Hurricane-induced effects on species composition and tree structure have been previously measured and used to describe successional trajectories in Caribbean forests such as those in the Luquillo Monutains, Puerto Rico. A network of permanent forest plots was used to quantify and contrast the effects of a direct impact of a recent category 4 hurricane (María, September 2017) to those of a hurricane 30 years ago at the same site (Hugo, September, 2018).
Using a network of at the Bisley Experimental Watersheds on the north eastern of the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rio, trees were identified to species, diameter measured and structural effects post-hurricane were categorized.
Results/Conclusions
Five months after hurricane María, 80% of stems previously measured in 2014 were still standing. Most trees had evidence of total crown defoliation and missing branches while less than 20% were prone or leaning. Root exposure occurred in fewer that 15% of examined trees. Although the hurricane reduced stem density, this effect was not evenly distributed among all geomorphic settings (slopes, ridges, and valleys). Post-hurricane tree species composition, stem structure and stem density results are contrasting among geomorphic settings with greater differences among ridges and valleys, west and east facing slopes. We contrast and discuss the post-hurricane Hugo (September 1989) effects on species composition, stem density and forest structure with those post-hurricane María.