Redistribution of precipitation in the Polylepis weberbaueri canopy

Polylepis forests are essential for water regulation in high-Andean ecosystems. This study analyzed the redistribution of precipitation within the canopy of Polylepis weberbaueri in the Peruvian Andes, evaluating event variability and associated ecohydrological relationships. Total precipitation (P) and throughfall (TF) were recorded, and canopy interception (CI) was estimated as the difference between them. The relationships were analyzed using Spearman correlations and quadratic models. The results showed a predominance of moderate and low-intensity precipitation events. The canopy intercepted 36% of the precipitation, while 64% reached the ground as TF. The TF/P fraction increased with event intensity and duration, while CI/P decreased. Significant correlations were found between P, duration, and intensity and the components TF and CI (ρ = 0.71–0.98; p < 0.001). These findings highlight the regulatory role of the P. weberbaueri canopy and its value as natural infrastructure for mitigating the impacts of changing precipitation regimes under climate change.