Mangrove ecosystem structure and spatiotemporal distribution patterns in a decade of study (2006 to 2016) of the Carpintero lagoon (Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico)

Abstract

The forest structure and disposition patterns of mangroves were analyzed to characterize the population dynamics of a mangrove swamp with historical environmental disturbance. During a decade of work (2006 to 2016) unique sampling was conducted biannually in six permanent transects of 0,1 ha in the Laguna del Carpintero, circumscribed to the urban area of Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The normal trunk diameter and tree height showed systematic increases over time. The ecological importance value index showed temporal fluctuations with a final determination (2016) of 55\% for L. racemosa, 25\% A. germinans, 18\% R. mangle, and 2\% C. erectus. Also, the Holdridge complexity index increased with variation from 0,4 (2006) to 2,1 (2016), marking a trend of subjective improvement for structural physiognomy. Statistically, a dispersion index was verified as a predominating spatial arrangement in an aggregate pattern. The presence and spread of R. mangle in this lagoon have been documented for the first time. We conclude that the research represents a baseline of ecological knowledge, which proportionally defines a population dynamically adapted and progressing in the face of historical disturbance conditions.