Population structure of Alnus jorullensis, a species used as firewood by five rural communities in a natural protected area of Mexico

Background: Ilite (Alnus jorullensis) is a very important pioneer species for the regeneration of temperate forests but also the source of fuel for the inhabitants of the Cofre de Perote National Park in Veracruz, Mexico. Questions: How much ilite is consumed by families in the Cofre de Perote National Park? What type of population structure is exhibited by Alnus jorullensis? Are there differences in population structure of this species between years? What is the diameter of the individuals extracted for firewood? Study site and dates: The population structure of ilite was evaluated during April 2016 and April 2017 in five localities of the Cofre de Perote National Park. Methods: Eighty families in these localities were interviewed about the use of firewood. Eighteen permanent plots of 20 × 50 m were established in order to record total height and diameter at breast height (130 cm) of standing trees of A. jorullensis and the basal diameter of its stumps. Results: Families in the study area indicated that they use in average 2 loads of ilite as firewood per week and extract adult individuals. Population density of ilite decreased from 2016 to 2017, in both years juvenile individuals were predominant, with a low presence of seedlings. Population structure did not differ between years. The basal diameters of stumps measured between 6 and 214 cm. Conclusions: Extraction of A. jorullensis did not change its population structure between years, however local inhabitants perceive that this activity and clandestine logging are affecting their availability.