Effect of ecological restoration on the supply of habitat for fauna in the Bosque de Las Mercedes in the Sabana of Bogotá

Abstract

After the implementation of an ecological restoration process in the Forest Las Mercedes, and as part of the adaptive management, an evaluation of the advance of the restoration via the different ecological elements was needed. In this investigation, a prompt validation of the different groups of wildlife presented in the forest, and how the recovery of themselves helps in the reestablishment of these groups was performed. The investigation took place in 16 permanent parcels where tours were performed and through direct observation the different wildlife groups were registered. Furthermore, photographic records were performed and collected during the time the ecological restoration was in progress. In addition, vegetable species were identified as food or shelter to these wildlife groups, as well as the morphological traits that favors the recovery of the habitat itself. 12 wildlife groups were identified, as well as 13 vegetable species that were used by said wildlife and 20 vegetable species that present flowers and fruits, alongside litter, dry logs and branches and trunks mounds were found. Finally, a list was constructed from the wildlife present in the forest.