Werner, F.A. & 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:
email:
florianwerner <at> yahoo.com
AG Funktionelle Ökologie
Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften
Universität Oldenburg
Postfach (P.O. box) 2503
D-26111 Oldenburg
Individual:
Mario Luis Larrea
Contact:
email:
webmaster <at> tropicalmountainforest.com
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 significantly 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.
Additional Infos:
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 |
