Forest species of ecological importance in tropical dry forest fragments associated with a cultivation matrix of Gossypium herbaceum L. (La Guajira, Colombia)

The tropical dry forest is a dynamic ecosystem that develops in warm areas between 0-1000 meters of altitude with high genetic variability and supply of ecosystem services. The objective of the work was to identify forest species of conservation interest present in two remnants of tropical dry forest associated with a cultivation matrix of Gossypium herbaceum in the department of Guajira, Colombia. Ten transects of 100 m² were established in each of the remnants and ad libitum trails to record the tree species and their abundances. Also, data on repetition height, total height, diameter at breast height (DAP), cover, and phenological notes (vegetative state, presence of flowers, presence of fruits) of each individual were taken; the specimens were determined with specialized bibliography and database. The families with greater species richness were Leguminosae, Anacardiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Moraceae; the species with greater abundance were Albizia saman, Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, Anacardium excelsum, Astronium graveolens, Hura crepitans, Ficus sp, Guazuma ulmifolia, and Casearia corymbosa; in the neighboring tree vegetation, the following species were registered: Mangifera indica, Persea americana, Annona muricata, Azadirachta indica and palms such as Attalea butyracea and Cocos nucifera; the remnants showed a relatively homogeneous species composition, but with variable dominances; in the agricultural matrix of cotton cultivation, forest species have emerged that provide shade and maintenance of the humidity of the agricultural system. The forest inventory of the zone contributes to the knowledge of the diversity of the tropical dry forest that is drastically reduced in the south of La Guajira and represents inputs for the formulation of environmental management and conservation plans.