XVI International Botanical Congess

The Chicaque Natural park preserves 3.1 km2 of Andean Forest. It excels because of its natural profits. We analized its vegetation structure and diversity to design a Conservation Strategy. We found 14 Vegetation´s Physiognomic Units (VPU). To characterize the VPU we studied 33 plots, with sizes between 1000 and 4 m2. In the plots we measured reachness, alfa-diversity and structural complexity (DBH woody plants > 2.5 cm). VPU Conservation priorities were determined using the HES model (Habitat Evaluation System), with alfa-diversity, structural complexity and conservancy, endangered species and endemisms. The most important VPU to preserve are the Closed high hygrophyte mosaic of Ruagea glabra and Ficus insipida on abrupt slopes (HES=93), and the Closed high mesophyte forests of Quercus humboldtii on plains and inclined slopes (HES=73).