bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenology of Tree Species in Bolivian Dry Forests
Authors: Justiniano Marcos Joaquín , Fredericksen Todd S. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTPhenological characteristics of 453 individuals representing 39 tree species were investigated in two dry forests of the Lomerío region, Department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The leaf, flower, and fruit production of canopy and sub–canopy forest tree species were recorded monthly over a two–year period. Most canopy species lost their leaves during the dry season, whereas nearly all sub–canopy species retained their leaves. Peak leaf fall for canopy trees coincided with the peak of the dry season in July and August. Flushing of new leaves was complete by November in the early rainy season. Flowering and fruiting were bimodal, with a major peak occurring at the end of the dry season (August–October) and a minor peak during the rainy season (January). Fruit development was sufficiently long in this forest that fruiting peaks actually tended to precede flowering peaks by one month. A scarcity of fruit was observed in May, corresponding to the end of the rainy season. With the exception of figs (Ficus), most species had fairly synchronous fruit production. Most canopy trees had small, wind dispersed seeds or fruits that matured during the latter part of the dry season, whereas many sub–canopy tree species produced larger animal– or gravity–dispersed fruits that matured during the peak of the rainy season. Most species produced fruit annually. Lomerio received less rainfall than other tropical dry forests in which phenological studies have been conducted, but rainfall can be plentiful during the dry season in association with the passage of Antarctic cold fronts. Still, phenological patterns in Bolivian dry forests appear to be similar to those of other Neotropical dry forests.
Comparison of Herbivores and Herbivory in the Canopy and Understory for Two Tropical Tree Species1
Authors: Barone John A. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThe Janzen–Connell model of tropical forest tree diversity predicts that seedlings and young trees growing close to conspecific adults should experience higher levels of damage and mortality from herbivorous insects, with the adult trees acting as either an attractant or source of the herbivores. Previous research in a seasonal forest showed that this pattern of distance‐dependent herbivory occurred in the early wet season during the peak of new leaf production. I hypothesized that distance‐dependent herbivory may occur at this time because the new foliage in the canopy attracts high numbers of herbivores that are limited to feeding on young leaves. As a consequence, seedlings and saplings growing close to these adults are more likely to be discovered and damaged by these herbivores. In the late wet season, when there is little leaf production in the canopy, leaf damage is spread more evenly throughout the forest and distance dependence disappears. I tested three predictions based on this hypothesis: (1) the same species of insect herbivores attack young and adult trees of a given plant species; (2) herbivore densities increase on adult trees during leaf production; and (3) herbivore densities in the understory rise during the course of the wet season. Censuses were conducted on adults and saplings of two tree species, raribea asterolepis and Alseis blackiana. Adults and saplings of both species had largely the same suite of chewing herbivore species. On adults of Q. asterolepis, the density of chewing herbivores increased 6–10 times during leaf production, but there was no increase in herbivore density on adults of A. blackiana. Herbivore densities increased 4.5 times on A. blackiana saplings and 8.9 times on Q. asterolepis saplings during the wet season, but there were no clear trends on the adults of either species. These results suggest that the potential of adult trees as a source of herbivores on saplings depends on the value of new leaves to a tree species' herbivores, which may differ across tree species.
The Influence of Topography on Tree Growth, Mortality, and Recruitment in a Tropical Montane Forest1
Authors: Bellingham P. J. , Tanner E. V. J. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTTo determine if there were consistent differences in growth, mortality, and recruitment on slopes and ridge crests in tropical montane forests, which could explain the (frequent but not universal) low stature of trees in the ridgetop forests, we analyzed data from long‐term plots in Jamaica (1990–1994; sixteen 200‐m2 plots, six on ridge crests and five each on north and south slopes). Mortality was higher on north slopes, while growth and recruitment rates were not significantly different among positions. Soil pH and effects of recent disturbance by Hurricane Gilbert were positively correlated with growth and recruitment, while slope angle and disturbance effects were the best predictors of mortality. The patterns we found in Jamaica, that growth and recruitment were not higher on ridge crests than slopes, are different than those found by Herwitz and Young in Australia where growth and turnover were greater on a ridge crest. Therefore, it is not possible at present to make simple generalizations about dynamics of ridge crest versus slope forests in the montane tropics.
A Contribution to the Life History of the Rare Indonesian Holoparasite Rafflesia patma (Rafflesiaceae)1
Authors: Hidayati Siti N. , Meijer Willem , Baskin Jerry M. , Walck Jeffrey L. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTFates and growth ofRafflesia patmabuds and insect visitation to the flowers were monitored in an evergreen tropical rain forest in the Pangandaran Nature Reserve, Java, Indonesia, Of 59 buds marked in December 1985, 44 percent died before flowering, 7 percent flowered, and 49 percent were still in bud in May 1986. Mammals and birds caused the deaths of buds before they reached maturity. Only four buds flowered between December 1985 and May 1986; all were male. Rate of increase in diameter (cm/d) was much faster in large than in small buds. Once opening began, the flower opened fully in 24 to 48 hours; the flower remained open for three to five days before rotting. Only two genera of insects visited a male flower ofR. patma: LuciliaandSarcophaga(Diptera). Insect visitation was highest in the afternoon (1300–1700 h) and on the second or third day after flower opening. The increased number of flies visiting the flower coincided with the increasing odor emitted from it. Results of the present study were combined with information from the literature to construct a life cycle diagram ofR. patma.
Effects of Dispersal Pattern and Mammalian Herbivores on Seedling Recruitment for Virola michelii (Myristicaceae) in French Guiana1
Authors: Forget Pierre‐Michel , Milleron Tarek , Feer Franćois , Henry Olivier , Dubost Gérard 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThe effects of dispersal pattern (seeds in small clumps vs. seeds scattered in pairs) and distance to the nearest Carapa procera (Meliaceae; a tree that produces seeds preferred by terrestrial vertebrates) on survival of seeds and seedlings were examined for the animal–dispersed tree species Virola michelii (Myristicaceae) in a mature forest‘at Paracou, French Guiana, in 1992 and 1993. We assessed the putative role of ground–dwelling mammalian herbivores, rodents, and ungulates that filter the seed shadow, acting either as dispersers or predators and thus modifying the original pattern of seed dispersal made by frugivores. We measured the effects of simulated seed burial by rodents using marked seeds and quantified the effect of protecting seeds and seedlings from ground–dwelling vertebrates on seedling germination and survival with fence exclosures in 1992. Dispersal pattern had short–term but no long–term effects on the proportion of V. michelii seeds that survived one year later as seedlings. In the short term, within six weeks, clumped seeds survived better than scattered seeds in both years. Marked seeds that were removed from their site of dispersal were eaten; rodents only rarely buried seeds of V. michelii, and seed burial reduced seed and seedling survivorship. The combined effect of the factors year and Carapa proximity significantly affected seed survival within six weeks. Although six–week seed survival was greater in 1993 than in 1992, seedling establishment was lower in 1993 than in 1992 following a lower rainfall regime during the key period of seed germination (February). One–year seed and seedling survivorship was similar between treatments and years. Seed survival and seedling establishment in V. michelii was dependent on vertebrates in the short term and on climate in the long term. Overall, seed and seedling survivorship depended on a combination of these factors.
Variation in Gender and Flower‐Size Dimorphism in the Dioecious Tree Dombeya ciliata, an Endemic to La Reunion Island1
Authors: Humeau Laurence , Pailler Thierry , Thompson John D. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThe genus Dombeya is an important component of tropical forests in west Africa, Madagascar, and the Mascarene islands, but little is known about the reproductive biology of its members. In this study, we quantified gender variation and flower‐size variation in three populations of the dioecious tree Dombeya ciliata, an endemic of La Reunion Island (Indian Ocean). Variation among the three populations was observed for three characters. First, the high elevation population had strict males and females, whereas in the two low elevation populations, males were inconstant, with > 50 percent of the males set a small number of fruit. Second, females showed greater seed production at high elevation. Third, flower‐size dimorphism was greater at high elevation because male flowers were larger than female flowers.
Nutritional Values of 14 Fig Species and Bat Feeding Preferences in Panama1
Authors: Wendeln Marcia C. , Runkle James R. , Kalko Elisabeth K. V. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTFigs are a critical resource for many tropical frugivores, yet they often are referred to as low quality fruits. To determine their nutritional value, both as a group and for individual species, we analyzed 14 fig species from Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, for fiber, tannins, lipids, protein, carbohydrates, amino acids, and minerals. Seeds and pulp were analyzed separately. Fig fruit pulp consisted of about one‐third digestible components, mostly carbohydrates with some lipids and proteins. Tannin, lignin, and water‐soluble carbohydrates showed considerable variation among species, as did fruit size. Figs contained high amounts of amino acids, such as leucine, lysine, valine, and arginine, and minerals, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus. One species, Ficus insipida, contained the highest concentrations of almost all amino acids, many minerals, and protein. Small figs had as much nutritional value per gram as large figs. Free‐standing figs had higher percentages of protein, complex carbohydrates, and ash than strangler figs, which had higher percentages of water‐soluble carbohydrates, tannins, and hemicellulose. The guild of fruit‐eating bats on BCI included ten common species with diets dominated by figs. Fecal analyses and captures at ripe fig trees showed a consistent pattern of resource partitioning. Small bats preferentially ate small‐fruited and strangler figs while large bats consumed mostly large‐fruited and free‐standing figs. Small bats most often ate F. bullenei, which has high levels of lipid and carbohydrates, and F. yoponensis, which has high levels of protein. Medium and large bats most often ate F. insipida, a nutritionally superior species; their second most eaten species was F. obtusifolia, in which the large size may make it efficient to eat. Each bat ate a variety of fig species, supporting the idea that although no single species of fig may be sufficient to sustain frugivores, a mix of fig species can provide a complete set of nutrients.
Phenology of Atlantic Rain Forest Trees: A Comparative Study1
Authors: Morellato L. Patnicia C. , Talora Daniela C. , Takahasi Adrians , Bencke Cinara C. , Romera Eliane C. , Zipparro Valescka B. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper describes the phenology of leaf, flower, and fruit phenology in the Atlantic rain forests of southeastern Brazil. For 17 months, we observed the phenological patterns of trees from two Atlantic forest types at four sites: premontane forest (Sites I and IV; the “typical” Atlantic rain forest) and coastal plain forest (Sites II and III). All sites experience a nonseasonal, tropical wet climate, characterized by an annual rainfall usually > 2000 mm and lacking a dry season. We tested for the occurrence (or absence) of seasonal phenological patterns within each site and compared the patterns detected among the four different forest sites using circular statistics. The expected weakly seasonal phenological patterns were not observed for these forests. Flowering and leaf flush patterns of Atlantic rain forest trees were significantly seasonal, concentrated at the beginning of the wettest season, and were significantly correlated with day length and temperature. These results stress the influence that seasonal variation in day length has on ever‐wet forest tree phenology. Fruiting phenologies were aseasonal in all four forests. Flowering patterns did not differ significantly among three of the four forest sites analyzed, suggesting the occurrence of a general flowering pattern for Atlantic rain forest trees.
Management and Conservation of Natural Populations in Atlantic Rain Forest: The Case Study of Palm Heart (Euterpe edulis Martius)1
Authors: dos Reis Maurício Sedrez , Fantini Alfredo Celso , Nodari Rubens Onofre , Reis Ademir , Guerra Miguel Pedro , Mantovani Adelar 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT Euterpe edulis (Martius) is a single‐stemmed, abundant Neotropical palm of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica). The species produces the heart of palm, locally called palmito, which is an important source of income for forest owners. Because of its high market value, its short‐term demands of the forest environment, and its important interactions with animal species, this palm is suitable for sustainable management and conservation purposes. In this paper, we present the results from a 15‐year investigation of this species, synthesizing results on its demography, seed dispersion, reproductive biology, genetics, and economics. We have linked these results in a proposal for the species' sustainable management and conservation.
Population Viabilities and Conservation Implications for Muriquis (Brachyteles arachnoids) in Brazil's Atlantic Forest1
Authors: Strier Karen B. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTMuriquis (Brachyteles arachnoids) are endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, where an estimated 1200 individuals are distributed unevenly among only 19 populations. Despite the fact that over two–thirds of all muriquis live at low densities in large and protected, undisturbed forests, virtually nothing is known about the demography of these populations. Consideration of the mechanisms underlying the low extinction probabilities simulated for muriquis inhabiting the small, disturbed forest at the EstaÇão Biologica de Caratinga (EEC), Minas Gerais, where long–term demographic and behavioral studies have been conducted, provides disturbing predictions about the viability of other populations living at lower densities. Local resource competition may be responsible for the female–biased infant sex ratio documented at the EBC under the female–biased dispersal regime exhibited by muriquis. At lower population densities, however, release from competition may lead to male–biased infant sex ratios, and correspondingly slower population growth rates. High densities at the EBC also result in frequent intergroup encounters, permitting muriquis there to avoid close inbreeding through extra‐group copulations; but at low densities, opportunities to avoid inbreeding may be more limited. Finally, habitat heterogeneity at the EBC, particularly the greater dietary diversity supported by secondary and regenerating vegetation in disturbed forests, not only may support higher muriqui densities but also provide greater dietary buffers against catastrophic fruit scarcities compared to undisturbed forests. Comparative demographic data on muriqui populations inhabiting undisturbed forests are critically needed to evaluate these predictions and to develop informed management plans for this endangered primate.
Forest Succession in Tropical Hardwood Hammocks of the Florida Keys: Effects of Direct Mortality from Hurricane Andrew1
Authors: Ross Michael S. , Carrlngton Mary , Flynn Laura J. , Ruiz Pablo L. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTA tree species replacement sequence for dry broadleaved forests (tropical hardwood hammocks) in the upper Florida Keys was inferred from species abundances in stands abandoned from agriculture or other anthropogenic acitivities at different times in the past. Stands were sampled soon after Hurricane Andrew, with live and hurricane‐killed trees recorded separately; thus it was also possible to assess the immediate effect of Hurricane Andrew on stand successional status. We used weighted averaging regression to calculate successional age optima and tolerances for all species, based on the species composition of the pre‐hurricane stands. Then we used weighted averaging calibration to calculate and compare inferred successional ages for stands based on (1) the species composition of the pre‐hurricane stands and (2) the hurricane‐killed species assemblages. Species characteristic of the earliest stages of post‐agricultural stand development remains a significant component of the forest for many years, but are gradually replaced by taxa not present, even as seedlings, during the first few decades. This compositional sequence of a century or more is characterized by the replacement of deciduous by evergreen species, which is hypothesized to be driven by increasing moisture storage capacity in the young organic soils. Mortality from Hurricane Andrew was concentrated among early‐successional species, thus tending to amplify the long‐term trend in species composition.
Landscape Heterogeneity and Diurnal Raptor Diversity in Honduras: The Role of Indigenous Shifting Cultivation1
Authors: Anderson David L. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTI studied the relationship between diurnal raptor diversity, density, and richness, and landscape heterogeneity in continuous primary forests and forests farmed by native Amerindians in the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve of northeastern Honduras from January to June 1996 and 1997. I estimated landscape heterogeneity–the variability in naturally occurring and/or anthropogenic habitat mosaics–by mapping the extent and distribution of five human‐modified and natural habitats in 24 1 km2 survey plots. I used the Shannon index to calculate landscape heterogeneity values for the respective plots based on the proportion of total area of each habitat within each plot. Diurnal raptor surveys from canopy‐emergent viewpoints in these plots resulted in 137 observations of 18 species of raptors. Four species (Coragyps atratus, Ictinia plumbea, Leucopternis albicollis, and Buteo magnirostris) differed significantly in abundance among heterogeneity classes. Raptor diversity, density, and richness all increased directly with increasing landscape heterogeneity. Landscape heterogeneity was more important in explaining differences in raptor species diversity than the presence or extent of any single habitat or combination of habitats. In contrast to previous studies, my results indicate the importance of indigenous shifting cultivation in altering the naturally occurring patterns of habitat mosaics in lowland rain forest and its effect on bird species abundance and diversity in a rain forest ecosystem.RESUMESEstudié la relación entre la diversidad, densidad y la riqueza de especies de rapaces diurnas con la heterogeinidad de paisajes en bosques primaries contínues y bosques donde practican la agricultura migratoria indígenas de la Reserva de Biósfera del Río Plátano al noreste de Honduras entre los meses de enero a junio de 1996 y 1997. Evalué la heterogeneidad de paisajes‐la variabilidad en mosaicos de hábitats naturales o antropogínicos‐con mapas de cinco hábitats en 24 parcelas de 1 km2. Usé el Indice de Shannon para calcular valores de la heterogeneidad de cada parcela, basado en la proporción de cada hábitat. Desde el dosel, hice conteos de rapaces en las 24 parcelas que resukaron en 137 observaciones de 18 especies. Cuatro especies (Coragyps atratus, Ictinia plumbea, Leocopternis albicollis, y Buteo magnirostris) difirieron significativamente en abundancia entre los grupos de heterogeneidad del paisaje. La diversidad, densidad y riqueza de especies aumentaron conjuntamente con la heterogeneidad del paisaje. La heterogeneidad del paisaje rue mas importante para explicar la diversidad de rapaces que la presencia o el área de cualquier hábitat o combinación de hábitats. En contraste con estudios anteriores, mis resultados sugieron la importancia de la agricultura migratoria indigena en la alteracíon de mosaicos de hábitats naturales en los bosques hiimedos bajos, y su efecto en la abundancia y diversidad de aves de un ecosistema forestal.
The Role of Fruits and Insects in the Nutrition of Frugivorous Bats: Evaluating the Use of Stable Isotope Models1
Authors: Herrera M. L. Gerardo , Hobson Keith A. , Manzo A Adriana , Estrada B Daniel , Sánchez‐Cordero Victor , Méndez C. Germán 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTWe estimated the relative contribution of fruits and insects as sources of dietary protein in two species of Neotropical frugivorous bats (Artibeus jamaicensis and Sturnira lilium) using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses. An insectivorous species (Pteronotus parnellii) was also included for comparison. We found constant patterns in stable carbon and nitrogen isotope composition in blood that separated the two species of frugivorous bats from the insectivorous bat. When we used these isotopic values (combined with those of dietary fruits and insects) to estimate the percent contribution of fruits and insects to the diet of the bats, we obtained different results, depending on assumptions and model adopted. We tested models using both 8“N and 8′3C results simultaneously and separately and further used diet‐tissue fractionation factors of 3%o for nitrogen and 1 and 3.5%o for carbon. We found that a carbon‐based model with a diet‐blood enrichment factor of 3.5%o produced the most parsimonious results. The model estimated that A. jamaicensis and S. lilium obtained most of their protein requirements from fruits, whereas P. parnellii fed mostly on insects. No sexual or seasonal variations in the diet of the two frugivorous species were detected. We found no evidence that the diet of sexually active females differed from that of nonsexually active females in the two species of frugivorous bats. We suggest that future studies better define isotopic fractionation between diet and tissues of bats using captive rearing and controlled diets.