts, reductions, expansions, and appearances of non-existing life zones are suggested. Section 3.3 summarizes the monitoring activities conducted in the headwaters of the Claro River’s watershed. A description of the 1 x 1 m and 5 x 5 m experimental plots deployed in the area is also included. The location of these sites was defined according to the vegetation map of the Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, the altitudes of páramo belts, and the vegetation cover observed in each life zone. Section 3.3 also discusses the main results of our analyses, including the total number of vascular plant species, the percentage of other elements (defined through the GLORIA methodology), and the floristic composition. Section 3.4 proposes some key species that could be considered as potential bio-indicators of changes in the altitudinal location of subpáramo , proper páramo and superpáramo life zones. Finally, Appendix A summarizes the data gathered during our field campaigns.
7 3.1. Introduction
Colombian high mountain ecosystems include the Andean forests, the páramos, and the ice- capped and snow-covered mountain peaks. According to Van der Hammen (2002), the Andean forests are located in altitudes up to 3,200 m (and even up to 3,800 m in some cases); páramos habitats are commonly seen above ca. 3,000-3,200 m. Cuatrecasas (1934) divided these latter environments into three sub-categories according to their altitudes above sea level: the subpáramo , the proper páramo , and the superpáramo. Although the altitudinal ranges of these páramo belts vary considerably with geographic, climatic and edaphic conditions, the following ranges have been generally accepted: the subpáramo extends from 3,200 m to almost 3,800 m; the proper páramo is observed in the altitudinal belt 3,800 m- ca. 4,300 m; and the superpáramo extends all the way up to the ‘permanent’ snowline at around 4,800 m. Figure 3.1 shows the Claro River’s high-altitude watershed and the páramo belt classification according to the abovementioned altitudes.
Figure 3.1. High-altitude watershed of the Claro River and páramo belt classification according to altitude
In the Andean forests found in the Los Nevados Natural Park is common to find species of high to medium size like the Trompeto ( Bocconia frutescens ) and the well-known –Colombian national tree– and endangered species Palma de Cera ( Ceroxylon quindiuense ). The subpáramo is generally characterized by the presence of bushes and small plants. Species like the Espino de Oro ( Berberis rigidifolia ), the Puya ( Puya sp. ), and the Escallonia ( Escallonia sp .) grow in this life zone. The proper páramo is inhabited by a plenty number of endemic species of high-altitude flora, of which the Frailejón (Espeletia hartwegiana ) in the Asteraceae family is the most common and recognizable plant species (see Figure 3.2). Other important species in this environment include the Romero Blanco ( Diplostephium sp. ) and the Cojín ( Plantago rigida ). Finally, the superpáramo life zone is characterized by a significant reduction in the vegetative cover. At these altitudes only the most adapted species to adverse climatic and edaphic conditions can survive. Species like the Senecio ( Senecio canescens ) and Deditos de páramo (Lycopodium crassum ) are generally considered as reference species to the superpáramo life zone (see Figure 3.3).
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Figure 3.2. Frailejón ( Espeletia hartwegiana ). Individual (left), flowers (top right) and leaves (bottom right). See the typical hair-covered and rosette-like shape leaves.
Figure 3.3. Typical flora of subpáramo , proper páramo , and superpáramo life zones. Left: Puya ( Puya sp. ); center: Romero Blanco ( Diplostephium sp. ); and right: Senecio ( Senecio canescens ).
3.2. Life zones
World’s ecosystems seem to be mostly determined by climatic conditions. The widely used Holdridge life zone classification system was first developed by Leslie R. Holdridge in 1947 and later updated in 1967. It is based on two key climatic variables: the mean annual bio-temperature and the total annual rainfall (Holdridge, 1987 and Espinal, 1991). Since the classification system considers physical variables that could be estimated through stations measurements, it has been extensively used to understand the potential impacts of climate change on land and vegetative cover. For instance, Emanuel et al . (2003) conducted a study on current and predicted global life zones and compared the world’s current Holdridge zones (estimated through meteorological records) to a new Holdrige map for a future Earth’s atmosphere with high CO 2 concentrations. Similar studies, on local scales, were conducted by Matarira
9 and Mwamuka (1996) in Zimbabwe, Mendoza et al . (2001) in Nicaragua, and Xiongwen et al . (2003) in China.
Recently, the Colombian Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) assessed the vulnerability of Colombian ecosystems to climate change, as part of the 2001-First National Communication to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The study estimated the changes in the distribution of Holdridge Life Zones and land cover that could be expected under a future 2xCO 2 moderate scenario/Hulme synthesis (IDEAM, 2001; Castaño, 2002; Gutiérrez, 2002). Modeling results suggest an upward shift of 500 m in altitude of about half of the area of Colombian high mountain ecosystems (Gutiérrez, 2002). This change would lead to reductions of the montane , subalpine, alpine, and nival altitudinal belts. According to the displacement-model of Holdridge life zones, 23% of the national territory could be affected (IDEAM, 2001). The Subalpine rain páramo (SArp), Subalpine páramo (SAp), Alpine rain tundra (Art), and Nival (N) life zones could experience the most significant impacts (see Table 3.1): specifically, changes of 55.4% and 77% of páramos and current nival cover are likely to occur. The vulnerability index proposed by the IDEAM (2001) suggests that about 4.2% and 95.8% of the high Andean forest cover could have high and medium vulnerabilities, respectively, to the analyzed climate change scenario. Similarly, 30% and 70% of the páramo cover, and 12.4% and 87.6% of the nival cover are likely to have high and medium vulnerabilities, respectively.
Table 3.1. Displacement of Holdridge life zones under a moderate climate change scenario (2xCO 2) Source: First Colombian Communication to the IPCC (IDEAM, 2001)
Holdridge life zones Cuatrecasas Holdridge life zones Cuatrecasas historical conditions clasification 2xCO 2 scenario clasification 76% to Montane wet forest (Mwf) Subalpine rain páramo Páramo 9% to Montane rain forest (Mrf) Subpáramo (SArp) 6% to Montane moist forest (Mmf) Subalpine páramo (SAp) Páramo 100% to Montane moist forest (Mmf) Subpáramo 99.6 % to Subalpine rain paramo (SArp) Alpine rain tundra (Art) Superpáramo Páramo 0.4% to Subalpine páramo (SAp) 65% to Subalpine rain páramo (SArp) Páramo Nival (N) Nival 27% to Alpine rain tundra (Art) Superpáramo
3.2.1. Analysis of local conditions
Significant changes in the composition, integrity and extension of páramo ecosystems could be expected in the future due to the changes in climatic conditions observed over recent decades. Critical disruptions could include the upward shift of transitions between life zones and the reduction in the extent of high-altitude environments. As a first approximation, the Holdridge classification system is used here to define possible variations in the current distribution of life zones in the high-altitude basin of the Claro River and its surroundings. Historical data of rainfall and temperature for the available weather stations are used as input to the Holdridge classification system. Life zones are assigned to the location of the considered met stations, as presented in Figure 3.4 and Table 3.2.
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Figure 3.4. Holdridge life zones in the selected spatial domain (04 °25’N-05 °15’N and 75 °00’W-76 °00’W). Dots represent the location of the surrounding met stations. The green solid line delineates the perimeter of the Los Nevados Natural Park; the red solid line shows the Claro River’s high altitude basin.
Weather stations considered for the analysis are located in the tropical, pre montane , lower montane , montane , and subalpine altitudinal belts. Roughly speaking, life zones in the selected spatial domain include the tropical moist forest (Tmf), the pre montane moist forest (PMmf), the pre montane wet forest (PMwf), the lower montane moist forest (LMmf), the lower montane wet forest (LMwf), the montane moist forest (Mmf), the montane wet forest (Mwf), the subalpine páramo (SAp), and the subalpine rainy páramo (SArp).
Table 3.2. Holdridge life zones defined for the location of the weather stations included in the analysis of local conditions
Weather station Mean annual Total annual Altitude temperature rainfall Holdridge life zone [m] N ID Name [°C] [mm]
1 2613510 La Bohemia 23 1,799 1,020 Pre montane moist forest (PMmf) 2 2614503 La Camelia 19 1,894 1,670 Pre montane moist forest (PMmf) 3 2615517 Fca Tesorito 16 1,712 2,200 Lower montane moist forest (LMmf) 4 2121002 Las Juntas 18 1,556 1,765 Pre montane moist forest (PMmf) 5 2125011 Murillo 12 1,830 2,960 Montane wet forest (Mwf) Transition zone: Pre montane moist forest 6 2125050 Libano 19 2,197 1,585 (PMmf) to Pre montane wet forest (PMwf) Transition zone: Pre montane moist forest 7 2614009 Taparcal 20 2,187 1,520 (PMmf) to Pre montane wet forest (PMwf)
11 Weather station Mean annual Total annual Altitude temperature rainfall Holdridge life zone [m] N ID Name [°C] [mm]
La Virginia- 8 2614018 23 1,827 900 Alerta Pre montane moist forest (PMmf) Pre montane moist forest (PMmf) wet 9 2615006 Arauca 23 2,171 890 transition 10 2302501 Llanadas 20 - 1,420 - Transition zone: Pre montane moist forest 11 2615511 Apto La Nubia 17 1,505 2,080 (PMmf) to Lower montane moist forest (LMmf) I 2615515 Las Brisas 5 1,415 4,150 Subalpine rain paramo (SArp) Transition zone: Pre montane wet forest II 2125512 Villahermosa 17 2,316 2,029 (PMwf) to Lower montane wet forest (LMwf) III WMO 8014902 Chinchina 21 2,548 1,360 Pre montane wet forest (PMwf) Pre montane wet forest (PMwf) dry IV WMO 8014904 Chinchina 21 2,279 1,360 transition V WMO 8014911 Chinchina 21 2,561 1,310 Pre montane wet forest (PMwf) Transition zone: Pre montane moist forest WMO 8021000 VI Apto Matecana 21 2,207 1,338 IDEAM 2613504 (PMmf) and Pre montane wet forest (PMwf)
WMO 8021100 Pre montane moist forest moist transition VII Apto El Eden 22 2,019 1,204 IDEAM 2612506 (PMmf)
III WMO 8021101 El Paso 10 1,813 3,264 Montane wet forest (Mwf) IX WMO 8021400 Ibague Perales 23 1,902 928 Pre montane moist forest (PMmf) X CHEC 6-9009 Montenegro 14 2,079 2,600 Lower montane wet forest (LMwf) XI City of Manizales Manizales 16 - 2,150 - Pre montane wet forest dry transition XII 2615502 Cenicafé 21 2,534 1,310 (PMwf) XIII 2613505 Naranjal 21 2,718 1,381 Pre montane wet forest (PMwf) XIV 2615505 Agronomía 17 - 2,088 XV 2615509 Santágueda 23 2,240 1,026 Pre montane moist forest transition (PMmf) XVI 2613507 El Cedral 16 2,631 2,120 Lower montane moist forest (LMmf) Transition zone: Tropical moist forest XVII 2612524 La Catalina 21 2,202 1,321 (Tmf), Pre montane moist forest (PMmf) and Pre montane wet forest (PMwf) XVIII 2613506 El Jazmín 19 2,581 1,635 Pre montane wet forest (PMwf) Pre montane moist forest moist transition XIX 2125513 La Trinidad 20 2,117 1,453 (PMmf) XX 2613511 Veracruz 19 2,543 1,684 Pre montane wet forest (PMwf) Transition zone: Pre montane wet forest XXI 2613516 San Remo 17 2,512 2,000 (PMwf) to Lower montane wet forest (LMwf) Transition zone: Montane wet forest XXII 2613514 La Laguna 6 1,111 4,000 (Mwf) to Subalpine paramo (SAp) XXIII 2124509 La Ermita 10 992 3,250 Montane moist forest (Mmf) XXIV 2615016 La Esperanza 16 1,641 2,220 Lower Montane moist forest (LMmf) XXV 2302013 La Leonera 8 1,898 3,580 Montane wet forest (Mwf) XXVI 2615015 Papayal 16 1,884 2,220 Lower Montane moist forest (LMmf)
12 3.2.2. Analysis of the Claro River’s watershed
Historical climatic conditions : the estimated spatial distribution of Holdridge life zones in the Claro River’s high altitude basin for historical climatic conditions is presented in Table 3.3 and in the top panel of Figure 3.6. The spatial distribution is defined using the historical climatic conditions observed at seven nearby met stations. The areas of influence of mean annual values are initially defined through the Thiessen Polygon method, as depicted in Figure 3.5. Mean annual temperatures follow the equation for the Andean zone given by Tmean(°C)=28.307–0.0056517*H , where H denotes the altitude above sea level, expressed in m. A detailed discussion on the total annual rainfall values can be found in Chapter 6.
Projected climatic conditions : The estimated spatial distribution of Holdridge life zones in the Claro River’s high altitude basin for the predicted climatic conditions is presented in Table 3.4 and in the bottom panel of Figure 3.6. Expected climatic conditions are determined by extrapolating, into the future, the statistically significant trends observed in the historical records of mean annual temperatures and total annual rainfall (see Chapter 6 on analysis of climatic conditions). Analyses of temperature data gathered at Las Brisas and El Cedral weather stations suggest positive trends that result in increases in mean annual temperatures by 2050 of about 4.5 and 1.8°C respectively, with respect to historical climatic conditions. Rainfall data collected at the Papayal and Montenegro met stations show decreasing trends that suggest reductions in total annual rainfall of about 811 and 1,286 mm, respectively, by 2050.
It is worth mentioning that the estimated and predicted Holdridge life zones exhibit non- homogenous distributions. This characteristic is a result of the spatial distributions (for historical and future climatic conditions) of total annual rainfall amounts and mean annual temperatures in the high altitude watershed and its surroundings. The interpolation method used for estimating the areas of influence of weather stations and the differences between statistically significant trends observed in the data cause non-homogenous/sharp shapes. In particular, discontinuous Lower montane moist forest (LMmf), Montane wet forest (Mwf), Subalpine rain páramo (SArp), and Alpine rain tundra (Art) life zones are observed. The lack of temperature data for the Montenegro station implies the assumption of no trend in temperature for its area of influence, resulting in the discontinuity of the LMmf life zone. Also, no trend was found in total annual rainfall amounts gathered at La Laguna station, whereas a non-existing trend in mean annual temperatures had to be assumed for its area of influence given the lack of data. On the other hand, records of temperature in Las Brisas met station show a strong positive trend in mean annual temperatures. As a result of all these differences in statistically significant trends, the Mwf, SArp and Art life zones, located in the areas of influence of these two weather stations, appear discontinuous.
However, if we assume these spatial distributions of life zones as the basis for these analyses, it can be argued that increasing mean annual temperatures and decreasing total annual rainfall amounts could cause significant changes in the distribution and extension of life zones in the Claro River’s basin (see Figure 3.6). Our analyses suggest that these high-altitude ecosystems could become drier and some non-existent life zones such as the Lower montane dry forest (LMdf), which corresponds to the sub- humid province, could appear in the watershed by 2050. Our analyses also suggest an expected upward shift in life zones that could lead to the reduction of some key environments, particularly the subalpine (proper páramo ), alpine ( superpáramo ) and nival (glaciers) belts, as well as to the expansion of other life zones (see figure 3.7).
13 Table 3.3. Holdridge life zones defined for the Claro River’s watershed under historical climatic conditions
Altitudinal Tmean R Holdridge life zones adjusted to Met station Holdridge life zone Belt [°C] [mm] Cuatrecasas system 1,650-2,000 Papayal 21.0 to 17.0 1,884 Pre montane moist forest (PMmf) Moist Andean forest Transition zone: Lower montane Transition zone: Moist high 2,000-3,000 Papayal 17.0 to 12.0 1,884 moist forest (LMmf) to Lower Andean forest to wet high montane wet forest (LMwf) Andean forest Montenegro 17.0 to 12.0 2,079 Lower montane wet forest (LMwf) Wet high Andean forest El Cedral 15.7 to 12.0 2,631 Lower montane wet forest (LMwf) Wet high Andean forest Montane wet forest (Mrf) wet 3,000-4,000 Montenegro 12.0 to 9.0 2,079 Rainy subpáramo transition Papayal 12.0 to 9.0 1,884 Montane wet forest (Mwf) Wet subpáramo Montenegro 9.0 to 6.0 2,079 Montane rain forest (Mrf) Rainy subpáramo Las Brisas 12.0 to 6.0 1,415 Montane wet forest (Mwf) Wet subpáramo Montane rain forest (Mrf) dry El Cedral 12 to 10.5 2,631 transition Rainy subpáramo El Cedral 10.5 to 8.0 2,631 Montane rain forest (Mrf) Rainy subpáramo Transition zone: Montane wet forest Transition zone: moist La Laguna 12.0 to 9.0 1,111 (Mwf) to Montane moist forest (Mmf) subpáramo to wet subpáramo La Laguna 9.0 to 6.0 1,111 Montane wet forest (Mwf) Wet subpáramo Las Juntas 12.0 to 9.0 1,556 Montane wet forest (Mwf) Wet subpáramo 4,000-4,500 Las Brisas 6.0 to 3.0 1,415 Subalpine rain páramo (SArp) Rainy páramo Transition zone: Subalpine páramo Transition zone: páramo to La Laguna 6.0 to 4.5 1,111 (SAp) to Subalpine rain páramo rainy páramo (SArp) La Laguna 4.5 to 3.0 1,111 Subalpine rain páramo (SArp) Rainy páramo Las Juntas 6.0 to 3.0 1,556 Subalpine rain páramo (SArp) Rainy páramo 4,500-4,800 Las Brisas 3.0 to 1.5 1,415 Alpine rain tundra (Ar t) Rainy superpá ramo La Laguna 3.0 to 1.5 1,111 Alpine rain tundra (Art) Rainy superpáramo > 4,800 Las Brisas < 1.5 1,415 Nival Nival La Laguna < 1.5 1,111 Nival Nival
Figure 3.5. Areas of influence of nearby weather stations. Dots represent the location of met stations; the red solid line delimits the high-altitude watershed.
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Table 3.4. Holdridge life zones defined for the Claro River’s watershed under future climatic conditions (2050)
Tmean 2050 R 2050 Holdridge life zones adjusted to Met station Holdridge life zone [°C] [mm] Cuatrecasas system
Transition zone: Premontane moist Transition zone: moist Andean Papayal 21.0 to 17.0 1,073 forest (PMmf) to Premontane dry forest forest to dry Andean forest (PMdf) Papayal 17.0 to 12.0 1,073 Lower montane moist forest (LMmf) Moist high Andean forest Montenegro 17.0 to 12.0 793 Lower montane dry forest (LMdf) Dry high Andean forest El Cedral 17.6 to 17.0 2,631 Premontane wet forest (PMwf) Wet Andean forest El Cedral 17.0 to 12.0 2,631 Lower montane wet forest (LMwf) Wet high Andean forest Las Brisas 16.7 to 12.0 1,415 Lower montane moist forest (LMmf) Moist high Andean forest Montenegro 12.0 to 6.0 793 Montane moist forest (Mmf) Moist subpáramo Las Juntas 12.0 to 6.0 1,556 Montane wet forest (Mwf) Wet subpáramo Transition zone: Montane moist forest Transition zone: moist subpáramo Papayal 12.0 to 9.0 1,073 (Mmf) to Montane wet forest (Mwf) to wet subpáramo Las Brisas 12.0 to 6.0 1,415 Montane wet forest (Mwf) Wet subpáramo Transition zone: Montane moist forest Transition zone: moist subpáramo La Laguna 12.0 to 9.0 1,111 (Mmf) to Montane wet forest (Mwf) to wet subpáramo La Laguna 9.0 to 6.0 1,111 Montane wet forest (Mwf) Wet subpáramo El Cedral 12.0 to 10.5 2,631 Montane rain forest (Mrf) dry transition Rainy subpáramo El Cedral 10.5 to 8.0 2,631 Montane rain forest (Mrf) Rainy subpáramo Las Juntas 6.0 to 3.0 1,556 Subalpine rain páramo (SArp) Rainy páramo Las Brisas 6.0 to 3.0 1,415 Subalpine rain páramo (SArp) Rainy páramo Transition zone: Subalpine páramo Transition zone: páramo to rainy La Laguna 6.0 to 4.5 1,111 (Sap) to Subalpine rain páramo (SArp) páramo La Laguna 4.5 to 3.0 1,111 Subalpine rain páramo (SArp) Rainy páramo La Laguna 3.0 to 1.5 1,111 Alpine rain tundra (Art) Rainy superpáramo La Laguna < 1.5 1,111 Nival Nival
Table 3.5 summarizes the predicted changes in the areas of life zones. The total analyzed area, which comprises the Claro River’s watershed and its surroundings (within the spatial domain shown in Figure 3.6) reaches 489 km 2, approximately. The Subalpine rain páramo (SArp), the Alpine rain tundra (Art) and the nival (N) life zones could experience reductions of about 31%, 53% and 80%, respectively, by 2050. The Montane wet forest (Mwf) could have an increase of 56% in its surface area. Finally, the Montane moist forest (Mmf) could appear in the region, given the predicted climatic conditions.
In terms of the Cuatrecasas classification, reductions in the areas of nival zone, superpáramo , proper páramo , and subpáramo could reach 80%, 53%, 22%, and 83%, respectively. In general terms, the reduction in the total páramo zone (which comprises the three páramo zones mentioned above) is expected to reach 53.8%. These predictions agree with those proposed by the First National Communication (NC1) to the IPCC, which also established the change in the area of the different land covers according to the change in the Holdridge life zones. The NC1 report indicates expected changes of 77% and 55% for nival and páramo zones, respectively (IDEAM, 2001).
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Figure 3.6. Estimated spatial distribution of Holdridge life zones in the Claro River’s high altitude basin; top panel: historical climatic conditions; bottom panel: projected 2050 climatic conditions. Dots represent the location of nearby weather stations. The red solid line delimits the high-altitude watershed.
16 Table 3.5. Estimated changes in the extension of life zones under predicted climatic conditions (2050)
Area [km 2] Cuatrecasas Change in Change Holdridge life zone Historical Projected system climatic climatic area [km 2] (%) conditions conditions (2050) Transition zone: Pre montane moist Trans.z_PMmf to 7.70 7.70 100 forest to Pre montane dry forest PMdf Andean forest Pre montane moist forest PMmf 7.90 -7.90 -100 Pre montane wet forest PMwf 0.08 0.08 100 Lower montane dry forest LMdf 27.59 27.59 100 Transition zone: Lower montane Trans.z_LMmf to moist forest to Lower montane wet 27.78 -27.78 -100 LMwf High Andean forest forest Lower montane moist forest LMmf 55.02 55.02 100 Lower montane wet forest LMwf 40.70 29.02 -11.68 -29 Montane moist forest Mmf 36.73 36.73 100 Transition zone: Montane moist Trans.z_Mmf to 1.08 1.45 0.37 34 forest to Montane wet forest Mwf Montane wet forest Mwf Subpáramo 101.07 157.26 56.19 56 Montane wet forest wet transit ion Mwf wet trans. 34.84 -34.84 -100 Montane rain forest dry transition Mrf dry trans. 13.53 11.50 -2.02 -15 Montane rain forest Mrf 25.84 9.03 -16.81 -65 Transition zone: Subalpine páramo Trans.z_SAp tp 46.94 46.74 -0.20 -0.4 to Subalpine rain páramo SArp Páramo Subalpine rain páramo SArp 116.48 80.18 -36.30 -31 Alpine rain tundra Art Superpáramo 43.50 20.65 -22.84 -53 Nival N Nival 29.24 5.93 -23.31 -80 Total 488.88 488.88
160 157.3
140
120 116.5 101.1 100 80.2 80 55.0 Area (km2) Area 60 46.9 46.7 43.5 40.7 36.7 40 34.8 29.2 29.0 27.8 27.6 25.8 20.7 13.5
20 11.5 9.0 7.9 7.7 5.9 1.4 1.1 0.1 0
Historical climatic conditions 2050 projected conditions
Figure 3.7. Estimated areas of life zones present in the Claro River’s high altitude basin for current (historical) and predicted (2050) climatic conditions.
17 3.3. Field analysis
3.3.1. Experimental plots and life zones
As part of the process of understanding the dynamics of high mountain life zones and their transitions under climatic tensors, monitoring activities were proposed for the study site. Various altitudinal experimental plots were deployed along the Claro River’s mainstream. With these plots we aim to: (i) characterize life zones and their transitions; (ii) identify key species of flora as possible indicators of each life zone; and (iii) establish a base line for future monitoring of changes in the composition and extension of life zones under changes in climatic conditions.
A first experimental plot of 10 x 2 m was placed in the high proper páramo life zone during the field trip conducted from September 6 to 10, 2008 (ST4). The methodology suggested by previous studies in the Andean forests (ISA-JAUM, 2004) was followed. The experimental plot was linked to the mark # M037 of the GIS platform; its geographic coordinates are 04°50'10" N and 75°21'36" W. 9 families, 14 genera and 7 species, for a total of 21 different species, were identified (see data on Appendix A.1). Five more altitudinal experimental plots were installed in the headwaters of the Claro River’s high- altitude basin during the field trip conducted from December 16 to 21, 2009 (ST5); see Table 3.6, Figure 3.8, and data on Appendix A.2 to A.9. The experimental plot installed in the high proper páramo during the field campaign of September, 2008 was replaced with plot No.3 (see Table 3.6), in order to match the dimensions and analyses proposed for the group of installed plots. A GPS mark (#M067) was also created on the GIS platform in the area of the snowline of Santa Isabel Nevado. Given the absence of vegetation during the field trip of December/2009, no experimental plots were associated (see Table 3.6).
The location of all these monitoring sites was defined according to the vegetation map of the Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, available from the Ecoandes transect conducted by Kloosterman et al. (2003). They were also defined according to the altitudes of páramo belts proposed by Rangel (1997), Castaño (2002), and Van der Hammen (2002), as well as considering the vegetation cover observed in each life zone. The vegetation map by Kloosterman et al. (2003; see Figure 3.9), in particular, is based on aerial photo-interpretations and field surveys conducted in 1980 and 1983, during the Ecoandes transect project (Kloosterman et al., 2003). That project is considered one of the most complete and detailed studies of land cover (vegetation and plant communities) and terrain characteristics (substrate, soils, and geomorphology) conducted over recent decades in Colombian Andean zones, the Colombian Central Cordillera, and particularly the Los Nevados Natural Park.
Table 3.6. Experimental plots installed in the headwaters of the Claro River’s basin
Altitude Experimental No. Life zone Location Mark [m] plot Transition zone: subpáramo to Salto de la Cueva, Claro River’s 5 x 5 m 1 3,780 029 proper páramo waterfall 1 x 1 m Main trail, near to the shortcut to 5 x 5 m 2 Proper p áramo 4,042 076 Conejeras’ track 1 x 1 m Nariz del Diablo, on the trail to 5 x 5 m 3 High proper páramo 4,270 037 Laguna Verde 1 x 1 m Conejeras’ track, near to the first Transition zone: High proper 4 4,265 confluence with the Santa Barbara 056 1 x 1 m páramo to superpáramo Creek Conejeras’ track to Santa Isabel’s 5 Superpáramo 4,520 061 1 x 1 m glaciar 6 Nival 4,560 Santa Isabel snowline 067 -
18 The experimental plots (5 in total) and the mark 067 (snowline) are considered a baseline for future analysis of possible changes in vegetation and altitudinal location of life zones.
Figure 3.8. Experimental plots (represented by dots) installed in the headwaters of the Claro river’s high altitude basin during the field campaign of December, 2009. The red solid line delimits the high-altitude watershed.
Life zones (and their respective altitudes) defined for the experimental plots were compared with the páramo classifications proposed by Holdridge (1987), Rangel (1997) (corresponding to Cuatrecasas’ classification) and Kloosterman et al. (2003) (see Table 3.7). Roughly speaking, the páramo classification is relatively similar despite the different denominations. For instance, plots 2, 3 and 4 are considered to be installed in the Subalpine altitudinal belt (4,000-4,500 m) according to the Holdridge classification system. They are also considered to be deployed in proper páramo areas (3,600-4,100 m) according to Rangel (1997). Finally, they seem to be part of Middle páramo (4,000-4,300 m) and Upper páramo (4,150-4,400 m) areas, if the classification by Kloosterman et al. (2003) is used. The altitudes proposed for páramo belts by Holdridge and Rangel (1997) classification systems vary for each particular zone according to local environmental conditions. The Kloosterman et al. (2003) classification corresponds to the specific zone of the Los Nevados Natural Park, and therefore is considered as the most adjusted description of life zones in the Claro River’s high-altitude basin.
Table 3.8 summarizes the life and vegetation zones defined for the installed experimental plots, according to the Ecoandes map by Kloosterman et al. (2003). Figure 3.9 depicts the spatial location of the proposed monitoring sites over the Ecoandes vegetation map of the headwaters of the Claro River’s high- altitude basin. Finally, Figure 3.10 shows the spatial distribution of Holdridge life zones (for historical climatic conditions; see section 3.2.2) and the location of the experimental plots installed during December, 2009.
19
Table 3.7. Characteristics of the defined experimental plots (Holdridge life zones system, páramo belts according to Rangel (1997), and Ecoandes transect by Kloosterman et al. (2003))
Páramo belt Ecoandes transect by Plots Altitudinal belt Holdridge life zones system by Rangel (1997) Kloosterman et al . (2003) High Andean Transition zone: subpáramo to Lower 1 3,780 m 2,000-3,000 m Andean <3,200 m dwarf 3,550-3,900 m Proper páramo Montane forest forest Lower - - - Montane 3,000-4,000 Subpáramo 3,200-3,600 3,800-4,200 páramo Middle 2 Proper páramo 4,042 4,000-4,300 páramo Proper Subalpine 4,000-4,500 3,600-4,100 3 High proper páramo 4,270 páramo Upper 4,150-4,400 4 High proper páramo /superpáramo 4,265 páramo Super- Super- 5 Superpáramo 4,520 Alpine 4,500-4,800 >4,100 m 4,300-4,600 páramo páramo 6 Nival 4,560 Nival >4,800 m Nival Nival 4,600-4,800
Table 3.8. Life and vegetation zones defined for the installed experimental plots, according to Kloosterman et al. (2003)
Plots Ecoandes transect by Kloosterman et al. (2003) No. Life zone Altitude (m) Vegetation zone Altitude (m) Vegetation belt Transition zone: 1 subpáramo to proper 3,780 B32 Andean dwarf forest 3,700-3,900 Hesperomeles - Gynoxys páramo Calamagrostis recta - 2 Proper páramo 4,042 M51 Middle páramo 4,000-4,200 Calamagrostis effusa 3 High proper páramo 4,270 H11 Upper páramo 4,250-4,400 Calamagrostis recta High proper 4 4,265 S22 Superpáramo 4,400-4,450 Senecio canescens páramo /superpáramo 5 Superpáramo 4,520 N2 4,600-4,800 - Nival 6 Nival 4,560 N1 4,800 -
20
Figure 3.9. Vegetation map of the headwaters of the Claro River’s high-altitude basin. Source of info: Ecoandes transect by Kloosterman et al. (2003). The experimental plots/monitoring sites installed during December 16-21 of 2009 are represented by yellow dots; the red solid line delimits the Claro River’s high-altitude basin.
Figure 3.10. Spatial distribution of Holdridge life zones (for historical climatic conditions) and experimental plots installed during December, 2009.
21 3.3.2. Plots methodology
Experimental plots were spatially referenced with a precise Global Positioning System (GPS) and linked to marks on the GIS platform. Installed plots were divided into four quadrants (A, B, C, and D) for the identification of species and other elements. High resolution photographic records of encountered vascular plants were taken. Pictures allowed us to create a virtual database of high-altitude plants and to identify some of the unknown species. Sections A.1 to A.9 in Appendix A described the gathered data.
5 x 5 m ‘virtual’ plots were defined at lower altitudes where dense vegetation was observed (see Figure 3.11). Plots were located in the transition zone from subpáramo to proper páramo , and in the areas of proper páramo and high proper páramo . Vascular plant species were determined (in some cases only the genera or the family) and ground cover percentages were defined. 1 x 1 m ‘virtual’ plots were also placed; see Figure 3.12. These smaller plots were defined for all the considered life zones in the headwaters of the Claro River’s watershed; see sections A.3, A.5, A.7, A.8, and A.9 in Appendix A. Ground cover of vascular plant species were determined, as well as other parameters such as bryophytes, lichen, bare ground, solid rock, and litter, according to the methodology proposed by the GLORIA- Europe project (Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments). Worth to mention that the GLORIA project aims to: (a) constitute a global observation network of alpine environments; and (b) evaluate the potential impacts of climate change on these fragile alpine ecosystems and their related biodiversity losses (Villar and Alonso, 2003; Pauli et al ., 2003).
Figure 3.11. 5 x 5 m experimental plot in proper páramo zone. See the red rope delimiting one quadrant of the area.
Figure 3.12. 1 x 1 m experimental plots in high proper páramo (left) and superpáramo (right) zones
22
3.3.3. Plot results
Analyses of 1 x 1 m and 5 x 5 m experimental plots included the estimation of the total number of vascular plant species, the percentage of other elements (defined through the GLORIA methodology), and the floristic composition. Major results of each of these estimates are described as follows.
3.3.3.1. Vascular plant species
Figure 3.13 depicts the total number of vascular species found in the 1 x 1 m and 5 x 5 m experimental plots. The highest number of vascular species in 1 m 2 plots was found in the transition zone from high páramo to superpáramo (total number of 11 species). In the transition zone from subpáramo to proper páramo , as well as in the proper páramo zone, 9 species were identified. Finally, 6 species were observed in the high proper páramo and the superpáramo zones. The highest number of vascular species in 25 m 2 plots was found in the transition zone from subpáramo to proper páramo (total number of 33 species). In the proper páramo and the high proper páramo life zones 18 and 19 vascular species, respectively, were found in the 5 x 5 m plots.
35 35 33 1 x 1 m parcels 30 30 5 x 5 m parcels 25 25
20 20 18 19 15 15 11 Number of species of Number 10 10 species of Number 9 9 5 6 6 5
0 0 Subparamo / Proper Paramo High paramo High paramo/ Superparamo proper paramo Superparamo
Figure 3.13. Number of vascular species in 1 x 1 m (blue color) and 5 x 5 m (red color) experimental plots
3.3.3.2. Other elements
1 m 2 plots : Figure 3.14 depicts the percentages of ground cover found in the 1 x 1 m experimental plots. Bryophytes were found in the proper páramo , the high páramo and the superpáramo ; the highest percentage was observed in the high páramo zone. Litter was only found in the transition zone from subpáramo to proper páramo , and in the high páramo ; the highest percentage was observed in the mentioned transition zone. Lichen and solid rock covers exhibit increases in percentage with altitude. Finally, bare ground was only present in lower altitudes, including the transition zone from subpáramo to proper páramo , and the proper páramo .
25 m2 plots : Figure 3.15 depicts the percentages of ground cover found in the 5 x 5 m experimental plots. Most lichen cover was found in the transition zone from subpáramo to proper páramo . The high páramo exhibited the highest bryophytes cover in the analyzed plots. Finally, the bare ground had the highest percentage in the proper páramo zone.
23 45 40 40
35 30 30 Bryophytes 25 Litter 20 20 20 20 Lichen 15 Solid rock
Percentage(%) 15 10 10 10 Bare ground 10 5 5 2 2 0 0 00 00 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 Subparamo / Proper Paramo High paramo High paramo/ Superparamo proper paramo Superparamo
Figure 3.14. Percentage of ground cover in the 1 x 1 m experimental plots
25.0
21.6
20.0
16.7
15.0
Lichen Bryophytes 10.0 Bare ground Percentage(%)
4.6 5.0 3.5
1.4 0.5 0.4 0.0 0 0.0 Subparamo / Proper Paramo High paramo proper paramo
Figure 3.15. Percentage of ground cover in the 5 x 5 m experimental plots
3.3.3.3. Floristic composition
1 m 2 plots: the left panel on Figure 3.16 depicts the total number of families in the 1 x 1 m experimental plots. 16 families were found in total; the Asteraceae and the Poaceae are the most widely distributed families with the highest number of species. Specifically, the highest numbers of families were found in the transition zone from high proper páramo to superpáramo (8 families) and in the proper páramo (7 families).
24 Figure 3.17 depicts the total number of species per each family found in the 1 x 1 m plots. (i) In the lower altitude plot, which corresponds to the transition zone from subpáramo to proper páramo , the Asteraceae family was the most abundant (3 species), followed by the Poaceae with 2 species, and the Lamiaceae, the Rosaceae and the Rubiaceae with 1 species each. (ii) In the proper páramo , the Poaceae family was the most abundant (2 species), followed by the Asteraceae, the Caryophyllaceae, the Clusiaceae, the Fabaceae, the Geraniaceae, and the Polygonaceae families with 1 species each. (iii) In the high proper páramo , the most abundant families are the Asteraceae and the Poaceace with 2 species each; 1 species of the Geraniaceae and the Orchidiaceae families were also found in this life zone. (iv) In the transition zone from high proper páramo to superpáramo , 2 species of the Asteraceae and the Poaceae families were encountered; the Bromeliaceae, the Ericaceae, the Fabaceae, the Lomariopsidaceae, the Lycopodiaceae, and the Scrophulariaceae families were also found, with 1 species each. Finally, (v) in the superpáramo life zone the Asteraceae family was the most abundant, with 3 species; the Caryophyllaceae, the Lycopodiaceae, and the Poaceae families were also found, with 1 species each.
10 14 12 12 8 Subparamo / 8 7 proper paramo 10 9 Proper paramo 6 8 Subparamo / 8 5 proper paramo 4 4 High paramo Proper paramo 4 6 Total families Total Totalfamilies High paramo High proper paramo / 4 2 Superparamo 2 Superpáramo 0 0 Subparamo / Proper High paramo High proper Superpáramo Subparamo / Proper paramo High paramo proper paramo paramo / proper paramo paramo Superparamo
Figure 3.16. Number of families in the 1 x 1 m (left) and 5 x 5 m (right) experimental plots
4
3 Subparamo / proper paramo 2 proper paramo
High paramo
Number of species of Number 1 High proper paramo / Superparamo 0 Superpáramo
Figure 3.17. Total number of species per family found in the 1 x 1 m plots
25 25 m2 plots : the right panel on Figure 3.16 depicts the total number of families in the 5 x 5 m experimental plots. 19 families were found in total. Similarly to the 1 m 2 plots, the Asteraceae and the Poaceae families exhibit the highest number of species. Specifically, 12 families were found in the zone of transition from subpáramo to proper páramo . In the proper páramo and the high páramo zones 9 and 8 families were observed, respectively.
Figure 3.18 depicts the total number of species per each family found in the 5 x 5 m plots. (i) In the transition zone from subpáramo to proper páramo , the Asteraceae was the most abundant family (9 species). Also, 4 species of the Poaceae were found; 2 species of the Cyperaceae and the Rosaceae families were encountered; and 1 species of the Apiaceae, the Clusiaceae, the Ericaceae, the Lamiaceae, the Melastomataceae, the Polygonaceae, the Rubiaceae, and the Scrophulariaceae families were observed. (ii) In the proper páramo plot, the Poaceae family predominated with 7 species; 3 species of the Asteraceae family were observed; 2 species of the Apiaceae and 1 species of the Caryophyllaceae, the Fabaceae, the Gentianaceae, the Geraniaceae, and the Polygonaceae families were also encountered. Finally, (iii) in the high proper páramo , the Asteracea and the Poaceae families were the most abundant families, with 6 species each. Also, 1 species of the Caryophyllaceae, the Geraniaceae, the Orchidaceae, the Rosaceae, the Scrophulariaceae, and the Valerianaceae families were registered.
10
8
6 Subparamo / proper paramo 4 proper paramo Number of species of Number
2 High paramo
0
Figure 3.18. Total number of species per family found in the 5 x 5 m plots
In general, previous studies conducted in high mountain zones suggest decreases in floristic diversity with increases in altitude. Our 5 x 5 m plots exhibit, consistently, decreases in the total number of species and the total number of families with increases in altitude. Analyses of our 1 x 1 m plots, however, do not explicitly show this characteristic; we argue that the proposed size of the plots and the limited number of experimental monitoring sites installed in the field could affect this expected result.
3.4. Key species of life zones
During the characterization of life zones and their transitions, the recognition of flora species was also a fundamental activity. As discussed in Chapter 5, a general description of flora species inhabiting the study site was made by considering three sources of info: secondary information on páramo species (reports in literature), flora observed in the experimental plots, and general field observations. Several key species, commonly found in subpáramo , proper páramo and superpáramo zones, are herein proposed as potential bio-indicators of changes in the altitudinal location of life zones.
26
For the subpáramo , the Gynoxys sp. (Asteraceae family), the Berberis rigidifolia (common name: Espino de oro; Berberidaceae family), the Miconia salicifolia (common name: Velillal; Melastomataceae family), and the Monnina aff. salicifolia (Polygalaceae family) are considered some of the most representative species (see Figure 3.19).
Figure 3.19. Examples of key species in the subpáramo life zone of the Claro River’s high-altitude basin. Left picture: Miconia salicifolia ; Center: Berberis rigidifolia ; and right picture: Monnina aff. salicifolia .
For the proper páramo , the Espeletia hartwegiana (common name: Frailejón; Asteracea family), the Diplostephium sp. (common name: Romero blanco/de páramo ; Asteraceae family), the Gentianella sp. (common name: Violeta de páramo ; Gentianaceae family), the Plantago rigida (common name: Cojín; Plantaginaceae family), and the Valeriana plantaginae (common name: Valeriana; Valerianaceae family) are considered the representative species of this life zone (see Figure 3.20).
Figure 3.20. Examples of characteristic species in the proper páramo life zone of the Claro River’s high-altitude basin. Left picture: Gentianella sp.; Center: Plantago rigida ; and right picture: Diplostephium sp.
Finally, for the superpáramo , the Senecio canescens (common name: Girasol de páramo ; Asteracea family), the Loricaria colombiana (common name: Cacho de venado; Asteraceae family), the Lycopodium crassum (common name: Deditos de páramo ; Lycopodiaceae family), and the Draba pennell-hazenii (Brassicaceae family) are considered key species in this life zone; they have adapted to the most adverse climatic and edaphic conditions (see Figure 3.21).
27
Figure 3.21. Examples of key species in the superpáramo life zone of the Claro River’s high-altitude basin. Left picture: Lycopodium crassum ; Center: Draba pennell-hazenii ; and right picture: Loricaria colombiana .
28 Appendix A. Data gathered during field campaigns
A.1. Plot No. 3A (10 x 2 m) - High proper páramo plot, September 6-10 of 2008
Plot specifications No.Plot 3A Altitude 4,280 m Date 08/09/2008 Mark M037 Dimensions 10 x 2 m Life zone High proper páramo Nariz del Diablo, on the track to Laguna Location Verde
No. Family Scientific name 1 Apiaceae Apiaceae sp. 2 Asteraceae Diplostephium schultzii 3 Asteraceae Erigeron sp. 4 Asteraceae Espeletia hartwegiana 5 Asteraceae Senecio formosus 6 Asteraceae Senecio canescens 7 Asteraceae Oritrophium sp. 8 Asteraceae Werneria sp. 9 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp1 10 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 11 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp3 12 Clusiaceae Hypericum sp. 13 Fabaceae Lupinus alopecuroides 14 Geraniaceae Geranium sp. 15 Lycopodiaceae Lycopodium crassum 16 Poaceae Calamagrostis effusa 17 Scrophulariaceae Bartsia sp. 18 Valerianaceae Valeriana plantaginae 19 Unknown Msp1 20 Unknown Msp2 21 Unknown Msp3
A.2. Plot No. 1 (5 x 5 m) - Transition zone: subpáramo to proper páramo , December 16-21 of 2008
Plot specifications No.Plot 1 Altitude 3,780 m Date 18/12/2008 Mark M029 Dimensions 5 x 5 m Life zone Transition zone: subpáramo to proper páramo Location Salto de la Cueva, Claro River´s waterfall
Quadrant Other elements Cover percentage [%] B Lichen 6.0 - Bryophytes - A Bare ground 5.0 B Bare ground 5.0 C Bare ground 10.0
29 Quadrant No. Family Scientific name Cover percentage [%] A 1 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp4 30.0 A 2 Apiaceae Erygium humile 3.0 A 3 Asteraceae Aequatorium verrucosum 5.0 A 4 Asteraceae Aequatorium verrucosum 2.5 A 5 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp 8 2.0 A 6 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp5 2.0 A 7 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp6 0.5 A 8 Clusiaceae Hypericum sp1 2.0 A 9 Clusiaceae Hypericum sp1 1.0 A 10 Cyperaceae Carex sp1 5.0 A 11 Cyperaceae Carex sp2 8.0 A 12 Ericaceae Pernettya prostrata 4.0 A 13 Lamiaceae Satureja nubigea 2.0 A 14 Melastomataceae Miconia salicifolium 20.0 A 15 Poaceae Poaceae sp 7 8.0 A 16 Poaceae Poaceae sp1 0.2 A 17 Rosaceae Prunus sp1 0.1 A 18 Rosaceae Lachemilla aff . orbiculata 15.0 A 19 Rubiaceae Galyum hypocampum 1.5 A 20 Scrofulariaceae Castilleja fissifolia 0.1 B 21 Apiaceae Erygium humile 2.0 B 22 Asteraceae Cf. Diplostephium sp 5.0 B 23 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp5 6.0 B 24 Asteraceae Senecio formosus 1.0 B 25 Cyperaceae Carex sp1 1.0 B 26 Dryopteridaceae Elaphoglosum sp1 2.0 B 27 Ericaceae Pernettya prostrata 7.0 B 28 Lamiaceae Satureja nubigea 0.5 B 29 Melastomataceae Miconia salicifolium 8.0 B 30 Poaceae Poaceae sp7 10.0 B 31 Poaceae Poaceae sp8 35.0 B 32 Polygonaceae Rumex cf. acetocellae 2.0 B 33 Rosaceae Prunus sp1 4.0 B 34 Rosaceae Prunus sp1 3.0 B 35 Rosaceae Lachemilla aff. orbiculata 1.0 B 36 Rubiaceae Galyum hypocampum 1.0 B 37 Unknown Msp3 1.0 C 38 Apiaceae Erygium humile 3.0 C 39 Asteraceae Aequatorium verrucosum 30.0 C 40 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp8 3.0 C 41 Asteraceae Bacharis tricuneata 5.0 C 42 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp5 2.0 C 43 Clusiaceae Hypericum sp1 8.0 C 44 Cyperaceae Carex sp1 10.0 C 45 Poaceae Poaceae sp8 10.0 C 46 Polygonaceae Rumex cf. acetocellae C 47 Rosaceae Lachemilla aff. orbiculata 5.0 C 48 Rubiaceae Galyum hypocampum 3.0 C 49 Unknown Msp4 20.0 C 50 Unknown Msp5 0.1 C 51 Unknown Fern sp1 0.1 D 52 Apiaceae Erygium humile 4.0 D 53 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp8 5.0 D 54 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp1 2.0 D 55 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp4 0.5 D 56 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp5 1.0 D 57 Asteraceae Aequatorium verrucosum 1.0 D 58 Lamiaceae Satureja nubigea 3.0
30 Quadrant No. Family Scientific name Cover percentage [%] D 59 Melastomataceae Miconia salicifolium 60.0 D 60 Myrsinaceae cf. Myrsine sp 2.0 D 61 Poaceae Poaceae sp 9 20.0 D 62 Polygonaceae Rumex cf. acetocellae 0.1 D 63 Rubiaceae Galyum hypocampum 9.0 D 64 Unknown Msp6 2.0
A.3. Plot No. 1 (1 x 1 m) - Transition zone: subpáramo to proper páramo , December 16-21 of 2008
Plot specifications No.Plot 1 Altitude 3,780 m Date 18/12/2008 Mark M029 Dimensions 1 x 1 m Life zone Transition zone: subpáramo to proper páramo Location Salto de la Cueva, Claro River´s waterfall
Other elements Cover percentage [%] Bryophytes - Litter 5.0 Lichen - Solid rock - Bare ground 20.0
No. Family Scientific name Cover percentage [%] 1 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp8 15.0 2 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp 7 5.0 3 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp5 5.0 4 Lamiaceae Satureja cf. Nubigea 20.0 5 Poaceae Poacaea sp8 10.0 6 Poaceae Poaceae sp9 5.0 7 Rosaceae Lachemilla aff. orbiculata 5.0 8 Rubiaceae Galium hypocampum 8.0 9 Unknown Msp 6 2.0
A.4. Plot No. 2 (5 x 5 m) - Proper páramo , December 16-21 of 2008
Plot specifications No.Plot 2 Altitude 4,042 m Date 20/12/2008 Mark M076 Dimensions 5 x 5 m Life zone Proper páramo Location Main trail, near to the shortcut to the Conejeras trail
Quadrant Other elements Cover percentage [%] A Lichen 2.0 B Lichen 0.1 D Lichen 0.5 A Bryophytes 8.0 C Bryophytes 5.0 D Bryophytes 5.0 A Bare ground 7.5
31 B Bare ground 24.0 C Bare ground 30.0 D Bare ground 25.0 B Fungi 5.1
Quadrant No. Family Scientific name Cover percentage [%] A 1 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp1 1.5 A 2 Fabaceae Lupinus microphillum 2.0 A 3 Gentianaceae Gentianella sp 2.0 A 4 Geraniaceae Geranium sp1 25.0 A 5 Poaceae Poaceae sp2 2.0 A 6 Poaceae Poaceae sp1 20.0 A 7 Poaceae Poaceae sp10 10.0 A 8 Poaceae Poaceae sp11 5.0 A 9 Polygonaceae Rumex cf. acetocellae 15.0 B 10 Apiacea e Erygium humile 0.8 B 11 Apiaceae Apiaceae sp1 0.1 B 12 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 25.0 B 13 Caryophyllaceae Cerastium sp1 3.0 B 14 Geraniaceae Geranium sp1 16.0 B 15 Poaceae Calamagrostis cf. effusa 15.0 B 16 Poaceae Poaceae sp1 12.0 B 17 Poaceae Poaceae sp6 1.0 B 18 Poaceae Poaceae sp2 1.0 B 19 Poaceae Poaceae sp11 5.0 B 20 Polygonaceae Rumex cf. acetocellae 6.0 C 21 Apiaceae Erygium humile 1.0 C 22 Apiaceae Erygium humile 0.5 C 23 Asteraceae Espeletia hartwegiana 10.0 C 24 Asteraceae Espeletia hartwegiana 12.0 C 25 Asteraceae Espeletia hartwegiana 9.0 C 26 Asteraceae Espeletia hartwegiana 15.0 C 27 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 0.5 C 28 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 0.5 C 29 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 20.0 C 30 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 3.0 C 31 Caryophyllaceae Cerastium sp1 10.0 C 32 Poaceae Poaceae sp2 2.0 C 33 Poaceae Poaceae sp 5 3.0 C 34 Poaceae Poaceae sp1 15.0 C 35 Poaceae Poaceae sp11 6.0 C 36 Poaceae Poaceae sp10 5.0 C 37 Poaceae Calamagrostis cf. effusa 5.0 C 38 Polygonaceae Rumex cf. acetocellae 10.0 C 39 Unknown Msp 8 8.0 D 40 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp1 1.5 D 41 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 20.0 D 42 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 10.0 D 43 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 5.0 D 44 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 5.0 D 45 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 1.0 D 46 Caryophyllaceae Cerastium sp1 4.0 D 47 Fabaceae Lupinus microphillum 1.0 D 48 Gentianaceae Gentianella sp 1.0 D 49 Geraniaceae Geranium sp1 20.0 D 50 Poaceae Calamagrostis cf. effusa 20.0
32 Quadrant No. Family Scientific name Cover percentage [%] D 51 Poaceae Calamagrostis cf. effusa 10.0 D 52 Poaceae Calamagrostis cf. effusa 5.0
A.5. Plot No. 2 (1 x 1 m) - Proper páramo , December 16-21 of 2008
Plot specifications No.Plot 2 Altitude 4,042 m Date 20/12/2008 Mark M076 Dimensions 1 x 1 m Life zone Proper páramo Location Main trail, near to the shortcut to Conejeras trail
Other elements Cover percentage [%] Bryophytes 10.0 Litter - Lichen 2.0 Solid rock - Bare ground 15.0
No. Family Scientific name Cover percentage [%] 1 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 5.0 2 Caryophyllaceae Cerastium sp1 5.0 3 Clusiaceae Hypericum sp1 5.0 4 Fabaceae Lupinus cf. microphillum 8.0 5 Geraniaceae Geranium sp1 10.0 6 Poaceae Calamagostis effusa 20.0 7 Poaceae Poaceae sp11 5.0 8 Polygonaceae Rumex cf. Acitocella 5.0 9 Unknown Msp 8 10.0
A.6. Plot No. 3 (5 x 5 m) - High proper páramo , December 16-21 of 2008
Plot specifications No.Plot 3 Altitude 4,270 m Date 17/12/2008 Mark M037 Dimensions 5 x 5 m Life zone High proper páramo Nariz del Diablo, on the trail to Laguna Location Verde
Quadrant Other elements Cover percentage [%] - Lichen - A Bryophytes 30.0 B Bryophytes 25.0 C Bryophytes 8.0 D Bryophytes 34.0 C Bare ground 2.0
Quadrant No. Family Scientific name Cover percentage [%] A 1 Asteraceae Senecio canescens 30.0 A 2 Asteraceae Senecio cf. isabellis 20.0
33 Quadrant No. Family Scientific name Cover percentage [%] A 3 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp1 10.0 A 4 Caryophyllaceae Cerastium sp1 10.0 A 5 Orchidaceae Orchidiaceae sp1 5.0 A 6 Poaceae Poaceae sp1 15.0 A 7 Poaceae Poaceae sp2 1.0 A 8 Valerianaceae Valeriana plantaginea 10.0 B 9 Asteraceae Diplostephium sp1 20.0 B 10 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp2 15.0 B 11 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp3 5.0 B 12 Asteraceae Senecio canescens 25.0 B 13 Asteraceae Senecio cf. isabellis 12.0 B 14 Orchidaceae Orchidiaceae sp1 1.0 B 15 Poaceae Poaceae sp1 2.0 B 16 Poaceae Poaceae sp3 2.0 B 17 Poaceae Poaceae sp1 5.0 B 18 Poaceae Poaceae sp2 0.5 B 19 Poaceae Poaceae sp4 0.2 B 20 Valerianaceae Valeriana plantaginea 8.0 C 21 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp3 10.0 C 22 Asteraceae Senecio canescens 15.0 C 23 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp1 0.8 C 24 Asteraceae Senecio cf. isabellis 1.0 C 25 Poaceae Calamagrostis cf. effusa 0.5 C 26 Poaceae Poaceae sp2 0.1 C 27 Poaceae Poaceae sp1 40.0 C 28 Rosaceae Lachemilla aff. nivalis 2.0 C 29 Rosaceae Lachemilla aff. nivalis 2.0 D 30 Asteraceae Senecio canescens 12.0 D 31 Asteraceae Senecio cf. isabellis 8.0 D 32 Asteraceae Diplostephium sp1 3.0 D 33 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp1 1.0 D 34 Geraniaceae Geranium sp1 1.0 D 35 Orchidaceae Orchidiaceae sp1 2.0 D 36 Poaceae Poaceae sp4 2.0 D 37 Poaceae Poaceae sp2 2.0 D 38 Poaceae Poaceae sp6 1.0 D 39 Poaceae Poaceae sp1 25.0 D 40 Scrophulariaceae Bartsia cf. laniflora 20.0 D 41 Valerianaceae Valeriana plantaginea 6.0
A.7. Plot No. 3 (1 x 1 m) - High proper páramo , December 16-21 of 2008
Plot specifications No.Plot 3 Altitude 4,270 m Date 17/12/2008 Mark M037 Dimensions 1 x 1 m Life zone High proper páramo Nariz del Diablo, on the trail to Laguna Location Verde
Other elements Cover percentage [%] Bryophytes 40.0 Litter 2.0 Lichen - Solid rock - Bare ground -
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No. Family Scientific name Cover percentage [%] 1 Asteraceae Senecio canescens 20.0 2 Asteraceae Senecio isabellis 3.0 3 Geraniaceae Geranium sp1 5.0 4 Orchidaceae Orchidaceae sp1 5.0 5 Poaceae Poaceae sp4 10.0 6 Poaceae Poaceae sp6 8.0
A.8. Plot No. 4 (1 x 1 m) - Transition zone: High proper páramo to superpáramo , December 16-21 of 2008
Plot specifications No.Plot 4 Altitude 4,265 m Date 19/12/2008 Mark M05 6 Dimensions 1 x 1 m Life zone Transition zone: High proper páramo to superpáramo Conejeras track, near to first confluence with the Santa Barbara Location Creek
Other elements Cover percentage [%] Bryophytes - Litter - Lichen 10.0 Solid rock 20.0 Bare ground -
No. Family Scienti fic name Cover percentage [%] 1 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp7 5.0 2 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp8 1.0 3 Bromeliaceae Bromeliaceae sp1 4.0 4 Dryopteridaceae Elaphoglosum sp2 17.0 5 Ericaceae Esicaceae sp1 3.0 6 Fabaceae Lupinus cf. microphyllum 8.0 7 Lycopodiaceae Lycopodium crassum 20.0 8 Poaceae Poaceae sp10 5.0 9 Poaceae Poaceae sp2 1.0 10 Scrophularuaceae Bartsia laniflora 5.0 11 Unknown Msp7 1.0
A.9. Plot No. 5 (1 x 1 m) - Superpáramo , December 16-21 of 2008
Plot specifications No.Plot 5 Altitude 4,520 m Date 19/12/2008 Mark M061 Dimensions 1 x 1 m Life zone Superpáramo Location Conejeras tra il to Santa Isabel G lacier
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Other elements Cover percentage [%] Bryophytes 20.0 Litter - Lichen 10.0 Solid rock 30 .0 Bare ground -
No. Family Scientific name Cover percentage [%] 1 Asteraceae Erigeron cf. chionophilus 7.0 2 Asteraceae Asteraceae sp1 4.0 3 Asteraceae Senecio canescens 1.0 4 Caryophyllaceae Cerastium sp1 5.0 5 Lycopodiaceae Lycopodium crassum 8.0 6 Poaceae Poaceae sp10 15.0
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