Journal of Ecology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Окт. 27, 2024

Abstract Freeze events govern the distribution and structure of mangrove ecosystems, especially in tropical‐temperate transitional zones. Understanding responses to freezing is crucial for predicting their poleward expansion under climate change. However, there a need field‐based measurements freeze resistance resilience. After an extreme winter storm December 2022, we measured post‐freeze damage recovery (January November 2023), building on pre‐freeze baseline assessment conducted July 2022 across 12 sites along temperature gradient Florida's Gulf Mexico coast (USA). Low‐temperature thresholds leaf Avicennia germinans , Rhizophora mangle Laguncularia racemosa were quantified near −6, −4 − 4°C, respectively. Thresholds mortality found be −6 −7°C A. −5°C R. . A threshold loss reproductivity was identified −7°C. Resprouting observed all three species but limited just one individual Surviving resprouted vigorously had greatest number resprout branches, which proportional damage. Tall higher percentage than short trees. Strata‐specific differences most pronounced with tall versus trees, while no difference between strata. These results suggest that population may depend growth can recover from Minimum air strongly correlated height above‐ground biomass. Projections future minimum species‐specific degree days predict warming winters, suggesting further development range Synthesis : Collectively, our study advances understanding identifies low‐temperature each species, aiding predictions expansion.

Язык: Английский