Evaluación de la composición florística de ecosistemas páramos para proponer estrategias de conservación en la zona de protección hídrica Quinllunga, provincia de Bolívar

Abstract

This degree work focused on the generation of conservation measures for the Quinllunga Water Protection Area, located in the province of Bolívar, Ecuador. In addition, the analysis of the floristic composition of the high Andean paramo ecosystem was carried out, which covers an area equivalent to 516.84ha. This analysis was carried out by evaluating and characterizing the plant species present in the area, dividing the area into three altitudinal ranges: high, medium and low. For data collection, stratified random sampling was applied, using a mixed methodology that included quadrats of 1 m2 every 20 meters for the collection of herbaceous species, as well as 100-meter-long trail-type transects for sampling the shrub stratum. Subsequently, the registration, enumeration and tabulation of the plant species found in an inventory was carried out. These samples were herbalized and classified for identification in the ESPOCH herbarium. Jointly, various biodiversity indices were calculated, such as the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson index to determine diversity and dominance, as well as the Margalef and Menhinick index to identify species richness. These calculations were carried out by sampling at 60 predefined points using Geographic Information Systems, which allowed obtaining a complete view of the state of conservation of the water protection zone. This study contributes to promoting the ecological and economic zoning of the activities carried out by the populations settled in the area, at the same time systematically protecting the quality and quantity of water that supplies the different localities of the province, avoiding disproportionate progress. of the agricultural frontier, thus promoting the conservation of the moor and more efficient management of natural resources by the relevant authorities.