Species composition and vegetation structure of an upper montane forest at the summit of Mt. Doi Inthanon, Thailand

Upper montane forest (UMF) within Doi Inthanon National Park, Northern Thailand, was investigated by means of fifty, 40 × 40 m stratified random plots situated between 2080 and 2565 m altitude. The aim was to address a number of community ecological questions concerning woody species composition and structural heterogeneity of the forest. A total of 7474 individuals of trees and woody climbers ≥ 15 cm gbh (girth at breast height) were included in the study and these were identified to 47 species, 39 genera and 26 families. The average density was 934 individuals/ha and the average stem basal area was 71.8 m²/ha. The most important species were: Quercus eumorpha, Sjzygium angkae, Litsea martabanica, Helicia nilagirica, Lindera caudata, Schima wallichii, Osmanthus fiagrans, Eurya acuminata, Myrsine semiserrata and Ilex umbellulata and the most important families were Fagaceae, Lauraceae, Theaceae and Myrtaceae. Altitude was the most important environmental variable explaining species composition and vegetation structure. Most of the calculated vegetation variables showed significant correlation with altitude: species richness, family richness, diversity, density and crown cover declined with altitude, average tree height was uncorrelated with altitude and basal area increased with altitude. An analysis of size class distributions indicated good forest conditions and reverse-J-shaped age class distribution of most species.     

Vascular plant species counts in the rain forests of the middle Caquetá area,Colombian Amazonia

More than 1200 vascular plant species, distributed over 369 genera and 112 families were encountered in ten plots of 0.1 ha in the humid evergreen rain forests of the middle Caquetá area in eastern Colombia. The total number of vascular plant species in the two most diverse plots ranged from 310 to 313 species 0.1 ha^-1. These values indicate that high levels of vascular plant species densities may be encountered all over NW Amazonia, including the Colombian Amazon. The floodplain plots contained fewer vascular plant species and families than the well-drained upland plots. The high species density in the well-drained upland plots was mostly due to comparatively large numbers of species found among the very slender trees of diameter at breast (DBH)2.5 cm. Small and slender treelets (DBH < 10 cm) are by far the most species rich habit group. About 50% of the total number of vascular plant species in the plots was exclusively collected with a diameter of less than 2.5 cm. Shrubs, (hemi)epiphytes, and climbers were present with relatively few species. Many of the most species-rich families were tree families. The highest species richness was principally found among tree genera, as well. In this respect the floristic sample from the ten species count plots combined shows much affinity to the local florula around Manaus.     

Subordinate,not dominant,woody species promote the diversity of climbing plants

We aimed to determine which factors explain the relative abundances of climbing plants in a tropical sandy coastal plant community, locally called restinga, in SE-Brazil, where facilitation is an important mechanism controlling shrub and tree diversity. The factors examined were: associations with host trees and shrubs, environmental conditions, associations with herbs and space. We surveyed a total of 84 vegetation patches within two hectares of open restinga vegetation. Climbers, trees, shrubs and herbs were sampled using an adapted cover pin frame approach. Partial constrained ordination (pRDA) was used to partition the variation of climber species relative abundances into four sources: trees and shrubs relative abundances, herb species relative abundances, environmental variables (patch architecture and size), and the spatial coordinates. Linear models were used to model the relationship of climber diversity as a function of the environmental factors. A total of 12 climber species belonging to 5 families were recorded. Associations between climber species with subordinate trees and shrubs were the major determinants of climber presence in these vegetation patches. The support for growth created by these trees and shrubs had a secondary role in explaining these patterns. We found no relationship between tree dominance and climber species dominance in each patch. However, most climbers were associated with subordinate shrubs. Trellis availability at the first stratum was related to greater climber diversity suggesting that subordinate trees and shrubs may be crucial to promote climber diversity in this plant community. Space and associations with herbs had a minor contribution to overall variation. While 15 years of research in the site associated local floristic diversity to dominant trees, our results demonstrate that climber diversity in this community is governed by interactions with subordinate host woody species related to the environmental support for growth created by such trees and shrubs.     

Tree population studies in low-diversity forests,Guyana. I. Floristic composition and stand structure

Studies were undertaken on the floristic composition and stand structure of four 1 hectare plots in the lowland forests of Kurupukari, Guyana. A total of 3897 trees, covering 153 species and 31 plant families were recorded at greater than 5 cm diameter at breast height (dbh). The number of species per hectare ranged from 61 to 84 (>5.0 cm dbh) and 50–71 (>10.0 cm dbh). The total number of trees per hectare varied two-fold between study plots, with 45–50% of the trees within the 5–10 cm size-class. Mean total basal area varied from 32.39–34.63 m² per 100 m². The four most dominant plant families represented 43.8% of the total number of trees, while representing only 11.2% of the species. No one plant family dominated in more than one of the four study plots, and all four plots held at least one plant family with more than 20% of the total number of trees. Although 14 tree species were common to all four plots, only 26%–35% of the species were represented by a single tree. Between three and seven species represented 50% of the trees within all size-classes, with species dominance occurring within the highest density plot.These tropical forest types of central Guyana may represent some of the lowest diversity forests in the neotropics, whereby the total number of tree species is relatively limited, typically with six dominant canopy species, but the relative abundance of these species is highly variable between the forest types. Mechanisms influencing the competitive interactions associated with species dominance are discussed in relation to the importance of mycorrhizae and the persistence of species dominance.     

Post-Hurricane Responses of Climbers in a Tropical Mountain Rain Forest of Martinique

Hurricane Dean, a category 4 storm, impacted the forests along the western coast of Martinique on August 17, 2007. In March 2008, plots were selected in the rainforest of the Plateau Concorde, which presented a range of post-hurricane damage. The study focused on climber community patterns in two extreme ranges of disturbance (HIP: highly damaged plots; LIP: lightly damaged plots). The objectives of the study were to i) obtain data on forest architecture and light regime, ii) determine the species diversity and abundance among climbers, and iii) identify recurrent patterns of association among traits within this flora. Fisheye photos showed significant differences in canopy geometry and light microclimate between HIP and LIP. One transect in each extreme range of disturbance showed that the floors were similarly covered but the distribution of foliar density in the vertical structure was evenly distributed from the floor to the canopy in LIP and was exclusively concentrated within the first meter in HIP. Five hundred and eleven climbers were counted, measured and identified in 12 plots (30?m?×?30?m). Correspondence analysis of the selected traits revealed four functional groups (C1 to C4). C1 and C2 included understory climbers and C3 and C4 were composed of overstory climbers showing differences in stem or leaf nature. We identified eight species among the 161 trees >5?cm dbh (diameter at breast height) assessed in the 12 plots supporting climbers. A linear regression showed that large trees were more colonized than smaller trunks. The mean number of climbers per host trunk was 2.7, with no significant difference between HIP and LIP plots. In spite of the great differences in forest architecture, canopy openness and light regime, the 16 climber species were present in all plots. Five species, all belonging to one of the four functional groups, varied in abundance. In the HIP plots, the dramatic expansion of Cayaponia americana (C1), a ruderal plant frequently observed at lower altitudes, was noteworthy. Our results suggest that climbers present highly efficient morphological adaptations to hurricanes. Indeed, they are mostly linked to a single host, they strongly reiterate after breakage, and they show low clumping.     

Diversity Patterns in the Flora of the Campo-Ma’an Rain Forest, Cameroon: Do Tree Species Tell it All?

This study describes diversity patterns in the flora of the Campo-Ma’an rain forest, in south Cameroon. In this area, the structure and composition of the forests change progressively from the coastal forest on sandy shorelines through the lowland evergreen forest rich in Caesalpinioideae with Calpocalyx heitzii and Sacoglottis gabonensis, to the submontane forest at higher elevations and the mixed evergreen and semi-deciduous forest in the drier Ma’an area. We tested whether there is a correlation between tree species diversity and diversity of other growth forms such as shrubs, herbs, and lianas in order to understand if, in the context of African tropical rain forest, tree species diversity mirrors the diversity of other life forms or strata. Are forests that are rich in tree species also rich in other life forms? To answer this question, we analysed the family and species level floristic richness and diversity of the various growth forms and forest strata within 145 plots recorded in 6 main vegetation types. A comparison of the diversity within forest layers and within growth forms was done using General Linear Models. The results showed that tree species accounted for 46% of the total number of vascular plant species with DBH ≥1 cm, shrubs/small trees 39%, climbers 14% and herbs less than 1%. Only 22% of the diversity of shrubs and lianas could be explained by the diversity of large and medium sized trees, and less than 1% of herb diversity was explained by tree diversity. The shrub layer was by far the most species rich, with both a higher number of species per plot, and a higher Shannon diversity index, than the tree and the herb layer. More than 82% of tree species, 90% of shrubs, 78% of lianas and 70% of herbaceous species were recorded in the shrub layer. Moreover, shrubs contributed for 38% of the 114 strict and narrow endemic plant species recorded in the area, herbs 29%, trees only 20% and climbers 11%. These results indicate that the diversity of trees might not always reflect the overall diversity of the forest in the Campo-Ma’an area, and therefore it may not be a good indicator for the diversity of shrubs and herbaceous species. Furthermore, this suggests that biodiversity surveys based solely on large and medium sized tree species (DBH ≥0cm) are not an adequate method for the assessment of plant diversity because other growth form such as shrubs, climbers and herbs are under-represented. Therefore, inventory design based on small plots of 0.1 ha, in which all vascular plants with DBH ≥1 cm are recorded, is a more appropriate sampling method for biodiversity assessments than surveys based solely on large and medium sized tree species.     

Do vine species in neotropical forests see the forest or the trees?

Questions: Is the occurrence of vine species in neotropical rain forests primarily determined by properties of the forest (environmental factors), by properties of the trees (tree species or tree size) or are vines randomly distributed? Location: Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala. Methods: In five 1‐ha plots that span variation from unlogged forest to forest impacted by recurrent human disturbance we recorded the presence of all climbing vine species on every tree. The presence of all free standing vine species and 11 environmental variables were recorded in 100‐m² subplots. The relationship of host tree diameter and host tree identity on single tree vine species richness was investigated by GLM modelling. Partial redundancy analyses were used to partition the variation in vine species composition on two sources: environmental factors and tree species identity. Results: Single tree vine richness increased with increasing host tree DBH and differed significantly among host species. For climbing vines, the ratio of variation in subplot presence explained by tree species and by environmental variables was ca. 4:1 (in the most disturbed logged plots slightly lower), for free standing vines this ratio varied from 1:2 in the most disturbed logged plots to 9:1 in reserve plots, while a ratio of ca. 1:1 was found for all plots analysed together. Conclusion: Different tree species have different probabilities of being infested by vines. Vines see both the forest and the trees; the environment is more important in earlier developmental stages, properties of individual trees become more important from the time vines start to climb.     

元江干热河谷木质藤本的多样性及其与宿主树木的关系

木质藤本是森林生态系统的重要组分。本研究在元江干热河谷地区随机设置了30个20 m×20 m的样方,调查样方中胸径≥0.5 cm的木质藤本多样性及其与宿主树木之间的关系。结果显示:30个样方中记录到胸径≥0.5 cm的木质藤本植物共945株(隶属于22种20属11科),其中,豆科木质藤本的丰富度和多度最高;胸径≤2 cm的木质藤本占个体总数的63.7%;茎缠绕类木质藤本的个体数最多。样方中胸径≥5 cm的树木共有1060株(隶属于38种31属16科),36.0%的树木上至少附藤1株。不同径级和不同树皮粗糙度的树木被木质藤本侵扰的百分比之间存在极显著差异(P0.001)。随着宿主树木平均枝下高的增加,附藤率呈下降趋势。76.5%的木质藤本选择离其根生长点最近的树木进行攀援。表明元江干热河谷中的木质藤本以小径级占优势,树木胸径、枝下高、树皮粗糙度和木质藤本根生长点到树木的距离是影响木质藤本侵扰树木的重要因素,支持木质藤本对宿主树木的侵扰具有选择性的假说。研究结果对中国西南干热河谷退化植被的恢复与物种多样性保护具有重要意义。     

Liana diversity and host relationships in a tropical evergreen forest in the Indian Eastern Ghats

In tropical evergreen forest in the Kolli Hills of the Indian Eastern Ghats, four 2 ha (100 m × 200 m) replicate plots (two plots each in undisturbed and human-impacted sites), were inventoried for species diversity of lianas 5 cm girth at breast height (g.b.h.) and their relationships with 30 cm g.b.h. host trees. Liana diversity included 26 species from 18 families and 24 genera. The population density and basal area of lianas in the study plots were 48 individuals ha^–1 and 0.23 m² ha^–1, respectively, while those of the trees were 478 stems ha^–1 and 43.6 m² ha^–1, respectively. As the lianas and their hosts had often been cut in the disturbed sites, their diversity was less there than in the undisturbed sites. Five (19%) liana species were common to all four sites. Three lianas, Hiptage benghalensis (Malpighiaceae), Elaeagnus indica (Elaeagnaceae) and Gnetum ula (Gnetaceae) were dominant. The twining mechanism (54% of liana species and 71% of individuals) and zoochorous diaspores (73% of species and 77% of individuals) predominated. A total of 336 trees from 39 species, 34 genera and 22 families hosted 345 lianas. The ratio of liana : host for species was 1 : 1.5 and for individuals was 1 : 1. Liana preferences for certain host trees, host girth classes and trellis heights were evident.     

Composition and distribution of vascular epiphytes in a tropical semideciduous forest,Ghana

The composition and distribution of vascular epiphytes were studied in two 1‐ha plots in the KNUST Botanic garden, Ghana. One‐hectare plot each was randomly set up in secondary and cultivated forests for the identification and enumeration of trees and shrubs (≥10 cm dbh), and epiphytes. Each tree was carefully examined, noting the presence, positions and life‐forms of all epiphytes. Twenty‐nine epiphyte (29) species belonging to fourteen genera and eleven families were identified in the study. These were hosted by 48 tree species and occurred in three life‐forms: hemi‐epiphytes (45%), casual epiphytes (45%) and true epiphytes (10%). The vascular epiphyte species made up 25.7% of all the identified plant species (excluding herbs and climbers) encountered. Host species (P < 0.001), habitat (P = 0.001) and their interaction (P < 0.001) had strong effects on epiphyte composition in the forests. Moraceae was the most dominant family (44.8%), while Nephrolepis undulata J. Sm. and N. biserrata (Sw.) Scott. were the commonest species of epiphytes. In terms of vertical distribution, most epiphytes were located on the trunk, while a few occurred in the canopy.     

滇南勐宋热带山地雨林木质藤本多样性研究

调查滇南勐宋山地雨林沟谷与坡地两种生境中木质藤本种的丰富度、径级分布、攀缘方式以及样地中被藤本缠绕的树木(dbh≥5cm)的数量和比率。结果表明:沟谷与坡地胸径≥1cm的木质藤本平均密度分别为95.7株/0.1hm2、57株/0.1hm2。调查样地内木质藤本共64种,隶属30个科。茎缠绕是最主要的攀缘方式,占总个体数的57%,卷须缠绕种所占比重最小,仅占3%;沟谷与坡地所调查树木被木质藤本缠绕的比例分别为43.7%和28.6%。与亚洲其它热带地区森林相比,勐宋地区藤本的多样性低,但是木质藤本的密度相当高,并且在一些样地中出现了大型木质藤本,这些可能与该地区森林的演替状态有关。     

Tree diversity and population structure in undisturbed and human-impacted stands of tropical wet evergreen forest in Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalayas, India

Tree species richness, tree density, basal area, population structure and distribution pattern were investigated in undisturbed, mildly disturbed, moderately disturbed and highly disturbed stands of tropical wet evergreen forests of Arunachal Pradesh. The forest stands were selected based on the disturbance index (the basal area of the cut trees measured at ground level expressed as a fraction of the total basal area of all trees including felled ones): (i) undisturbed stand (0% disturbance index), (ii) mildly disturbed (20% disturbance index), (iii) moderately disturbed (40% disturbance index), and (iv) highly disturbed stand (70% disturbance index). Tree species richness varied along the disturbance gradient in different stands. The mildly disturbed stand showed the highest species richness (54 of 51 genera). Species richness was lowest (16 of 16 genera) in the highly disturbed stand. In the undisturbed stand, 47 species of 42 genera were recorded while in the moderately disturbed stand 42 species of 36 genera were found. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index for tree species ranged from 0.7 to 2.02 in all the stands. The highest tree diversity was recorded in the undisturbed stand and the lowest in the highly disturbed stand. The stands differed with respect to the tree species composition at the family and generic level. Fagaceae, Dipterocarpaceae and Clusiaceae dominated over other families and contributed 53% in the undisturbed, 51% in the mildly disturbed, 42% in the moderately disturbed and 49% in the highly disturbed forest stands to the total density of the respective stand. Stand density was highest (5452 stems ha^–1) in the undisturbed stand, followed by the mildly disturbed stand (5014), intermediate (3656) in the moderately disturbed stand and lowest (338) in the highly disturbed stand. Dominance, calculated as the importance value index of different species, varied greatly across the stands. The highest stand density and species richness were represented in the medium girth class (51–110 cm) in all the stands. In the undisturbed stand, the highest density was found in the 111–140 cm girth class, while in the mildly disturbed stand the 51–80 cm girth range recorded the highest density. About 55, 68 and 52% species were found to be regenerating in the undisturbed, mildly disturbed and moderately disturbed stands, respectively. No regeneration was recorded in the highly disturbed stand. Variation in species richness, distribution pattern and regeneration potential is related to human interference and the need for forest conservation is emphasized.     

Diversity and composition of trees and shrubs in Kasagala forest: a semiarid savannah woodland in central Uganda

The diversity and composition of trees and shrubs of ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were investigated in Kasagala woodland in central Uganda using 1 ha permanent sample plots. A total of 2745 trees and shrubs with a mean stem density of 686 ha⁻¹ were recorded. These included 69 tree species belonging to 28 families and 47 genera. There was a larger number of small stems compared with that of larger stems. There was significant variation in stem size class distribution between the plots ( F  =   3.14, P  =   0.027). The variation in stem densities (counts) across different size classes was significant ( F  =   8.31, P  <   0.001). Species diversity was higher in the low lands compared with that in the elevated sites in the woodland. The species encountered were unevenly distributed across the plots. Species abundance was not significantly different across the sample plots ( F  =   2.63, P  =   0.053). We suggest that the structure of the forest is typical of any regenerating forest, but other human influences may have played a part in the dominance of size classes <10 cm DBH. The causes of the present status and composition of the woodland require further investigation.     

Biodiversity inventory of trees in a large-scale permanent plot of tropical evergreen forest at Varagalaiar, Anamalais, Western Ghats, India

A permanent plot of 30 ha (600 × 500 m²) was established for long-term ecological research on biodiversity and forest functioning in a tropical evergreen forest at Varagalaiar, Anamalais, Western Ghats. This paper gives the results of the first census of trees in the 30 ha plot. All trees 30 cm gbh were permanently tagged with sequentially numbered aluminium tags and their girth measured. 148 tree species (in 120 genera and 49 families) were enumerated in a total sample of 13,393 individuals. Species diversity, density and dispersion patterns were determined. The mean species richness, density and basal area per hectare were 65 species, 446 stems and 36.26 m² respectively. The Sorensen similarity index for thirty 1-ha subplots varied from 0.7 to 0.9, indicating the homogeneity in species composition of the stand. The pronounced species hierarchy has resulted in the dominance of four species that occupy four different forest storeys: Drypetes longifolia (lower storey) Reinwardtiodendron anamallayanum (middle storey), Poeciloneuron indicum (upper storey) and Dipterocarpus indicus (emergent). The forest was dominated by Euphorbiaceae in terms of richness (18 species) and abundance of species (3788 stems), and Dipterocarpaceae based on the contribution to basal area (18.4%). Species richness and density decreased with increasing girth-class. Girth class frequency of the stand exhibited an expanding population of trees. Twenty-nine tree species, analysed for spatial dispersion at 1-ha scale, exhibited both clumped and uniform patterns, except Vateria indica which was randomly distributed in one hectare. Repeat census scheduled for subsequent years, will elucidate the behaviour of the individual species and the population dynamics of the tree flora and will be useful for forest conservation and management. It will also help to monitor human activity within this forest.     

Tree species distribution in forests of the Albertine Rift, western Uganda

The distribution of trees of diameter ≥ 10 cm was assessed in twelve 1‐ha (20 × 500 m) plots of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), Kasyoha‐Kitomi Forest Reserve (KKFR), Kibale National Park (KNP) and Budongo Forest Reserve (BFR) in the Albertine Rift, western Uganda. Distribution was analysed at three spatial scales: local (1 ha plots), within individual forests (>300 km² each) and regional (>56,000 km²). The aim was to classify tree species into Rabinowitz's seven forms of rarity. We recorded 5747 trees in 53 families, 159 genera, and 212 species. Twenty‐two families had one species each while the rest had between two and 25 species. Number of species was highest in the family Euphorbiaceae (25 species) followed by Meliaceae and Rubiaceae with sixteen species each. Based on Rabinowitz's forms of rarity, 93% of the species were geographically widespread, 47% were restricted to a single forest type, while 41% occurred at densities of <1 individual ha^?1. Ubiquitous common species with high frequency and high local abundance occurred in the Meliaceae, Flacourtiaceae, Moraceae and Apocynaceae families. Conservation of geographically widespread species should focus on landscape rather than site specific approaches. The rarest species would benefit from species‐specific strategies.     

长白山阔叶红松林不同强度择伐后关键树种的竞争关系

天然林择伐改变了林分的树种组成和结构,导致林木竞争关系发生变化,进而影响树木的生长和种群的动态.关键树种在维持群落结构和生态系统功能方面具有至关重要的作用.为了弄清长白山区阔叶红松林典型林型关键树种竞争关系的特点,本研究以红松、紫椴和水曲柳为研究对象,运用Hegyi竞争指数分析了受不同程度采伐干扰后形成的原始林(未受干扰)、轻度择伐林、中度择伐林和重度择伐林的林分结构和竞争关系.结果表明: 与原始林相比,轻度择伐林中关键树种的种群结构没有显著变化;中度择伐林和重度择伐林中3个关键树种大树(胸径DBH≥20 cm)的密度和平均胸径均显著减少,但幼树(2 cm≤DBH<10 cm)的数量增加.所有样地中关键树种的竞争指数均随径级的增加而减小,且二者服从幂函数分布,而林木胸径生长到20 cm后,竞争指数进入稳定状态.在原始林、轻度和中度择伐林中,3个树种的幼树的竞争指数受到非冠层树种的影响最大,而红松小树(10 cm≤DBH<20 cm)和大树主要受红松种内和非冠层树种的影响;水曲柳主要受红松和非冠层树种的影响,紫椴主要受种内和红松的影响.重度择伐林中,白桦是3个树种的主要竞争来源,贡献率均超过50%.根据以上关键树种竞争关系的特点,抚育非冠层树种有利于3个关键种幼树的更新和生长;对于小树来说,还需要根据树种类型来采取相应措施,而大树不需要采用抚育措施.本研究对关键树种培育和天然林择伐后快速恢复具有指导意义.     

Abundance of climbing plants in a southern temperate rain forest: host tree characteristics or light availability?

Question: In a southern temperate rain forest, we addressed three questions: (1) Does the abundance of climbing plants increase with light availability? (2) Do host tree species differ in their susceptibility to vine infestation? (3) How does the relationship between host tree trunk diameter and relative abundance of vines vary with their climbing mechanism? Location: Two sites in the temperate evergreen rain forest of southern Chile: Puyehue (40°39′S, 72°09′W; 350 m a.s.l.) and Pastahue (42°22′S, 73°49′W; 285 m a.s.l.). Methods: We sampled vines in 60 25‐m² plots, with 20 plots in each of three light environments: mature forest, forest edges and canopy gaps. In each plot, for every tree ≥1.50‐m tall of any diameter we counted and identified all climbing plant individuals at a height of 1.30 m. We also counted, measured (trunk diameter at 1.30 m) and identified all these trees, and determined prevalence of vine infestation for each tree species. Results: Light availability in forest plots did not affect vine abundance when the number and size of host trees was taken into account. Overall, vine abundance increased with host tree trunk diameter. Tree species did not differ in the prevalence of vine infestation. The relative abundance of stem twiners and adhesive climbers decreased and increased with trunk diameter, respectively. The densities of stem twiners and adhesive climbers were negatively correlated across the forest. Conclusion: We provide further evidence that the pattern of vine abundance is independent of light availability in southern temperate rain forests, in contrast to results commonly reported for tropical rain forests. We also show that support suitability across the forest varies with the mechanism by which vines climb, probably due in part to biomechanical constraints and in part to vine interspecific competition, a virtually unexplored ecological factor.     

云南哀牢山原生林及次生林群落附生地衣物种多样性与分布

附生地衣是森林附生植物的重要类群之一, 在维护森林生态系统的物种多样性以及水分和养分循环等方面发挥着重要作用。作者于2005年12月至2006年5月利用树干取样法调查了云南哀牢山徐家坝地区原生山地常绿阔叶林及其次生群落栎类萌生林、滇山杨(Populus bonatii)林和花椒(Zanthoxylum bungeanum)人工林中525株不同种类和径级树木距地面 0–2.0 m处附生地衣的组成和分布, 并收集了各个群落地面上凋落的地衣, 分析了林冠层附生地衣的物种组成。研究结果表明, 该区森林中附生地衣物种比较丰富。共收集到附生地衣61种, 分属17科29属, 其中原生林、栎类萌生林、滇山杨林和花椒人工林分别有51、53、46和23种。在树干距地面 0–2.0 m位置, 各群落中的附生地衣组成明显不同;但在林冠层中, 各群落内的附生地衣基本相似。原生林中附生地衣种类较多, 但分布不均匀。树干附生地衣的Shannon-Wiener和Simpson多样性指数以栎类萌生林最高, 分别为2.71和0.89;花椒林和滇山杨林次之, 分别为2.43–2.45和0.88–0.89;原生林最低, 为1.25和0.67。树干方位、宿主种类和宿主径级等都对附生地衣的物种组成和多样性有着重要影响, 附生地衣更多地出现于树干南向方位, 云南越桔(Vaccinium duclouxii)的附生地衣最为丰富, 胸径5.0–25.0 cm的树木上附生地衣较多。哀牢山山地森林群落中丰富的附生地衣种类及物种多样性在维系本区山地森林生态系统生物多样性格局方面具有重要的作用。     

目标树抚育对亚热带天然次生灌丛群落结构和多样性的影响

在浙江省临安市选择典型天然次生灌丛,分别进行封禁和目标树抚育,探讨灌丛恢复为乔木林的可能性.结果表明: 4年后,与未管护(对照)相比,封禁和目标树抚育后群落平均胸径分别提高1.3和2.6倍,平均高度分别提高0.5和1.1倍;目标树抚育林木出现了对照林分没有的4.5～8.5 cm径阶和4.5～8.5 m树高阶,形成了4 m高的新林层;灌木层物种丰富度和多样性指数没有因抚育而下降;封禁管理维持了群落的树种组成,遵循原有的演替方向;目标树抚育显著改变了群落的树种组成,提高了目的树种的重要值,近期有可能恢复成为针阔混交林群落.与封禁相比,目标树抚育在优势林木胸径和高度生长、树种组成改善等方面更能达到预想的目标.在有条件经营的情况下,可以选择目标树抚育模式对天然次生灌丛进行管理,从而达到加快群落恢复演替形成乔木林的目的.     

福建万木林自然保护区森林群落物种多样性

福建万木林自然保护区森林群落物种多样性朱锦懋姜志林郑群瑞蒋伟（南京林业大学森林资源与环境学院,２１００３７）（福建省建瓯市林委,３５３１００）ＳｐｅｃｉｅｓＤｉｖｅｒｓｉｔｙｉｎｔｈｅＦｏｒｅｓｔＣｏｍｍｕｎｉｔｙｏｆＷａｎｍｕｌｉｎＮａｔｕｒｅＲｅ...