In the Central Cordillera of the Dominican Republic, in the opinion of local dwellers natural fer... more In the Central Cordillera of the Dominican Republic, in the opinion of local dwellers natural fertility is higher in stonier soils than in soils without stones or with few stones. This was confirmed by analysis of data from 20 soils on slopes and ridges, without riparian influence. In these soils, pH and Ca content were correlated positively and Al saturation was correlated negatively with content of coarse material. This was not the case for 16 soils at riparian environments. With respect to land use, there is a dilemma due to the fact that soils with higher natural fertility tend to be situated at sites that are exposed to erosion risks.
Resumen En el Caribe, una parte importante de los recursos florales aprovechados por las abejas p... more Resumen En el Caribe, una parte importante de los recursos florales aprovechados por las abejas proviene de la vegetación natural y sus remanentes. Dada la tendencia de que los paisajes bajo influencia agropecuaria se tornan más inhospitalarios para las abejas, es necesaria la alianza entre la apicultura y la conservación de la biodiversidad. De todos modos, hay que tomar en consideración algunos puntos donde los intereses entre apicultura y conservación son divergentes, como las especies introducidas de plantas con potencial melífero, y la posible competencia entre Apis mellifera y animales polinizadores nativos. Palabras claves: Especies introducidas de plantas, Polinizadores nativos, Vegetación de interés apícola. Abstract In the Caribbean, an important part of floral resources used by honeybees are provided by natural vegetation or its remnants. Given the tendency of landscapes shaped by modern agriculture and animal husbandry to provide less resources for bees, an alliance between beekeeping and conservation of biodiversity is a growing necessity. At any rate, some points have to be considered where interests of beekeeping and conservation are divergent, such as introduced melliferous plant species, and the possible competition between Apis mellifera and native pollinizating animals.
INTERPRETING THE CONTRASTING
AFFECTS OF WOOD-CUTTING ON DRY
FOREST VEGETATION IN THE DOMINICAN
RE... more INTERPRETING THE CONTRASTING AFFECTS OF WOOD-CUTTING ON DRY FOREST VEGETATION IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-HAITI BORDER AREA In Haiti, wood and charcoal are important sources of domestic fuel, and wood-cutting for fuel is a major cause of degradation of the region’s dry forests, together with livestock pasturing (cattle and goats). In the Dominican Republic across the border, while the situation was similar some thirty years ago, conditions have changed and dry forests are showing signs of regeneration. The southernmost part of the border area between the two countries, around Anse-à-Pitre and Pedernales, offers an opportunity to compare the condition of dry forests on either side of the border, where the climatic and geological conditions are virtually identical. Our study shows denser tree and shrub cover and higher trees on the Dominican Republic side and a larger number of individual trees regenerating from multiple stems on the Haitian side. In general, the species composition is similar on both sides of the border, but there are significant differences in their frequency and abundance-dominance. Acacia scleroxylon, Amyris elemifera, Bursera simarouba, Capparis ferruginea and Guaiacum sanctum are more frequent in the Dominican Republic, while Acacia macracantha, Senna atomaria, Phyllostylon brasiliense and the two cacti Pilosocereus polygonus and Opuntia sp. are more frequent in Haiti. These differences may be attributed to the autecology of the species (e.g. capacity for colonising disturbed terrain and for vegetative regeneration) rather than to preferences for their use such as for firewood and charcoal. Keywords: charcoal, impact of human uses, vegetation structure, frequency and abundance-dominance of plant species, resilience, border zone, Dominican Republic, Haiti. RESUMEN ¿CÓMO INTERPRETAR LOS DESIGUALES EFECTOS DE LA EXTRACCIÓN DE MADERA EN LA VEGETACIÓN DEL BOSQUE SECO DEL ÁREA FRONTERIZA DOMINICO-HAITIANA? La leña y el carbón vegetal constituyen importantes fuentes de energía doméstica en Haití. Su extracción con fines energéticos supone un factor de degradación del bosque seco que se añade al pastoreo de animales domésticos (cabras, chivos y vacas). En en las zonas limítrofes de la República Dominicana la situación era similar hace tres décadas, pero actualmente las condiciones han cambiado y los bosques secos muestran señales de regeneración. En el extremo sur de la línea fronteriza entre los dos países, cerca de Anse-à-Pitre y Pedernales, se presenta la ocasión de comparar el estado del bosque seco a ambos lados, en condiciones geológicas y climáticas muy parecidas. Nuestro estudio muestra que la cubierta arbustiva y arbórea y la altura de los árboles es superior en la República Dominicana, mientras que el número de individuos multicaules procedente de regeneración vegetativa es superior en Haití. En general, la composición específica es similar a ambos lados de la frontera, pero aparecen diferencias significativas en las frecuencias y los valores de abundancia-dominancia. Acacia scleroxylon, Amyris elemifera, Bursera simarouba, Capparis ferruginea y Guaiacum sanctum son más frecuentes en la República Dominicana y, por el contrario, Acacia macracantha, Senna atomaria, Phyllostylon brasiliense y las dos cactáceas Pilosocereus polygonus y Opuntia sp. son más frecuentes en Haití. Estas diferencias obedecen más a la autoecología de las especies (p. ej.: capacidad de colonizar suelos alterados y capacidad de regeneración vegetativa) que a preferencias en su uso para leña o carbón. Palabras clave: carbón vegetal, impacto de la utilización humana, estructura de la vegetación, frecuencia y abundancia- dominancia de especies vegetales, resiliencia, área fronteriza, República Dominicana, Haití
Se prefieren sistemas que combinan cultivos agrícolas permanentes con árboles. Las distancias ent... more Se prefieren sistemas que combinan cultivos agrícolas permanentes con árboles. Las distancias entre los árboles suelen ser pequeños, con el objetivo de una buena utilización del espacio, y no es común la integración de especies que solamente dan un servicio ecológico. Se recomienda promover sistemas tipo taungya, para poder integrar los cultivos de ciclo corto, que generalmente necesitan plena luz.
Resumen
Entre septiembre 2010 a agosto 2013, en los municipios
Bánica y Pedro Santana, en el suro... more Resumen Entre septiembre 2010 a agosto 2013, en los municipios Bánica y Pedro Santana, en el suroeste de la República Dominicana, se realizaron observaciones de la floración de cuatro especies de interés apícola presentes en el bosque seco de la República Dominicana: Guaiacum officinale, Bursera simaruba, Acacia scleroxylon y Zizyphus rignonii. Durante los tres años, el momento de inicio de la floración no varió o solamente varió en una o dos quincenas. La proporción de árboles que llegaron a florecer disminuyó sensiblemente en los 2012 y 2013, período con época seca muy intensa. La intensidad de la visita de abejas en las flores también disminuyó en ese período. Además, la duración de la floración de Bursera simaruba y Acacia scleroxylon fue afectada negativamente por un exceso de lluvia de marzo a mayo 2012. Como recomendación de amortiguamiento al cambio climático, se recomienda mantener una diversidad de especies vegetales de interés apícola con diferentes épocas de floración.
From daily measurements, during seven days, before and after the installation of improved firewoo... more From daily measurements, during seven days, before and after the installation of improved firewood- saving stoves, firewood consumption was determined in 16 rural households and in a school kitchen, at some villages in the province of Elías Piña, (the frontier region of the Dominican Republic), in the dry forest zone as well as in the pine forest zone. Average annual consumption was 2.689 tons, cooking in a traditional way, and 1.476 tons, cooking with improved stoves, whichcorresponds to a mean yearly saving of 1.214 tons per household. Variations between the different households were found, probably due to different meals, different degrees of privation, and different cooking styles. No relationships were found between firewood consumption and the number of persons per household, or the number of meals per day. Efficiency changed with different tree species used as firewood. However, there is no evidence that these differences can affect the saving of firewood by improved stoves.
At the border of the Dominican Republic with Haiti, wood is used as fuel for domestic
purposes an... more At the border of the Dominican Republic with Haiti, wood is used as fuel for domestic purposes and small industries like bakeries. Inhabitants of the zone mentioned eight trees and shrubs as the preferred species for firewood, standing out the Acacia macracantha and the endemic species Acacia scleroxylon. Important criteria were that the wood lasts a long time in the fire, that it lights glowing embers, and that it does not produce smoke. With the current use of firewood, it is not considered to be an important factor of deforestation in the area by now. This situation could change if charcoal demand increases. Given the regrowth capacity of some of the species, it is recommended to develop sustainable
Abstract
The melliferous flora honey and its flowering in the subtropical
dry forest area of the ... more Abstract The melliferous flora honey and its flowering in the subtropical dry forest area of the Northwest, of the Dominican Republic were studied. A survey of 30 local beekeepers as well as four semi-structured interviews on important plants for beekeeping were applied. Plants were scored according to their importance by observation is confirmed in the field visits bees species observed and consulted information secondary on flowering dates and features honey, secondary data, and applied the index Jaccard to determine the degree of similarity between the set of the plants mentioned by beekeepers and observed in the field. Coincidence, relatively good, between the plants identified by beekeepers and plants were observed in the bee visits the field confirms the validity of the method. Most plants are identified as wild honey and belong to the dry forest vegetation. There is a period abundant flowering from March to June and a period shortages from September to December. Recommended conservation of significant areas of dry forest and of mangroves in coastal areas, and the establishment of hedges and other agroforestry systems in the agricultural landscape, which take into account tree species relevant to beekeeping, with additional flowering. Keywords: bee flora, flowering phenology, research participatory natural resource management.
Abstract
For approximately one year, observations were made of visits of honeybees at plants in t... more Abstract For approximately one year, observations were made of visits of honeybees at plants in the area of influence of three apiaries situated in different climatic zones of the northern region of the Dominican Republic. At the same time, the beekeepers were interviewed about plants they considered important for beekeeping. In the apiary of the dry forest zone and of the transitional zone, the areas of natural vegetation were of great importance, for production as well as for the maintenance of the hives, whereas in the apiary of the humid forest zone wild plant species in areas under influence of agriculture and animal husbandry were most important. Most of the plant species which were identified as resources for honeybees were mentioned by the beekeepers as important for beekeeping, but there is a tendency that they overrate plants of areas under cultural influence, and underrate plants from natural areas of relatively difficult access. Key words: Bee Flora; Natural and Cultural Areas; Flowering Periods; Participative Research, Beekeeping, Dominican Republic
Aprobado: Febrero 2013 RESUMEN En los alrededores de Mata Yaya, en el suroeste de la República Do... more Aprobado: Febrero 2013 RESUMEN En los alrededores de Mata Yaya, en el suroeste de la República Dominicana, se realizaron observaciones de la floración de Haematoxylon campechianum L., especie de interés apícola, durante la temporada 2011 -2012. El período de floración se extiende de noviembre hasta marzo/abril, coincidiendo aproximadamente con la época seca en la zona. Durante ese período, la floración de H. campechianum ocurre en forma de brotes, durante los cuales la especie exhibe floraciones de gran intensidad y corta duración. Estos brotes se inician cuatro o cinco días después de eventos de precipitación, y permanecen durante aproximadamente cinco a ocho días. Para que las abejas puedan aprovechar estas floraciones, se recomienda que estén presentes otras especies, cuya floración ocurre en la misma época y es más estable en el tiempo.
In the Central Cordillera of the Dominican Republic, in the opinion of local dwellers natural fer... more In the Central Cordillera of the Dominican Republic, in the opinion of local dwellers natural fertility is higher in stonier soils than in soils without stones or with few stones. This was confirmed by analysis of data from 20 soils on slopes and ridges, without riparian influence. In these soils, pH and Ca content were correlated positively and Al saturation was correlated negatively with content of coarse material. This was not the case for 16 soils at riparian environments. With respect to land use, there is a dilemma due to the fact that soils with higher natural fertility tend to be situated at sites that are exposed to erosion risks.
Resumen En el Caribe, una parte importante de los recursos florales aprovechados por las abejas p... more Resumen En el Caribe, una parte importante de los recursos florales aprovechados por las abejas proviene de la vegetación natural y sus remanentes. Dada la tendencia de que los paisajes bajo influencia agropecuaria se tornan más inhospitalarios para las abejas, es necesaria la alianza entre la apicultura y la conservación de la biodiversidad. De todos modos, hay que tomar en consideración algunos puntos donde los intereses entre apicultura y conservación son divergentes, como las especies introducidas de plantas con potencial melífero, y la posible competencia entre Apis mellifera y animales polinizadores nativos. Palabras claves: Especies introducidas de plantas, Polinizadores nativos, Vegetación de interés apícola. Abstract In the Caribbean, an important part of floral resources used by honeybees are provided by natural vegetation or its remnants. Given the tendency of landscapes shaped by modern agriculture and animal husbandry to provide less resources for bees, an alliance between beekeeping and conservation of biodiversity is a growing necessity. At any rate, some points have to be considered where interests of beekeeping and conservation are divergent, such as introduced melliferous plant species, and the possible competition between Apis mellifera and native pollinizating animals.
INTERPRETING THE CONTRASTING
AFFECTS OF WOOD-CUTTING ON DRY
FOREST VEGETATION IN THE DOMINICAN
RE... more INTERPRETING THE CONTRASTING AFFECTS OF WOOD-CUTTING ON DRY FOREST VEGETATION IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-HAITI BORDER AREA In Haiti, wood and charcoal are important sources of domestic fuel, and wood-cutting for fuel is a major cause of degradation of the region’s dry forests, together with livestock pasturing (cattle and goats). In the Dominican Republic across the border, while the situation was similar some thirty years ago, conditions have changed and dry forests are showing signs of regeneration. The southernmost part of the border area between the two countries, around Anse-à-Pitre and Pedernales, offers an opportunity to compare the condition of dry forests on either side of the border, where the climatic and geological conditions are virtually identical. Our study shows denser tree and shrub cover and higher trees on the Dominican Republic side and a larger number of individual trees regenerating from multiple stems on the Haitian side. In general, the species composition is similar on both sides of the border, but there are significant differences in their frequency and abundance-dominance. Acacia scleroxylon, Amyris elemifera, Bursera simarouba, Capparis ferruginea and Guaiacum sanctum are more frequent in the Dominican Republic, while Acacia macracantha, Senna atomaria, Phyllostylon brasiliense and the two cacti Pilosocereus polygonus and Opuntia sp. are more frequent in Haiti. These differences may be attributed to the autecology of the species (e.g. capacity for colonising disturbed terrain and for vegetative regeneration) rather than to preferences for their use such as for firewood and charcoal. Keywords: charcoal, impact of human uses, vegetation structure, frequency and abundance-dominance of plant species, resilience, border zone, Dominican Republic, Haiti. RESUMEN ¿CÓMO INTERPRETAR LOS DESIGUALES EFECTOS DE LA EXTRACCIÓN DE MADERA EN LA VEGETACIÓN DEL BOSQUE SECO DEL ÁREA FRONTERIZA DOMINICO-HAITIANA? La leña y el carbón vegetal constituyen importantes fuentes de energía doméstica en Haití. Su extracción con fines energéticos supone un factor de degradación del bosque seco que se añade al pastoreo de animales domésticos (cabras, chivos y vacas). En en las zonas limítrofes de la República Dominicana la situación era similar hace tres décadas, pero actualmente las condiciones han cambiado y los bosques secos muestran señales de regeneración. En el extremo sur de la línea fronteriza entre los dos países, cerca de Anse-à-Pitre y Pedernales, se presenta la ocasión de comparar el estado del bosque seco a ambos lados, en condiciones geológicas y climáticas muy parecidas. Nuestro estudio muestra que la cubierta arbustiva y arbórea y la altura de los árboles es superior en la República Dominicana, mientras que el número de individuos multicaules procedente de regeneración vegetativa es superior en Haití. En general, la composición específica es similar a ambos lados de la frontera, pero aparecen diferencias significativas en las frecuencias y los valores de abundancia-dominancia. Acacia scleroxylon, Amyris elemifera, Bursera simarouba, Capparis ferruginea y Guaiacum sanctum son más frecuentes en la República Dominicana y, por el contrario, Acacia macracantha, Senna atomaria, Phyllostylon brasiliense y las dos cactáceas Pilosocereus polygonus y Opuntia sp. son más frecuentes en Haití. Estas diferencias obedecen más a la autoecología de las especies (p. ej.: capacidad de colonizar suelos alterados y capacidad de regeneración vegetativa) que a preferencias en su uso para leña o carbón. Palabras clave: carbón vegetal, impacto de la utilización humana, estructura de la vegetación, frecuencia y abundancia- dominancia de especies vegetales, resiliencia, área fronteriza, República Dominicana, Haití
Se prefieren sistemas que combinan cultivos agrícolas permanentes con árboles. Las distancias ent... more Se prefieren sistemas que combinan cultivos agrícolas permanentes con árboles. Las distancias entre los árboles suelen ser pequeños, con el objetivo de una buena utilización del espacio, y no es común la integración de especies que solamente dan un servicio ecológico. Se recomienda promover sistemas tipo taungya, para poder integrar los cultivos de ciclo corto, que generalmente necesitan plena luz.
Resumen
Entre septiembre 2010 a agosto 2013, en los municipios
Bánica y Pedro Santana, en el suro... more Resumen Entre septiembre 2010 a agosto 2013, en los municipios Bánica y Pedro Santana, en el suroeste de la República Dominicana, se realizaron observaciones de la floración de cuatro especies de interés apícola presentes en el bosque seco de la República Dominicana: Guaiacum officinale, Bursera simaruba, Acacia scleroxylon y Zizyphus rignonii. Durante los tres años, el momento de inicio de la floración no varió o solamente varió en una o dos quincenas. La proporción de árboles que llegaron a florecer disminuyó sensiblemente en los 2012 y 2013, período con época seca muy intensa. La intensidad de la visita de abejas en las flores también disminuyó en ese período. Además, la duración de la floración de Bursera simaruba y Acacia scleroxylon fue afectada negativamente por un exceso de lluvia de marzo a mayo 2012. Como recomendación de amortiguamiento al cambio climático, se recomienda mantener una diversidad de especies vegetales de interés apícola con diferentes épocas de floración.
From daily measurements, during seven days, before and after the installation of improved firewoo... more From daily measurements, during seven days, before and after the installation of improved firewood- saving stoves, firewood consumption was determined in 16 rural households and in a school kitchen, at some villages in the province of Elías Piña, (the frontier region of the Dominican Republic), in the dry forest zone as well as in the pine forest zone. Average annual consumption was 2.689 tons, cooking in a traditional way, and 1.476 tons, cooking with improved stoves, whichcorresponds to a mean yearly saving of 1.214 tons per household. Variations between the different households were found, probably due to different meals, different degrees of privation, and different cooking styles. No relationships were found between firewood consumption and the number of persons per household, or the number of meals per day. Efficiency changed with different tree species used as firewood. However, there is no evidence that these differences can affect the saving of firewood by improved stoves.
At the border of the Dominican Republic with Haiti, wood is used as fuel for domestic
purposes an... more At the border of the Dominican Republic with Haiti, wood is used as fuel for domestic purposes and small industries like bakeries. Inhabitants of the zone mentioned eight trees and shrubs as the preferred species for firewood, standing out the Acacia macracantha and the endemic species Acacia scleroxylon. Important criteria were that the wood lasts a long time in the fire, that it lights glowing embers, and that it does not produce smoke. With the current use of firewood, it is not considered to be an important factor of deforestation in the area by now. This situation could change if charcoal demand increases. Given the regrowth capacity of some of the species, it is recommended to develop sustainable
Abstract
The melliferous flora honey and its flowering in the subtropical
dry forest area of the ... more Abstract The melliferous flora honey and its flowering in the subtropical dry forest area of the Northwest, of the Dominican Republic were studied. A survey of 30 local beekeepers as well as four semi-structured interviews on important plants for beekeeping were applied. Plants were scored according to their importance by observation is confirmed in the field visits bees species observed and consulted information secondary on flowering dates and features honey, secondary data, and applied the index Jaccard to determine the degree of similarity between the set of the plants mentioned by beekeepers and observed in the field. Coincidence, relatively good, between the plants identified by beekeepers and plants were observed in the bee visits the field confirms the validity of the method. Most plants are identified as wild honey and belong to the dry forest vegetation. There is a period abundant flowering from March to June and a period shortages from September to December. Recommended conservation of significant areas of dry forest and of mangroves in coastal areas, and the establishment of hedges and other agroforestry systems in the agricultural landscape, which take into account tree species relevant to beekeeping, with additional flowering. Keywords: bee flora, flowering phenology, research participatory natural resource management.
Abstract
For approximately one year, observations were made of visits of honeybees at plants in t... more Abstract For approximately one year, observations were made of visits of honeybees at plants in the area of influence of three apiaries situated in different climatic zones of the northern region of the Dominican Republic. At the same time, the beekeepers were interviewed about plants they considered important for beekeeping. In the apiary of the dry forest zone and of the transitional zone, the areas of natural vegetation were of great importance, for production as well as for the maintenance of the hives, whereas in the apiary of the humid forest zone wild plant species in areas under influence of agriculture and animal husbandry were most important. Most of the plant species which were identified as resources for honeybees were mentioned by the beekeepers as important for beekeeping, but there is a tendency that they overrate plants of areas under cultural influence, and underrate plants from natural areas of relatively difficult access. Key words: Bee Flora; Natural and Cultural Areas; Flowering Periods; Participative Research, Beekeeping, Dominican Republic
Aprobado: Febrero 2013 RESUMEN En los alrededores de Mata Yaya, en el suroeste de la República Do... more Aprobado: Febrero 2013 RESUMEN En los alrededores de Mata Yaya, en el suroeste de la República Dominicana, se realizaron observaciones de la floración de Haematoxylon campechianum L., especie de interés apícola, durante la temporada 2011 -2012. El período de floración se extiende de noviembre hasta marzo/abril, coincidiendo aproximadamente con la época seca en la zona. Durante ese período, la floración de H. campechianum ocurre en forma de brotes, durante los cuales la especie exhibe floraciones de gran intensidad y corta duración. Estos brotes se inician cuatro o cinco días después de eventos de precipitación, y permanecen durante aproximadamente cinco a ocho días. Para que las abejas puedan aprovechar estas floraciones, se recomienda que estén presentes otras especies, cuya floración ocurre en la misma época y es más estable en el tiempo.
Uploads
Papers by Thomas May
AFFECTS OF WOOD-CUTTING ON DRY
FOREST VEGETATION IN THE DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC-HAITI BORDER AREA
In Haiti, wood and charcoal are important
sources of domestic fuel, and wood-cutting
for fuel is a major cause of degradation
of the region’s dry forests, together
with livestock pasturing (cattle and goats).
In the Dominican Republic across the
border, while the situation was similar
some thirty years ago, conditions have
changed and dry forests are showing
signs of regeneration. The southernmost
part of the border area between the two
countries, around Anse-à-Pitre and Pedernales,
offers an opportunity to compare
the condition of dry forests on either side
of the border, where the climatic and geological
conditions are virtually identical.
Our study shows denser tree and shrub
cover and higher trees on the Dominican
Republic side and a larger number of individual
trees regenerating from multiple
stems on the Haitian side. In general, the
species composition is similar on both
sides of the border, but there are significant
differences in their frequency and
abundance-dominance. Acacia scleroxylon,
Amyris elemifera, Bursera simarouba,
Capparis ferruginea and Guaiacum sanctum
are more frequent in the Dominican
Republic, while Acacia macracantha,
Senna atomaria, Phyllostylon brasiliense
and the two cacti Pilosocereus polygonus
and Opuntia sp. are more frequent in Haiti.
These differences may be attributed to the
autecology of the species (e.g. capacity for
colonising disturbed terrain and for vegetative
regeneration) rather than to preferences
for their use such as for firewood
and charcoal.
Keywords: charcoal, impact of human
uses, vegetation structure, frequency
and abundance-dominance of plant species,
resilience, border zone, Dominican
Republic, Haiti.
RESUMEN
¿CÓMO INTERPRETAR LOS DESIGUALES
EFECTOS DE LA EXTRACCIÓN DE
MADERA EN LA VEGETACIÓN DEL
BOSQUE SECO DEL ÁREA FRONTERIZA
DOMINICO-HAITIANA?
La leña y el carbón vegetal constituyen
importantes fuentes de energía doméstica
en Haití. Su extracción con fines energéticos
supone un factor de degradación
del bosque seco que se añade al pastoreo
de animales domésticos (cabras, chivos
y vacas). En en las zonas limítrofes de la
República Dominicana la situación era
similar hace tres décadas, pero actualmente
las condiciones han cambiado y
los bosques secos muestran señales de
regeneración. En el extremo sur de la línea
fronteriza entre los dos países, cerca de
Anse-à-Pitre y Pedernales, se presenta la
ocasión de comparar el estado del bosque
seco a ambos lados, en condiciones geológicas
y climáticas muy parecidas. Nuestro
estudio muestra que la cubierta arbustiva
y arbórea y la altura de los árboles es superior
en la República Dominicana, mientras
que el número de individuos multicaules
procedente de regeneración vegetativa es
superior en Haití. En general, la composición
específica es similar a ambos lados
de la frontera, pero aparecen diferencias
significativas en las frecuencias y los
valores de abundancia-dominancia. Acacia
scleroxylon, Amyris elemifera, Bursera
simarouba, Capparis ferruginea y Guaiacum
sanctum son más frecuentes en la
República Dominicana y, por el contrario,
Acacia macracantha, Senna atomaria,
Phyllostylon brasiliense y las dos cactáceas
Pilosocereus polygonus y Opuntia
sp. son más frecuentes en Haití. Estas
diferencias obedecen más a la autoecología
de las especies (p. ej.: capacidad de
colonizar suelos alterados y capacidad de
regeneración vegetativa) que a preferencias
en su uso para leña o carbón.
Palabras clave: carbón vegetal, impacto
de la utilización humana, estructura de
la vegetación, frecuencia y abundancia-
dominancia de especies vegetales,
resiliencia, área fronteriza, República
Dominicana, Haití
Entre septiembre 2010 a agosto 2013, en los municipios
Bánica y Pedro Santana, en el suroeste de la República
Dominicana, se realizaron observaciones de la floración
de cuatro especies de interés apícola presentes en el
bosque seco de la República Dominicana: Guaiacum
officinale, Bursera simaruba, Acacia scleroxylon y
Zizyphus rignonii. Durante los tres años, el momento de
inicio de la floración no varió o solamente varió en una
o dos quincenas. La proporción de árboles que llegaron
a florecer disminuyó sensiblemente en los 2012 y 2013,
período con época seca muy intensa. La intensidad
de la visita de abejas en las flores también disminuyó
en ese período. Además, la duración de la floración de
Bursera simaruba y Acacia scleroxylon fue afectada
negativamente por un exceso de lluvia de marzo a
mayo 2012. Como recomendación de amortiguamiento
al cambio climático, se recomienda mantener una diversidad de especies vegetales de interés apícola con
diferentes épocas de floración.
saving stoves, firewood consumption was determined in 16 rural households and in a
school kitchen, at some villages in the province of Elías Piña, (the frontier region of the Dominican
Republic), in the dry forest zone as well as in the pine forest zone. Average annual consumption
was 2.689 tons, cooking in a traditional way, and 1.476 tons, cooking with improved stoves, whichcorresponds to a mean yearly saving of 1.214 tons per household. Variations between the different
households were found, probably due to different meals, different degrees of privation, and different
cooking styles. No relationships were found between firewood consumption and the number
of persons per household, or the number of meals per day. Efficiency changed with different tree
species used as firewood. However, there is no evidence that these differences can affect the saving
of firewood by improved stoves.
purposes and small industries like bakeries. Inhabitants of the zone mentioned eight
trees and shrubs as the preferred species for firewood, standing out the Acacia
macracantha and the endemic species Acacia scleroxylon. Important criteria were
that the wood lasts a long time in the fire, that it lights glowing embers, and that
it does not produce smoke. With the current use of firewood, it is not considered
to be an important factor of deforestation in the area by now. This situation could
change if charcoal demand increases. Given the regrowth capacity of some of the
species, it is recommended to develop sustainable
The melliferous flora honey and its flowering in the subtropical
dry forest area of the Northwest, of the Dominican
Republic were studied. A survey of 30 local beekeepers as
well as four semi-structured interviews on important plants
for beekeeping were applied. Plants were scored according
to their importance by observation is confirmed in the
field visits bees species observed and consulted information
secondary on flowering dates and features honey,
secondary data, and applied the index Jaccard to determine
the degree of similarity between the set of the plants
mentioned by beekeepers and observed in the field. Coincidence,
relatively good, between the plants identified by
beekeepers and plants were observed in the bee visits the
field confirms the validity of the method. Most plants are
identified as wild honey and belong to the dry forest vegetation.
There is a period abundant flowering from March
to June and a period shortages from September to December.
Recommended conservation of significant areas
of dry forest and of mangroves in coastal areas, and the
establishment of hedges and other agroforestry systems
in the agricultural landscape, which take into account tree
species relevant to beekeeping, with additional flowering.
Keywords: bee flora, flowering phenology, research participatory
natural resource management.
For approximately one year, observations were made of visits of honeybees at plants in the area of
influence of three apiaries situated in different climatic zones of the northern region of the Dominican
Republic. At the same time, the beekeepers were interviewed about plants they considered
important for beekeeping. In the apiary of the dry forest zone and of the transitional zone, the areas
of natural vegetation were of great importance, for production as well as for the maintenance of the
hives, whereas in the apiary of the humid forest zone wild plant species in areas under influence of
agriculture and animal husbandry were most important. Most of the plant species which were identified
as resources for honeybees were mentioned by the beekeepers as important for beekeeping,
but there is a tendency that they overrate plants of areas under cultural influence, and underrate
plants from natural areas of relatively difficult access.
Key words: Bee Flora; Natural and Cultural Areas; Flowering Periods; Participative Research,
Beekeeping, Dominican Republic
AFFECTS OF WOOD-CUTTING ON DRY
FOREST VEGETATION IN THE DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC-HAITI BORDER AREA
In Haiti, wood and charcoal are important
sources of domestic fuel, and wood-cutting
for fuel is a major cause of degradation
of the region’s dry forests, together
with livestock pasturing (cattle and goats).
In the Dominican Republic across the
border, while the situation was similar
some thirty years ago, conditions have
changed and dry forests are showing
signs of regeneration. The southernmost
part of the border area between the two
countries, around Anse-à-Pitre and Pedernales,
offers an opportunity to compare
the condition of dry forests on either side
of the border, where the climatic and geological
conditions are virtually identical.
Our study shows denser tree and shrub
cover and higher trees on the Dominican
Republic side and a larger number of individual
trees regenerating from multiple
stems on the Haitian side. In general, the
species composition is similar on both
sides of the border, but there are significant
differences in their frequency and
abundance-dominance. Acacia scleroxylon,
Amyris elemifera, Bursera simarouba,
Capparis ferruginea and Guaiacum sanctum
are more frequent in the Dominican
Republic, while Acacia macracantha,
Senna atomaria, Phyllostylon brasiliense
and the two cacti Pilosocereus polygonus
and Opuntia sp. are more frequent in Haiti.
These differences may be attributed to the
autecology of the species (e.g. capacity for
colonising disturbed terrain and for vegetative
regeneration) rather than to preferences
for their use such as for firewood
and charcoal.
Keywords: charcoal, impact of human
uses, vegetation structure, frequency
and abundance-dominance of plant species,
resilience, border zone, Dominican
Republic, Haiti.
RESUMEN
¿CÓMO INTERPRETAR LOS DESIGUALES
EFECTOS DE LA EXTRACCIÓN DE
MADERA EN LA VEGETACIÓN DEL
BOSQUE SECO DEL ÁREA FRONTERIZA
DOMINICO-HAITIANA?
La leña y el carbón vegetal constituyen
importantes fuentes de energía doméstica
en Haití. Su extracción con fines energéticos
supone un factor de degradación
del bosque seco que se añade al pastoreo
de animales domésticos (cabras, chivos
y vacas). En en las zonas limítrofes de la
República Dominicana la situación era
similar hace tres décadas, pero actualmente
las condiciones han cambiado y
los bosques secos muestran señales de
regeneración. En el extremo sur de la línea
fronteriza entre los dos países, cerca de
Anse-à-Pitre y Pedernales, se presenta la
ocasión de comparar el estado del bosque
seco a ambos lados, en condiciones geológicas
y climáticas muy parecidas. Nuestro
estudio muestra que la cubierta arbustiva
y arbórea y la altura de los árboles es superior
en la República Dominicana, mientras
que el número de individuos multicaules
procedente de regeneración vegetativa es
superior en Haití. En general, la composición
específica es similar a ambos lados
de la frontera, pero aparecen diferencias
significativas en las frecuencias y los
valores de abundancia-dominancia. Acacia
scleroxylon, Amyris elemifera, Bursera
simarouba, Capparis ferruginea y Guaiacum
sanctum son más frecuentes en la
República Dominicana y, por el contrario,
Acacia macracantha, Senna atomaria,
Phyllostylon brasiliense y las dos cactáceas
Pilosocereus polygonus y Opuntia
sp. son más frecuentes en Haití. Estas
diferencias obedecen más a la autoecología
de las especies (p. ej.: capacidad de
colonizar suelos alterados y capacidad de
regeneración vegetativa) que a preferencias
en su uso para leña o carbón.
Palabras clave: carbón vegetal, impacto
de la utilización humana, estructura de
la vegetación, frecuencia y abundancia-
dominancia de especies vegetales,
resiliencia, área fronteriza, República
Dominicana, Haití
Entre septiembre 2010 a agosto 2013, en los municipios
Bánica y Pedro Santana, en el suroeste de la República
Dominicana, se realizaron observaciones de la floración
de cuatro especies de interés apícola presentes en el
bosque seco de la República Dominicana: Guaiacum
officinale, Bursera simaruba, Acacia scleroxylon y
Zizyphus rignonii. Durante los tres años, el momento de
inicio de la floración no varió o solamente varió en una
o dos quincenas. La proporción de árboles que llegaron
a florecer disminuyó sensiblemente en los 2012 y 2013,
período con época seca muy intensa. La intensidad
de la visita de abejas en las flores también disminuyó
en ese período. Además, la duración de la floración de
Bursera simaruba y Acacia scleroxylon fue afectada
negativamente por un exceso de lluvia de marzo a
mayo 2012. Como recomendación de amortiguamiento
al cambio climático, se recomienda mantener una diversidad de especies vegetales de interés apícola con
diferentes épocas de floración.
saving stoves, firewood consumption was determined in 16 rural households and in a
school kitchen, at some villages in the province of Elías Piña, (the frontier region of the Dominican
Republic), in the dry forest zone as well as in the pine forest zone. Average annual consumption
was 2.689 tons, cooking in a traditional way, and 1.476 tons, cooking with improved stoves, whichcorresponds to a mean yearly saving of 1.214 tons per household. Variations between the different
households were found, probably due to different meals, different degrees of privation, and different
cooking styles. No relationships were found between firewood consumption and the number
of persons per household, or the number of meals per day. Efficiency changed with different tree
species used as firewood. However, there is no evidence that these differences can affect the saving
of firewood by improved stoves.
purposes and small industries like bakeries. Inhabitants of the zone mentioned eight
trees and shrubs as the preferred species for firewood, standing out the Acacia
macracantha and the endemic species Acacia scleroxylon. Important criteria were
that the wood lasts a long time in the fire, that it lights glowing embers, and that
it does not produce smoke. With the current use of firewood, it is not considered
to be an important factor of deforestation in the area by now. This situation could
change if charcoal demand increases. Given the regrowth capacity of some of the
species, it is recommended to develop sustainable
The melliferous flora honey and its flowering in the subtropical
dry forest area of the Northwest, of the Dominican
Republic were studied. A survey of 30 local beekeepers as
well as four semi-structured interviews on important plants
for beekeeping were applied. Plants were scored according
to their importance by observation is confirmed in the
field visits bees species observed and consulted information
secondary on flowering dates and features honey,
secondary data, and applied the index Jaccard to determine
the degree of similarity between the set of the plants
mentioned by beekeepers and observed in the field. Coincidence,
relatively good, between the plants identified by
beekeepers and plants were observed in the bee visits the
field confirms the validity of the method. Most plants are
identified as wild honey and belong to the dry forest vegetation.
There is a period abundant flowering from March
to June and a period shortages from September to December.
Recommended conservation of significant areas
of dry forest and of mangroves in coastal areas, and the
establishment of hedges and other agroforestry systems
in the agricultural landscape, which take into account tree
species relevant to beekeeping, with additional flowering.
Keywords: bee flora, flowering phenology, research participatory
natural resource management.
For approximately one year, observations were made of visits of honeybees at plants in the area of
influence of three apiaries situated in different climatic zones of the northern region of the Dominican
Republic. At the same time, the beekeepers were interviewed about plants they considered
important for beekeeping. In the apiary of the dry forest zone and of the transitional zone, the areas
of natural vegetation were of great importance, for production as well as for the maintenance of the
hives, whereas in the apiary of the humid forest zone wild plant species in areas under influence of
agriculture and animal husbandry were most important. Most of the plant species which were identified
as resources for honeybees were mentioned by the beekeepers as important for beekeeping,
but there is a tendency that they overrate plants of areas under cultural influence, and underrate
plants from natural areas of relatively difficult access.
Key words: Bee Flora; Natural and Cultural Areas; Flowering Periods; Participative Research,
Beekeeping, Dominican Republic