Structure, diversity and the conservation value of tropical dry forests in highly fragmented landscapes. (9th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lanuza, Oscar R; Casanoves, Fernando; Vílchez-Mendoza, Sergio; Espelta, Josep Maria; Peñuelas, Josep; Peguero, Guille
• Editors: O'Brien, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of plant ecology. Volume 16:Number 1(2023)
• Publication Date: 2022-03-09
• Subjects: Fabaceae -- fragmentation -- Hill numbers -- matrix composition -- Importance Value Index -- iver corridor -- tropical dry forests; 豆科植物 -- 破碎化 -- 希尔数(Hill number)，重要值指数 -- 河流廊道 -- 热带干旱森林; Plant ecology -- Periodicals; Phytogeography -- Periodicals; 581.705
• DOI: 10.1093/jpe/rtac046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-9921

Abstract

Abstract: Although tropical dry forests are among the most degraded and fragmented biomes in the world, we still have a poor understanding of their basic ecological features and conservation status, particularly in the Neotropics. Here, we assess the diversity, composition, structure and conservation value of tropical dry forests in a highly fragmented landscape in Nicaragua. We established 31 plots and transects in and along river corridors, secondary forests, living fences and pasture-woodlands. We recorded all trees with diameters at breast height ≥ 2.5 cm using Hill numbers ( q D, where q = 0, 1 or 2) and estimated the richness and diversity of trees in each forest type. We calculated the Importance Value Index (IVI) to species and family levels and, finally, performed a Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) ordination and an Analysis of Similarities (ANOSIM) using the Bray–Curtis index of similarity. Diversity ( 1 D, 2 D) but not species richness ( 0 D) differed between forest types ( P = 0.01 and 0.66, respectively). IVI was highest for the legume family Fabaceae, followed by the Moraceae and Malvaceae (27.8, 11.1 and 10.5, respectively). Vachellia pennatula, Guazuma ulmifolia and Bursera simaruba had IVIs >30%, the former two being the most abundant trees in all forest types. An analysis of community similarity revealed that each forest type had a distinct composition ( P < 0.01, R 2 = 0.30), thereby underlining the importance of conserving all these different types of land cover.