Comparative analysis between the mangrove swamps of the Caribbean and those of the State of Guerrero (Mexico)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to know the diversity and state of conservation of the mangrove swamps of Central America. The study area is the State of Guerrero and the Dominican Republic and more precisely the sites of Tres Palos, Laguna de Coyuca, Majagua, Punta Arena (Sabana de la Mar), Barracote, Bahía de Samaná, Playa Las Cejas, Playa Morón, Playa El Alemán, Portillo, Laguna Redonda, Boca de Nisibón, Playa del Macao, Laguna de Bávaro, Punta Aljibe (Bahía Catalina), Isla Catalinita, Boca del Soco and Laguna de Oviedo. With the plant samples taken in the above mentioned sites, we created a synthetic table out of 16 phytosociological tables belonging to 6 original associations and 9 associations obtained from the bibliographical study. With the purpose of obtaining a similarity gradient (matching) between the associations under study, we carried out a statistical analysis (clustering, principal component analysis and Jaccard similarity/dissimilarity analysis). Our phytosociological approach relied on criteria such as biogreography and dynamic-catenal contact. Our sampling analysis has led us to propose the following syntaxa: Machaerio lunati-Rhizophoretum manglis; Rhabdadenio biflorae-Laguncularietum racemosae; Sthalio monospermae-Laguncularietum racemosae; Lonchocarpo pycnifolii-Conocarpetum erecatae; Lonchocarpo sericei-Laguncularietum racemosae; Crataevo tapiae-Conocarpetum erectae. We also propose a new alliance and a change of status: Phyllantho elsiae-Laguncurion racemosae; Dalbergio-Rhizophorion manglis (Borhidi 1991) status novo. The mangrove swamps of Central America are arranged in three vegetation bands corresponding to different plant associations. The analysis of the three sampled area not only revealed the degradation of the vegetation but also the causative factors.