Abstract Detail

Tropical Biology Section

Callaghan, James A. [1], Hayden, W. John [2].

The Helen Moyers Biocultural Reserve at Rancho Kiuic, Yucatan, Mexico: An Introduction to the Reserve and its Flora.

The Helen Moyers Biocultural Reserve at Rancho Kiuic is located in the Puuc Hills region of the state of Yucatan, Mexico. Established in 2001, it is managed by Kaxil Kiuic, A.C., a Mexican NGO with strong ties to Millsaps College (Jackson, MS). The 4,000 forested acres of the site surround Kiuic, an ancient Maya center currently under active archeological investigation. Further, the reserve also encompasses the historical frontier settlement of San Sebastian (Rancho Kiuic), now the infrastructure center of the site. Vegetation is low deciduous to medium semi-deciduous forest, and except for limited areas (e.g., the archeological zone), the forest has been undisturbed for twenty to seventy (or more) years. Ten collecting trips over the last five years provide a preliminary overview of the floristic inventory of the reserve. To date, ca 315 species (in 76 families and 226 genera) have been documented. Legumes (37 species in 22 genera) and Euphorbiaceae (29 species in 12 genera) are especially well represented. Other notably diverse plant families include Asteraceae, Rubiaceae, Malvaceae s.l., and Apocynaceae s.l. Flora of the reserve is documented primarily by herbarium specimens deposited at URV, UADY, and CICY, and secondarily by a web site that maintains an up to date checklist with links to information on individual species and numerous photographs. Although infrastructure is still under development, the reserve welcomes inquiries from investigators wishing to study its rich biotic resources.

1 - Kaxil Kiuic, A.C., Calle 10 No. 66 por 7 y 9, Col. San Antonio Cinta,, Merida, Yucatan, 97139, Mexico
2 - University of Richmond, Department of Biology, Richmond, Virginia, 23173, USA

Keywords:
Yucatan
Puuc
Kiuic
biological reserve
Flora.

Presentation Type: Paper
Session: 8-1
Location: Peruvian (Cliff Lodge)
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2004
Time: 8:30 AM
Abstract ID:471