In the bunchgrass paramo of Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, Colombia, aspects of population dynamics of the stem rosette Espeletia hartwegiana ssp. centro-andina were studied in relation to different grazing intensities and regenerating stages after burning. Life tables corresponding to different management situations are presented. A basal growth rate of 8.8 cm per year was determined for adults in undisturbed situations. In burned sites, an increased growth rate was observed, including a fire-induced stimulation factor which is dependent on initial plant height at the time of burning. In burned situations, adult mortality increases with height and is more than twice the natural mortality rate for the tallest individuals. After initial high juvenile mortality, increased seedling survival and higher juvenile growth rate at burnt sites quickly compensate for this loss. In intensively grazed situations, clustering of individuals was observed; this may provide protection against trampling and scaping impact by cattle. Mortality rates are likewise increased.
