Abstract

CARO, Claudia; SANCHEZ, Edgar; QUINTEROS, Zulema  and  CASTANEDA, Liz. Andean grasslands response after disturbance by an extraction activity called "champeo" in the fields of the Rural Community of Villa Junín, Peru. Ecol. apl. [online]. 2014, vol.13, n.2, pp.85-95. ISSN 1726-2216.

Loss of vegetation cover by biomass extraction is one of the most important problems in the Andean grasslands. This research describes short and medium term changes in two types of Andean vegetation (puna grass and bog) after a human biomass extraction activity called "champeo" in the fields of the Villa de Junín Rural Community, inside the Junín National Reserve, Peru. Changes in species composition and vegetation biodiversity were determined monthly over a year. The floristic composition assessment allowed the identification of Ranunculus flagelliformis, Carex ecuadorica and Werneria pygmaea as pioneer species in the recuperation processes of both vegetation types. Paspalum sp and Calamagrostis vicunarum were late puna grass species, while Distichia muscoides characterized advanced stages in the bog. The puna grass showed an organized and progressive path in the recovery process, while the bog presented a discontinuous process, suggesting a less predictable dynamic. After four years, an evaluation to check the recovery status of vegetation was carried out, recognizing that the puna grass recovered its floristic composition, while the bog required a longer period to restore it. It is desirable that these results help to plan an appropriate range management in the area, improving their resilience to human disturbance.

Keywords : Bog; diversity; extraction; grasslands; puna grass; recovery.

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