An ecohydrological approach to predicting regional woody species distribution patterns in dryland ecosystems

2010 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trenton E. Franz ◽  
Kelly K. Caylor ◽  
Jan M. Nordbotten ◽  
Ignacio Rodríguez-Iturbe ◽  
Michael A. Celia
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Dryland Ecosystems

Vegetation dynamics and species distribution patterns in the inland desert wadis of South Sinai, Egypt

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-110
Author(s):  
Fawzy M. Salama ◽  
Monier Abd El-Ghani ◽  
Salah El Naggar ◽  
Mohamed Aljarroushi
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Vegetation Dynamics ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
South Sinai

Levels of Spatial Variability: The “Community” Problem

1990 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 13-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Springer ◽  
A. I. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Species Distribution ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
The Past ◽  
Structure And Dynamics ◽  
Evolutionary Units ◽  
The Way

The way we view species distribution patterns, particularly at the level commonly referred to as the “community”, has changed over the past 70 years in biology and, subsequently, in paleontology. Because the degree to which species associations can be interpreted as ecological and evolutionary units depends ultimately on recognition and interpretation of faunal spatial variability, we need to understand the nature of this variability at all levels of resolution before we can adequately address questions of “community” structure and dynamics. While it is possible to recognize spatial variability at several levels, from the distributions of individuals within a species to the overall pattern created by the global biota, we must ask whether these patterns really comprise a hierarchy with natural discontinuities (Fig. 1), or whether it is more realistic to view them as a continuous variability spectrum.

scholarly journals Ecological Factors Preventing Restoration of Degraded Short Tussock Landscapes in New Zealand’s Dryland Zone

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna P. Rodrigues ◽  
Elena Moltchanova ◽  
David A. Norton ◽  
Matthew Turnbull
Keyword(s):  
Water Availability ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Biotic Factors ◽  
Introduced Herbivores ◽  
Physical Chemical ◽  
Native Woody Species ◽  
Dryland Ecosystems ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Chemical Conditions

AbstractBiotic factors such as the presence of invasive animal and/or plant species are well known as major causes of ecological degradation and as limiting either natural or assisted (human-induced) ecological restoration. However, abiotic aspects of the landscape, such as water availability and soil physical/chemical conditions can also potentially limit restoration and should be considered. Dryland ecosystems are amongst the world’s most threatened and least protected. New Zealand’s drylands have been drastically changed, initially through burning, agricultural and grazing practices and the impacts of introduced herbivores and plants. This research aimed at identifying some of the key environmental factors preventing the reestablishment of native woody species in a New Zealand dryland ecosystem. The experiments involved a combination of shading, irrigation and grazing exclusion. The results showed that supplemental water was not beneficial for the survival and growth of the native seedlings, unless combined with shade. Fencing proved important for establishment, even though the species used are regarded in the literature as unpalatable to herbivores. The results indicated that the presence of shade was fundamental for the establishment and growth of the native seedlings likely due to improvements in the microclimate, soil aeration, and water availability to seedlings.

The saltmarsh vegetation of the lower Berg River

Bothalia ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-228
Author(s):  
M. O'Callaghan
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Species Distribution ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Competitive Interactions ◽  
Tidal Inundation ◽  
Mean Sea Level ◽  
Irregular Distribution ◽  
Vegetation Species

The lower Berg River supports approximately 250 ha of estuarine saltmarsh vegetation. Species distribution patterns, as sampled along six transects, are described. Elevation above mean sea level (MSL) is proposed as a strong determinant of these patterns. However, there are no typical patterns. The patchy and irregular distribution patterns possibly result from an inconsistent relationship between species distribution and salinity, tidal inundation and/or competitive interactions.

scholarly journals VEGETATION COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE AND PATTERNS OF DIVERSITY: A CASE STUDY FROM THE TROPICAL WET EVERGREEN FORESTS OF THE WESTERN GHATS, INDIA

2008 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Giriraj ◽  
M. S. R. Murthy ◽  
B. R. Ramesh
Keyword(s):  
Western Ghats ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Evergreen Forests ◽  
Composition Structure ◽  
The Western Ghats

The composition, abundance, population structure and distribution patterns of the woody species having a girth at breast height of ≥ 10 cm were investigated in the tropical wet evergreen forests of the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the southern Western Ghats, India. A 3 ha plot was established with an altitudinal range of 1170 to 1306 m. In the study plot 5624 individuals (mean density 1875 ha−1) covering 68 woody species belonging to 52 genera and 27 families were enumerated. The mean basal area was 47.01 m2 ha–1 and the Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were 4.89 and 0.95, respectively. Of these woody species nearly 51% are endemic to the Western Ghats. The four dominant species, Cullenia exarillata, Palaquium ellipticum, Aglaia bourdillonii and Myristica dactyloides, account for 34% of the trees and 67% of the basal area, and therefore constitute the main structure of the forest. Within this forest type, five species assemblages corresponding to altitudinal gradient were identified using correspondence analysis. Management of such mid elevation evergreen forests necessarily depends on knowledge of recognisable community types and their environmental variables. The present study provides essential background for formulating strategies for sustainable conservation of forest communities at the local level.

Edaphic properties as key drivers for woody species distributions in tropical savannic and forest habitats

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
P. M. S. Rodrigues ◽  
J. O. Silva ◽  
C. E. G. R. Schaefer
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Species Distribution ◽  
Soil Texture ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Significant Response ◽  
Unimodal Response ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Edaphic Gradients ◽  
Forest Habitats

Edaphic gradients can explain plant species distribution at a local scale in the neotropics and elsewhere, but few studies have evaluated the individual responses of species to such gradients. We collected data on species and soils in open savannic and forest formations (totalling five habitats in each formation), aiming to evaluate the importance of edaphic factors on the distribution of woody plant species in tropical habitats. Logistic regression was used to test the influence of predictor variables (soil texture and fertility) on plant occurrence (presence or absence). Most species (73%) responded to the edaphic gradients. However, the edaphic gradients did not explain the distribution of the remaining 27% of species, which implies the existence of other factors determining their occurrence. Soil fertility (nutritional status) was the major factor in forest habitats (65% of the species which showed significant response), while soil texture was the most explanatory factor for species occurrence in open habitats (55% of the species that showed a significant response). Thus, nutrient status was less limiting and soil texture was more limiting in savannic formations, whereas the opposite was observed for forest formations. Most species showing a relationship with edaphic gradients had a unimodal response, which is in accordance with the literature. Our study showed that soil properties largely regulate the distribution of plant species in tropical habitats, despite other factors not investigated here also having an effect on several of the studied species. Models of species distribution that take into account environmental heterogeneity are key for the elaboration of strategies for the conservation and restoration of ecosystems.

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