Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Orchidaceae family exhibits high floristic diversity in the montane ecosystems of the Peruvian Amazon, with altitude being a key factor influencing species distribution. This study assessed the diversity, abundance, and altitudinal distribution of orchid species in the Otishi National Park, located in the Native Community of Pichiquia (Satipo, Peru). A standardized floristic sampling (Gentry methodology) was conducted in two altitudinal strata: 1300 – 1500 m and 1800 – 2000 m.a.s.l., complemented by a systematic review of regional scientific literature. A total of 60 plots were established along six transects (0.6 ha in total), identifying 75 species belonging to 25 genera. The most representative genera were Epidendrum, Maxillaria, Elleanthus, Stelis, and Spathoglottis. The lower stratum (1300 – 1500 m) exhibited higher diversity (Shannon-Wiener index: 3.80; Pielou’s evenness: 0.93) compared to the upper stratum (1800 – 2000 m), which showed a diversity index of 3.54 and evenness of 0.88. Similarity analysis revealed low floristic overlap between strata (Jaccard index: 22.58%), suggesting a significant altitudinal effect on species composition. The systematic review showed consistent patterns of high orchid diversity in other Peruvian Protected Natural Areas, with variation driven by local ecological conditions. These findings emphasize the importance of continuing botanical inventories in biodiversity-rich zones and reinforcing conservation and sustainable management strategies for montane Amazonian ecosystems.
Source: Manglar
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414790232