Temporal Changes in Tree Species and Trait Composition in a Cyclone-prone Pacific Dipterocarp Forest

Our understanding of the effects of tropical cyclones on species composition and dynamics of forest communities is mainly derived from studies that have considered single cyclonic events. Here we examined changes in the tree species and functional trait composition in an 8-ha Dipterocarp forest at Palanan in the northeastern Philippines that is subject to a high frequency of cyclonic disturbance (1–4 cyclones annually). The plot has been censused four times over a 16-year interval allowing us to consider the medium-term forest dynamics in response to repeated cyclones. We hypothesized that as the forest community in Palanan has been selected under frequent disturbance by cyclones, it should show little functional change across the census intervals. We analyzed changes in demography, species composition, and community-weighted functional traits (specific leaf area, leaf area, wood density, and specific growth rate) across the censuses and compared these against cyclone intensities during the census intervals. Demographic changes across census years suggest that the community responded to cyclonic disturbances through substantial turnover in the small- and medium-size individuals, and that there has been an increase in plot-level stem density and basal area across the measured period. Trait compositional changes from 1994 to 2010 were mostly small, but indicate a shift towards species with larger leaves and faster growth rates—traits that are associated with fast recovery after disturbance. These changes all coincide with a large intense cyclone between the second and third censuses, suggesting that cyclone strength, more than cyclone frequency, affects this forest.     

Tropical Rain Forest Recovery from Cyclone Damage and Fire in Samoa1

In 1990 and 1991, Samoa was struck by two cyclones, Ofa and Val. In the Tafua Rain Forest Preserve on the island of Savai'i, one part of the forest also burned after the first cyclone. Here we report on patterns of regeneration and changes in tree species composition in the Tafua lowland rain forest after five years of recovery from cyclone and fire disturbance. In the unburned area, tree canopy cover increased from 27 percent after the last cyclone to 58 percent, and in the burned area from below 12 to 49 percent. Nine of the ten most common tree species decreased in relative abundance in the entire forest after the last cyclone. One fast growing pioneer species, Macaranga harveyana now makes up 42 percent of the total number of trees (>5 cm DBH) in the unburned area and 86 percent in the burned area. Large interspecific differences occur in size distribution and there are at least four distinguishable regeneration patterns, which may be related to shade tolerance. Mean number of species per plot was generally higher in the unburned area than in the burned area, while the Shannon evenness index was higher in the unburned than in the burned area only for trees above 1 cm DBH. Species with fruits known to be fed upon by birds and/or bats generally made up a larger proportion of all trees in the burned than in the unburned area. In contrast to other studies of post‐cyclone regeneration, in which recovery is often rapid due to resprouting of trees, recovery in the Tafua forest was a slow process with regeneration more dependent on vertebrate seed dispersal than on resprouting.     

不同取样强度下古田山木本植物幼苗组成 及其分布格局比较

幼苗阶段是森林群落更新的瓶颈, 研究木本植物幼苗组成和分布格局对正确认识森林群落构建以及多样性维持机制具有十分重要的意义。以往基于幼苗阶段的研究取样强度较小, 主要涉及常见种, 缺乏对稀有种的有效监测。我们对古田山24 ha森林样地幼苗监测网络进行了扩建, 在已有507个1 m × 1 m幼苗监测样方的基础上, 增设了285个5 m × 5 m幼苗样方, 对样方内所有高度≥ 10 cm且胸径< 1 cm的木本植物幼苗按大样地监测标准进行了定位、挂牌、鉴定和测量。本研究利用2012年5 m × 5 m幼苗监测样方的首次调查数据, 比较了24 ha大样地中不同取样强度下幼苗和非幼苗(胸径≥ 1 cm的木本植物)个体在物种组成、多样性分布格局以及生境偏好等方面的差异。结果表明: (1) 285个5 m × 5 m幼苗监测样方共计有木本植物幼苗138种20,581株, Shannon-Wiener多样性指数以及经多度校正的物种丰富度指数均显著高于1 m × 1 m幼苗监测样方以及24 ha大样地的非幼苗个体, 该结果与基于Rarefaction方法计算的物种数期望值结果一致; 与1 m × 1 m幼苗监测样方结果相比, 5 m × 5 m幼苗监测样方内物种数-取样面积曲线趋于饱和。(2) 5 m × 5 m幼苗监测样方幼苗与24 ha大样地非幼苗个体物种多度呈异速增长关系, 表明植物在幼苗阶段受到负密度制约效应的影响, 死亡率相对较高。(3)取样强度和胸径阈值的选取对群落稀有种的界定有重要影响, 朱砂根(Ardisia crenata)、山鸡椒(Litsea cubeba)、美丽胡枝子(Lespedeza thunbergii subsp. formosa)等物种在24 ha样地水平被认为是稀有种, 但是在5 m × 5 m幼苗样方却属于常见种。(4)指示种分析结果表明, 基于不同取样强度的幼苗生境指示种与基于大样地非幼苗个体的分析结果存在较大差异。在5 m × 5 m幼苗样方中, 13个物种与单一生境类型显著相关, 其中仅有3个物种与1 m × 1 m幼苗样方指示种相同, 与24 ha大样地非幼苗相比, 仅有2个共有指示种。总之, 不同取样强度可显著影响幼苗物种多样性格局的分析结果, 通过样方扩建对林下幼苗进行系统监测, 可进一步加深对群落生物多样性维持机制的认识。     

The structural characteristics and climatic and human impacts of deciduous oak forests in China

中国落叶栎林群落结构特征及气候和人类活动的影响 落叶栎林是中国温带地区和亚热带山地典型的植被类型之一。虽然已有大量关于中国落叶栎林的群落结构特征研究,但以往研究多局限于局域尺度或单个类群,而在国家尺度上的系统性研究较为缺乏。本文采用统一的调查方法获取682个天然落叶栎林样方数据,基于此数据分析了我国落叶栎林的群落结构特征及其空间格局,探究了影响其特征的气候和人为因素。研究结果表明,中国落叶栎林乔木 层的平均胸径、平均树高、平均林分密度和平均总胸高断面积分别为：13.7 cm、10.0 m、1468株/ha 和 24.3 m²/ha。落叶栎林乔木层、灌木层和草本层的平均物种丰富度分别为：6种/600 m²、10种/100 m²和 4种/1 m²。随纬度的升高,落叶栎林平均树高、林分密度、总胸高断面积、乔木层物种丰富度和灌木层物 种丰富度均呈现显著降低趋势,林分平均胸径无显著变化,而草本层物种丰富度呈现显著增加趋势。 进一步分析发现,相比于林分密度和草本层物种丰富度,气候和人类活动可以更多地解释平均胸径、平均树高、总胸高断面积、乔木层物种丰富度和灌木层物种丰富度的空间分异。此外,与降水相关的气候因子在塑造群落结构特征的空间格局方面起着更为重要的作用。总之,本研究为认识中国落叶栎林群落结构特征的生物地理格局及其对全球变化的响应提供了基础。     

Frequent,low‐amplitude disturbances drive high tree turnover rates on a remote,cyclone‐prone Polynesian island

Aim How important are frequent, low‐intensity disturbances to tree community dynamics of a cyclone‐prone forest? We tested the following hypotheses concerning the ‘inter‐cataclysm’ period on a remote Polynesian island: (1) tree turnover would be high and recruitment rates would be significantly higher than mortality; (2) low‐intensity disturbance would result in a marginal increase in tree mortality in the short term; (3) turnover would vary among species and would be associated with plant traits linked to differences in life history; and (4) mortality and recruitment events would be spatially non‐random. Location Tutuila, a volcanic island in the Samoan Archipelago, Polynesia. Methods We censused the tree (stem diameter ≥ 10 cm) community in 3.9 ha of tropical forest three times over a 10‐year period, 1998–2008. We calculated annual mortality, recruitment and turnover rates for 36 tree species. We tested for non‐random spatial patterns and predictors of mortality, and non‐random spatial patterns of tree recruitment. A 2004 cyclone passing within 400 km allowed us to measure the effects of a non‐cataclysmic disturbance on vital rates. Results Annual turnover was 2.8% and annual recruitment was 3.6%; these are some of the highest rates in the tropics, and likely to be a response to a cyclone that passed < 50 km from Tutuila in 1991. Species turnover rates over 10 years were negatively correlated with wood specific gravity, and positively correlated with annual stem diameter increment. Mortality was spatially aggregated, and a function of site, species and an individual’s growth rate. Recruitment was highest on ground with low slope. The low‐magnitude cyclone disturbance in 2004 defoliated 29% of all trees, but killed only 1.8% of trees immediately and increased annual mortality over 5 years by 0.7%. Main conclusions The inter‐cataclysm period on Tutuila is characterized by frequent, low‐amplitude disturbances that promote high rates of tree recruitment and create a dynamic, non‐equilibrium or disturbed island disequilibrium tree community. Species with low wood density and fast growth rates have enhanced opportunities for recruitment between cataclysms, but also higher probabilities of dying. Our results suggest that increases in the frequency of cyclone activity could shift relative abundances towards disturbance‐specialist species and new forest turnover rates.     

Landscape‐scale impacts of Cyclone Larry on the forests of northeast Australia,including comparisons with previous cyclones impacting the region between 1858 and 2006

Abstract Cyclone Larry (category 4) was the most severe cyclone to impact on the Wet Tropics bioregion since the devastating 1918 Innisfail cyclone. Based on an analysis of earlier cyclones impacting on this region over the period 1856–2006, it was determined that Larry was a ‘1 in 50 year’ event. This paper provides an overview of the landscape‐scale impacts of Larry on the forest ecosystems of the Wet Tropics region, based on low‐level helicopter surveys 2 weeks after the event. Cyclone Larry has been described as a ‘midget’ cyclone. Severe forest damage only extended about 30 km from the central track of the cyclone while moderate to severe damage extended some 50 km. Moderate to slight canopy disturbance was rarely identified more than 75 km from the centre of the cyclone's track. Beyond 75 km, forest damage was restricted to exposed areas of elevated terrain and in places exposed to strong lee (gravity) waves from the west. The ecological role of cyclones as important disturbance agents affecting the structure and function of forest ecosystems in the region is discussed, followed by an evaluation of likely effects of climate change on cyclone frequency and intensity.     

Litterfall and Element Fluxes in a Natural Hardwood Forest and a Chinese‐fir Plantation Experiencing Frequent Typhoon Disturbance in Central Taiwan

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is the most important forest plantation species in subtropical Asia and is rapidly replacing natural forests. Such land‐use change may affect ecosystem nutrient cycling through changes in litterfall nutrient flux. Tropical cyclones often cause pulses of litterfall. Previous studies, however, have mostly focused on the effects of a single cyclone with little effort examining the effects of repeated cyclones. We examined litterfall in a natural hardwood forest and a Chinese‐fir plantation in central Taiwan experiencing an average of one typhoon per year. The natural hardwood forest had 54 percent higher annual litterfall (11,400 kg/ha/yr) than the Chinese‐fir plantation (7400 kg/ha/yr). Four typhoon‐affected months (typhoon period) contributed to approximately 60 percent of the litterfall and litterfall element flux in the natural hardwood forest and 80 percent in the Chinese‐fir plantation, with contributions from individual typhoons varied by more than twofold. Litterfall N and P concentrations were significantly higher in typhoon period than in non‐typhoon period, likely the result of limited retranslocation. Precipitation was a better predictor of quantity of typhoon‐associated litterfall than wind velocity. Both types of forests in southeastern China beyond the reach of typhoons have litterfall peaks in the dry season. In contrast, we measured higher litterfall during the typhoon period than during the dry season, suggesting that in regions with frequent cyclones, cyclones drive temporal variation of litterfall. Global climate change is affecting the frequency and intensity of cyclones; therefore, knowledge of typhoon‐litterfall dynamics is indispensable for understanding the effects of climate change on ecosystem nutrient cycling.     

Tree species richness and turnover throughout New Zealand forests

Abstract. Patterns of mortality, recruitment, and forest turnover were investigated using permanent plot data from temperate forests in 14 localities throughout New Zealand. Tree mortality and recruitment rates were calculated from tagged trees ≥ 10 cm diameter at 1.4 m on individual 400 m² plots, and turnover rates were calculated as the mean of mortality and recruitment rates. Turnover rates (1.4% per year) were very similar to those recorded for tropical forests (i.e. 1.5% per year). As was shown in tropical forests, we also found significant relationships between forest turnover and species richness. In New Zealand forests there was also a decrease in species richness and turnover rates with increasing latitude. Although species richness is well known to decline with latitude, our study provides support for a possible link between seasonality and disturbance with tree turnover and species diversity. While tree mortality and recruitment rates were approximately in balance at some localities, in others there were imbalances between mortality and recruitment rates.     

Structure of a pristine Picea abies forest in northeastern Europe

Abstract. The forest structure in a large, relatively homogeneous area of pristine Picea abies taiga in the southern boreal region west of the Ural mountains was studied along four 500-m long transects. P. abies dominated the forest in association with Abies sibirica and Betula spp. The mean volume of living trees was 216 m³/ha. This value varied among the four transects, from 138 - 252 m³/ha. Mean density of trees (DBH > 1 cm) (and variation over the transects) was 2 064/ha (1670 - 2710). Living trees classified as dying or seriously damaged made up 2.9 (2.5 - 3.5) % of the living tree volume. Betula was an important canopy component and made up 16% of the living tree volume. The number of dead standing trees varied from 195 - 325/ha, corresponding to a volume of 10.8 - 70.7 m³/ha. The density of trees with a broken stem was 90 - 170/ha and their estimated volume 7.6 - 41.3 m³/ha. Standing dead trees and trees with broken stems represented 10.4 and 8.9% of the total standing tree volume (living + dead), respectively. The mean volume of decaying logs on the forest floor was 117 (84.4–156.2) m³/ha, corresponding to 54 (35 - 113) % of the living tree volume. The canopy-forming trees were present in the understory as abundant saplings and suppressed individuals. The size distribution of the dominant tree species resembled the inverse J-shape. Generally, the forest was characterized by a high small-scale structural variation and a larger-scale relative homogeneity. This pattern is consistent with forest dynamics where the forest consists of a small-scale mosaic of patches in different stages of recovery following disturbance. Our results suggest that the ecology and dynamics of extensive areas of natural boreal forests can be driven by small-scale disturbance.     

Variations in resistance to canopy disturbances and their interactions with the spatial structure of major species in a cool‐temperate forest

Question: How does typhoon‐related disturbance (more specifically, disturbance in the understorey due to tree‐fall and branch‐fall) affect different species mortality rates in a vertically well‐structured forest community? Location: Cool‐temperate, old‐growth forest in the Daisen Forest Reserve, Japan. Methods: We investigated the canopy dynamics and mortality rate trends of trees ≥5 cm diameter at breast height in a 4‐ha study plot, and analysed the effects of tree diameter and spatial structure on the mortality risks for major tree species in the understorey. Results: Significant differences were found in the mortality rates and proportions of injured dead stems between census periods, which were more pronounced in the understorey than in the canopy. Acer micranthum, which showed increased mortality during typhoon disturbance periods, had a clumped distribution. In contrast, Acer japonicum and Viburnum furcatum, which showed similar mortality rates between census periods, had a loosely clumped spatial distribution and a negative association with canopy trees, respectively. In the understorey stems of Acanthopanax sciadophylloides and Fagus crenata, whose spatial distribution patterns depended on canopy gaps, significant increases in mortality rates were observed only during severe typhoon‐related disturbance periods. Conclusions: The sensitivity of trees to typhoon‐related canopy disturbance is more pronounced in the lower layers of vertically structured forest communities. Differences in mortality patterns generated through the combined effects of spatial variation in disturbance regime and species‐specific spatial distribution patterns (spatial aggregation, association with canopy trees, and canopy gap dependency) contribute to the co‐existence of understorey species in forest communities that are subject to typhoon‐related disturbance.     

Regeneration failure and the potential importance of human disturbance in a subtropical forest

Abstract. A lack of regeneration of shade‐intolerant canopy species has been reported in several subtropical South African forests. The subtropical forest of Hluhluwe‐Umfolozi Park, KwaZulu‐Natal, was examined in order to determine the extent of regeneration, the forest grain, dynamics and conservation value. Field sampling took the form of recording DBH for all woody species in 29 0.04‐ha circular plots, walking 5‐m wide transects in mature and marginal forest to record size classes of important species and analysis of 20 gaps. A community analysis was performed using the multivariate program TWINSPAN. Size‐class distributions indicate a lack of regeneration and suggest a prevalence of shade‐intolerant species in the canopy. The composition of the canopy and subcanopy are distinct from one another and the forest is coarse‐grained. Conservation of the present species composition could be aided by encouraging patch‐scale disturbance. It is hypothesized that swidden agriculture may have favoured the formation of the present forest canopy structure.     

Effects of population density on forest structure and species richness and diversity of trees in Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia

This study examined differences in stand structure, tree species richness, and tree species diversity in relation to population density in Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia. Tree data were obtained from a 1997 forest inventory involving 60 clusters (540 plots) systematically distributed over 30% of the provincial forest area. Spatially referenced population data were obtained from the 1998 national population census. The average number of trees per cluster was 356/ha, the average basal area, 23 m²/ha, the average stand volume, 217 m³/ha, and the average aboveground biomass, 273 Mg/ha for all trees of DBH 10 cm and larger. The average species richness per cluster was 37 species, while average species diversity was measured as 0.916 using Simpson’s index and 2.98 by Shannon’s index. Significant negative correlations were generally found between population density surrounding clusters and tree density, basal area, stand volume, aboveground biomass, and species richness and diversity for three examined diameter classes (DBH of 10–30, ≥30, and ≥10 cm). As the distance from clusters for calculating population density increased, the correlation levels increased up to 5 or 7 km, depending on the variables and diameter class, and then stayed relatively constant for stand structure variables and decreased for species richness and diversity. The results indicate that evidence of disturbance was more pronounced at higher population density up to around 5 to 7 km. We suggest that introduction of greater controls on human disturbance should be a high priority for resource management and conservation in Kampong Thom Province and, presumably, Cambodia as a whole.     

Resilience of arboreal folivores to habitat damage by a severe tropical cyclone

Abstract Severe tropical cyclones greatly modify habitat of arboreal folivores by destroying forest canopy, reducing structure and complexity and defoliating remaining trees. We hypothesized that forest modification following severe Cyclone Larry would stress arboreal folivores of the Family Pseudocheiridae and be reflected in increased home ranges and a decrease in body condition. We conducted 19 pre‐cyclone and 24 post‐cyclone spotlighting surveys at a site with severe cyclone damage, and 18 post‐cyclone surveys at a site with minor damage. We detected a greater number of lemuroid, Hemibelideus lemuroides and green, Pseudochirops archeri, ringtail possums as these possums remained in the severely damaged canopy and forest edge. In contrast, Herbert River ringtail possums, Pseudochirulus herbertensis, were detected in smaller numbers. We radio‐tracked eight P. herbertensis before the cyclone, following two of these and nine new animals after the category 4 cyclone. No significant post‐cyclone alteration in home range area or span was recorded in data pooled across the two sites or in limited post‐cyclone data at the severely disturbed site, but a greater variability in home range was observed after cyclone (pooled across sites: 1.72 ± 0.77 ha; 197 ± 47 m) than before the cyclone (1.35 ± 0.30 ha; 196 ± 23 m). In contrast, pooled pre‐ and post‐cyclone home range areas and spans were larger at the severely‐disturbed site (2.08 ± 0.56 ha; 231 ± 32 m) than at the site with minor damage (0.68 ± 0.11 ha; 114 ± 25 m), suggesting resources were more widely spread at the former site. Post‐cyclone home ranges were also larger at the severely damaged site (severe: 3.33 ± 1.36 ha, n = 3; minor: 0.52 ± 0.07 ha, n = 4). Condition of P. herbertensis (mass/tail length) did not differ significantly pre‐ and post‐cyclone or between less and severely disturbed sites. These results and observations of breeding after cyclone suggest that possum populations may be resilient to severe cyclone damage under the relatively wet conditions experienced post‐Cyclone Larry.     

Aboveground Biomass Accumulation in a Tropical Wet Forest in Nicaragua Following a Catastrophic Hurricane Disturbance1

Among their effects on forest structure and carbon dynamics, hurricanes frequently create large‐scale canopy gaps that promote secondary growth. To measure the accumulation of aboveground biomass (AGBM) in a hurricane damaged forest, we established permanent plots 4 mo after the landfall of Hurricane Joan on the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua in October 1988. We quantified AGBM accumulation in these plots by correlating diameter measurements to AGBM values using a published allometric regression equation for tropical wet forests. In the first measurement year following the storm, AGBM in hurricane‐affected plots was quite variable, ranging from 26 to 153 Mg/ha, with a mean of 78 (±15) Mg/ha. AGBM was substantially lower than in two control plots several kilometers outside the hurricane's path (331 ±15 Mg/ha). Biomass accumulation was slow (5.36 ± 0.74 Mg/ha/yr), relative to previous studies of forest regeneration following another hurricane (Hugo) and agricultural activity. We suggest that large‐scale, homogenous canopy damage caused by Hurricane Joan impeded the dispersal and establishment of pioneer trees and led to a secondary forest dominated by late successional species that resprouted and survived the disturbance. With the relatively slow rate of biomass accumulation, any tightening in disturbance interval could reduce the maximum capacity of the living biomass to store carbon.     

Woody plant diversity,composition and structure in relation to environmental variables and land-cover types in Lake Wanchi watershed,central highlands of Ethiopia

Knowledge of vegetation dynamics associated with human land-use change and environmental variables is crucial for sustainable watershed management. The objective of this study was to analyse woody plant diversity in response to the effects of anthropogenic disturbances, and topographic variables in different land-cover types. Woody plants ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were recorded from 20-by-20 m plots, those <5 cm DBH were recorded from 10-by-10 m plots, and tree seedlings were recorded in 3-by-3 m plots. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling with Bray–Curtis distance was employed to analyse woody species composition. Woody species richness was analysed using generalised linear modelling. Tree diameter-class distributions were examined for population structure. The study identified 104 woody plants belonging to 52 families, where 74.5% were indigenous and 16.7% were endemic to Ethiopia. Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Rosaceae were the most species-rich families. There was evidence for the effect of anthropogenic disturbance and elevation on woody species composition. Wetlands contained the highest woody species richness, while woody species richness declined with increasing elevation and disturbance. Evidence of good regeneration was observed in wetlands. To sustain the ecological functions and services provided by the watershed, rehabilitation of the forest and shrub-cover should be a high priority for local management authorities.     

Effects of selective logging on tree diversity,composition and plant functional type patterns in a Bornean rain forest

Abstract. The effects of selective logging on tree diversity, changes in tree species composition and plant functional types were studied with the use of seven permanent plots in virgin and in logged forest. All plots were located in a lowland dipterocarp rain forest in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. Just after logging and during the following 20 yr tree diversity measured as Fishers’α was not significantly affected in logged forest plots. Temporal shifts in tree species composition were analysed with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Logged forest plots had much larger changes over time than virgin forest plots. In the smallest diameter class, some logged forest plots showed a distinct trajectory in PCA space compared to virgin forest plots, while in larger diameter classes movement of logged plots in PCA space was random. This suggests that there is no predetermined community to which logged forest plots tend to shift when recovering from logging. We found a significant negative correlation between diameter increments and the species‐specific wood densities of tree species. Species‐specific wood density and potential tree height were used to assign species to five PFTs. As expected, logging increased the fraction of softwood stems in small diameter classes. In the largest diameter classes (≥ 50 cm DBH) a strong decrease of softwood emergent stems was found in logged forest plots. After more than 20 yr no recruitment was found of softwood emergent stems in selectively logged forest.     

Disturbance indicators and population decline of logged species in Mt. Elgon Forest,Kenya

Mount (Mt) Elgon forest in western Kenya is important for biodiversity, environmental protection and socio‐economic development. Characterizing forest conditions is essential for evaluation of sustainable management and conservation activities. This paper covers findings of a study which determined and analysed indicators useful in monitoring disturbance levels in the Mt Elgon Forest. A systematic survey was carried out and covered 305 plots of 0.02 ha and 250 smaller nested regeneration plots along 10 belt transects that were distributed in five blocks within the moist lower montane forest type. Collected and analysed data include types of disturbance, tree species composition, abundance and logged species. Correlation breakdown among disturbance types revealed that, paths were indicators of the number of tree harvesting sites (r_s =1.00, P < 0.01) and of de‐vegetated areas through grass harvesting (r_s = 0.90, P = 0.04). Solanum mauritianum Scop. was an indicator of old‐charcoal production sites. Logging targeted 13 tree species and harvested trees with diameter at breast height above 20 cm. The most exploited species were Olea capensis L. and Deinbolia kilimandscharica Taub. All exploited species had low regeneration but tree regeneration was not an effective indicator of logging.     

Patterns of liana community diversity and structure in a tropical rainforest reserve,Ghana: effects of human disturbance

Most studies have concluded that liana diversity and structure increase with disturbance. However, a contradictory pattern has emerged recently calling for more research in the area. Liana diversity and structure were investigated in three forest types that differ in disturbance intensity (nondisturbed, moderately disturbed and heavily disturbed forest: NDF, MDF and HDF, respectively) in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, Ghana. In each forest type, 10 square plots of 0.25 ha were demarcated. Lianas with diameter ≥1 cm located on trees with diameter ≥10 cm were enumerated. A total of 429 individuals representing 40 species, 29 genera and seventeen families were identified in the study. Shannon diversity and species richness of lianas were significantly lower in the HDF (P < 0.05). Liana density and basal area differed significantly across all forest types (P < 0.0001). The importance value index (IVI) of most liana species varied greatly across the forest types. The current study has provided evidence to support the pattern of decreasing liana diversity and structure with disturbance in some tropical forests. Further studies are recommended to gain more understanding of the factors that are responsible for the divergent liana responses to disturbance in tropical forests.     

Exotic vine invasions following cyclone disturbance in Australian Wet Tropics rainforests: A review

The Australian Wet Tropics region extends for almost 900 000 ha along the coastline of north‐east Queensland. The rainforests in this region have a rich and unique biodiversity and are World Heritage listed by UNESCO. Disturbance from tropical cyclones is a significant driver of the rainforest dynamics in this area, and when frequent or intense can facilitate the recruitment and expansion of exotic invasive species. Exotic vines are of particular concern for forest conservation as they can be highly competitive with native vegetation and may prevent forest regeneration. This literature review found evidence that fragmented forests, which are very common in the Australian Wet Tropics, are vulnerable to post‐cyclone vine invasion. In particular, although the diversity and abundance of herbaceous vines tend to decline as the canopy closes 2 years post‐cyclone disturbance, woody exotic vines and scramblers may persist for much longer or even increase in numbers. Since forest recovery in these systems is influenced by the severity and recurrence of disturbance, an increase in cyclone intensity under climate change may cause rapid changes in rainforest structure, composition and diversity, and increase exotic vine invasion. Post‐cyclone management of vines appears to require direct intervention, with manual cutting being currently the most effective method. However, there are a number of difficulties to its wide implementation in Australia, and further study on options for control is needed. Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.     

Species turnover and diversity patterns along an evergreen broad-leaved forest coenocline

Direct gradient analysis was applied to the evergreen broad-leaved forest coenocline in the Tatera Forest Reserve, Japan. 10 quadrats of 0.1 -0.05 ha were laid out from 140 m to 560 m above sea level at intervals of 25–70 m. Gradient analysis revealed that distributions of many species terminated or started at ca. 400 m. Community similarity, calculated in Percentage Similarity (PS) and Community Coefficient (CC), changed abruptly below and above the 400 m contour, suggesting a change of vegetation structure at this altitude, which was also clear from population distributions. The spatial turnover rate of species along the altitudinal gradient was calculated in two ways: as the Average turnover rate along the whole range of the gradient, and as the Zone turnover rate at individual altitudes. The overall rates calculated for five categories of populations: DBH > 10 cm, DBH >3 cm, all woody species, herb-layer, and total vegetation, were- 0.0011 to- 0.0021 for PS, and - 0.0009 to- 0.0019 for CC. The calculated rates (PS basis) indicate that a 95% change in species composition is reached at 1120 to 620 m altitude. Similarly, the rates -0.0009 to - 0.0019 (CC) correspond to 1410 - 680 m. The altitudinal range expected here for a 95% change agrees with the actual elevation of forest zonation in northwestern Kyushu. The average rate of both PS and CC in the herb-layer population was 1.56 times higher than the rate in the woody species population, showing a more rapid change in herb-layer population than in the woody ones along the gradient. The Zone turnover rates were higher at the 370–440 m belt than those below and above the belt. This coincided with the interchanging pattern in population distributions and the abrupt change in similarity at about 400 m above sea level. This may be due to the change in environmental conditions such as physiography and air humidity. In the diversity measurements, the species density per 100 m² showed a gradual increase in the DBH >3 cm population but a constant level in the DBH >10 cm population along the whole range of the forest coenocline studied, while index values of S₍₁₀₀₎ and Shannon's H showed decreasing trends in the same gradient with a few exceptionally high and low values.