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Werner, F.A. &amp; Larrea, M.L. (2010): <b>Response of vascular epiphyte diversity to different land-use intensities in a neotropical montane wet forest</b>. <i>Forest Ecology and Management</i> <b>260</b>, 1950-1955.

Resource Description

Title: Response of vascular epiphyte diversity to different land-use intensities in a neotropical montane wet forest
FOR816dw ID: 973
Publication Date: 2010-11-15
License and Usage Rights:
Resource Owner(s):
Individual: Florian A. Werner
Contact:
Individual: Mario Luis Larrea
Contact:
Abstract:
Although vascular epiphytes contribute substantially to the biodiversity of tropical montane forests, it is<br/> unclear how their diversity and community composition is affected by forest alteration. We studied the<br/> response of vascular epiphyte assemblages to different intensities of land-use in a montane wet forest of<br/> northeastern Ecuador: (1) unmanaged mature forest; (2) mature forest with mid- and understorey opened<br/> for cattle grazing; and (3) isolated remnant trees in cattle pastures. The numbers of individuals and species<br/> of epiphytes per host tree did not differ significantly between land-use types, neither did total epiphyte<br/> species richness (n = 30 trees). However, total species richness of pteridophytes was signi&#64257;cantly lower on<br/> isolated remnant trees compared to unmanaged forest, whereas several taxa rich in xerotolerant species<br/> (Bromeliaceae, Orchidaceae, Piperaceae) exhibited the opposite trend. An analysis of floristic composition<br/> using ordination (NMS) and randomisation techniques (MRPP) showed that epiphyte assemblages on<br/> isolated remnant trees were significantly distinct from unmanaged forest while managed forest was<br/> intermediate between those two vegetation types. Ordination analysis further indicated reduced floristic<br/> heterogeneity in disturbed habitats. These results suggest considerable, rapid species turnover since<br/> land-use change 6 years prior to study, with pteridophytes being replaced by more xerotolerant taxa.<br/> We attribute this floristic turnover primarily to changes in microclimate towards higher levels of light<br/> and desiccation stress associated with forest disturbance. Our results support the notion that community<br/> composition offers a more sensitive indicator of human disturbance than species richness.
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carajo -- que maravilla de paper ps!
Keywords:
| land-use change | human disturbance | microclimate | deforestation | beta diversity | fragmentation | isolated trees | secondary forest | species richness | species turnover |
Literature type specific fields:
ARTICLE
Journal: Forest Ecology and Management
Volume: 260
Page Range: 1950-1955
Publisher: Elsevier
ISSN: 0378-1127
Metadata Provider:
Individual: Bernhard Runzheimer
Contact:
Online Distribution:
Download File: http://www.tropicalmountainforest.org/publications.do?citid=973


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