Analysis of the published information abou floristic composition of natural forests in Uruguay

Abstract

Published information about Uruguayan natural forests is analyzed, and comparisons among data from different sites are performed, in order to define targets and methodology for future research. Species lists of natural forests of 9 departments of the country (Salto, Durazno, Paysandú, Soriano, Rivera, Tacuarembó, Treinta y Tres, Maldonado and Rocha) are analyzed and compared. Phytosociological features ofthe forests are included when the information is available. In spite ofthe small territory and reduced natural forest land in Uruguay, biodiversity oftree and shrub vegetation are considerable. It is concluded that in Uruguayan natural forests, when the variability is great and the area occupied by the forest is wide, the results ofthe phytosociological analysis carried out in small sites are not representative for the whole forest; they should be considered merely as contributions for the ecological characterization of the area. If human and economical efforts are to be optimized to maximize sampling efficiency, more care should be put on sampling design, including sampling techniques, plot size and number, and plot location on the field.