Project/activity information

This sub-regional project studied the nomenclature and identification of one hundred tropical timber species of the Andean countries. The study included 20 species from each of the Andean-Pact countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela).

The result of the project study and research were published in a comprehensive handbook (489 pages) on the Identification of the Forests' Species of the Andean Sub-Region. For each species the handbook provides information on nomenclature, tree description, species and silviculture distribution and availability, anatomical and physical properties of the wood, and wood utilization. The handbook also includes high quality photographs and drawings which are quite useful to facilitate species identification.

This project developed and presented in the data book practical species identification methods and tools and the dendrological and anatomical levels. The handbook is expected to remove tree identification difficulties, thus contribution of forest management and timber production and trade operations.

Five thousand copies of the handbook have been printed and are been distributed to interested parties in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.