Post-fire tree regeneration in mixed-conifer forests of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Post-fire tree regeneration in mixed-conifer forests of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, exhibits high variability depending on elevation and fire history. Research reveals three distinct recruitment patterns: asynchronous establishment of Abies religiosa followed by Pinus pseudostrobus at higher elevations (3150 m), synchronous recruitment of both species at intermediate elevations (3100 m) following multiple fires, and exclusive regeneration of P. pseudostrobus and broad-leaved species at lower elevations (3050 m). The study analyzed tree-ring data from 258 trees across three sites to assess post-fire dynamics, finding that wet inter-annual periods did not significantly enhance recruitment. These findings underscore the complex interplay between fire, elevation, and species dominance, providing critical insights for forest management strategies in this ecologically significant region.

Sáenz-Ceja, J. E., & Pérez-Salicrup, D. R. (2026). Post-fire tree regeneration in mixed-conifer forests of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. New Forests, 57(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-026-10216-y