High Early Survival of Threatened Cloud-Forest Oaks in Restoration Plantings in Mexico

Tarin Toledo Aceves, Emma Villaseñor, Estrella Chévez, Claudia Gallardo Hernández, Flor G. Vázquez Corzas, and Silvia Alvarez-Clare

Published May 2026 in International Oaks No. 37: 319–326

Abstract

Oaks are keystone species for the structure and biodiversity of tropical montane cloud forests (TMCF) in Mexico. However, deforestation and limited dispersal hinder their regeneration. Of the 47 oak species documented in TMCF in Mexico, 33 are threatened. To assist their regeneration and promote the recovery of forest functions, we established 60 restoration plantings in close collaboration with local communities and small landholders across secondary forests, pasturelands, and shaded coffee plantations at elevations ranging from 1,051 to 2,519 m.a.s.l. in Veracruz, Mexico. At each site, we planted 8 oak species (3 to 4 individuals per species) and recorded survival after one year. We evaluated the effect of environmental factors on sapling survival. Despite the high environmental heterogeneity, survival rates were high: Quercus germana = 92.0%, Q. xalapensis = 92.1%, Q. sartorii = 80.0%, Q. calophylla = 77.6%, Q. pinnativenulosa = 78.5%, Q. meavei = 71.0%, Q. delgadoana = 68.0%, and Q. cortesii = 63.2%. Oak sapling survival was positively affected by initial tree height, soil phosphorus, and maintenance. Survival was largely unaffected by land use and elevation. These findings suggest that cloud forest oaks have broad environmental tolerance and demonstrate a potential for successful establishment across disturbed habitats, supporting their inclusion in restoration efforts.

Keywords

elevation gradient, landscape restoration, old-growth forest, threatened species, tree sapling survival

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