Is drought altering plant populations in the mountainous region of Northeastern Mexico?

Abstract

Mortality in six plant species was examined in the vegetation of a mountain region in Northeastern Mexico and hypotheses of survival pathways within populations in the ecosystem were tested. Significant differences in the general mortality pattern were found among species indicating species-specific responses to stress gradients. Average mortality differed among species: Yucca carnerosana, 33.8%; Pinus cembroides, 29.9%; Larrea tridentata, 25.9%; Hechtia podantha, 13.7%; Agave lechuguilla, 13.0%; and Thelocactus santaclarensis, 9.0%. Within populations, mortality increased with water stress and survivorship increased with less stressful environments. Results from this study may be useful for the development of a management plan to support the conservation and sustainable use of forest vegetation in this mountain community.