Tree spatial distribution in 1-hectare of Amazonian white-sand forest ("wet varillal"), Loreto, Peru

With the enthusiastic support of several undergrads from the Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana (UNAP), we established a 1-hectare (200 x 50 m) tree plot in a "wet varillal" forest of the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve, Loreto, Perú. The goal was to study the spatial distribution of trees in relation to the sunlight reaching the forest floor, terrain slope, and drainage conditions. 

Studies of tree spatial distribution can be used to improve management plans of trees in the Amazon, in such a way that the ecological edaphic preferences of species are taken into account both for reforestation or extraction with reduced impact. There are other ecological studies that can be carry out within the 1-ha forest plot now that have all the trees have been mapped, measured and tagged (for instance, plant-animal relationships, natural regeneration, forest biomass, mycorrhizal associations, nutrient cycling). Recently, an undergrad thesis studied the distribution of "varillal" birds and their foraging types within this plot. This permanent plot is being re-measured and monitored every two years and the data made available to the scientific community as part of the RAINFOR plot network (http://www.rainfor.org/).  We hope that these results will encourage similar research projects in Loreto and other regions of the Amazon.