Forest recovery in abandoned agricultural lands in a karst region of the Dominican Republic

This study documents the status of forest vegetation in the karst region of Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic, following the abandonment of pastures (5 years), young (5 years) `conucos' (mixed plantings), old (7–30 years) conucos, and cacao plantations (>25 years). We compared these sites to vegetation characteristics of patches of forest in karst valleys (`old forest'–too old to know their exact land use) and on mogote tops with no recent history of human disturbance. The youngest sites date to when squatters were removed from Los Haitises National Park. Forest structure (density, basal area, and species richness of woody plants 1 cm DBH) were all significantly affected by land use. Density was highest in intermediate-aged valley sites (old conucos) and mogote tops, while both basal area and species richness tended to increase with age of abandonment. Although cacao plantations had been abandoned for more than 25 years the species diversity was low, due to continued regeneration of this persistent crop. Abandoned pastures had the greatest nonwoody biomass and were dominated by the fern Nephrolepis multiflora which had completely replaced pasture grasses. An ordination of the woody plant communities separated the mogote tops from valleys, emphasizing the strong control that topography has on the forest community in moist and wet tropical forests on karst substrates. Valley sites were arranged in the ordination in order of their age, suggesting a successional sequence converging on the composition of the `old forest' sites.     

Shallow environmental gradients put inland species at risk: Insights and implications from predicting future distributions of Eucalyptus species in South Western Australia

As climate changes, tree decline in Mediterranean‐type ecosystems is increasing worldwide, often due to decreased effective precipitation and increased drought and heat stress, and has recently been observed in coastal species of the iconic Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) genus in the biodiversity hotspot of south‐west Western Australia. To investigate how this drought‐related decline is likely to continue in the future, we used species distribution modelling techniques to generate broad‐scale predictions of future distribution patterns under three distinct projected climate change scenarios. In a moderate climate change scenario, suitable habitat for all species was predicted to decrease by, on average, 73% by the year 2100, with most receding into southern areas of their current distribution. Although the most severe Eucalyptus declines in south‐west Western Australia have been observed in near‐coastal regions, our predictions suggest that inland species are at greater risk from climate change, with six inland species predicted to lose 95% of their suitable habitat in a moderate change scenario. This is due to the shallow environmental gradients of inland regions causing larger spatial shifts of environmental envelopes, which is likely to be relevant in many regions of the world. The knowledge gained suggests that future research and conservation efforts in south‐west Western Australia and elsewhere should avoid focussing disproportionately on coastal regions for reasons of convenience and proximity to population centres, and properly address the inland region where the biggest future impacts may occur.     

桂西地区南亚热带落叶栎林群落组成及物种多样性研究北大核心CSCD

落叶栎林是桂西地区南亚热带的典型次生林,也是该区域落叶阔叶林的重要群系组。该研究采用典型样方法对桂西地区落叶栎林群落进行调查,分析了该区域落叶栎林群落的物种组成、区系成分、物种多样性特征及其与地形因子的关系,为桂西地区南亚热带植物多样性保护与恢复提供依据。结果显示:(1)研究区落叶栎林群落维管束植物共计269种,隶属80科178属。(2)种子植物区系以热带成分为主,同时表现出一定程度的温带过渡性质。(3)聚类分析表明,调查的落叶栎林群落可分为云南波罗栎林、栓皮栎林、白栎林、麻栎林4种林分类型,其中以白栎林群落的物种多样性最高,且灌木层的物种多样性显著高于乔木层和草本层。(4)RDA分析显示,落叶栎林群落不同层次物种多样性的差异受地形因子的影响,多样性指标与经度、纬度、海拔之间具有明显的相关性(P<0.05),其中乔木层物种多样性主要与经度、纬度呈显著的相关性,灌木层物种多样性与纬度、海拔相关,草本层物种多样性与经度、纬度、海拔之间均有相关性。     

Leaf trait variations associated with habitat affinity of tropical karst tree species

Karst hills, that is, jagged topography created by dissolution of limestone and other soluble rocks, are distributed extensively in tropical forest regions, including southern parts of China. They are characterized by a sharp mosaic of water and nutrient availability, from exposed hilltops with poor soil development to valleys with occasional flooding, to which trees show species‐specific distributions. Here we report the relationship of leaf functional traits to habitat preference of tropical karst trees. We described leaf traits of 19 tropical tree species in a seasonal karst rainforest in Guangxi Province, China, 12 species in situ and 13 ex situ in a non‐karst arboretum, which served as a common garden, with six species sampled in both. We examined how the measured leaf traits differed in relation to species’ habitat affinity and evaluated trait consistency between natural habitats vs. the arboretum. Leaf mass per area (LMA) and optical traits (light absorption and reflectance characteristics between 400 and 1,050 nm) showed significant associations with each other and habitats, with hilltop species showing high values of LMA and low values of photochemical reflectance index (PRI). For the six species sampled in both the karst forest and the arboretum, LMA, leaf dry matter content, stomatal density, and vein length per area showed inconsistent within‐species variations, whereas some traits (stomatal pore index and lamina thickness) were similar between the two sites. In conclusion, trees specialized in exposed karst hilltops with little soils are characterized by thick leaves with high tissue density indicative of conservative resources use, and this trait syndrome could potentially be sensed remotely with PRI.     

Lizard diversity and agricultural disturbance in a Caribbean forest landscape

Understanding the impact of agriculture on biodiversity is critical for effective conservation management. Our goal was to determine the impact of agricultural disturbance on the lizard fauna of Los Haitises National Park and the surrounding region in the Dominican Republic. This region has a history of extensive agricultural disturbance followed by abrupt abandonment. Abundance and diversity were surveyed in six habitats: relatively undisturbed hilltop (mogote), four habitats disturbed by agriculture (pasture, oil palm plantation, cacao plantation, conuco or home garden), and one forested habitat. Three of these habitats (pasture, cacao plantation, conuco) were also examined at different stages of activity or abandonment. Glue-trap grids were used to sample each habitat. In general, species richness was lower in more heavily or recently disturbed habitats. Richness was lowest in active agricultural habitats where only 54% of the region's lizard species were detected. Notably, agricultural systems differed considerably in their ability to support a diverse lizard assemblage. Abandoned agricultural habitats had slightly higher richness than their active counterparts, but still contained only 69% of the region's species. By contrast, nearly every native species, including several never observed in agriculturally disturbed habitats, were detected on the undisturbed hilltops (mogotes). These mogotes may have served as refugees for species that could not tolerate disturbance when the region was being heavily exploited for agriculture. Overall, our results suggest that the continued protection of the park, and its mogotes in particular, will be required to maintain the region's lizard diversity.     

Chloroplast DNA diversity associated with protected slopes and valleys for hybridizing Eucalyptus species on isolated ranges in south‐eastern Australia

Aim To relate genetic diversity to topographic features and to investigate genetic interactions between Eucalyptus species in a local centre of endemism and diversity in south‐eastern Australia. Location Grampian Ranges, Victoria, Australia. Methods We documented chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation for a group of endemic Eucalyptus species (E. serraensis, E. verrucata and E. victoriana) that dominate rocky, high‐elevation ridgelines of the Grampian Ranges and for one closely‐related, widespread species (E. baxteri) occupying flanking slopes and valleys. We documented genetic patterns across the landscape using cpDNA microsatellites, and related them to topographic features (exposed west‐facing versus protected east‐facing slopes and valleys). We also determined the extent of local haplotype sharing between populations of endemic species and neighbouring E. baxteri downslope with cpDNA microsatellites, and haplotype sharing between the endemic group and more distantly related species (E. obliqua, E. pauciflora and E. willisii) with sequences of the J_LA+ chloroplast region. Results We detected 26 cpDNA microsatellite haplotypes in a relatively small area of c. 20 km × 50 km. Populations of E. baxteri on east‐facing slopes and valleys had greater cpDNA microsatellite diversity than E. baxteri and endemic species on exposed west‐facing slopes. Endemic species frequently shared chloroplast haplotypes with E. baxteri downslope. Sharing of J_LA+ haplotypes with species outside the endemic group was mostly restricted to E. victoriana, which had cpDNA more similar to the species from other sections of Eucalyptus (E. obliqua, E. willisii and E. pauciflora). Main conclusions Intensive sampling of related species on small isolated mountain ranges allowed us to relate genetic diversity to fine‐scale habitats and to document extensive local haplotype sharing between species. This study contributes to a general understanding of the environmental conditions that enable plant population persistence by linking concentrations of genetic diversity to particular habitats.     

Protecting a single endangered species and meeting multiple conservation goals: an approach with Guaiacum sanctum in Yucatan Peninsula,Mexico

Aim New protected areas should consider safeguarding high conservation value sites based on multiple criteria and not just the presence of a single endangered or charismatic species. However, the extent to which complementary criteria coincide is usually unknown. We use the case of Guaiacum sanctum (Zygopyllaceae), an endangered timber tree species, to explore whether the protection of forests where this species is most abundant would meet other complementary conservation goals, such as capturing regional plant biodiversity, protecting other threatened/endemic species or safeguarding ecosystem services. Location Yucatan Peninsula, southern Mexico. Methods We conducted an analysis of the structure, composition and diversity of tree communities (including stems ≥5 cm dbh) at eight G. sanctum forest sites. We identified endemic and threatened tree species and quantified above‐ground tree biomass and carbon storage in these G. sanctum forests. Results Guaiacum sanctum forests contain 35–59 tree species on plots as small as 1000 m². The species composition of tree communities changed rapidly (high β‐diversity) across soil boundaries and rainfall regimes. Twenty‐one endemic and eight threatened tree species were recorded in our inventories. Individuals of G. sanctum represented up to 55% of the above‐ground carbon for trees ≥5 cm dbh. The high basal area of G. sanctum forests plus the high wood density, abundance, large size and longevity (more than 500 years) of G. sanctum and other tree species enhance the potential importance of these forests for carbon storage. Main conclusions A conservation strategy focused on protecting important populations of G. sanctum in the Yucatan Peninsula would have significant co‐benefits for conservation of regional tree species biodiversity and provision of critical ecosystem services. Our study illustrates a multiple criteria approach useful for the selection of areas with high conservation value on the basis of endemic, threatened species, species richness and ecosystem services.     

江西井冈山地区沟谷季雨林及其超地带性特征

江西井冈山地区位于中国东部中亚热带地区南缘,属北半球湿润区。该地区地处罗霄山脉中段,地势高耸,沟谷深切,生境极富多样化,在其沟谷地区保存有典型亚热带季风常绿阔叶,常称季雨林。选择6个典型沟谷季雨林群落,开展群落生态学和生物地理学的研究,结果表明:(1)群落组成以典型的热带性科属为特征,如樟科Lauraceae、壳斗科Fagaceae、山茶科Theaceae、茜草科Rubiaceae、金缕梅科Hamamelidaceae等;种子植物属的地理成分以热带-亚热带成分占优势,占总属数的64.71%—77.94%,高于同纬度地区其他山体,接近甚至高于南亚热带季风常绿阔叶林中的热带性成分。(2)群落结构具有多优势种及明显的特征性标志种,与具单优势种或少数优势种的亚热带常绿阔叶林有明显差异。(3)Shannon-Wiener指数为4.44—5.46之间,物种多样性较丰富,表现出明显的南亚热带植被特征。(4)其它热带雨林性质的特征还包括:大型木质藤本,板根现象,绞杀现象,滴水叶尖,丰富的寄生、附生植物、兰科植物、树蕨等。整体上,井冈山地区亚热带沟谷季雨林群落具有热带雨林向亚热带常绿阔叶林过渡的明显特征,与南亚热带季雨林性质相似,在演替上常被称为侵入群落,或为历史时期长期演化形成的超地带性植物群落。     

Bryophyte Species Diversity in Secondary Forests Dominated by the Introduced Species Spathodea campanulata Beauv. in Puerto Rico

The introduced tree species Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) forms novel forests in Puerto Rico, these having emerged after the abandonment of fields in the mid‐20th century and resulting in forests with a new species composition. We assessed bryophyte species richness in these novel forests and sought correlations with geological substrate, past land use, forest edge and patch area, forest structure, elevation, microhabitat diversity, tree species richness, and microclimatic conditions. Transects were established (edge and forest interior) in nine moist forest patches dominated by Spathodea in north‐central Puerto Rico. These Spathodea forest patches ranged from 0.6 to 9 ha. ANOVA, Chi‐square, correlation, and cluster analyses were used in data analyses. We found 57 bryophyte species. There was a significant difference in bryophyte richness among patches. Those on karst exhibited highest bryophyte richness due to microhabitat diversity, past land use, and shorter hydroperiods. Alluvial sites scored lowest in bryophyte species richness, and forest structure was important for bryophyte communities on these sites. Significant differences in temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity were observed between edge and forest interior. These appeared important for establishing bryophyte species cover but not richness and composition. Microhabitat diversity, patch area, and forest age were more related to bryophyte species richness than elevation, exposed edge, and tree species richness, regardless of geologic substrate. Collectively, Spathodea patches were similar to mature forests on the Island with respect to bryophyte species richness and composition. Novel Spathodea forests have conservation value due to their habitat suitability for bryophyte communities.     

西南喀斯特峰丛洼地木本植物群落结构与多样性变化

为了阐明喀斯特峰丛洼地植物群落结构和物种多样性特征及其变化规律,选择西南喀斯特具有代表性的灌木林、次生林和原生林3种植被类型,基于2007年、2012年、2017年3次植被的系统调查,研究了木本植物群落物种组成、群落结构和物种多样性的动态变化。研究结果表明,灌木林2007—2012年减少1个种,2012—2017年减少7属5种;次生林2007—2012年减少1科1属,2012—2017年增加4科7属6种;原生林2007—2012年减少1科4属6种;2012—2017年增加1科3属3种。增加和减少的物种为偶见种或稀有种,引起群落中物种数量的波动。灌木林中黄荆(Vitex negundo)、八角枫(Alangium chinense)重要值均大于10,黄荆占绝对优势;次生林中菜豆树(Radermachera sinica)、灰毛浆果楝(Cipadessa cinerascens)、香椿(Toona sinensis)等物种重要值大于10,占主要优势;原生林的优势种不突出,为多优势种群落。3种植被类型群落的胸径各年份差异显著,平均树高在5年间的差异不显著,10年间达到了显著差异;群落总径级结构呈倒"J"形,群落更新状态良好。随时间推移,3种植被类型主要优势种重要值趋于降低;群落内部存在物种竞争,十年间群落结构及多样性变化较大。     

Squamate richness in the Brazilian Cerrado and its environmental–climatic associations

We investigate patterns of species richness of squamates (lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians) in the Brazilian Cerrado, identifying areas of particularly high richness, and testing predictions of large‐scale richness hypotheses by analysing the relationship between species richness and environmental climatic variables. We used point localities from museum collections to produce maps of the predicted distributions for 237 Cerrado squamate species, using niche‐modelling techniques. We superimposed distributions of all species on a composite map, depicting richness across the ecosystem. Then, we performed a multiple regression analysis using eigenvector‐based spatial filtering (Principal Coordinate of Neighbour Matrices) to assess environmental–climatic variables that are best predictors of species richness. We found that the environmental–climatic and spatial filters multiple regression model explained 78% of the variation in Cerrado squamate richness (r² = 0.78; F = 32.66; P < 0.01). Best predictors of species richness were: annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality, altitude, net primary productivity, and precipitation during the driest quarter. A model selection approach revealed that several mechanisms related to the different diversity hypothesis might work together to explain richness variation in the Cerrado. Areas of higher species richness in Cerrado were located mainly in the south‐west, north, extreme east, and scattered areas in the north‐west portions of the biome. Partitioning of energy among species, habitat differentiation, and tolerance to variable environments may be the primary ecological factors determining variation in squamate richness across the Cerrado. High richness areas in northern Cerrado, predicted by our models, are still poorly sampled, and biological surveys are warranted in that region. The south‐western region of the Cerrado exhibits high species richness and is also undergoing high levels of deforestation. Therefore, maintenance of existing reserves, establishment of ecological corridors among reserves, and creation of new reserves are urgently needed to ensure conservation of species in these areas.     

祁连山东段高寒植被群落特征及其与地形气候因子关系研究

地形气候因子与物种分布的关系影响着高寒植被群落的演替,同时对山地水源涵养林功能和结构的维持具有重要的意义。以祁连山东段水源涵养林为研究对象,基于野外植物群落物种组成及地形气候因子调查数据,运用数量分类与排序等方法,探究了高寒植物群落特征及其与地形气候因子的关系。结果表明:65个调查样方中出现181个植物种,隶属40科,124属。科的物种组成及占总物种数比例分别为菊科30个种,占16.57%;蔷薇科17个,占9.44%;禾本科13个种,占7.22%;豆科11个种,占6.11%。毛茛科10个种,占5.56%。单属种82个,占总属数的66.13%。群落层片由乔木层、灌木层和草本层组成,乔木8种,灌木25种,草本148种。乔木层优势种有青海云杉、祁连圆柏、红桦。灌木层优势种有金露梅、山生柳、匙叶小檗、高山绣线菊。草本层优势种有甘肃薹草、珠芽蓼、早熟禾、唐松草、甘青蒿。TWINSPAN将高寒植被群落划分为7个群丛类型:群丛I红桦-红花蔷薇-甘肃薹草B.albosinensis-Rosa moyesii-C.kansuensis,群丛II青海云杉-匙叶小檗-甘肃薹草P.crassifolia-B.vernae-C.kansuensis,群丛III祁连圆柏-高山绣线菊-珠芽蓼Sabina chinensis-Spiraea alpine-P.viviparum,群丛IV高山绣线菊+鬼箭锦鸡儿-珠芽蓼S.alpine+Caragana jubata-P.viviparum,群丛V沙棘+甘青蒿+鼠掌老鹳草Hippophae rhamnoides+A.tangutica+Geranium sibiricum,群丛VI沙棘+苦荬菜+苦荞麦H.rhamnoides+Ixeris polycephala+Fagopyrum tataricum,群丛VII沙棘-冰草+西北沼委陵菜H.rhamnoides-Agropyron cristatum+Comarum salesovianum。7个群丛在DCA排序图上聚集分布,反映了较好的环境梯度。CCA排序结果表明,海拔是祁连山高寒植被群落植物种分布的最重要环境因子,其次是降水、温度、坡向、坡度。     

Molecular phylogeny reveals high diversity and endemism in the limestone karst-restricted land snail genus Sophina Benson, 1859 from Myanmar (Eupulmonata: Helicarionidae), with description of four new species

Sophina is a poorly known and neglected genus due to the inaccessibility of the Salween Basin, Southern Myanmar. Taxonomic status, distribution, and phylogeny are being revised based on an integrative analysis of genitalia, radula, and molecular data. Morphological variation in shells and genitalia, together with a phylogenetic tree from concatenated data of mitochondrial and nuclear genes, revealed the existence of ten species/subspecies. Penial morphology and genetic divergence were generally consistent and useful in delimiting species, while shell characters showed little overall taxonomic utility in some species. Taxonomic placement of the previous subspecies “bensoni” shows clear distinction in both genitalia and molecular evidence, and is currently recognized as a distinct species. The nominal species “S. schistostelis” and “S. calias” possess similar genitalia and shell morphology, and molecular evidence suggested that they are sister taxa representing geographically isolated populations. Four new species are additionally described herein as S. furfuracea n. sp., S. pisinna n. sp., S. salweenica n. sp., and S. tonywhitteni n. sp. based on both morphology and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic analyses supported monophyly of Sophina, and further a split into two principal clades. These two clades showed little difference in genitalia, but more clear differences in the umbilical area and allopatric distribution in upper and lower reaches of the Gyaing River. High genetic divergence was revealed and this coincided with remarkable degree of endemism and localization with a pattern of one outcrop for one lineage. These data highlight the importance of the Salween Basin's karst ecosystems as an evolutionary and endemic biodiversity hotspot, and indicate that a focus on conservation and management in this area is urgently required.     

基于功能性状的中亚热带岩溶常绿落叶阔叶混交林物种多样性维持研究

理解植物功能性状和功能实体在森林群落的分布,有助于探讨物种丧失对森林生态系统功能、冗余和恢复力的影响。为了解脆弱的岩溶石山森林在应对生物多样性丧失的生态系统反馈,对桂林岩溶石山两块1hm²的常绿落叶阔叶混交林的木本植物数据进行了分析。包括基于功能性状计算功能多样性、构建功能实体计算功能冗余以及采用Pearson相关分析和Mantel检验评估物种多样性指标在生态系统的维持机制。结果显示:(1)青冈+大叶榉树群落的功能多样性指标均低于鱼骨木+青冈+圆叶乌桕群落,且两个群落间功能均匀度不相关(P ＞ 0.05),功能丰富度、功能离散度和Rao''s二次熵呈现极显著相关性(P ＜ 0.001),功能分散度呈现显著相关性(P ＜ 0.05)。(2)两个群落的物种丰富度与功能冗余指标表现出相似的线性关系,即物种丰富度与功能实体等级、功能冗余、功能超冗余呈正相关,与功能脆弱性呈负相关关系。(3)不同植物功能性状间、不同功能多样性指标间和不同功能冗余指标间的相关性较强,功能多样性指标和功能冗余指标间无显著相关性,但功能性状与功能多样性指标、功能性状与功能冗余指标均存在不同程度的相关性。而在功能实体与物种多样性指标的相关性方面,呈现出同物种丰富度与物种多样性指标相似的显著度。另外,物种多度与物种丰富度、功能分散度、功能离散度、Rao''s二次熵及功能脆弱性均显著相关。总之,在岩溶石山常绿落叶阔叶混交林中,高功能多样性的群落存在高功能冗余的现象,但功能多样性和功能冗余是相互独立的因素;物种丰富度高的群落所提供的保险效应无法抵消其生态系统的脆弱性。因此,不能仅通过保护物种丰富度来维持生态系统的特有功能,还应充分考虑多度对生态系统功能的贡献,以更有效地实现对岩溶石山森林生态系统的保护。     

Effects of land use history on hurricane damage and recovery in a neotropical forest

Prior land-use history might influence damage and recovery of plant communities from natural disturbance. We examined effects of previous agricultural land use on damage and recovery of plant communities affected by Hurricane Georges. The study was conducted in the karst region of Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic. We compared pre- and post-hurricane stem density, basal area and diversity of woody vegetation in sites within the park that had been subject to different land use histories. The type of land uses included a wide range of histories, ranging from abandoned pastures and conucos (mixed plantings) to cacao plantations, intact forests and mogotes (hilltop communities) with no recent history of land use. Previous land use and the amount of basal area present prior to the hurricane determined effects of, and recovery from hurricane disturbance. Systems with high pre-hurricane basal area lost many large trees, whereas the basal area hardly changed in systems without large trees. Thus, basal area decreased at forested sites, mogotes, and cacao plantations and remained comparable to pre-hurricane figures in all other land uses. Shifts in species diversity paralleled to some degree reductions in basal area. Species diversity increased in mogotes and cacao plantations, perhaps as a result of hurricane damage to the forest canopy, which facilitated regeneration of heliophilic species. Finally, regeneration of cacao seedlings in former cacao plantations, and growth of pioneer species in young conucos (mixed plantings) more than doubled post-hurricane stem densities for these two types of land use. Previous agricultural land use left a lasting impression on the structure and composition on plant communities, which persisted even after hurricane damage. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The importance of forest type,tree species and wood posture to saproxylic wasp (Hymenoptera) communities in the southeastern United States

Although the forests of the southeastern United States are among the most productive and diverse in North America, information needed to develop conservation guidelines for the saproxylic (i.e., dependent on dead wood) fauna endemic to the region is lacking. Particularly little is known about the habitat associations and requirements of saproxylic parasitoids even though these organisms may be even more vulnerable than their hosts. We sampled parasitoids emerging from dead wood taken from two forest types (an upland pine-dominated forest and a lowland hardwood-dominated forest), three tree species (Liquidambar styraciflua L., Pinus taeda L., and Quercus nigra L.) and two wood postures (standing dead trees (i.e., snags) and fallen logs) in South Carolina. Parasitoid abundance did not differ between forest types or among tree species, but did differ between wood postures, being higher in snags than logs. This difference may have been due to the logs being in contact with the ground or surrounding vegetation and therefore less accessible to parasitoids. Parasitoid abundance and density decreased with height on both snags and logs. Species richness did not differ between forest types, among tree species or between wood postures. According to analysis of similarities, parasitoid communities did not differ between forest types, but did differ among tree species. The wasp communities associated with the different tree species and posture combinations were distinct. In addition, communities associated with the upper boles and crowns of snags were distinct from those occurring lower on snags. These results emphasize the importance of maintaining tree diversity in managed forests as well as retaining or creating entire snags at the time of harvest.     

Patterns of geophyte diversity and storage organ size in the winter-rainfall region of southern Africa

The winter‐rainfall region of southern Africa, covered largely by the fynbos and succulent karoo biomes, harbours the world's greatest concentration of geophyte species. Species diversity is greatest in the south‐west, where more than 500 species co‐occur in one quarter‐degree square; in the south‐east the values are generally around 100, and in the arid north‐west, always less than 50 (more often less than 10). In at least three species‐rich genera (Moraea, Eriospermum and Oxalis), the size of storage organs (bulbs, corms, tubers) varies inversely, with the largest average values occurring in the species‐poorer areas — both in the north‐western, and in the south‐eastern parts of the region. This negative correlation between average storage organ size and species diversity is, however, only observed at relatively large spatial scales, which suggests that there is no direct relationship between storage organ size and species diversity. More likely, both these measures are driven by winter rainfall amount and reliability, both of which peak in the south‐western Cape. We suggest that reliable winter rainfall makes large storage organs unnecessary and depresses extinction rates, thus leading to the accumulation of species.     

黔西北地区不同演替阶段植物群落结构与物种多样性特征

该文采用"空间代替时间"的方法,研究了贵州省威宁县喀斯特地区植被演替过程中的群落结构、物种组成、生活型谱和物种多样性的变化规律。结果表明:(1)该调查共记录到种子植物174种,隶属于52科117属,物种分布较多的有菊科、蔷薇科、禾本科、杜鹃花科、小檗科、唇形科、蓼科。(2)随着植被的正向演替,物种丰富度逐渐增加,群落结构趋于复杂,高位芽植物所占比例逐渐增大。(3)随着植被的恢复,群落层次分化逐渐明显,大径级植株所占比例呈现增加趋势。(4)随着植被的恢复,群落各层次的ShannonWiener多样性指数(H)、Simpson多样性指数(DS)、均匀度指数(J)和Margalef丰富度指数(DM)逐渐增加;不同演替阶段植物群落之间的Srensen相似系数呈现先上升后下降的趋势,Cody指数则表现为逐渐增加的趋势。黔西北地区不同演替阶段植物群落结构和物种多样性不同,建群种和关键种发生了明显变化,不同演替阶段植物群落结构和物种多样性的研究对喀斯特地区植被演替规律的认识和生态恢复具有重要意义。     

Regeneration, density and size class distribution of tree species used for drum making in central Uganda

A study was carried out between 1999 and 2001 in Degeya, Lufuka and Mpanga forests in central Uganda to determine the regeneration, density and size class distribution of trees used for making drums. Thirty sample plots measuring 20 × 20 m were established at 250 m intervals along transects laid in the northeast direction across swamps, mid‐slopes and hilltops. Diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees and number and species of seedlings, saplings and poles of six tree species were determined. The tree species were: Antiaris toxicaria, Erythrina excelsa, Ficus mucuso, Ficus exasperata, Funtumia africana and Polyscias fulva. Antiaris toxicaria was the most abundant and P. fulva was the least abundant in the forests. The intensity of use and concentration on a limited number of tree species have resulted in localized exploitation with potential knock‐on effects on the forests’ health. On‐farm tree planting by local communities should be encouraged to supply logs for making drums and reduce pressure on the forests.     

Arthropod communities on hybrid and parental cottonwoods are phylogenetically structured by tree type: Implications for conservation of biodiversity in plant hybrid zones

Although hybridization in plants has been recognized as an important pathway in plant speciation, it may also affect the ecology and evolution of associated communities. Cottonwood species (Populus angustifolia and P. fremontii) and their naturally occurring hybrids are known to support different plant, animal, and microbial communities, but no studies have examined community structure within the context of phylogenetic history. Using a community composed of 199 arthropod species, we tested for differences in arthropod phylogenetic patterns within and among hybrid and parental tree types in a common garden. Three major patterns emerged. (1) Phylogenetic diversity (PD) was significantly different between arthropod communities on hybrids and Fremont cottonwood when pooled by tree type. (2) Mean phylogenetic distance (MPD) and net relatedness index (NRI) indicated that communities on hybrid trees were significantly more phylogenetically overdispersed than communities on either parental tree type. (3) Community distance (D_pw) indicated that communities on hybrids were significantly different than parental species. Our results show that arthropod communities on parental and hybrid cottonwoods exhibit significantly different patterns of phylogenetic structure. This suggests that arthropod community assembly is driven, in part, by plant–arthropod interactions at the level of cottonwood tree type. We discuss potential hypotheses to explain the effect of plant genetic dissimilarity on arthropod phylogenetic community structure, including the role of competition and environmental filtering. Our findings suggest that cottonwood species and their hybrids function as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) that affect the assembly and composition of associated arthropod communities and deserve high priority for conservation.