Evolutionary fingerprint, phylogenetic and forest structure of tropical montane Atlantic cloud forests along an elevation gradient

Environmental conditions can change markedly over geographical distances along elevation gradients,making them natural laboratories to study the processes that structure communities.This work aimed to assess the influences of elevation on Tropical Montane Cloud Forest plant communities in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest,a historically neglected ecoregion.We evaluated the phylogenetic structure,forest structure(tree basal area and tree density)and species richness along an elevation gradient,as well as the evolutionary fingerprints of elevation-success on phylogenetic lineages from the tree communities.To do so,we assessed nine communities along an elevation gradient from 1210 to 2310 m a.s.l.without large elevation gaps.The relationships between elevation and phylogenetic structure,forest structure and species richness were investigated through Linear Models.The occurrence of evolutionary fingerprint on phylogenetic lineages was investigated by quantifying the extent of phylogenetic signal of elevation-success using a genus-level molecular phylogeny.Our results showed decreased species richness at higher elevations and independence between forest structure,phylogenetic structure and elevation.We also verified that there is a phylogenetic signal associated with elevation-success by lineages.We concluded that the elevation is associated with species richness and the occurrence of phylogenetic lineages in the tree communities evaluated in Mantiqueira Range.On the other hand,elevation is not associated with forest structure or phylogenetic structure.Furthermore,closely related taxa tend to have their higher ecological success in similar elevations.Finally,we highlight the fragility of the tropical montane cloud forests in the Mantiqueira Range in face of environmental changes(i.e.global warming)due to the occurrence of exclusive phylogenetic lineages evolutionarily adapted to environmental conditions(i.e.minimum temperature)associated with each elevation range.

Evaluating the addition of radar with optical data for vegetation mapping in a montane region in Sri Lanka

The use of freely-available multi-source imagery for mapping vegetation in montane terrain is important for many developing countries that do not have the funding for high-resolution data capture.Radar images are also now freely available and include Sentinel-1 in dual polarisation,and PALSAR-2.These images can penetrate cloud cover and provide the advantage of acquiring data in a cloudy tropical region.This research evaluated whether the addition of radar with optical and topographic data improves classification accuracy in a montane region in Sri Lanka.Six classification experiments were designed based on different combinations of image data to test whether radar data improved land cover classification accuracy compared with optical data alone.Random forest classifier in the Google Earth Engine has been utilised to classify the tropical montane vegetation.The results indicate that radar or optical data alone cannot obtain satisfactory results.However,when combining radar with optical data the overall accuracy increased by approximately 5%,and by an additional 2%when topography data were added.The highest accuracy(92%)was achieved with multiple imagery,and adding the vegetation indices improved the model slightly by 0.3%.In addition,feature importance analysis showed that radar data makes a significant contribution to the classification.These positive outcomes demonstrate that freely-accessible multi-source remotely-sensed data have impressive capability for vegetation mapping,and support the monitoring and managing of forest ecological resources in tropical montane regions.

Structure and regeneration status of Komto Afromontane moist forest, East Wollega Zone, west Ethiopia

We conducted a study in Komto Forest in East WoUega Zone, Oromia National Regional State, West Ethiopia for determining vegetation structure and regeneration status in this forest. We systematically sampled 53 quadrats （20 m ×20 m） along line transects radiating from the peak of Komto Mountain in eight directions. Vegetation parameters such as DBH, height, seedling and sapling density of woody species, and location and altitude of each quadrat were recorded. In total, 103 woody plant species of 87 genera and 45 families were identified. Analysis of selected tree species revealed different population structures. Generally, the forest was dominated by small trees and shrubs characteristic of secondary regeneration. Observations on the regeneration of the forest indicated that there are woody species that require urgent conservation measures. Based on the results of this study, we recommend detailed ecological studies of various environmental factors such as soil type and properties, and ethnobotanical studies to explore indigenous knowledge on uses of plants.

Characteristics of typhoon disturbed gaps in an old-growth tropical montane rainforest in Hainan Island, China

Disturbances that create gaps can shape the structure and function of forests. However, such disturbance regimes in Asian tropical montane rainforests remain largely unquantified. Least studied are typhoon disturbances that are attributable to climate change. We investigated gap characteristics in terms of size, age, and gap-maker to quantify the gap disturbance regimes in an intact old-growth tropical montane rainforest on Hainan Island, China. The intensity of typhoons has increased since 1949, and typhoon winds blow mostly (45.5%) from the northeast corner of Hainan Island, resulting in a higher frequency of gaps in the northeast. A total of 221 gap-makers (trees that fell to create canopy gaps) and 53 gaps were observed in a 3.16 ha old-growth rainforest. Most canopy gaps (85%) were < 200 m(2). The average size of canopy gaps was smaller in the rainforest than in other tropical forests, while the average size of expanded gaps was similar to those in other tropical forests. The maximum age of gaps was 23.5 years indicating that gaps had more rapid turnover than other parts of tropical forests. The frequency distribution of gap-makers followed a lognormal distribution with a distinctive peak at three gap-makers, which was different from the inverse J-shaped curve typical of other tropical forests. Gaps were recorded mainly on slopes between 20A degrees and 35A degrees and wood density of gap-makers was between 0.6 and 0.7 g cm(-3). Our results suggest that small-scale disturbance was the dominant agent of gap formation in this old-growth rainforest that is subject to increasing typhoon disturbances.

Combined community ecology and floristics,a synthetic study on the upper montane evergreen broad-leaved forests in Yunnan,southwestern China

The upper montane evergreen broad-leaved forest in Yunnan occurs mainly in the zone of persistent cloud and has a discontinuous,island-like,distribution.It is diverse,rich in endemic species,and likely to be sensitive to climate change.Six 1-ha sampling plots were established across the main distribution area of the upper montane evergreen broad-leaved forest in Yunnan.All trees with d.b.h.>1 cm in each plot were identified.Patterns of seed plant distributions were quantified at the specific,generic and family levels.The forests are dominated by the families Fagaceae,Lauraceae,Theaceae and Magnoliaceae,but are very diverse with only a few species shared between sites.Floristic similarities at the family and generic level were high,but they were low at the specific level,with species complementarity between plots.Diversity varied greatly among sites,with greater species richness and more rare species in western Yunnan than central Yunnan.The flora is dominated by tropical biogeographical elements,mainly the pantropic and the tropical Asian distributions at the family and genus levels.In contrast,at the species level,the flora is dominated by the southwest or the southeast China distributions,including Yunnan endemics.This suggests that the flora of the upper montane forest in Yunnan could have a tropical floristic origin,and has adapted to cooler temperatures with the uplift of the Himalayas.Due to great sensitivity to climate,high endemism and species complementarity,as well as the discontinuous,island-like,distribution patterns of the upper montane forest in Yunnan,the regional conservation of the forest is especially needed.

Tree species composition and diversity in montane forests of Garhwal Himalaya in relation to environmental and soil properties

The montane forests of Garhwal Himalaya were investigated for tree species composition and diversity in relation to environmental and edaphic variables.A stratified random sampling approach was adopted to collect the field data from each forest.A total of 39 tree species belonging to 31 genera and 23 families were recorded from the sampling area(6 forest stands ×10 plots in each).Lauraceae with 5 species was the largest family while Quercus(4 species) emerged as the largest genus.Species-area curve(asymptote) predicted more species than the observed number of species.Cluster analysis has shown that the two Abies pindrow dominant forest stands had the highest similarity in tree species composition.The tree stem density ranged from 540-1170 ha-1,basal area 23.01-55.94 m^2 ha-1,ShannonWiener diversity index 1.69-2.49,evenness index0.42-0.74,beta diversity 0.40-0.82 and similarity index 0.17-0.54 in the six studied forests.Two-way indicator species analysis(TWINSPAN) identified four distinct tree communities in the study area with Daphniphyllum himalayense,Abies pindrow,Quercus oblongata,and Pinus roxburghii as indicator species of corresponding communities.Canonical correspondence analysis(CCA) ascertained the TWINSPAN results and revealed the relation of tree species with environmental and edaphic variables.The phytosociological attributes of tree species varied from one forest stand to another;however,the tree species richness,density,and diversity peaked at intermediate elevation on the north aspect.Findings reveal that tree composition and diversity in the montane forests of Garhwal Himalaya are influenced by both environmental(elevation and slope aspect)and soil variables(texture,water holding capacity,moisture content,available N,exchangeable P,and pH).This study will help in understanding the forest distribution across the western Himalaya,guiding the conservationists and policymakers in carrying out conservation-related management activities,designing the long-term monitoring studies and assessing the effects of ongoing and future climate change and disturbances.

Comparing Tree Heights among Montane Forest Blocks of Kenya Using LiDAR Data from GLAS

This study was designed to use LiDAR data to research tree heights in montane forest blocks of Kenya. It uses a completely randomised block design to asses if differences exist in forest heights: 1) among montane forest blocks, 2) among Agro ecological zones (AEZ) within each forest block and 3) between similar AEZ in different forest blocks. Forest height data from the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) on the Ice Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite (ICE-SAT) for the period 2003-2009 was used for 2146 circular plots, of 0.2 - 0.25 ha in size. Results indicate that, tree height is largely influenced by Agro ecological conditions and the wetter zones have taller trees in the upper, middle and lower highlands. In the upper highland zones of limited human activity, tree heights did not vary among forest blocks. Variations in height among forest blocks and within forest blocks were exaggerated in regions of active human intervention.

Forest Biodiversity Assessment in Peruvian Andean Montane Cloud Forest

Cloud forests are unusual and fragile habitats, being one of the least studied and least understood ecosystems. The tropical Andean dominion is considered one of the most significant places in the world as regards biological diversity, with a very high level of endemism. The biodiversity was analysed in an isolated remnant area of a tropical montane cloud forest known as the "Bosque de Neblina de Cuyas", in the North of the Peruvian Andean range. Composition, structure and dead wood were measured or estimated. The values obtained were compared with other cloud forests. The study revealed a high level of forest biodiversity, although the level of biodiversity differs from one area to another: in the inner areas, where human pressure is almost inexistent, the biodiversity values increase. The high species richness and the low dominance among species bear testimony to this montane cloud forest as a real enclave of biodiversity.

BIOGEOGRAPHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF SOME PLANTSPECIES FROM A TROPICAL MONTANE RAIN FORESTIN SOUTHERN YUNNAN

A pristine montane rain forest was recently discovered from Mengsong of Xishuangbanna in the southern Yunnan. It attracts botanists that many primitive plant taxa across various life forms were co-existed in the montane rain forest. In order to know the biogeography of the montane rain forest, distribution patterns of some species of biogeographical importance from the montane forest were enumerated and their biogeographical implications were discussed with geological explanation. It was concluded that the montane rain forest in the southern Yunnan has strong affinity to montane rain forests in Sumatra or Southeast Asia in broad sense. It was tentatively suggested that Sumatra could be once connected to Myanmar and drifted away due to northward movement of continental Asia by bumping of India plate.

The carbon fluxes in different successional stages:modelling the dynamics of tropical montane forests in South Ecuador

Background： Tropical forests play an important role in the global carbon（C） cycle.However, tropical montane forests have been studied less than tropical lowland forests, and their role in carbon storage is not well understood.Montane forests are highly endangered due to logging, land-use and climate change.Our objective was to analyse how the carbon balance changes during forest succession.Methods： In this study, we used a method to estimate local carbon balances that combined forest inventory data with process-based forest models.We utilised such a forest model to study the carbon balance of a tropical montane forest in South Ecuador, comparing two topographical slope positions（ravines and lower slopes vs upper slopes and ridges）.Results： The simulation results showed that the forest acts as a carbon sink with a maximum net ecosystem exchange（NEE） of 9.3 Mg C？（ha？yr）-1during its early successional stage（0–100 years）.In the late successional stage, the simulated NEE fluctuated around zero and had a variation of 0.77 Mg C？（ha？yr）–1.The simulated variability of the NEE was within the range of the field data.We discovered several forest attributes（e.g., basal area or the relative amount of pioneer trees） that can serve as predictors for NEE for young forest stands（0–100 years） but not for those in the late successional stage（500–1,000 years）.In case of young forest stands these correlations are high, especially between stand basal area and NEE.Conclusion： In this study, we used an Ecuadorian study site as an example of how to successfully link a forest model with forest inventory data, for estimating stem-diameter distributions, biomass and aboveground net primary productivity.To conclude, this study shows that process-based forest models can be used to investigate the carbon balance of tropical montane forests.With this model it is possible to find hidden relationships between forest attributes and forest carbon fluxes.These relationships promote a better understanding of the role of tropical montane forests in the context of global carbon cycle, which in future will become more relevant to a society under global change.

Fractal properties of patch perimeters in a disturbed montane landscape,Beijing,China

The forest landscape has been highly fragmented in Donglingshan montane region, Beijing, China, where the folding degree of patch perimeters considerately influenced the spatial distribution of biological diversity, therefore the quantitative description to it is very helpful to conservation biology studies. The fractal dimensions of landscape patch perimeters of this region were estimated and compared. The results showed that fractal dimensions of all the landscape types were between 1.00 and 1.58. The fractal dimensions of natural vegetation types were higher than that of artificial vegetation type. Where forests (1 21) and shrubs (1.24) are near to farmland (1.12), so they were both highly disturbed by human activities regarding the smallest mean patch areas. But the grassland (1.58) had the largest mean patch area, its disturbance intensity was the lowest in this region. The fractal dimension of the overall landscape was 1.24, which was near to those of forests and shrubs, and obviously different from those of farmland and grassland. The fractal dimension of the overall landscape was 1.13 in small scales, and that was 1.65 in large scales. Which means that a large number of small area patches had regular perimeters, their fragment degrees were higher; whereas the large area patches had folding perimeters, their fragment degrees were lower, they had smaller patch numbers, however occupied most of the landscape area. Large areas and highly folded perimeters were the main property of the landscape patch in Donglingshan montane region.

Plant diversity and phenological pattern in the montane wet temperate forests of the southern Western Ghats,India

Plants diversity and phenological pattern of the trees were monitored in a montane wet temperate forest （shola） in the Kukkal Forest, Palni hills of the southern Western Ghats, India. Twelve random plots were selected for sampling the vegetation. For phenological studies, twenty-three fleshy fruit trees were identified in the study area and 10 individuals of each species were selected to record the phenological events fortnightly between April 2002 and April 2004. The phenological events were divided into vegetative and reproductive phases. A total of 2279 individuals were inventoried which belong to 83 species, 68 genera and 40 families. About 30% of the species were endemic to the Western Ghats. The most dominant species （〉 1 cm dbh） was Psychotria nilgiriensis var. astephana （Rubiaceae）, which accounted for 12% of the total sampled individuals. Lauraceae was the dominant family accounting for 20% of the individuals. Fruiting peak occurred in July 2003 and least in June 2002. During the peak period, fruits of 85 individuals of six species were observed. Syzygium tamilnadensis, Ilex wightiana and Beilschmiedia wightii fruited only once during the two years of study. The number of fruiting species showed no correlation with rainfall （r = 0.26, p = 0.2）, while a correlation was found with fruit abundance （r = 0.40, p 〈 0.05）. The results indicate that the montane wet temperate forest is unique in their diversity and a conspicuous display in phenology.

Conversion of Andean montane forest to exotic forest plantation modifies soil physicochemical properties in the buffer zone of Ecuador's Podocarpus National Park

Background:Andean montane forests(AMF)are biodiversity hotspots that provide fundamental hydrological services as well as carbon storage and sequestration.In recent decades,southern Ecuador AMFs have been seriously threatened by increased logging and conversion to forest plantations with exotic species.In this context,our main objective was to evaluate the effects of AMF conversion to forest plantations on soil physicochemical properties in the buffer zone(Bz)of the Podocarpus National Park(PNP),in southern Ecuador.For this purpose,random samples were taken at a depth of 0-10 cm in four plots in each contrast zone and analyzed for bulk density,porosity,textural class,leaf litter depth,soil pH,as well as the contents of organic matter(SOM),soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen,and available phosphorus and potassium.Results:The results indicate that the conversion of AMFs produces an increase in bulk density and a decrease in SOM,SOC,and total nitrogen contents,thus modifying soil properties,which could result in a decrease in water regulation capacity and produce an increased risk of soil erosion.This accelerates degradation processes,as well as threatens shortages of the drinking water supply.Conclusions:This study can help decision-makers to implement soil management plans in the Bz of the PNP,based on the implementation of new regulations,where the conservation of AMF is promoted.In addition,it is recommended to apply environmental restoration strategies in the anthropized areas of the AMF,as well as in the areas with exotic eucalyptus and pine plantations.

Assessing Net Primary Production in Montane Wetlands from Proximal, Airborne, and Satellite Remote Sensing

In this study, several vegetation indices were examined in order to determine the most sensitive vegetation index for monitoring southern Appalachian wetlands. Three levels of platforms (in situ, airborne, and satellite) for sensors were also examined in conjunction with vegetation indices. Net primary production (NPP) data were gathered to use as a measure of wetland function. Along with the in situ radiometers, National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) data and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data were gathered in order to calculate vegetation indices at three platforms. At the in situ level, VARI700 was the most sensitive vegetation index in terms of NPP (r2 = 0.65, p < 0.05). At the airborne level, the NDVI was the most sensitive vegetation index to NPP (r2 = 0.35, p = 0.11). At the satellite level, the DVI appeared to have a positive relationship with NPP. For most indices there was a drop in the coefficient of determination with NPP when the platform altitude increased, with the exception of NDVI when increasing altitude from in situ to airborne. This study provides a novel methodology comparing reflectance and vegetation indices at three platform levels.

Life Strategy Traits of the Liana Sericostachys scandens Spreading in the Montane Forests in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (DR Congo)

Sericostachys scandens is a monocarpic and heliophilous liana, native in tropical African forests. In the montane forests of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) (East of DR Congo), it has been expanding very strongly for a decade, and is currently considered as having negative impacts on biodiversity conservation. In this paper, we test if S. scandens differs from three co-occurring, native, non spreading lianas (Gouania longispicata, Tacazzea apiculata and Adenia bequaertii) for functional traits which might influence plant expansion. For leaf traits (SLA, dry matter content, nitrogen concentration), S. scandens did not show extreme values compared to those of the three other lianas. In contrast, S. scandens had much higher biomass allocation to sexual reproduction. It also differs from the three other lianas for its reproductive strategy that combines both vegetative propagation and sexual reproduction, and propagule dispersal by wind. Moreover, S. scandens has larger leaves and a greater number of lateral branches per unit stem length. It is argued that the particular combination of functional traits exhibited by S.scandens may in part explain its propensity to behave as an opportunistic weed in the disturbed areas in the montane forests of Kahuzi-Biega.

宿主身份与叶性状对海南热带山地雨林樟科和壳斗科植物叶内生真菌群落的影响

为了揭示植物身份与叶性状在叶内生真菌群落构建中的作用,笔者使用Illumina Miseq测序平台检测海南尖峰岭热带山地雨林中优势植物叶内生真菌群落的物种组成,并探讨宿主身份和叶性状对叶内生真菌群落物种组成的影响。本研究共检测到来自8种樟科和7种壳斗科植物的叶内共生真菌的1539567条真菌的ITS2序列,并将它们划分为5471个真菌分类单元(Operational Taxonomic Units,OTUs),隶属于8个门、30个纲、108个目、281个科、892个属。其中,子囊菌是叶内生真菌的最大类群,占所测真菌序列数的94.5%。单株樟科植物叶内生真菌物种数805±32OTUs显著高于壳斗科植物554±41 OTUs。相比之下,Shannon-Wiener、Simpson多样性指数在两科植物的叶内生真菌间均无显著差异。偏冗余分析(partial redundancy analysis)结果表明,宿主科、属、种身份对叶内生真菌群落组成有显著的影响。去除植物性状的效应后,宿主科、属、种身份能够独立解释叶内生真菌群落物种组成的变异量分别达到2.9%、15.7%、33.7%。去除宿主植物身份的影响后,叶性状在总体上能够解释叶内生真菌群落物种组成的变异量达到21.3%(P=0.003),其中,叶钙含量、比叶面积、叶氮含量和叶钾含量对叶内生真菌群落物种组成有显著影响。上述结果表明,宿主身份和叶性状是热带山地雨林叶内生真菌群落构建的重要驱动因子。

乌蒙山保护区峨眉栲、三脉水丝梨群落结构及物种多样性

以乌蒙山保护区中山湿性常绿阔叶林峨眉栲(Castanopsis platyacantha)、三脉水丝梨(Sycopsis triplinervia)群落为研究对象,采用群落生态学方法分析群落结构及物种多样性。结果表明:(1)样地内调查到维管束植物175种,隶属64个科103个属,种子植物科、属的分布区划为12个类型,总体上可分为广布型、热带型、温带型;(2)群落乔木层、灌木层、草本层优势种分别为峨眉栲和三脉水丝梨、筇竹(Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda)、骤尖楼梯草(Elatostema cuspidatum),物种重要值与数量呈现出不同程度的正相关,相关强度表现为灌木层>草本层>乔木层;(3)群落Shannon-Weiner多样性指数和Pielou均匀度指数呈现出灌木层>草本层>乔木层,Margalef丰富度指数和Simpson优势度指数表现为乔木层>草本层>灌木层;(4)整个群落以第Ⅰ龄级和高度Ⅰ级树木占优势,而乔木层则以第Ⅱ龄级和高度Ⅱ级树木占优势。群落物种丰富,优势种明显,生长稳定,有利于维持保护区生态系统稳定和生物多样性安全。

基于200年硅藻记录的北半球山地湖泊生态研究

山地湖泊远离人为直接干扰,对全球变化响应敏感,其环境演变是当前国际湖沼学的研究热点。硅藻作为一种生物指标,因其对湖泊生态环境变化的良好指示作用而受到学术界的广泛关注。通过对基于200年硅藻记录的北半球山地湖泊生态研究的梳理,发现在气候总体变暖和大气氮沉降驱动下,北半球山地湖泊生态普遍发生了突变,且突变时间存在着区域差异。然而,青藏高原作为“地球第三极”,其湖泊生态的演变及其驱动机制尚存在争论。因此,建议未来应加强对青藏高原湖泊生态演变的研究,从而为评估和预测全球变化提供科学依据。

鄂西山区农村生活污水处理及排放状况调查研究

以鄂西山区某饮用水源水库周边农村福善场村为例,通过现场调查分析和水质检测对鄂西山区农村生活污水处理及排放状况进行了调查研究。结果表明:鄂西山区农村生活污水主要通过集中微动力污水处理站、三户联排小型微动力污水处理设施和三格式化粪池3种方式处理后排入地表沟渠、堰塘或下渗至地下;经3种污水处理方式处理后的出水水质均未达到农村生活污水排放水质要求,对邻近饮用水源水库水质具有一定影响;农村微动力污水处理设施存在运行成本高、运维程序复杂、疏于管理、有效运行时间短等问题,致使其难以达到相应的污水处理效果;根据当地农村地势及生活污水排放特点研究新型农村生活污水处理方式是保障鄂西山区农村水环境安全与质量的当务之急。

井冈山山顶矮林维管植物区系特征与物种多样性研究

山顶矮林具有重要的生态功能与景观价值,因其生境的独特性和岛屿状分布的特殊性等特点成为人们研究和关注的热点。本文采用样地调查法,对井冈山山顶矮林植物区系特征与物种多样性进行了研究。结果表明:井冈山山顶矮林维管植物物种组成丰富,有维管植物76科124属193种,蔷薇科、杜鹃花科、山茶科、樟科和壳斗科是组成井冈山山顶矮林的优势科,杜鹃属是组成井冈山山顶矮林的优势属。井冈山山顶矮林植物区系起源古老,成分复杂,珍稀濒危植物少,区系成分具有由亚热带向暖温带过渡的性质。井冈山山顶矮林的Simpson指数和Pielou指数较高,Shannon-wiener指数和物种丰富度较低,4种多样性指数在不同的样地、层次和群系之间都存在一定的差异,且未表现出相同的变化规律,这与群落类型、群落所处环境条件、人为因素的影响和所采用的物种多样性性指数有关。建议加强对井冈山山顶矮林的保护。