Resumen

RIAL B, Anabel. AN INDEX FOR VEGETATION EVALUATION FOR PRIVATE LAND CONSERVATION IN THE ORINOCO PLAINS, VENEZUELA. INCI [online]. 2006, vol.31, n.2, pp.1-2. ISSN 0378-1844.

The conservation potential of 48637ha of private lands was determined on the basis of the vegetation. The method includes an index with some attributes (property expanse, presence of the main vegetation types and its degree of conservation, presence of rivers, and protected areas) divided by the degree of anthropogenic action (agriculture, ranching, hydrological projects, etc). The method generates an index that allows the comparison of potential conservation sites, based on the state of the natural environment. In seven out of the nine prospected properties, a good representation of the principal vegetation types was obtained, all in a relatively good state of conservation. In general, the savanna ecosystem was found to be the most disturbed one, due to the substitution of native species. The savanna forest ("matas") ecosystem was the most intervened one, due to the elimination of species. The gallery forests contribute the most to the conservation potential of the private lands evaluated. Activities associated with cattle ranching and small hydrological projects were found to have the largest impact throughout these properties.

Palabras clave : Conservación; Llanos del Orinoco; Propiedad Privada; Vegetación.