Structure of the Jácome mangroves, Veracruz, Mexico (Ramsar Site 1602)

Abstract

The general objective was to carry out a first evaluation of the conservation status of the mangrove structure of the Jácome estuary. In this area, there is growing industrial and port activity, which could impact the conditions of the wetland, hence, evaluating the system's structure is necessary to detect modifications. The area was divided based on the possible distribution of mangrove species into Zone 1 Jácome, Zone 2 Marinos and Zone 3 TPT. The central Quadrant Method (PCQM) was used, height and diameter at breast height were measured and basal area, density, Importance Value Index and Complexity Index were calculated. Two physiognomic types were distinguished: edge (Zone 1), dominated by Rhizophora mangle (83.12%), and basin (Zones 2 and 3), dominated by Avicennia germinans (50.0%) and Laguncularia racemosa (51.2%) respectively. The highest density is in Zone 1, and the highest altitude is in Zone 3; Zone 2 has the highest complexity index due to the presence of the three species. The mangrove in the Jácome estuary is identified as mature. There are statistically significant differences in salinity and basal area by zone (P<0.0001). This work contributes to the generation of information on the conservation status of the little-studied mangrove of the Ramsar Site, which serves to manage and conserve these mangroves near the port development.