# Natural and Anthropogenic Disturbances Modulate Plant Diversity in Coastal Dunes of the Northern Colombian Caribbean

## TL;DR

This study examines how natural and human-caused disturbances affect plant diversity in coastal dunes of the Colombian Caribbean.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific human activities that most impact plant communities and highlights the need for conservation strategies.

## Key findings

- Plant cover and diversity decrease with increasing human disturbance.
- Preserved sites have more trees and vines, while disturbed sites have more shrubs and parasitic plants.
- Human activities like construction, tourism, and logging significantly alter plant community structure.

## Abstract

The conservation status of the Colombian Caribbean dune system was assessed considering the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors. The study took place in five locations with a gradient of human disturbance. In total, 198 plots and 22 transects were established, three transects in Gairaca and Costa Verde; four in Lipe, and six in Mendihuaca and Salguero. Environmental variables such as dune height, slope, sediment physical–chemical attributes, and anthropogenic impact were assessed in each site, while species composition, frequency, and plant cover were determined for each plot. The results show a correlation between natural and anthropogenic factors and the composition and structure of plant communities growing on the beach and coastal dunes. Human disturbances (urbanized areas, construction, burning, debris, trampling, logging, tourism, groins, sewage, roads, garbage, and sediment extraction) were particularly relevant. Plant cover and species diversity were inversely related to human impact and disturbance. Furthermore, community structure varied among sites: trees and vines were more frequent in the preserved locations, while shrubs and parasitic plants were more abundant in the disturbed sites. Management alternatives should consider the environmental factors (natural and anthropogenic) affecting vegetation to improve the conservation of plant diversity on coastal dunes along the Colombian Caribbean coast.