Arboreal species identified in the Educational Forest of University of Costa Rica’s Western Branch

Abstract

This research was carried out in 2007 in the educational forest of University of Costa Rica’s Western Branch. The research is titled “Assessment of the Habitat in the Educational Forest.” The educational forest is located between 10º 05’ 08.9’’ N y 84º 28’ 54.4 W in the pre-mountain life zone on the Northwest of the University of Costa Rica’s Western Branch in Alfaro, 1 Km. away from downtown San Ramon, Costa Rica. This research purported to identify the flora found in the educational forest. A total of 939 trees with diameter greater than 10cm DBH were labeled with numbered aluminum plates to determine the amount of tree species. The results obtained include the identification of 72 species of trees categorized in 30 families. The most predominant tree families were Sapindaceae (172), Fabaceae (133), Solanaceae (115), Myrtaceae (105) and Melastomataceae (101). All of those families of species host the fauna found in the educational forest and provide the shelter and nourishment required for their survival. The researchers greatly acknowledge Lic Sonia Delgado’s efforts to create the educational forest and to allow this research.