scholarly journals Early successional dynamics of ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in the tropical dry forest ecosystem in Colombia

ZooKeys ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1044 ◽  
pp. 877-906 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Maria Ariza ◽  
Jorge Jácome ◽  
Héctor Eduardo Esquivel ◽  
D. Johan Kotze
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Dry Forest ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Carabid Beetle ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Carabid Beetles ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Early Succession

Little is known about the successional dynamics of insects in the highly threatened tropical dry forest (TDF) ecosystem. For the first time, we studied the response of carabid beetles to vegetal succession and seasonality in this ecosystem in Colombia. Carabid beetles were collected from three TDF habitat types in two regions in Colombia: initial successional state (pasture), early succession, and intermediate succession (forest). The surveys were performed monthly for 13 months in one of the regions (Armero) and during two months, one in the dry and one in the wet season, in the other region (Cambao). A set of environmental variables were recorded per month at each site. Twenty-four carabid beetle species were collected during the study. Calosoma alternans and Megacephala affinis were the most abundant species, while most species were of low abundance. Forest and pasture beetle assemblages were distinct, while the early succession assemblage overlapped with these assemblages. Canopy cover, litter depth, and soil and air temperatures were important in structuring the assemblages. Even though seasonality did not affect the carabid beetle assemblage, individual species responded positively to the wet season. It is shown that early successional areas in TDF could potentially act as habitat corridors for species to recolonize forest areas, since these successional areas host a number of species that inhabit forests and pastures. Climatic variation, like the El Niño episode during this study, appears to affect the carabid beetle assemblage negatively, exasperating concerns of this already threatened tropical ecosystem.

scholarly journals Identifying Variables to Discriminate between Conserved and Degraded Forest and to Quantify the Differences in Biomass

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1020
Author(s):  
Yan Gao ◽  
Margaret Skutsch ◽  
Diana Laura Jiménez Rodríguez ◽  
Jonathan V. Solórzano
Keyword(s):  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Tropical Dry Forest ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Degraded Forest ◽  
Forest Survey ◽  
Structural Variables

The purpose of this work was to determine which structural variables present statistically significant differences between degraded and conserved tropical dry forest through a statistical study of forest survey data. The forest survey was carried out in a tropical dry forest in the watershed of the River Ayuquila, Jalisco state, Mexico between May and June of 2019, when data were collected in 36 plots of 500 m2. The sample was designed to include tropical dry forests in two conditions: degraded and conserved. In each plot, data collected included diameter at breast height, tree height, number of trees, number of branches, canopy cover, basal area, and aboveground biomass. Using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, we show that there are significant differences in canopy cover, tree height, basal area, and aboveground biomass between degraded and conserved tropical dry forest. Among these structural variables, canopy cover and mean height separate conserved and degraded forests with the highest accuracy (both at 80.7%). We also tested which variables best correlate with aboveground biomass, with a view to determining how carbon loss in degraded forest can be quantified at a larger scale using remote sensing. We found that canopy cover, tree height, and density of trees all show good correlation with biomass and these variables could be used to estimate changes in biomass stocks in degraded forests. The results of our analysis will help to increase the accuracy in estimating aboveground biomass, contribute to the ongoing work on REDD+, and help to reduce the great uncertainty in estimation of emissions from forest degradation.

scholarly journals Diversity of longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the Caribbean region of Colombia: temporal variation between two fragments of tropical dry forest

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly García ◽  
Neis José Martínez ◽  
Juan Pablo Botero
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Variation ◽  
Tropical Dry Forest ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
True Diversity ◽  
Longhorned Beetles ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Abstract: The tropical dry forest is under constant threat from many anthropic activities which are conducted indiscriminately, modifying the forest, and therefore, affecting species that are closely related to its phenology, such as longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae). The spatio-temporal variation of the cerambycid diversity in two fragments of tropical dry forest (Reserva Campesina la Montaña and La Flecha) in the Caribbean region of Colombia was analyzed. At each locality, four squared plots were delimited, and the beetles were collected with fruit traps, beating sheets and manual capture, and with light traps in the center. Five hundred eighty-seven specimens representing 128 species were collected, of which members of the tribe Ectenessini (Cerambycinae) were the most abundant. At the subfamily level, Cerambycinae was the most abundant (465 specimens) and diverse (73 species), followed by Lamiinae and Prioninae. The highest values of richness (110 species), abundance (428), biomass (21.18 g), and as well as the highest values of true diversity (1D= 73.44, 2D= 34.30) were found during the first precipitations. Regarding beta diversity, temporal variation was determined and mainly explained by a high percentage of turnover (> 70%). Lastly, the high diversity of Cerambycidae was associated with high values of relative humidity and canopy cover during the rainy season. This showed that the structure of the cerambycid community in the tropical dry forest of the Caribbean region of Colombia depends on these variables, which are closely related to precipitation.

A field experiment to determine the effect of dry-season precipitation on annual ring formation and leaf phenology in a seasonally dry tropical forest

2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Hayden ◽  
D. F. Greene ◽  
M. Quesada
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Dry Forest ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Cambial Activity ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Rain Event ◽  
Bud Burst ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
False Rings ◽  
Irrigation Intensity

Abstract:Trees growing in a seasonally tropical dry forest, with its characteristic 5–7-mo rainless interval, possess a variety of physiological adaptations to drought, the most common being leaf abscission. At the Estacion Biologia de Chamela in western Mexico, we experimentally examined the relationship between one-time experimental irrigation ranging as 0 (control) to 200 mm, and (1) the degree of bud burst (and, for a single species, flowering), and (2) the formation of a false ring. Additionally, we used long-term records at a nearby meteorological station to determine the probability of a rain event exceeding a particular intensity (mm). For our seven species (particularly the two most common species: Cordia alliodora and Piptadenia constricta), we found that the degree of budburst and leaf extension was a function of irrigation intensity. In no case, however, did we find false rings, or indeed any indication of cambial activity initiated by the irrigation event. Further, there was no effect of intensity on subsequent relative growth rate in the following wet season. While sufficient rainfall (200 mm) to cause full leaf deployment is rare, nonetheless we estimate that a canopy tree in the study area would experience an event of this magnitude at least a few times per century. In any case, it will have no effect on the reliability of annual rings in this biome, nor any effect on diameter growth in (at least) the following year.

scholarly journals WHICH VARIABLES IN FOREST SURVEY DATA CAN BETTER DISTINGUISH CONSERVED AND DEGRADED TROPICAL DRY FOREST?

2020 ◽  
Vol XLII-3/W12-2020 ◽  
pp. 309-313
Author(s):  
Y. Gao ◽  
D. Jiménez ◽  
M. Skutsch ◽  
M. Salinas ◽  
J. Solórzano
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Study ◽  
Tropical Dry Forest ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Remote Sensing Data ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Inventory Data ◽  
Forest Survey

Abstract. This paper presents the results of a statistical study of forest inventory data for tropical dry forest in Ayuquila River Basin, Jalisco state, Mexico. The field inventory was carried out between May-June of 2019 which is at the end of dry season and the beginning of raining season. The field inventory data were collected in 43 plots of 500 m2 each which were designed in a way to include tropical dry forests in two conditions: degraded and conserved. In each plot, the collected data include DBH, tree height, number of trees per plot, and the density of tree stems. A study was carried out to find out if there are statistically significant differences variables relating to forest structure between degraded and conserved status. The Mann-Whitney test shows that there is significant differences in canopy cover, biomass, tree height, and basal area. This information is important since it helps to understand whether and how forest degradation can be detected using remote sensing data.

scholarly journals Impacto de la agricultura y ganadería sobre el bosque tropical seco de Zirándaro, Guerrero: una evaluación con indicadores ecológicos

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agustín Fuentes-Hernández ◽  
Marleth Mendoza-Orozco ◽  
Leticia Ríos-Casanova ◽  
Alfonso Soler-Aburto ◽  
Daniel Muñoz-Iniestra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Tropical Dry Forest ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Ecological Indicators ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
The Impact

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Agriculture and cattle raising modify the structure and functioning of tropical dry forest. The impact of these activities has been evaluated in regions of Jalisco and Yucatán, where slash-and-burn agriculture and extensive cattle raising are the main types of management. However, there are other regions such as Guerrero, where agriculture is combined with cattle raising. Yet, its impact on the forest has not been evaluated so far.</p><p><strong>Question:</strong> What is the impact of agriculture/cattle raising and cattle raising on the tropical dry forest in Zirándaro, Guerrero?</p><p><strong>Study sites and dates:</strong> The study was performed in Zirándaro, Guerrero, in December 2014 and June 2015.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> We selected 9 sites with agriculture/cattle raising, cattle raising, and forest to sample vegetation and soil, and to calculate 10 ecological indicators. We also collected 9 soil samples to evaluate their physical and chemical properties.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The soil of agriculture/cattle raising and cattle raising had higher bulk density, but lower porosity and organic matter content than the forest soil. The agriculture/cattle raising and cattle raising had low plant species richness and canopy cover. The agriculture/cattle raising had lower vegetation structure and higher proportion of basal gaps than cattle raising. These differences suggest that agriculture/cattle raising had a higher impact on forest than cattle raising. Yet, we did not find significant differences in most of the ecological indicators.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The agriculture/cattle raising and cattle raising have a relatively similar ecological impact on the tropical dry forest of Zirándaro, Guerrero.<strong></strong></p>

scholarly journals Community, Dominant Tree Species Leaf Phenology and Seasonality in a Tropical Dry Forest, India

2020 ◽  
pp. 34-49
Author(s):  
Appaji Nanda ◽  
Hebbalalu S. Suresh ◽  
Yelugere L. Krishna Murthy
Keyword(s):  
Life Form ◽  
Climatic Variability ◽  
Tropical Dry Forest ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Leaf Phenology ◽  
Circular Statistics ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Leaf Life Span ◽  
Multiple Regressions

Aims: Plant phenology is a tool to assess climate variability, but less is known about the differences in phenological sensitivity at community, life-form and individual species level. The aim of the present study is to know the contribution of individual, life-form leaf phenophases within the community. Methodology: The leaf phenology of tropical dry forest trees in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, Karnataka, India was observed during June 2004 to May 2009. A total of 277 trees belonging to 45 species were monitored on monthly basis for different phenophases of leaf phenology. Simple Spearman’s correlations and multiple regressions were performed between different phenophases and environmental factors like rainfall and temperature. Seasonality was determined with circular statistics analyses using the phenological variables and dates of observation. Results: The influence of temperature was stressed with multiple regressions. Seasonality of each of the phenophases was also tested with circular statistics. There is a strong seasonality observed in all phenophases, the strength of seasonality was highest with leafless phenophases. Leafing phenophases among some dominant species within the community was described for seasonality and differences among them were also analyzed. Understorey species had longer leaf life span compared to canopy species. At the community level different phenophases are distinctly seasonal, though the strength of seasonality varied considerably with flushing and expansion of leaves, the strength of the seasonality was high with leaf senescence for all species. Conclusion: The results of this research are in agreement with previous study but the present study suggests that community, population and individual sensitivity might vary under the present context of increasing climatic variability and their adaptation helps to understand the climatic influence in shaping phenology at individual, species and community level.

scholarly journals Spatial and temporal distribution and microhabitat use of aquatic breeding amphibians (Anura) in a seasonally dry tropical forest in Chamela, Mexico

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 1082 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha I. Luna-Gómez ◽  
Andrés García ◽  
Georgina Santos-Barrera
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Dry Forest ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Microhabitat Use ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Distribution ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Temporary Streams ◽  
Seasonally Dry

The distribution of amphibians is affected by abiotic and biotic factors, availability of resources and the characteristics of reproductive sites. In particular, reproductive activity of aquatic-breeding anurans that inhabit tropical dry areas is affected by rainfall, which determines the availability and quality of reproductive sites. In this study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of anurans with indirect development in a tropical dry forest in Western Mexico, during two rainy seasons (July 10-October 4, 2013, and June 26-September 26, 2014). We collected data on the occupancy and reproductive activity of 15 species in four temporary streams, and evaluated their relationship with precipitation, humidity and temperature. We determined richness, abundance and diversity of species in each stream; we also identified differences in the reproductive strategies and microhabitats used by the species. The most abundant species were: Tlalocohyla smithii and Exerodonta smaragdina, whereas the least abundant were Leptodactylus melanonotus and Incilius mazatlanensis. Species richness, abundance and reproductive activity peaked alongside the stream with the greatest number of breeding sites (e.g. pools). We found temporal segregation in the occupancy and reproductive activity of species in all streams which were mainly associated with precipitation. However, occupancy and reproductive activity of some species overlapped up to four weeks during part of the breeding season. Most species used specific substrates for particular reproductive activities (e.g. oviposition), but used a range of microhabitats (leaf-litter, water, rocks, branches, leaves, logs, etc.) for others (e.g. calling). We discuss these behavioral differences as factors that facilitate coexistence of species in this environment in the rainy season.

scholarly journals Edaphic and Seasonal Heterogeneity of Seed Banks in Agricultural Fields of a Tropical Dry Forest Region in Southern Mexico

2012 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge A. Meave ◽  
Claudia Flores-Rodríguez ◽  
Eduardo A. Pérez-García ◽  
Marco Antonio Romero-Romero
Keyword(s):  
Seed Bank ◽  
Tropical Dry Forest ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Black Soil ◽  
Seed Banks ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Agricultural Fields ◽  
Tropical Region ◽  
Soil Cores ◽  
Southern Mexico

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The slash-and-burn agriculture practiced across tropical dry regions results in the elimination of native vegetation. Upon field abandonment, the seed bank becomes a potentially important mechanism of natural regeneration at early successional stages. Soil properties and climate seasonality may affect seed bank characteristics, thus we analyzed the effects of these two factors on seed bank density and composition in agricultural fields of a seasonally dry tropical region of southern Mexico. Soil cores were collected for the rainy and the dry seasons in order to assess changes occurring in the seed bank from the time of harvest to the moment when succession could potentially start (the next rainy season). The 12 studied fields comprised three different soil types recognized by local inhabitants: sandy and stony, silty, and clayey soils, locally known as cascajo, black soil, and red soil, respectively. At each fi eld 20 soil cores (8 cm diameter, 4.5 cm depth) were collected and mixed to form four pooled samples, which were placed in a greenhouse to induce germination. A total of 4,422 seedlings (2,291 seeds m<sup>-2</sup>) representing 40 species were recorded. The most abundant species were, in decreasing order, <em>Melanthera nivea</em>, <em>Rhynchelytrum repens</em>, <em>Waltheria indica</em>, <em>Amaranthus scariosus</em>, <em>Digitaria bicornis</em>, and <em>Cenchrus pilosus</em>. Herbs were the prevailing growth form (&gt; 80% of total richness). No clear pattern was observed in the seed bank related to soil type; however, seed bank characteristics tended to be associated with the time of use of the agricultural fields, a variable that was not controlled in the study. Seed bank species richness was significantly larger in the dry season, and although seed density showed a similar trend, it was not significant. The studied seed banks contain no elements of the regional primary tropical dry forest, which suggests that seed banks in deforested areas cannot guarantee their maintenance beyond forested areas.</span></p>

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