Fire scar characteristics in two tropical montane conifer species from central Mexico

Fire scar analysis is a fundamental tool for reconstructing fire regimes in conifer forests. However, little known about properties tropical montane conifers, where some assumptions limit dendroecological research. These include that fir species do not exhibit external scars and pines without have experienced past fires. This study describes patterns two growing Mexican temperate forests: sacred (Abies religiosa) smooth-bark pine (Pinus pseudostrobus). We extracted cross-sections from 110 trees measured tree age, basal diameter, bark thickness, size seasonality, the number of per tree, years diameter pith to first scar, proportion buried scars. Most had three scars, which appeared during dry season after 15 pith. Old large-diameter did more but time between influenced closure firs. Bark thickness visible were similar both species. Our results suggest absence does imply fire, firs can like pines.