Inventario florístico preliminar del bosque privado “Jardín de los Sueños”, provincia de Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Ecuador, recognized as one of the world’s megadiverse countries, harbors extraordinary plant richness, with the Chocó biogeographic region standing out as one of the most diverse and fragile. Despite its ecological importance, this region faces threats such as deforestation, agricultural expansion, and mining, which have reduced forest cover and limited scientific knowledge, highlighting the need for floristic inventories that support effective conservation measures, since floristic diversity is a key variable for understanding ecosystem dynamics and guiding conservation strategies. OBJECTIVE. To carry out a preliminary inventory of the flora of the private forest “Jardín de los Sueños” (JDLS), to determine its plant composition and generate a baseline for conservation. METHOD. The research was descriptive and exploratory; selective sampling was conducted along forest trails during two field trips, collecting 250 specimens identified through specialized literature, digital platforms, and validation in herbaria. RESULTS. A total of 139 species belonging to 118 genera and 62 families were recorded, with Rubiaceae, Melastomataceae, and Araceae being the most representative; in addition, 16 endemic species and several threatened species were identified, including one Critically Endangered according to the IUCN, while 62% lack a formal assessment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. The results demonstrate the relevance of JDLS as a biodiversity refuge and a potential biological corridor, providing a basis for future studies and conservation strategies.