Diversity of the Orchidaceae family in the access routes to the Inca citadel of Machupicchu Historic Sanctuary - Wiñaywayna Sector

Abstract

In Peru, it is estimated that there are more than 3,000 species of orchids, with the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, particularly the Wiñaywayna sector, standing out for its richness in this family. The diversity of orchids was evaluated on access routes to the Inca citadel, implementing 72 sampling points randomly distributed with 50 m x 2 m transects, designed to study the flora in narrow spaces (model applied to the study of orchids). 87 species of orchids distributed in 28 genera were recorded. The Machu Picchu Mountain route presented the greatest abundance and diversity, with species such as Epidendrum secundum and Epidendrum funckii, while Phuyopatamarca and the Inca Citadel showed less richness, possibly due to altitude and tourist pressure. The alpha diversity index (α) showed a high diversity in almost all routes, especially in Machu Picchu and Kantupata; and those with the lowest diversity were Phuyopatamarca and Ciudadela Inca. Regarding beta diversity (β), the similarity between routes was moderate, with a greater affinity between Intipunku and Wiñaywayna according to Bray Curtis and Intipunku and Ciudadela Inca according to Jaccard. The study concludes that Wiñaywayna is an important biodiversity refuge for orchids, being a potential attraction for ecotourism. The recorded diversity and the endangered species suggest that the SHM, particularly Wiñaywayna, is a key conservation area for this floristic family.