Reassembly of a tropical rainforest: A new chronosequence in the Chocó tested with the recovery of tree attributes

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Abstract From hunting and foraging to clearing land for agriculture, humans modify forest biodiversity, landscapes, climate. Forests constantly undergo disturbance–recovery dynamics, understanding them is a major objective of ecologists conservationists. Chronosequences are useful tool global restoration efforts. They represent space‐for‐time substitution approach suited the quantification resistance ecosystem properties withstand disturbance resilience these until reaching pre‐disturbance levels. Here, we introduce newly established chronosequence with 62 plots in active cacao plantations pastures, early late regeneration, old‐growth forests extremely wet Chocó rainforest. Plots were located across 200‐km 2 area, total area 95 km within 1‐km radius. Our covers largest compared others Neotropics 15.5 ha. ranged from 159 615 m above sea level forested landscape 74% ± 2.8% cover radius including substantial cover. Land‐use legacy regeneration time not confounded by elevation. We tested how six structure variables (maximum tree height dbh, basal number stems, vertical vegetation heterogeneity, light availability), aboveground biomass (AGB), rarefied species richness change along our chronosequence. Forest variables, AGB, increased predicted reach similar levels those forests. Compared previous work Neotropics, Canandé accumulate high AGB that takes one spans reported recovery. comprises pools, regenerating forests, has higher than other Neotropical chronosequences. Hence, can be used determine recovery stability (resistance resilience) different taxa functions, interaction networks. This integrative effort will ultimately help understand most diverse on planet recovers large‐scale disturbances.

Language: Английский

Sample coverage affects diversity measures of bird communities along a natural recovery gradient of abandoned agriculture in tropical lowland forests

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 28, 2025

Abstract Tropical old‐growth forests continue to decline worldwide, resulting in a huge loss of biodiversity. The extent which the expansion second‐growth can counteract biodiversity is context‐dependent and controversial. To test recovery bird communities along gradient from active pastures cacao plantations, through regenerating forest on land last used for agriculture between 1 38 years ago, forest, we sampled simultaneous audio recordings 66 plots, an expert identified all species detected at fixed time points throughout day. study area characterized by typical small‐scale with remnant trees Ecuadorian Chocó Forest. quantify different aspects biodiversity, incidence‐based Hill numbers focusing infrequent, frequent highly taxonomic, functional phylogenetic diversity, considering sample coverage (an objective measure completeness). Bird community composition changed regrowth represented first axis ordination. Differences were also very robust changes coverage. decreased significantly affected measures alpha diversity. Although results controlled showed no change taxonomic diversity gradient. Cacao plantations exhibited particularly high values, highlighting potential these patches support woodland shrubland agriculture. Furthermore, several regularly agricultural areas, attracted characteristic landscape our region. Synthesis applications . Our highlight importance standardizing incorporating beta monitoring. We demonstrate that be secondary within smallholder landscapes. This underscores natural recovery, when are embedded matrix includes stands.

Language: Английский

Dynamics of ecosystem service values in the Tarim River Basin

Frontiers in Environmental Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Feb. 3, 2025

Introduction Understanding spatial and temporal variations in ecosystem service values (ESV) their driving factors is essential for effective management decision-making. This study focuses on the Tarim River Basin, specifically Aksu, Yarkant, Hotan, Kaidu Peacock Rivers, mainstream River, which flow through key administrative regions. Methods We analyzed multi-temporal land use cover (LULC) data from 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, applying comparable coefficient method to assess ESV changes distribution. Geospatial analysis was used identify drivers of interactions. Results (1) The pattern area has remained stable, with fluctuations driven by government policies climate change. Farmland expanded over 10% 2000 but its growth slowed between 2015 2020 due “Grain Green” policy. Built-up areas grew significantly 2005 2010 declined afterward stricter urban planning. Glaciers have reduced area, though meltwater contributed increase water bodies wetlands. (2) increased 99.34 billion, grasslands contributing 60% 10%, respectively. peaked wetland body expansion, as wetlands shrank glaciers retreated. (3) Key natural include vegetation health (NDVI), proximity bodies, precipitation, while socioeconomic like GDP grown influence. Interactions development complicate dynamics ESV. Discussion results indicate that change influence are increasingly impactful. complex interactions important implications highlights need consider both planning management.

Language: Английский