Understanding stream ecosystem responses to major land uses in cloud forest, Mexico

Cloud forest is a unique and diverse ecosystem inhabited by many unique species, many that do not occur elsewhere. It is also an important source of water and food for many communities, even for cities at lower elevations.

We are collaborating with Institute of Ecology, in Xalapa, Mexico, to understand how coffee and pastures, the main agricultural activities, are impacting stream ecosystems. In particular, we are interested in understanding how transitioning from one land use to another affect streams. We selected streams draining from pastures/coffee to forest, from forest to pasture/coffee.

To understand stream responses, we are studying their food webs using stable isotopes. We’ll have results to share soon, for now, we are having fun in the field!

Our main collaborators at INECOL are Dr. G. Vazquez, V. Sosa, and J.G. García ... and many others that work in the "Proyecto Riparios".