Functional types of plants in response to disturbance in a coastal microphyll semi-deciduous forest of eastern Cuba

Abstract

As a consequence of human disturbance in the semi-deciduous forest in Siboney-Juticí Ecological Reserve, several changes have been produced. Futures actions for restoration in this vegetation require knowing the functional roll of the species during the postperturbations process. The disturbance level, considering its sources and characteristics, was assessed in some sites. Functional types were determined by the analysis of relative abundance in differently disturbed sites and the species functional traits (light demand or shade tolerance, fruits types and seed dispersion). With this information a cluster analysis was realized. Three functional types in response to disturbance were determined: spreaders, colonizers and stabilizer. Into each functional type, a group of species that defines the post disturbance dynamics and propitiates the restoration (dynamo-genetic species) was distinguished from another group of species (diversifiers) which confers diversity, redundancy and resilience to the system. The species redundancy within the functional types, although with differences in their abundances, allows them to be present and develop their functions in all disturbance levels. Because of this, the knowledge and use of the functional type constitute an important factor for developing ecological restoration strategies in this forest.