Assessing the Internal Structural Integrity of Ceroxylon Palms Using Sonic Tomography in Tropical Montane Forests of the Peruvian Andes

Palms of the genus Ceroxylon constitute a key component of Andean tropical montane forests; however, their internal structural integrity has been scarcely studied in Peru. The present study assessed the internal structural condition of natural populations within the Private Conservation Area (PCA) Bosque de Palmeras of the Taulía-Molinopampa Peasant Community using sonic tomography, a non-invasive technique for detecting cavities and decay in the stipe. A total of 64 individuals distributed across four zones with differing degrees of anthropogenic disturbance — passive recovery, reforestation, active cattle ranching, and mixed forest — were analyzed, generating 256 tomograms at four vertical levels. Results revealed high levels of structural deterioration across all zones (59.8%–67.9%), with the greatest affectation recorded in the active cattle ranching zone, and significant differences among zones (Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between diameter at breast height (DBH) and structural damage (ρ = 0.298; p = 0.0168), whereas altitude showed no significant association (p = 0.7462). Structural deterioration exhibited a heterogeneous distribution both vertically and among individuals. Taken together, these findings indicate that anthropogenic activities increase structural deterioration and compromise the stability of Ceroxylon populations, and confirm the potential of sonic tomography as an effective tool for the monitoring and conservation of Andean palms.