Piresiella strephioides, endemicand threatened from riparian forest.

In the recent Cuban inventory of alien invasive flora, riparian forests emerged as one of the most affected ecosystems. Most of the Cuban native riparian forests which provide crucial ecosystem services and harbor a rich endemic biodiversity are now confined to mountains. In Biosphere Reserve Sierra del Rosario (BRSR), an important 260 km2 of the western mountain range, alien legume Inga punctata (Mimosaceae) has emerged as a new threat to this riparian forest. Preliminary observations confirm the aggressive nature of Inga punctata at BRSR and suggest that the management of this species is a major conservation challenge for this protected area. For instance, in some places Inga punctata has been seen replacing Syzygium jambos stands, a major invasive alien plant in Cuban riparian forests. However, there is no information about current extent and impact of Inga punctata at BRSR riparian forests and the conditions that favor its colonization and spread. Moreover, there is not yet an effective control way for Inga punctata and the composition and structure of native riparian forest that is being displaced by this biological invasion remain unknown.

During this study the invasion level of western riparian forest by Inga punctata and its current distribution and abundance will be documented. Plant biodiversity inventories on invaded areas and Inga punctata-free areas will be also performed. They will provide details pertinent to species composition and abundance on current mature forest as well as on those invaded by this legume. We also aim to find effective management actions for control, contention and eradication. Therefore the project will also include tests for tree cutting and double girdling as control treatments for Inga punctata. These data are critical for improve alien management in the Biosphere Reserve Sierra del Rosario as well as help to design a well-informed restoration plan for the riparian forests of western Cuba. After project will be available protocols for Inga punctata management as well as key information for riparian forest restoration, which comprises a list of suitable native plants for restoration actions and information for propagation and nursery of dominant and endangered species.