Effects of prescribed fires on plant diversity in a grassy páramo of southern Ecuador

Abstract Background Andean Páramos represents a unique ecosystem, which is rich in diversity and endemism that plays a key role in climate regulation, hydrological cycle, and biodiversity. However, these ecosystems are among the most threatened due to deforestation and fire associated with agricultural activities. Methods This study provides the first assessment of vascular plant diversity in response to experimental prescribed fire in a grassy páramo in southern Ecuador. Three permanent sampling plots (T1, T2, and a control) were established, each measuring 4 m × 20 m (80 m 2 ) and separated by 3 m. T1 was subjected to burning in the direction of the slope, T2 was burned against the slope, and the control plots were left unburned. Monitoring was conducted at three intervals: 2, 12, and 24 months post-burn. In each plot, vascular plant cover and species richness were assessed using a 1 m × 1 m quadrat. Results A total of 29 vascular plant species were recorded, distributed in 20 families and 29 genera. Fire treatments and time since burning significantly influenced vascular plant diversity, while community composition differed between the control and burned plots (T1 and T2). Conclusions These findings suggest that both alpha and beta diversity of vascular plants serve as valuable indicators of fire effects in páramos. Thus, prescribed fire may serve as an essential tool for ecological management and vegetation restoration in tropical páramos.