The natural regeneration of trees and shrubs is a sustainable strategy for establishing silvopastoral systems in Central America. The abundance, richness, diversity and species composition of seedlings, saplings and adult trees and shrubs were compared in 46 active pastures in the municipality of Muy Muy, Matagalpa, Nicaragua, in order to identify their potential to naturally regenerate in active pastures. A total of 6,378 seedlings (height 30 cm and dbh 10cm) from 85 tree and shrub species were found. Thirty seven species had high regeneration rates in active pastures, while the remaining species showed possible limitations at different stages of regeneration. These results indicate that under the current extensive management conditions there is a high potential for establishing silvopastoral systems using natural regeneration. However, the richness and diversity of trees and shrubs will probably decrease unless measures are taken to facilitate the natural regeneration of those species that currently face limitations.