Efecto del fuego en la estructura poblacional y la regeneración de dos especies de encinos ( Quercus liebmanii Oerst. y Quercus magnoliifolia Née) en la región de La Montaña (Guerrero), México

This study analyzed the effect of superficial fires on population structure and individual crown area of two tree species: Quercus liebmanii and Q. magnoliifolia, in San José Lagunas, Guerrero, southern Mexico. For each species two sites were selected, in which ca. 350 individuals were recorded per species. Individuals were classified in four size categories. During the study period (1993-95), superficial fires occurred at all four sites. As a result, the relative frequency of the smallest plants increased due to height reductions among juveniles, while there were no changes in adult tree frequency. Analysis of changes in crown cover showed that seedlings and adult trees recovered from fire, while there were reductions in crown cover in the juvenile categories. It is concluded that although both species tolerate fires, the high frequency fire regimen prevailing in the study area may inhibit the regeneration of their populations.