CONTRIBUCION A LA CLASIFICACION ECOLOGICA Y FLORISTICA DE LOS BOSQUES DE BOLIVIA CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECOLOGICAL AND FLORISTICAL CLASSIFICATION OF BOLIVIAN FORESTS

Abstract

A new classification of bolivian forests, based on ecological and floristical criteria, is being proposed. The new classification system is based on a bioclimatic zonation of Bolivia and was developed by analyzing standard meteorological information, provided by the Servicio Nacional de Meteorologia e Hidrologia (SENAMHI). The different forest types were arranged considering bioclimatically and biogeographically aspects. Furthermore, they were typified on the basis of their ecological, structural, and floristic properties. For each forest type their known distribution, within the country and characteristic species, are presented. The classification unit used is the VEGETATION SERIES in the context of climax forests and their successional stages. Using this method, 93 vegetation series and/or macroseries were identified within Bolivia. The vegetation series presented here are also being used as cartographic units for a vegetation map of Bolivia that is currently being developed.