Patterns of distribution of orchids in a high Andean forest relict, Cundinamarca-Colombia

Abstract

Colombia is one of the countries with greatest diversity of orchids, with 4270 native estimated species, of which 199 present some kind threat. Knowing the characteristics that determine their distribution is necessary to design conservation programs. This study aims to know the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the distribution of orchids in a relict of high Andean forest in the region, of Cundinamarca, Colombia, for this purpose information was collected on the orchids found in nine transects of 50 m × 4 m. The environmental factors that had the greatest influence on the distribution of orchids were the altitude and the percentage of moss cover, as well as the characteristics inherent to the communities of forophytes, in the case of epiphytic species. Establishing orchid distribution patterns will allow, in the future, to design conservation programs for this particular flora and the high Andean forest in general.