Ecological characterization of trees at Molino de Flores Netzahualcóyotl National Park

Introduction: Trees in urban and peri-urban areas produce goods and services for society; therefore, it is important to know about their ecological characteristics.Objective: We aimed to determine trees’ ecological characteristics in the peri-urban forest at the Molino de Flores Netzahualcóyotl National Park (MFNNP) in Texcoco, Estado de México.Materials and methods: A stratified tree sampling was developed to register tree species, diameter at breast height, height, crown diameter, percentage of live crown and crown density. Species richness and diversity were calculated using Margalef, Simpson (1-D) indexes and Santamour’s 10-20-30 rule; in addition, the urban importance value index (UIVI) was determined.Results and discussion: Seventeen families and 22 species were identified. Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., Schinus molle L. and Casuarina equisetifolia L. represented 55 % of the sampled trees. We estimated 7983 ± 806 trees with a density of 163 trees∙ha-1. Diameter at breast height is 26.56 ± 2.33 cm, height 10.52 ± 0.6 m and canopy cover equals 48.2 % of the park area (4819.88 m2∙ha-1). Richness (≤1.67) and diversity (≤0.61) were low; the species with the highest IVIU were E. camaldulensis, S. molle and Fraxinus uhdei (Wenz.) Lingelsh. with 38.53 %, 13.89 % and 10.62 %, respectively.Conclusions: The tree composition of the MFNNP is similar to that of an urban forest, a situation that contrasts with other natural protected areas. Areas with very low densities were identified with potential to be reforested and could increase the diversity and canopy cover to provide greater protection to the soil.