bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Litterfall and nutrient fluxes in two montane tropical rain forests, Colombia
Authors: Veneklaas Erik J.
Published: July 2009

Litterfall was sampled during one year in two undisturbed Andean forests at altitudes of 2550 and 3370 m in the Colombian Cordillera Central. Total small litterfall at 2550 and 3370 m was 7.03 and 4.31 tha-1y-1respectively, of which 4.61 and 2.82 were leaves, 1.06 and 0.76 woody parts, 0.66 and 0.27 reproductive parts, 0.22 and 0.23 epiphytes, 0.47 and 0.23 unclassified.

Clear differences were also found in nutrient concentrations, both between different litter fractions from one site and between equivalent litter fractions from different sites. Weighted mean concentrations for total small litterfall were (mgg-1, at 2550 and 3370m respectively): 11.7 and 7.3 for nitrogen; 0.86 and 0.44 for phosphorus; 8.4 and 3.1 for potassium. Comparison of nutrient concentrations in crown leaves and shed leaves indicated important reallocation of nitrogen (39% at both sites) and phosphorus (45% at 2550m, 65% at 3370m) before leaf shedding.

The results for litterfall amounts, litter nutrient concentrations and reallocation of nutrients in the two forests are consistent with such data obtained in other montane forests in the wet tropics.
Comparative biology of Neotropical epiphytic and saxicolous Tillandsia species: population structure
Authors: Bennett Bradley C.
Published: July 2009

In comparing the population structure of epiphytic and saxicolous Tillandsia species I found no significant differences between polycarpic species. Epiphytic T. ionochroma populations had a higher seedling:adult ratio than saxicolous T. ionochroma populations, but the difference was not statistically significant. Tillandsia ultriculala, a monocarpic epiphyte, had a significantly higher seedling:adult ratio than the polycarpic species. T. utriculata's higher ratio may result from its greater seed production and lack of vegetative propagation. Unlike the polycarpic species, all adult-size rosettes grow from seeds in T. utriculata. Tillandsia sphaerocephala, an obligate saxicole, occurred in larger clusters (i.e. more rosettes per genet) than T. ionochroma. The increased tendency for vegetative reproduction in T. sphaerocephala suggests that spatial patchiness is less of a constraint than with epiphytes.
Responses of Amazonian rain forest birds to habitat modification
Authors: Johns Andrew D.
Published: July 2009

Bird species were surveyed in a variety of habitat types in a lightly populated area of western Brazilian Amazonia. Habitats surveyed were untagged forest, selectively logged forest, ‘capoeira’ (scrub regenerating on cleared land), cropfields, and an isolated 35 ha forest ‘island’. All habitats were within a few kilometres of each other. Many bird species were found to occur in all or most habitats, although the similarlity of the species assemblages dropped with increasing levels of disturbance of the natural vegetation. Certain understorey insectivores common in untagged forest were rarely observed in other habitats; disturbed areas contained higher numbers of flycalching insectivores or birds feeding on both insects and fruit, some of which were open-country rather than forest species. The avifauna of the forest ‘island’ was more similar to that of regenerating scrub than to that of tall forest, and the persistence of forest species was attributed to their ability to move to and from nearby continuous forest areas.
Howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata), dung beetles (Scarabaeidae) and seed dispersal: ecological interactions in the tropical rain forest of Los Tuxtlas, Mexico
Authors: Estrada Alejandro , Coates-Estrada Rosamond
Published: July 2009

The dispersal of seeds by howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) and the activity of dung beetles in modulating the fate of the dispersed seed were studied at Los Tuxtlas, Mexico. Howlers consumed the fruits of 35 species of plants. The seeds of 28 of these were dispersed by the monkeys. The majority (≥90%) of the seeds dispersed by monkeys were destroyed by rodents. Rapid relocation and burial of dung by dung beetles resulted in accidental relocation and burial of large numbers of seeds shortly after deposition. Faecal clumps (20 mg) remained on the ground for an average of only 2.5 h (range 1–3 h). Ball rolling beetles transported balls up to 5.0 m from the site of deposition (range 1–5 m). Burrowing and ball-rolling dung beetles buried seeds at depths ranging from 2.5 to > 12.0cm. The deeper a seed is buried, the less likely it is to be found and eaten by rodents. Eighty percent of the species used by Alouatta as sources of fruit at Los Tuxtlas benefited by the dispersal and post dispersal service provided by howlers and dung beetles respectively. Seasonality in dung beetles abundance in the forest may influence the number of seeds per species escaping post-dispersal predation during the year. Dung beetles play not only an important ecological role in the recycling of matter and energy in the ecosystem, but also in the process of rain forest regeneration.
Pattern in a derived savanna in Nigeria
Authors: Greig-Smith P.
Published: July 2009

All woody growth was enumerated in three transects, each 960 m x 20 m, in derived savanna in the Olokemeji Forest Reserve in south-west Nigeria. The data for species density, species basal area and stem girth classes were analysed by nested-block analysis of variance and covariance. The use of ‘total covariance’, the sum of all covariances at a block size, contributes to understanding of the pattern present.

Three scales of pattern were evident. Patchiness at 160–320 m is interpreted as a response to soil differences or to the pattern of previous farming, which may itself have been determined by soil differences. Patchiness at 20–40 m is attributable to varying intensity of burning. At the smallest scale, of 10 m, there is evidence of regularity of distribution resulting from interference between individuals, possibly due to competition for water.
Guild distribution of some termites from cerrado vegetation in south-east Brazil
Authors: Gontijo Terezinha Abreu , Domingos Denize Junqueira
Published: July 2009

The distributional patterns and food preferences of some cerrado vegetation termites were studied in an area of 2500 m2in south-east Brazil. All the termitaria were mapped and opened for identification of the species present. Their spatial distribution was studied using the nearest neighbour method (Clark & Evans 1954). We found 46 termite species in 450 nests. The majority of them were wood feeders. The general distribution of termitaria was regular. The distributional patterns of grass and litter feeders were not significantly different from a random distribution. Soil and organic matter feeders were contagiously distributed. The distribution of wood feeders was also contagious. Their spatial distribution was largely influenced by the distribution of the speciesNasutitermessp. 1 andArmitermes euamignathus. These two species occurred in two distinct patches, suggesting resource partitioning.
The small-mammal community of a dry-tropical forest in central Thailand
Authors: Walker Susan , Rabinowitz Alan
Published: July 2009

Small mammal live-trapping was carried out in a dry tropical forest mosaic in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, central Thailand. Trapping was done in two forest types in three seasons.Maxomys surijerwas the dominant species in both plots. The three most abundant species in each plot accounted for > 90% of all captures. Community structure, density, relative abundance, biomass, age structure of populations, and habitat usage of some small mammal species varied by forest type and season. The dry evergreen/mixed deciduous forest type supported a greater abundance and biomass of small mammals than the mixed deciduous/dry dipterocarp forest type in all seasons, although species richness was the same. The greatest density, biomass, and home-range size forMaxomys surijeroccurred in the rainy season in both forest types. Seasonal changes in ratios of adults and subadulls of several species suggested a breeding peak at the end of the dry season or beginning of the rainy season. The mixed deciduous/dry dipterocarp forest showed a drastic drop in numbers, density, and biomass of small mammals six weeks after a fire burned through it.
Oviposition preferences and egg survival in Nanophyes shoreae (Coleoptera, Apionidae), a weevil fruit-predator in South-east Asian rain forest
Authors: Toy Robin J , Toy Sandra J
Published: July 2009

Nanophyes shoreae (Coleoptera, Apionidae) is a pre-dispersal fruit-predator of dipterocarp trees in South east Asian rain forest These trees frequently abort a large part of their fruitcrop soon after anthesis, coincident with N shoreae oviposition Fruit parameters, related to the incidence of weevil attack, were investigated by examination of fruit collected from host trees and through observations made in the canopy Fruit size and the incidence of prior oviposition determined whether beetles initiated attacks However, many fruits were attacked without oviposition occurring and this is discussed with respect to chemical stimuli
Nutrient cycling in two south-east Brazilian forests. I Litterfall and litter standing crop
Authors: Patricia L , Morellato C
Published: July 2009

Litterfall (leaves, woody < 5 cm diameter, flowers and fruits) was estimated monthly using 20 litter traps, each 1 m2, and litter standing crops were collected every three months using 20 samples of 0 5 m2, for Altitudinal forest (AF) and Semideciduous forest (SF) in south-east Brazil (Serra do Japi, Jundiaí, Sāo Paulo State) from March 1985 to March 1986 The total litterfall was 7 t ha−1 for AF: 4 9 leaves, 1 8 woody, 0 13 flower, 0 16 fruits; and the total for SF was 8 6 t ha−1 y−1: 5 5 leaves, 2 1 woody, 0 5 flower, 0 4 fruits Litter standing crop was 5 5 t ha−1 y−1 for the two forest sites studied with a turnover coefficient (K1) of 1 3 for AF and 1 6 for SF Litterfall occurred throughout the year but was greater during the dry season (August–September); seasonality of litter and leaf fall was greater in SF than in AF but in both followed the litterfall patterns of other southeast Brazilian forests
Exploitation of Mabea fistulifera nectar by marmosets (Callithrix flaviceps) and muriquis (Brachyteles arachnoides) in south-east Brazil
Authors: Ferrari Stephen F. , Strier Karen B.
Published: July 2009

The present study reports on the exploitation of the nectar of Mabea fistulifera (Euphorbiaceae) by two platyrrhine primate species (Brachyteles arachnoides and Callithrix flaviceps) in the Atlantic Forest of south-east Brazil. Nectar-feeding by both primates was observed between late April and May, during which a peak in the floristic activity of M. fistulifera was recorded, in terms of both the number of trees flowering and the number of flowers available on each tree. Phenological records indicate, by contrast, that edible fruit was relatively scarce during this period, the early dry season at the study site. On the days when nectar was consumed, it accounted for 25% of records of plant feeding for B. arachnoides and 29% for C. flaviceps, although the former species was observed nectar feeding over a much longer period. The evidence indicates that M. fistulifera is a valuable, but not essential resource for both primates at a time of year when edible fruit is relatively difficult to obtain. M. fistulifera, in turn, can be seen as an opportunistic plant whose floral characteristics permit pollination by a wide range of volant and non-volant vertebrates, including primates.
Soil-vegetation relationships in a tabonuco forest community in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico
Authors: Johnston Mark H.
Published: July 2009

Soil-vegetation relationships were examined in a tabonuco forest community in eastern Puerto Rico using canonical correspondence analysis. Ca and pH were strongly correlated with the first ordination axis (r = 0.84 and 0.76, respectively), while Mg and Na were correlated with the second axis (r = 0.65 and 0.64, respectively); other soil variables were not significantly related to the first two axes. Four previously identified soil series corresponded well with the ordination, and statistically significant differences in soil variables were found among the soil series. Dominant canopy tree species Dacryodes excelsa and Manilkara bidentata were negatively associated with the first ordination axis and positively associated with dry soils having low concentrations of Ca and Mg and low pH. The palm Presloea montana was positively associated with the first axis and with wet soils having high concentrations of Ca and Mg and higher pH values. Another canopy species Sloanea bertenana was associated with the second ordination axis and with lower slope positions having higher concentrations of Mg.
Status and habitats of the three African crocodiles in Liberia
Authors: Kofron Christopher P.
Published: July 2009

A representative sample of waterways in Liberia was surveyed for crocodiles, and all three species of African crocodiles were observed. Contrary to previous reports, only Nile crocodiles inhabit the Monrovia mangrove swamps and brackish-water mouths of rivers; there are no slendersnouted or dwarf crocodiles in these habitats. There is partitioning of habitats among the three species in Liberia: Nile crocodiles in mangrove swamps and river mouths (brackish water); slendersnouted crocodiles in rivers through rain forest (freshwater); and dwarf crocodiles in small streams through rain forest (freshwater), some entering the adjacent river. Dwarf crocodiles utilize burrows in the stream banks.

Nowhere are crocodiles abundant, and there is an apparent absence of adults. Although 40% of Liberia is forested, deforestation is occurring rapidly by foreign timber companies and slash-and-burn agriculture practised by the largely rural population. Hunting with firearms, although illegal, is widespread, both for subsistence and commercially, without concern for depletion. Mangrove ecosystems near human population centres are being destroyed. The combination of the above factors has apparently depleted the crocodile populations in Liberia.
Growth and seasonality of seedlings and juveniles of primary species of a cloud forest in northern Venezuela
Authors: Flores Saúl
Published: July 2009

The survival, height and leaf production of seedlings and juveniles ofAspidosperma fendleriandRichena grandiswere measured monthly for three years after germination. During the first year, some seedlings and juveniles ofAspidosperma fendleriwere collected and the number of rootlets, the primary root length and the shoot: root ratio were determined.

Both species show periodicity in growth but their relative growth rate differs between species. ForAspidosperma fendleri, the highest relative growth rate (0.313 y-1) was found for individuals grown under greenhouse conditions followed by individuals growing in an old forest gap (0.143 y-1) and finally individuals under the forest canopy (0.137 y-1). ForRicheria grandis, the relative growth rate under the forest canopy was 0.261 y-1. Leaf production forAspidosperma fendleriin the forest (natural conditions) was 4.39 total mean leaf number for five years and 5.46 total mean leaf number under greenhouse conditions. ForRicheria grandisit was 5.34 mean leaf production for four years. The root: shoot ratio forAspidosperma fendleriwas constant during the observation year.Aspidosperma fendlerishowed a lower number of rootlets than didRicheria grandis. There was an inverse relationship between growth and survival during the dry season. During this period, mortality was higher and the highest mortality occurred during the first year when the total relative growth rate was highest.

Slow growth is evident in both species. This mechanism may represent an adaptive advantage to remain dormant until there is an opening in the forest canopy. Since the seeds ofAspidosperma fendleriandRicheria grandisare highly vulnerable to predators and pathogens, slow growth as seedlings and juveniles allows them to survive, and contributes to regeneration in cloud forest.
An ant-membracid-plant interaction in a cerrado area of Brazil
Authors: De Assis Dansa Claudia Valeria , Frederico Carlos , Rocha Duarte
Published: July 2009

In the Cerrado of Itirapina, Brazil, 34% of the shrubs of Didymopanax vinosum (Araliaceae) were colonized by the honeydew-producing homopteran Aconophora teligera (Membracidae) which was found exclusively on this species of plant. Correlations were made between membracid density and ant frequency, as well as between these parameters and plant damage. We found that: (1) ant frequency was higher on branches with membracids and both were more frequently found near apical meristems; (2) herbivore damage was lower on apical meristems where the membracids concentrate than on ones where they are absent; (3) the presence of membracids on the plant was correlated with a reduction in the occurrence of other potential herbivores, especially on the branches housing membracids; (4) plants with more tillers tended to have a larger number of membracids. The data suggest that the presence of A. teligera and associated ants probably reduce herbivory on apical meristems of D. vinosum.
Comparison of the breeding sites and habitat of two hole-nesting estrildid finches, one endangered, in northern Australia
Authors: Tidemann Sonia C. , Boyden James , Elvish Robert , Elvish Jennifer , O'Gorman Brian
Published: July 2009

The endangered Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae is the only Australian finch to nest exclusively in tree hollows or, more rarely, in termite mounds. It is sympatric with the abundant Long-tailed Finch Poephila aculicauda which nests frequently in tree hollows. The aim of this study was to define the characteristics of nest sites and breeding areas of Gouldian and Long-tailed Finches to determine whether nest hollows were in short supply, and where finches fed relative to their nest sites. The Gouldian Finch chose hollows with smaller, more northerly entrances than Long-tailed, or randomly chosen hollows, nested deeper down the hollow and on steeper hill-slopes. Both species preferred single to multi-trunked trees of larger diameter than trees with randomly chosen hollows. Discriminant analysis classified 22–25% of the randomly chosen hollows and 28–38% of Long-tailed nesting hollows as Gouldian hollows. Gouldian Finches were more specific in their choice of nest sites than Long-tailed Finches. The vegetation at the two sites differed floristically, but within each site there was no floristic distinction between feeding or breeding sites or sites chosen at random. Gouldian Finches chose feeding habitat where trees were more spaced, on less rocky, barer ground than around breeding sites.

On the basis of the criteria measured, there was no shortage of suitable hollows available to the Gouldian Finch for nesting. The overlap between feeding and breeding sites indicates the importance of managing breeding habitat for conservation.
Grasses of the Precambrian Shield region in eastern lowland Bolivia. I. Habitat preferences
Authors: Killeen Timothy J. , Hinz Paul N.
Published: July 2009

The habitat distribution and relative abundance of 113 species of Gramineae were documented by releves in 82 stands near Conception, Santa Cruz, Bolivia. A factor analysis was used to compare the floristic similarity of stands situated in semideciduous forest, cerradao, cerrado, campo rupestre, valley-side campo, pantanal complex or on granite outcrops. Individual grass species usually had a preferred habitat and occurred with decreasing abundance in stands judged to be transitional by physiognomic, edaphic, and floristic criteria. Stands situated in cerrado vegetation were most similar to one another in grass species composition. Cerradao was transitional to semideciduous forest and cerrado but certain grasses were characteristic of this vegetation type. The floristic composition of the single campo rupestre locality was somewhat similar to cerrado; however, several of the more abundant grass species of this vegetation type did not occur in any nearby cerrado stand. Granite outcrops had a distinct grass flora and showed little similarity to other vegetation types. In savanna wetland communities, grass species distribution was influenced by water regime. Differences between stands on valley-side campo corresponded to topographic position on a gradient of increasing water surplus. Seasonally humid/dry stands on valley-side campo and pantanal complexes had a high degree of similarity. Stands lower on the catenary sequence of pantanal complexes and valley-side campos were increasingly dissimilar, a result of the different edaphic conditions of the seasonally flooded soils of pantanal complexes when compared with the permanently saturated (but never flooded) soils of valley-side campos. Pantanal complexes had the richest grass flora of all vegetation types because their microtopographic variability creates numerous micro-habitats with distinct water regimes, each supporting different grass species.
The colonisation of Anak Krakatau: interactions between wild sugar cane, Saccharum spontaneum, and the antlion, Myrmeleon frontalis
Authors: Turner Bryan
Published: July 2009

The volcanic island of Anak Krakatau emerged from the sea in 1930. The antlion Myrmeleon frontalis has only become established on Anak Krakatau within the last five years, despite having been present on the other Krakatau Islands for at least 50 years.

The appearance of the antlions on Anak Krakatau seems to have coincided with the construction of a shelter hut in 1986 which provides a suitable under-floor habitat of dry dusty soil for the larvae to construct their pits. From the hut site they have extended into sub-optimal locations around the bases of clumps of wild sugarcane, Saccharum spontaneum, on the adjacent lower slopes of the outer cone ash fields.

The soil around the Saccharum chimps is variable. Fine deposits are suitable for antlion larvae, more gravelly soils are not. The antlion larvae inhabiting the Saccharum clumps are disturbed by rain which destroys their pits.

These two habitats, the hut and Saccharum sites, are the only places on the island that are occupied by the antlion larvae. They have quite different micro-climates so that the two populations are out of synchrony with each other.
Radio-tracking observations on ranging and foraging patterns by kinkajous (Potos flavus) in French Guiana
Authors: Julien-Laferriere Didier
Published: July 2009

Two kinkajous (Potos flavus) were equipped with radio-transmitters and tracked during a 14- and a 7-day period in a primary forest of French Guiana. Both individuals were strictly nocturnal. They moved between food patches (flowering or fruiting trees) duringc.65% of the night, visited food trees duringc.20%, while the remaining time was devoted to rest. Rest time tended to peak in the middle of the night, whereas distances travelled peaked at the beginning and the end of the night. Minimum and maximum home range areas, estimated from minimum area and minimum convex polygon methods respectively, reached 15.7 and 17.6 ha in the female, 26.6 and 39.5 ha in the male. Mean daily activity area amounted to 5.5 ha in the female, 11.3 ha in the male. Distances travelled in a night averaged 1495 m for the female, 2540 m for the male. In contrast to the female, the male used the periphery more intensively than the centre of its home range. Both individuals occupied several roosts located in the canopy, but one far more frequently than the others. The male's roosts were all situated in the periphery of the home range.

Kinkajous were observed feeding on flowers or fruits of 15 plant species. Among the 10 species exploited for fruits, at least seven were dispersed. Dispersal distances averaged 200 ± 75 m (13 seed dispersal occurrences for 16 defecations), while seed transit time varied from 45 min to 3 h 35 min.P. flavusappears to be nocturnal, solitary, a generalist fruit and flower-eater and an important seed dispersal agent.
Effect of the red land crab (Gecarcinus lateralis) on leaf litter in a tropical dry forest in Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Kellman Martin , Delfosse Bianca
Published: July 2009

The effect of the red land crab (Gecarcinus lateralis) on leaf litter biomass and nutrient transformation was investigated in a semi-deciduous tropical forest on coastal dunes using access and exclusion plots observed for six months. Crabs were in burrows during drought, but began foraging immediately after rainfall. Crabs accelerated litter disappearance significantly during the wet season at one site located beneathBrosimum alicastrum, but had no effect beneath a nearbyEnterolobium cyclocarpum. The difference is tentatively attributed to small leaflet size in the latter species which crabs were unable to handle and consume. At both sites, litter in exdosures had approximately doubled by the end of the ensuing dry season. At theBrosimumsite it is attributed to sporadic crab detritivory occurring after dry seasonal rains. At theEnterolobiumsite it is attributed to preferential retention of litter in the cxclosures during strong dry season winds. The nutrient content of litter exposed to, or protected from, crabs was not significantly different at either site and differences in litter nutrient pools reflected differences in litter biomass. Accelerated nutrient mineralization due to crab detritivory was concentrated early in the wet season before leaching began from the soils, and it is suggested that this altered seasonal pattern of mineralization may reduce the loss of nutrients from the site in percolating water.
Use of hemispherical photographs in forest ecology: measurement of gap size and radiation totals in a Bornean tropical rain forest
Authors: Whitmore T. C. , Brown N. D. , Swaine M. D. , Kennedy D. , Goodwin-Bailey C. I. , Gong W.-K.
Published: July 2009

Study of forest dynamics commonly requires measurement of canopy gap size. Hemispherical photographs can be analysed to provide various measures whereby gaps can be ranked in order of size. For ten artificial gaps in a Bornean tropical rain forest these measures were better correlated with gap microclimate than gap area measured physically on the ground. All these measures are however relative. For detailed (e.g. ecophysiological) studies the greater detail provided by absolute measures of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) are required. Long term PAR values can be computed from hemiphots so long as measurements in the open nearby are available. Correction for cloudy weather is essential. Computed and measured PAR are compared for the test gaps. Both have inherent limits which means that belowc.15% canopy openness, differences in PAR between gaps cannot be assessed accurately.
Pollination ecology ofCaryocar brasiliense(Caryocaraceae) in Central Brazil cerrado vegetation
Authors: Gribel Rogério , Hay John D.
Published: July 2009

The floral biology, breeding system and pollination ofCaryocar brasiliensewere studied in the cerrado vegetation of Central Brazil. The large, yellowish-cream, brush-like flowers are pollinated mainly by glossophagine bats (Glossophaga soricinaandAnoura geoffroyi). Three non-glossophagine bats (Phyllostomus discolor, Vampyrops lineatusandCarollia perspicillata) and two short probosisced hawk moths (Erinyis elloandPseudosphinx tetrio) may also act as occasional pollinators.Caryocar brasilienseis self-compatible although it sets significantly more fruits when crossed than when selfed. The natural fruit set (fruit/flower ratio) and seed set (seed/ovule ratio) are 3.1% and 1.0% respectively. Most of the fruits and seeds are formed through the action of the flower visitors, despite the fact that about 20% of the non-visited flowers receive self pollen on at least one stigma.
Soil seed banks in four lower montane forests of Mexico
Authors: Williams-Linera Guadalupe
Published: July 2009

Soil seed banks from four Mexican lower montane forests were studied. These forests are in the transition zone between neartic and Neotropical floristic regions. Soil seed bank characteristics were biased toward the dominant – temperate or tropical – phytogeographical affinity. The northern site (El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Tamaulipas) had the lowest seed density, 720 seeds m−2. The eastern (Rancho La Mesa, Veracruz), western (Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, Jalisco) and southern (El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas) sites all had much higher seed densities (2291, 2901, and 2341 seeds m−2, respectively). Germinated tropical species seeds were more abundant than temperate species seeds at all four sites, and were higher for southern and intermediate sites when compared with the northern site. On the basis of family, El Cielo appears to be different. The tropical family Melastomataceae was absent from this northern site, whereas it represented >30% of total germinated seeds at the other three sites. Trees were the most abundant life form at the southern site but were particularly poorly represented in the eastern and northern sites. Herbs were very abundant in the eastern, western and northern sites but were poorly represented in the seed bank of the southern site. The four seed banks differ between themselves and resemble seed banks of neither temperate deciduous nor tropical forests. In some ways they are unique, at least with respect to floristic composition, seed density, and life form representation.
Germinable soil seed bank dynamics during the gap phase of a humid tropical forest in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India
Authors: Chandrashekara U. M. , Ramakrishnan P. S.
Published: July 2009

The present study showed that the density of germinable seeds in the soil of a humid tropical forest ecosystem at Nelliampathy, in the Western Ghats of Kerala in India, fluctuates sharply at different times of the year. There were more germinable seeds in the soil during the monsoon season. Regeneration was activated after canopy gap formation and thus a decline in the soil seed density in 1-year-old gaps was recorded. However, soil seed density increased with gap age. Differences were found between primary, late secondary and early secondary categories of species with respect to their soil seed bank. There were more seeds of primary species in the soil of natural gaps than in selection felled ones, while the seeds of early secondary shrubs and herbs were more in the soil of selection felled gaps than in natural gaps. The soil seed banks of the primary forest species, being transient, are not an important conservation tool for these species.
Light environment, gas exchange, and annual growth of saplings of three species of rain forest trees in Costa Rica
Authors: Oberbauer Steven F. , Clark David B. , Clark Deborah A. , Rich Paul M. , Vega Gerardo
Published: July 2009

Light environment, leaf physiological characteristics, and growth were compared for forest-grown saplings of three species of tropical trees with known life histories. Light environment was assessed both by hemispherical canopy photography and a quantitative visual index of crown illumination. Leaf gas exchange characteristics were measured by infrared gas analysis. The species tested includedLecythis ampla, a species tolerant of understorey conditions,Pithecellobium elegans, a species found in relatively bright sites, andSimarouba amara, a fast-growing, light-demanding species.

Annual height and diameter growth did not significantly differ between the three species, but highest average rates were found forSimarouba. Likewise, saplings of the three species were found in similar low light environments althoughSimaroubasaplings were found in slightly brighter sites andLecythissaplings were found in the lowest light environments. Despite similar light regimes, the species differed markedly in leaf area and gas exchange. Leaf areas ofLecythissaplings were five and ten-fold greater thanSimaroubaandPithecellobiumsaplings, respectively. Light-saturated leaf photosynthesis and leaf dark respiration rates ofLecythiswere about half those ofSimarouba; rates ofPithecellobiumwere intermediate.Lecythishad the highest leaf photosynthesis at understorey diffuse light levels. Measures of annual growth were positively correlated with estimates of both direct and diffuse light with the strongest correlations between sapling performance and diffuse light.
Effects of tree species heterogeneity on leaf fall in primary and logged dipterocarp forest in the Ulu Segama Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Burghouts T. B. A. , Campbell E. J. F. , Kolderman P. J.
Published: July 2009

Effects of tree species heterogeneity on leaf fall were studied in a primary (4 ha) and in a selectively logged forest plot (2.5 ha) in the Ulu Segama Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia, from April 1988 to December 1989. Leaf fall was collected at 30 sampling points in each plot, and identified to species.

Dipterocarpaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lauraceae, Fagaceae and Meliaceae are important tree families in both plots with regard to their contribution to total basal area, tree density and annual leaf fall. The total number of tree species was higher in the primary forest plot (267) than in the logged forest plot (218), although the number of climber species was higher in the logged forest (44) than in the primary forest plot (33). The overlap in species composition between the two forest plots was relatively small (49%) compared with that in family composition (88%).

In the primary forest plot, the Dipterocarpaceae contributed 29% of the total basal area and 34% of the annual leaf fall. In the logged forest plot these contributions were much lower, 11% and 15%. The contribution to annual leaf fall made by climbers and pioneer trees was higher in the logged forest plot (34%) than in the primary forest plot (8%).

In the primary forest plot, leaf fall was dominated My large emergent and main canopy trees, mainly dipterocarps, and occurred as regular large peaks. In the logged forest leaf fall was dominated by climbers and many, relatively small trees of pioneer species, such as Macaranga hypoleuca, and was more evenly distributed in time.
Seasonal diet of capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) in a semideciduous forest in south-east Brazil
Authors: Galetti Mauro , Pedroni Fernando
Published: July 2009

The diet of capuchin monkeys, Cebus apella, in a 250 ha semideciduous forest in south-east Brazil was studied for 44 consecutive months. Based on 367 feeding bouts the diet of capuchins was 53.9% fruit pulp, 16.0% seeds, 11.1% flowers, 6.3% leaves and new shoots, 1.5% roots and 13.9% corn from plantations surrounding the forest. Seventy-one plant species were consumed by capuchins. Food availability was markedly seasonal. During the dry season the fleshy fruit availability decreased, and at that time the capuchins became seed predators and flowereaters. Several fruits eaten by capuchins in the dry season were not consumed by other frugivorous vertebrates, such as howler monkeys, parrots or squirrels, allowing capuchins to avoid competition with other arboreal frugivores. In semideciduous forests where fleshy fruits are less abundant than in the wet forests capuchins are important seed predators.
Vegetation changes following human disturbance of mid-montane forest in the Wau area, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Van Valkenburg Johan L. C. H. , Ketner Pieter
Published: July 2009

This paper examines the floristic changes that occur following human disturbance in mid-montane forest in the Wau area in Papua New Guinea. The study was restricted to a 1600–2400 m altitudinal range on Mt Kaindi, with disturbed forest, and Mt Missim, with undisturbed forest. Special attention was given to the status ofNothofagus pulleiwhich is locally dominant on Mt Kaindi.

A major change in floristic composition was observed between 1800 and 2000 m. The abundance and species composition of ferns and mosses above 2000 m characterizes the floristic differences.Nothofagus pulleiwas found to be a pioneer species with a long life-span, one which does not regenerate under its own cover. There were no other important floristic differences betweenNotho-fagus-dominated forest and mixed mid-montane forest.Nothofagus pulleilocally dominates the canopy and thereby suppresses the growth of other trees.
A comparative study of the effects of fluctuations in temperature and moisture supply on hard coat dormancy in seeds of coastal tropical legumes in Mexico
Authors: Moreno-Casasola Patricia , Grime John Philip , Martínez M. Luisa
Published: July 2009

The effect of fluctuations in temperature and moisture supply on hard seeds of nine tropical coastal sand dune legumes, including herbs (Schrankia atiadrivalvis, Macropiilium atropurpureum and Canavalia rosea), and shrubs (Acacia farncsiana, A. macracantha, Mimosa chaetocarpa, Indigoftra sujjruticosa, Crolalaria incana and Chamaecrista chamaecrutoides), has been studied under laboratory and field conditions. Using a fluctuating temperature gradient bar seeds buried in sand were exposed to various amplitudes of diurnal temperature fluctuation over an extended period of time and seed germinability was examined at intervals. Germination percentage increased considerably in most species as a consequence of treatment with marked effects occurring at temperature fluctuations greater than 20°C and becoming detectable after 45 days. In several species the effect of applying wetting and drying cycles was to lower the amplitude of temperature fluctuation necessary to soften the seeds. Species can be grouped into physiological groups on the basis of differences in seed response to temperature fluctuations. It is suggested that these differences may help to explain the mechanisms distinguishing the different colonization patterns observed in tropical sand dune systems.
The distribution of leaf litter invertebrates along a Neotropical altitudinal gradient
Authors: Olson David M.
Published: July 2009

Leaf litter invertebrates were sampled at eight sites, approximately 250 m apart in elevation, along an altitudinal transect extending from primary lowland rainforest to cloud forest in western Panama. The study focused on several diverse and numerically important litter invertebrate taxa (e.g., ants, spiders, and beetles) that were effectively sampled using a combination of litter sifting and test tube pitfall traps. The mean altitudinal range of species was around 500 m (standard deviation 370 m) and approximately 50% of the species characteristic of a given elevation dropped out after a 500 m change in elevation in either direction. There was no evidence for distinct altitudinal zonation in leaf litter assemblages. Both species richness and number of individuals of most taxa showed a pronounced decline in the vicinity of the upward transition to cloud forests. The data also suggest a broad mid-elevation peak in sample species richness for the litter invertebrate fauna. The implications of the results for biodiversity conservation are discussed.
Display dispersion and micro-habitat use by the Malaysian peacock pheasant Polyplectron malacense in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: McGowan Philip J. K.
Published: July 2009

The spatial distribution of displaying Malaysian peacock pheasants was documented at a site in Peninsular Malaysia. Calling males were clustered and, therefore, were not evenly distributed throughout the available habitat. The location of these clusters differed between calling periods. An objective method of assessing micro-habitat structure at the forest-floor level was devised to investigate habitat use by displaying males. Habitat structure was measured at 197 points throughout the study site, both in areas used by the pheasant and in those areas not used by the pheasant. A DECORANA ordination revealed that two gradients explained much of the variation in micro-habitat structure. Male calling clusters were located in areas that were away from the river and more stable (e.g. fewer treefalls). Within these clusters, display scrapes were sited in areas that were more stable and were more influenced by the rivers than elsewhere within the area used by the calling males. It is suggested that the environmental gradients described by the ordination are more likely to determine the position of the calling cluster than individual habitat structure variables. Within calling clusters, however, it seems probable that the presence or absence of ground-level vegetation directly influences the siting of display scrapes.
Tropical tree seedling dynamics: recruitment patterns and their population consequences for three canopy species in Panama
Authors: de Steven Diane
Published: July 2009

A study of seedling demography of three shade-tolerant canopy tree species (Quararibea asterolepis, Trichilia tuberculata, and Tetragastris panamensis) was initiated to integrate with long-term studies of tree fruit production and of tree population dynamics on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. Over a five-year period, all seedlings (height <50 cm) and small saplings (height ≥50 cm to dbh 1 cm) were measured and monitored in permanent tree-centred transects (N = 10–11 trees per species). Survival rates increased with plant size class and were similar among species. Maximum height growth rates increased with increasing plant size, but average growth rates did not; this disparity suggests the importance of release from understorey suppression for long-term recruitment success. Among the three species, Quararibea had the lowest standing seedling densities and almost no sapling recruitment, whereas Tetragastris had the highest densities of both seedlings and saplings; Trichilia seedling and sapling densities were intermediate. In all three species, a few trees produced very high seedling and sapling densities in comparison with the sample average. All three species exhibited a year of exceptionally high new seedling recruitment during the study period; these good years were not coincident among the species but instead reflected the species' phenological differences. Since seedling survival becomes relatively constant and high after the first few years of life (c. 80% y−1), such large new cohorts persist as a year-class effect in the seedling population and thus maintain seedling numbers over time. The interspecific differences in seedling and sapling dynamics were consistent with overall 10-year trends of a declining Quararibea population, a stable Trichilia population, and an increasing Tetragastris population.
Vertical stratification of fruit bats (Pteropodidae) in lowland dipterocarp rainforest in Malaysia
Authors: Francis Charles M.
Published: July 2009

Mistnets were set at ground level and 11–30 m above ground in lowland rainforest at Kuala Lompat in peninsular Malaysia, and Sepilok in Sabah, to compare the abundance of fruit bats in the subcanopy and at ground level. Capture rates in the subcanopy were up to 100 times greater than at ground level, averaging 3–7 bats per net-night. Species diversity was higher in the subcanopy than forest understorey. Two species that were frequently captured in the subcanopy,Megaerops wetmoreiandDyacopterus spadiceus, were previously thought to be rare. The abundance of Old World fruit bats in the subcanopy indicates that their roles in pollination and seed dispersal of Malaysian forest trees may be greater than previously recognized. Further research on foraging ranges, food selection and roosting habits is required to determine the overall importance of fruit bats in forest regeneration through seed dispersal, and the adequacy of existing reserves for their conservation.
Butterfly wing colour patterns and flying heights in the seasonally wet forest of Barro Colorado Island, Panama
Authors: Burd Martin
Published: July 2009

I investigated the extent to which adult butterflies with different wing colours display preferences for flying heights within a lowland tropical forest. Observations on eight colour groups, some of which comprised putative aposematic models and mimics while others contained nonaposematic species, were made from the forest floor and from a scaffold tower that reached above the canopy. Two groups (yellow pierids and papilionids and orange heliconiines) were most frequently observed in or above the canopy, and other groups were most frequently observed in or below the canopy. The evidence suggests that significant differences exist between some groups, but stratification does not occur among all colour groups. In particular, flight distributions of some mimicry rings overlap considerably. The light environments of different forest layers are variable, and the role that butterfly wing colours play in signalling or avoiding prcdation is little understood. However, the general lack of fine stratification of colour groups suggests that flight preferences do not occur because wing colours and patterns are especially cryptic against the background of particular forest layers.
The impact of simulated folivory on juveniles ofMetrodorea pubescens(Rutaceae) in a gallery forest near Brasília, Federal District, Brazil
Authors: Nascimento M. T. , Hay J. D.
Published: July 2009

A field experiment was conducted to test the effects of simulated folivory on leaf production, plant growth rate and mortality of small individuals ofMetrodorea pubescensin an evergreen gallery forest in central Brazil. Although complete defoliation decreased annual growth rate, both in absolute and relative values, it also stimulated leaf production. Mortality was observed only in individuals in the smallest size class, but was not statistically related to percentage defoliation. Recovery of completely defoliated individuals was rapid and after one year over 70% of their initial number of leaves was present. It is probable that insect folivory is not a direct cause of mortality of juveniles of this species.
An estimate of the numbers of forest elephants in Gabon
Authors: Barnes R. F. W. , Blom A. , Alers M. P. T. , Barnes K. L.
Published: July 2009

The number of elephants living in the forests of Gabon was estimated by a stratified dung survey. The forest zone was stratified according to the distribution of the human population. The density of dung-piles was estimated for each stratum by the line-transect method. The total number of dung-piles in the forests of Gabon was estimated to be 52.43 × 106± 13.25 × 106. This gave an elephant estimate of 61,800 ±20,200. This survey shows Gabon to have one of the largest elephant populations on the continent.
The species richness of termites (Isoptera) under differing levels of forest disturbance in the Mbalmayo Forest Reserve, southern Cameroon
Authors: Eggleton Paul , Bignell D. E. , Sands W. A. , Waite B. , Wood T. G. , Lawton J. H.
Published: July 2009

Five forest plots of differing disturbance levels were sampled qualitatively for termites in the Mbalmayo Forest Reserve, southern Cameroon, using 100 m belt transects. Results showed a large reduction in species richness in two severely disturbed plots compared with a Near Primary plot, but little difference in two less disturbed regenerating plots; there is some evidence for a slight increase in species richness in the regenerating plots. Soil-feeders predominate in the primary and regenerating plots, but are greatly reduced in the severely disturbed plots. Wood-feeders appear to be more resilient to disturbance than soil-feeders, although their species richness is low in the most disturbed plots. The Termitinae are the dominant taxonomic group in the Near Primary plot, the Apicotermitinae in the less disturbed regenerating plots and the Macrotermitinae in the clear felled areas. There appears to be no secondary invasion of plots by savanna-associated species, and the small apparent increase in species richness in the less disturbed regenerating plots appears to be due to the influx of forest species usually associated with natural gaps.