University of Amsterdam (NL) - Páramo vegetation research, Talamanca Cordillera, Costa Rica

Study Extent

National Park Chirripo in Costa Rica. Covering an altitudinal range between 2720m.a.s.l. up to 3815m.a.s.l. Data collected in 1983.

Sampling

The data collected describes the cover (in percentage) of vascular plant species, mosses, and lichens following the Braun-Blanquet methodology (1979) with some modifications proposed by Cleef (1981) to study tropical alpine vegetation. Each plot includes information about altitude, slope, exposition, percentage of bare soil and some remarks about human influence. The community vegetation releve data were converted into species occurrence data. The identification of plant species were made by a group of experts from different institutions (J. Cuatrecasas, Luis Gomez, Jorge Gómez, Rob Gradstein, Maria Morales, Harrie Sipman, Guido van Reenen, Kerry Barringer). In order to check the taxonomic identity of the species, we used the databases: The Plant List ( www.theplantlist.org) and Tropicos (www.tropicos.org).

Quality Control

The data stored in TurboVeg was checked to identify errors in the information or gaps needed to be filled. The two main fields identified to be checked/completed were the georeference data (including precision) and the validation of the taxonomy of each species. The georeference information still needs to be completed.

Method steps

1. Releve data was stored in the software TurboVeg and then exported into species occurrence data. In order to check the taxonomic identity of the species, we used the databases: The Plant List (www.theplantlist.org) and Tropicos (www.tropicos.org). The species list used in TurboVeg was checked by an expert to confirm the valid taxonomy (taking into account taxonomy changes, synonyms, etc)(Guido van Reenen, paramo species list). This list was cross-checked with The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org/), for the period July 2011 until February 2013 (during this time frame the names where the accepted). All records are still lacking a georeference with its precision estimation. Also the specific habitat indication needs to be done.

All plants identified to species level. Vegetation including phanerogams, bryophytes and lichens.

1. Plantae
   common name: Phanerogams rank: kingdom
2. Plantae
   common name: Bryophytes rank: kingdom
3. Fungi
   common name: Lichens rank: kingdom

The Talamanca cordillera ranges from 900m to 3819m above sea level. Is located between the south of Costa Rica and northwest of Panamá. Many protected areas conserve lowland forest, mountain forest and páramo. The biggest extension of páramo in Costa Rica is found at National Park Chirripó, estimated at 60km. The national park is established since 1975. Páramo vegetation can be distinguished in subpáramo and grass páramo, and ranges from 3100 to 3800 meters above sea level.