Habitat isolation changes the beta diversity of the vascular epiphyte community in lower montane forest,Veracruz, Mexico |
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Authors: | Alejandro Flores-Palacios José G García-Franco |
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Institution: | (1) CEAMISH, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62209, México;(2) Departamento Ecología Funcional, Instituto de Ecología, A. C., Km. 2.5 antigua carretera a Coatepec No. 351, Congregación El Haya, Xalapa, Veracruz, 91070, México |
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Abstract: | Habitat isolation is one of the most important factors endangering the biodiversity, but little research has been done with
vascular epiphytes. In order to understand the effect of isolation on the epiphyte community, we studied epiphyte diversity
on three plots in a forest fragment, two riparian forest fragments, and in isolated pastureland trees. We found 118 vascular
epiphyte species. On forest plots, both epiphyte richness per tree (Stree) and species turnover rate within trees (βtree) registered the highest values, although the lowest Stree diversity was also found there; additionally inside the forest were host species with clearly different epiphyte community.
Stree and βtree diversities of riparian fragments behaved similarly to those of the forest. Isolated trees had the second highest Stree diversity, although their βtree diversity was the lowest. In the forest plots were both, the highest and lowest expected accumulated richness (α diversity);
on riparian fragments it was intermediate, and the second lowest α diversity was registered for isolated trees. Species turnover
rate among plots (β) was high and was associated with both, isolation and a distance gradient from permanent water sources.
The epiphyte community on isolated trees was clearly different to the other habitats. Results suggest that deforestation eliminated
dry areas and specific hosts that were important for the maintenance of epiphyte species richness. In pastureland trees the
epiphyte βtree diversity diminished, suggesting a simplification of the environment for epiphytes and causing a low α diversity. |
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Keywords: | Species accumulation functions Beta diversity Alpha diversity Gamma diversity |
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