Classification, diversity and plant endemism in the halophytic grasslands in northeastern Mexico associated to prairie dogs (Cynomys mexicanus)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to classify the vegetation, to quantify the plant diversity, currently occupied surface and the impact in vegetal diversity in the 39 halophytic grassland areas in northeastern Mexico due to management activities. Canopy cover, density, frequency, and species diversity was quantified in at least 200 1 m2 quadrats in each of the 39 grassland areas. Information and field data were analyzed by means of Sörensen Similarity Index, cophenetic correlation coeficient, cluster analysis, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, product moment correlation coefficient, and Kruskall-Wallis test. Grazing-agriculture areas have the highest plant diversity, higher weeds density, lower endemic species abundance. Grazing areas have lower plant diversity, lower weed abundance and higher endemic plants abundance. Mechanized agriculture is the main cause of loss of halophytic grasslands and prairie dog habitat. In this study 53 families, 174 genera and 284 species of vascular plants were recorded. Total lost of halophytic grassland in northeastern Mexico is about 75% of its surface until the year 2007.