Plant diversity and seasonal dynamics in forest gaps of varying sizes in Pinus massoniana plantations

人工林目前存在结构单一、土壤退化、生物多样性降低等人类普遍关注的生态问题。马尾松(Pinus massoniana)是长江上游低山丘陵区退耕还林的主要人工林树种。研究采伐林窗对植物物种组成和更新的影响, 对马尾松低效人工林的改造, 提升其生态服务功能具有重要的意义。该文以采伐39年生的马尾松人工林形成的7种不同大小的林窗为研究对象, 分析了不同季节林窗内的植物生活型组成及多样性变化。结果表明: 1)马尾松人工林林下植物以高位芽植物居多, 其次是地面、地下芽植物, 一年生植物较少而缺少地上芽植物。在林窗形成初期, 林窗的高位芽植物比例明显低于林下, 大林窗的高位芽植物比例稍高于小林窗, 地下芽和一年生植物的比例低于小林窗。2)林下的物种丰富度和物种多样性指数显著低于大林窗。不同林窗下植物的丰富度指数、优势度指数、多样性指数也存在显著差异。3)夏季林窗下植物多样性最高, 其次是秋季, 春季多样性最低。1225-1600 m²的大林窗能够促进马尾松人工林植物多样性恢复和植被更新。     

马尾松人工林不同大小林窗植物多样性及其季节动态

人工林目前存在结构单一、土壤退化、生物多样性降低等人类普遍关注的生态问题。马尾松(Pinus massoniana)是长江上游低山丘陵区退耕还林的主要人工林树种。研究采伐林窗对植物物种组成和更新的影响, 对马尾松低效人工林的改造, 提升其生态服务功能具有重要的意义。该文以采伐39年生的马尾松人工林形成的7种不同大小的林窗为研究对象, 分析了不同季节林窗内的植物生活型组成及多样性变化。结果表明: 1)马尾松人工林林下植物以高位芽植物居多, 其次是地面、地下芽植物, 一年生植物较少而缺少地上芽植物。在林窗形成初期, 林窗的高位芽植物比例明显低于林下, 大林窗的高位芽植物比例稍高于小林窗, 地下芽和一年生植物的比例低于小林窗。2)林下的物种丰富度和物种多样性指数显著低于大林窗。不同林窗下植物的丰富度指数、优势度指数、多样性指数也存在显著差异。3)夏季林窗下植物多样性最高, 其次是秋季, 春季多样性最低。1225-1600 m²的大林窗能够促进马尾松人工林植物多样性恢复和植被更新。     

西双版纳热带雨林林窗空间分布格局及其特征数与林窗下植物多样性的相关性

林窗作为森林群落中一种重要的干扰方式, 对林下物种构成有着重要的影响。开展林窗空间格局及其特征指数与林下植物多样性关系研究对于探讨林窗对林下生物多样性的影响有重要意义, 有助于进一步了解群落动态, 在物种多样性保护方面也具有指导作用。本研究在西双版纳热带雨林地区随机选取3块大小为1 ha的热带雨林为研究样地, 采用轻小型六旋翼无人机搭载Sony ILCE-A7r可见光传感器, 分别获取各个样地的高清数字影像, 结合数字表面高程模型以及各个样地的地形数据用以确定各样区的林窗分布格局, 并进一步提取出各林窗的景观格局指数。结合地面样方基础调查数据, 对各样地各林窗下植物多样性情况进行统计, 旨在分析热带雨林林窗空间分布格局以及林窗下植物多样性对各林窗空间格局特征的响应情况。研究表明, 西双版纳州热带雨林林窗呈大而分散的空间分布, 林窗空间格局特征指数如林窗形状复杂性指数、林窗面积都与林下植物多样性呈显著正相关关系。在面积小的林窗下, 较之林窗形状复杂性因子, 林窗面积大小对林下植物多样性影响更显著; 在面积达到一定程度后, 相对于面积因子, 林窗形状复杂性指数对林下植物多样性影响更显著, 各样地林窗皆趋于向各自所处样地顶极群落发展。     

采伐林窗对白云山3种人工林林下植物多样性的早期影响

马尾松、杉木和毛竹是长江流域低山丘陵地区的主要用材树种,其人工林群落结构简单和生物多样性低下是普遍存在的生态学问题.为了解采伐林窗对3种人工林林下植物多样性的影响,选择生境条件基本一致的3种林分,以林下为对照,比较了通过采伐获得的不同大小林窗间植物生活型构成和多样性差异.结果表明: 采伐林窗后2年,3种林分中杉木林的植物种类最多,达57种,其次是毛竹林(53种)和马尾松林(41种).在采伐林窗初期,杉木林和毛竹林林窗内物种数显著高于对照,但马尾松林林窗与对照没有显著差异.500 m²林窗内的高位芽植物比例显著高于其他林窗,250 m²林窗内地面芽和一年生植物比例较高,而50 m²林窗内地下芽植物的比例较高.相同林分不同大小林窗之间物种相似度高于其与对照之间,也高于与其他林分林窗之间;林分林窗与其他林分对照的相似度普遍较低.不同大小林窗下物种丰富度、Simpson生态优势度、Shannon多样性指数均存在显著差异;林分类型对物种丰富度和Shannon多样性指数有显著影响,但对Simpson生态优势度没有影响;林窗大小和林分类型的交互作用对所有指数均无显著影响.通过采伐林窗,林下植物生活型谱发生了变化,植物多样性水平有所提高.     

格氏栲天然林林窗植物物种多样性与系统发育多样性

林窗环境异质性导致群落物种多样性与系统发育多样性(phylogenetic diversity, PD)存在差异, 研究不同大小的林窗中群落的物种多样性与系统发育多样性有助于揭示林下生物多样性的形成及维持机制。本文以格氏栲(Castanopsis kawakamii)天然林为研究对象, 通过Pearson相关性分析与广义线性模型探讨了林窗内物种多样性与系统发育多样性间的相互关系及其环境影响因素。结果表明: (1)大林窗(面积 > 200 m²)植物种类及多度均高于中林窗(50 m² ≤ 面积 < 100 m²)、小林窗(30 m² ≤ 面积 < 50 m²)和非林窗(面积 = 100 m²)。大林窗群落系统发育结构趋于发散, 中、小林窗和非林窗群落系统发育结构受到生境过滤和竞争排斥综合作用。(2)群落系统发育多样性指数与物种丰富度(species richness, SR)、Margalef丰富度指数和Shannon-Wiener指数均呈显著正相关, 这与林窗内稀有种种类组成多于优势种有关。(3)林窗面积对物种多样性存在显著正效应; 土壤全氮含量对系统发育多样性和系统发育结构存在显著正效应。林窗形成提高了格氏栲天然林群落物种多样性和系统发育多样性, 林窗面积与土壤全氮共同驱动了格氏栲天然林林窗物种多样性和系统发育多样性的变化。     

亚热带常绿阔叶林林窗物种丰富度的影响因素

林窗是森林群落物种多样性维持中十分重要的结构,但其本身物种多样性的维持机制尚不清楚,可能与相邻群落的物种丰富度、林窗面积以及土壤和地形因子等有关。本文选取浙江天童20 ha森林动态监测样地内的84个冠林窗作为研究对象,分析了林窗内部以及不同距离邻域内的物种组成,选取包含大部分林窗内物种(≥75%),并且对林窗内物种丰富度影响最大的邻域作为相关邻域(林窗周围成熟植株通过种子传播影响林窗物种丰富度,把距离冠林窗边缘5 m范围内的区域作为种源效应邻域;由于距离林窗较近,物种组成与林窗形成时仍存活个体的物种组成相似,故把距离冠林窗边缘4 m范围内的区域作为距离效应邻域),然后计算种源效应邻域内成熟植株的物种丰富度、距离效应邻域内所有植株的物种丰富度、冠林窗的面积、地形因子(海拔、坡度、坡向、凸度)和土壤因子(p H值、全氮、全碳、全磷),最后对11个潜在的影响因素进行随机组合,构建广义线性回归模型,筛选最优模型(AICc最小)进行分析。结果显示:种源效应邻域内成熟植株的物种丰富度和冠林窗面积显著影响林窗内物种丰富度,其他因素并未对冠林窗内物种丰富度产生显著影响。上述结果说明,冠林窗面积的大小以及外部种源的丰富程度是决定冠林窗内物种丰富度的主要因素,其他因素可能只产生间接影响。     

林窗研究进展

本文从林窗的形成、林窗内微环境特点、林窗内树木更新、以及树轮分析与干扰重建,阐述了国内外在该领域的研究动态和取得的成果,以期推动和促进我国的林窗研究工作。根据欧美学者的研究报告,林窗的面积不仅与林冠和树径的大小成正比,而且与树木的倒伏方式有关;林窗的形成与特征主要受制造林窗树林的种类、树龄、海拔和气候带等因素的影响。林窗内微环境特点随林窗的大小、形状、纬度及所处位置的不同而变化。林窗是推动森林演替和更新的重要因素之一,林窗的形成、大小影响和控制着林内树种的组成和树木的更新。树轮分析可用于检测树木的生长释放,研究表明,在样本数量较大时,树木生长释放对重建过去的森林干扰是很有用的。     

林窗对川西周公山柳杉人工林林下物种多样性的影响

采用典型样地法,以川西周公山柳杉人工林5种不同大小的林窗为研究对象,以林下非林窗为对照,研究了不同大小的林窗对柳杉人工林物种多样性的影响,同时分析了不同梯度林窗下林窗中心、林窗边缘、及林下群落的物种组成、物种多样性的变化情况。结果表明:(1)在所调查的18个样地231个样方中共记录到维管束植物141种,隶属于76科113属;随着林窗面积的增大,群落各层次的物种数呈现出先升高后降低的趋势,灌木层物种数在各林窗梯度上表现为林缘林下林窗中心,草本层物种数在各林窗梯度上表现为林缘林窗中心林下。(2)不同林窗优势种及其重要值不同,即在小林窗内,优势种为柳杉和野桐,其重要值之和高达0.292 3;在大林窗内,杉木及亮叶桦为群落优势物种,群落内出现大量其更新幼苗。(3)不同大小的林窗表现为灌木层物种丰富度指数(D)、Shannon-Wienner指数(H)、和Pielou均匀度指数(Jsw)值在400~450 m2面积的大林窗内达到一个均优水平,草本层物种的多样性在面积为100~150m2的小林窗内达到较高水平;不同梯度的林窗各层次群落D、H值整体表现为林缘林窗中心林下。研究认为:林窗的存在会改变群落物种组成,提高群落物种多样性水平,并且大林窗(400~450m2)更利于柳杉人工林林下树种更新及物种多样性的提高。     

茂兰喀斯特森林林窗下木本植物多样性及其驱动力

喀斯特森林中的林窗多为中小尺度干扰形成的,是木本植物更新的重要场所,探索林窗下木本植物多样性维持及其驱动力对喀斯特退化森林更新及恢复有重要意义.本研究以茂兰国家级自然保护区内常绿落叶阔叶混交林林窗为对象,监测林窗特征,分析林窗下木本植物重要值、α多样性指数,明确林窗特征与植物多样性之间的关系,并分析生境因子对林窗下木本...     

神农架地区锐齿槲栎种群结构与更新的研究

锐齿槲栎 (Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata)林是神农架地区一种重要的落叶阔叶林 ,分布广泛 ,保存较好。通过对锐齿槲栎种群大小结构的研究发现 ,中等大小的锐齿槲栎个体数量较多 ,幼苗与幼树的数量在不同样地间变化很大 ,其大小结构分布图中多有一定程度的缺失。锐齿槲栎种群多呈现聚集分布 ,不同的尺度下其聚集程度不同。在每一个尺度下 ,幼苗幼树的聚集程度要比相同尺度下成体的聚集程度高。幼苗更新是锐齿槲栎更新的一种主要形式 ,其幼苗的出现与林窗的形成有密切的关系。在锐齿槲栎幼苗成长为幼树的过程中 ,由于种内与种间竞争的影响 ,导致了许多幼树的死亡。正是由于林窗形成等干扰因素的影响才使锐齿槲栎幼树得以进入群落上层。     

Factors influencing sapling composition in canopy gaps of a temperate deciduous forest

To detect the factors that affect sapling species composition in gaps, we investigated 55 gaps in an old-growth temperate deciduous forest in Ogawa Forest Reserve, central Japan. Gap size, gap age, gap maker species, topographic location, adult tree composition around gaps, and saplings of tree species growing in the gaps were censused. For gaps 5 m², mean gap size was 70 m² and the maximum was 330 m². Estimated ages of gaps had a tendency to be concentrated in particular periods relating to strong wind records in the past. The sapling composition in gaps was highly and significantly correlated to that under closed canopy, indicating the importance of advance regeneration in this forest. However, some species showed significant occurrence biases in gaps or under closed canopy, suggesting differences in shade tolerance. The result of MANOVA showed that gap size and topography were important factors in determining the sapling composition in gaps. Species of gap makers affected the sapling composition indirectly by influencing gap size. The existence of parent trees around gaps had effects on sapling densities of several species. Gap age did not have clear influences on sapling composition. Variations in gap size and topography were considered as important factors that contribute to maintenance of species diversity in this forest.     

白皮松林林隙物种组成动态及更新规律

研究了白皮松林林隙物种组成和种间关系在林隙发育的各个阶段的动态变化,并对林隙内主要树种的更新反应进行了探讨。结果表明,在发育阶段为前期、中前期、中后期和后期的序列上,林隙中乔木层优势度最大的物种分别是白皮松（Pinus bungeana）、辽东栎（Quercus wutaishanica）、山桃（Prunus davidiana）和侧柏（Platy-cladus orientalis）;灌木层优势种包括白莲蒿（Artemisia gmelinii）、胡枝子（Lespedeza bicolor）、薄皮木（Lepto-dermis oblonga）和狼牙刺（Sophora viciifolia）;草本层优势种包括大披针苔草（Carex lanceolata）、糙隐子草（Cleistogenes squarrosa）、紫菀（Aster tataricus）和荩草（Arthraxon hispidus）;非林隙林分的优势种不明显。在林隙发育过程中乔木层、灌木层、草本层的平均相似性系数为0.32、0.38和0.27。可见林隙发育过程中群落各层次的相似性系数由小到大顺序为：草本〈乔木〈灌木;草本植物随着林隙环境条件的改变而出现较大的消亡和更新,显示出较大的波动性;乔木的稳定性和连续性介于灌木和草本之间。依据林隙中树种幼苗、幼树Ⅰ和幼树Ⅱ的数量差异,可将林隙更新反应分为单峰型、双峰型、差异不明显3种,并分别以白皮松、辽东栎和油松（Pinus tabu-laeformis）为代表树种。     

Detecting successional changes in long-term empirical data from subalpine conifer forests

The gap dynamics of two Nothofagus pumilio (lenga) stands have been investigated. We evaluated and compared tree diameter distributions, spatial patterns, tree fall and gap characteristics and regeneration responses in gaps in two old-growth forests of Nothofagus pumilio in Southern Chile (Shangri-La: 36°60 S, 71°30 W; Reserva Coyhaique: 45°52 S, 72°00 W). In addition, we describe relationships between gap size and regeneration characteristics. We detected some differences in tree and sapling densities between sites. The causes of gap formation and the gap size distribution, mean gap area, and gap fraction were similar, but gap abundance was different at the two sites. The Reserva Coyhaique site had 15 gaps/ha compared to 10 gaps/ha for Shangri-La. Sizes of clumps of trees were within the range of sizes of canopy gaps at both sites. The density of saplings was higher in gaps than under closed forest at R. Coyhaique, but not at Shangri-La. We found that sapling densities were unrelated to gap size in both sites. The lower sapling density in gaps at Shangri-La might be explained by the presence of Chusquea quila, a competitive pioneer bamboo species. The height increment was related to gap size at Shangri-La, but not at R. Coyhaique. Gap size itself does not account for all the variation in recruitment performance in these Southern beech stands.     

阔叶红松林林隙结构与树种多样性关系研究

对阔叶红松林林隙与林下不同层次树种多样性进行比较,探讨林隙大小及发育阶段与树种多样性间的关系.结果表明,林隙与林下树种多样性存在显著差异（P<0.01）.与林下相比,林隙更新层树种多样性、丰富度和均匀度增大,生态优势度减小（P<0.01）;演替层树种多样性、丰富度和均匀度减小,生态优势度增大（P<0.0001）.林隙中不同层次树种多样性随着林隙大小呈现出相反的变化趋势.长白山阔叶红松林林隙演替层树种多样性和丰富度总体上呈单峰形变化,中等大小林隙（100～250 m²）中树种多样性和丰富度较高,生态优势度较小.而更新层树种多样性和均匀度在≥250 m²和<100 m²的林隙中最大,在200～250 m²的林隙中最小;生态优势度在200～250 m²的林隙中达到最大.更新层和演替层树种对林隙面积大小反应不同,有利于更新层幼苗建立的林隙面积并不是演替层幼树发育和成活的最适面积;随林隙年龄的增加,更新层和演替层树种多样性在不同层次上呈互补关系.     

Short-term development of ambrosia and bark beetle assemblages following a windstorm in French broadleaved temperate forests

Abstract: In most temperate deciduous forests, windstorm is the main source of dead wood. However, the effects of this natural disturbance on ambrosia and bark beetle communities are poorly known. In managed oak‐hornbeam forests storm‐damaged in France in 1999, we sampled ambrosia (and second bark beetles) by ethanol‐baited window‐flight traps in 2001. By comparing uncleared gaps, undisturbed closed‐canopy controls and seedling‐sapling stands, we investigated the short‐term effects of gap formation, gap size and surrounding landscape to provide a snapshot of scolytid response. Contrary to expectations, neither the abundance nor the richness of ambrosia beetle species was significantly higher in gaps than in undisturbed stands. Few responses in abundance at the species level and only a slight difference in assemblage composition were detected between gaps and closed‐canopy controls. Gaps were more dissimilar from seedling‐sapling stands, than from closed‐canopy controls. More scolytid individuals and species were caught in gaps than in seedling‐sapling stands. Mean local and cumulative richness peaked in mid‐size gaps. Only mid‐size gaps differed from closed‐canopy controls in terms of species composition. We identified generalist gap species (Xyleborus saxesenii, X. cryptographus), but also species significantly more abundant in mid‐size gaps (Platypus cylindrus, Xyloterus signatus). The faunistic peculiarity of mid‐size gaps seemed to be partly related to a bias in oak density among gap size classes. Few landscape effects were observed. Only the scolytids on the whole and X. dispar were slightly favoured by an increasing density in fellings at the 78 ha scale. We did not find any correlation between scolytid abundance and the surrounding closed‐forest percentage area. We confirmed that temperate, deciduous, managed stands did not come under threat by ambrosia and bark beetle pests after the 1999 windstorm. Nonetheless, our data stressed the current expansion in Western Europe of two invasive species, X. peregrinus and especially X. germanus, now the predominant scolytid in the three oak forests studied.     

南亚热带常绿阔叶林不同大小和发育阶段林隙的树种多样性研究

分析了南亚热带常绿阔叶林不同大小和发育阶段林隙内树种多样性的变化规律.结果表明,在南亚热带常绿阔叶林中,多样性指数在<400m²的林隙中变化不大,但在400～500m²的林隙中达到最大,而在500～600m²的林隙中最小,在>600m²的林隙中又有所增大.树种多样性指数随林隙年龄的变化趋势是中间高两端低,即在20～50年期间的多样性最大,其次是20年以下的,50年以后的多样性相对最小.林隙更新层中树种多样性指数在500～600m²的林隙中达到最大,在>600m²和200～300m²的林隙中最小.林隙更新层树种多样性指数在林隙形成最初的10年内达到最大值,但随着林隙年龄的增加,总体上表现出下降趋势,在30～40年和50～60年左右又分别形成两个相对的峰值.物种丰富度的变化趋势总体上与树种多样性指数相一致.不同大小和发育阶段的林隙通过其生态因子的改变,对不同树种的更新起到了不同的作用,从而使得不同大小和发育阶段的林隙中树种的多样性特征不同.林隙是维持南亚热带常绿阔叶林树种多样性的一个重要机制.     

Recovery of plant species richness and composition after slash-and-burn agriculture in a tropical rainforest in Madagascar

Slash-and-burn agriculture is an important driver of deforestation and ecosystem degradation, with large effects on biodiversity and carbon sequestration. This study was conducted in a forest in Madagascar, which consists of fragments of slash-and-burn patches, within a matrix of secondary and primary forest. By recording species richness, abundance, and composition of trees, shrubs, and herbs in fallows of various age and slash-and-burn history, and in the secondary and primary forest, we show how slash-and-burn intensity (number of cycles, duration of abandonment), years since last abandonment, and environmental factors (distance to primary forest and topography) affect the natural succession and recovery of the forest ecosystem. We used ordination analyses to examine how the species composition varied between the different successions stages, and to examine tree recruitment. Our results show shrub dominance the first years after abandonment. Thereafter, a subsequent increase in species richness and abundance of tree seedlings and saplings suggests a succession towards the diversity and composition of the secondary and primary forest, although a big gap between the oldest fallows and the secondary forest shows that this will take much more than 30 years. A high number and frequency of slash-and-burn cycles decreased tree seedling and sapling richness and abundance, suggesting that reducing slash-and-burn intensity will increase the speed of tree recruitment and fallow recovery. Trees can be planted into fallows to speed up vegetation and soil recovery, such that fallows can be usable within needed time and thus the extension of cultivated areas reduced. We recommend further testing of six potential species for restoration based on their early colonization of the fallows and their survival through vegetation succession.     

Gap regeneration and replacement patterns in an old-growth <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus</Emphasis>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies</Emphasis> forest of Bosnia–Herzegovina

We examined the influence of small-scale gap disturbances on stand development and tree species coexistence in an old-growth Fagus sylvatica–Abies alba forest in the Dinaric Mountains of Bosnia–Herzegovina. The structure and composition of tree regeneration in gaps were compared to the forest as a whole, and the influence of gap size on the density and composition of regeneration was assessed. Transition probabilities were also calculated from gapfillers in different life stages to examine canopy replacement patterns. The structure and composition of tree regeneration were similar between gaps and the forest as a whole, and there was no relationship between overall regeneration density and gap size, indicating most individuals established prior to gap formation. Likewise, there was no strong evidence of gap-size partitioning for shade tolerant F. sylvatica and A. alba, although less tolerant Acer pseudoplatanus only recruited to taller life stages in larger gaps. Transition probabilities calculated from the seedling and sapling data suggest that most gaps will be captured by F. sylvatica, while probabilities based on pole-sized gapmakers indicate both A. alba and F. sylvatica will be maintained in the canopy. We suggest that gaps primarily play a role in reorganizing advance regeneration, and that coexistence of shade tolerant F. sylvatica and A. alba is more likely related to their differential ability to tolerate shaded understory conditions, particularly during larger life stages, rather than gap-size partitioning.     

Small gap dynamics in the southern boreal forest of eastern Canada: Do canopy gaps influence stand development?

Question: To what extent do small‐scale disturbances in the forest canopy, created by natural disturbance agents, affect stand development? Doubts exist as to whether small canopy openings have any real effect on the understory tree recruitment, especially in boreal forests. Location: Conifer and mixed stands in the Gaspesian region in eastern Québec. The main natural disturbance agents are recurring outbreaks of Choristoneura fumiferana (eastern spruce budworm) and winds. Methods: Linear transects in 27 sites were used to describe the gap (< 0.1 ha) regime parameters, including gap fraction, gap size and change in disturbance severity through time. Three stand types were distinguished, based on a gradient of abundance of tree host species for the eastern spruce budworm. The impact of gaps was evaluated on the basis of changes in the number, the period of recruitment, and the composition of tree saplings present within gap areas. Changes were measured along the gap size gradient, and according to the pattern of recent budworm epidemics. Results: The gap fraction is highly variable (18%‐64%) and is on average relatively high (42%). Gap sizes have a positively skewed distribution. In most cases the growth rate among gap filling saplings increased sufficiently to date disturbance events. The composition and the structure of understory trees were affected by gap formation. The number of shade‐intolerant tree species did increase during or following periods of particularly severe canopy disturbances. However, the establishment or survival of shade intolerant species was not restricted to larger gaps or more intensely disturbed periods. Conclusions: In sub‐boreal forests of Eastern Canada, small scale disturbances in the tree canopy influence stand regeneration dynamics, but not to the extent that parameters such as sapling composition and recruitment patterns depend on gap regime characteristics.     

Northward migrating trees establish in treefall gaps at the northern limit of the temperate–boreal ecotone, Ontario, Canada

Climate change is expected to promote migration of species. In ecotones, areas of ecological tension, disturbances may provide opportunities for some migrating species to establish in otherwise competitive environments. The size of and time since disturbance may determine the establishment ability of these species. We investigated gap dynamics of an old-growth red pine (Pinus resinosa Sol. ex Aiton) forest in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence forest in northern Ontario, Canada, a transition zone between temperate and boreal forest. We investigated the effects of gaps of different sizes and ages on tree species abundance and basal area. Our results show that tree species from the temperate forest further south, such as red maple (Acer rubrum L.), red oak (Quercus rubra L.), and white pine (Pinus strobus L.), establish more often in large, old gaps; however, tree species that have more northern distributions, such as black spruce (Picea mariana Mill.), paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), and red pine show no difference in establishment ability with gap size or age. These differences in composition could not be attributed to autogenic succession. We conclude that treefall gaps in this forest facilitate the establishment of northward migrating species, potentially providing a pathway for future forest migration in response to recent changes in climate.