We summarize a long-term study of the effects of edge creation on establishment of the economically important arboreal palm Oenocarpus bacaba in an experimentally fragmented landscape in central Amazonia. Recruitment and mortality of large individuals (>10 cm diameter-at-breast-height) were recorded within 21 1-ha plots in fragmented and intact forests for periods of up to 22 years. In addition, 12 small (0.7 x 14 m) sub-plots within each 1-ha plot were used to enumerate the abundance of seedlings and saplings (5-400 cm tall). On average, the recruitment of large trees was over two times faster near forest edges, leading to a sharp (90%) increase in the mean population density of large individuals near forest edges, whereas the density of larger trees remained constant in the forest interior. Overall seedling and sapling density was significantly lower in edge than interior plots, but edge plots had a much higher proportion of larger (>100 cm tall) saplings. Our findings demonstrate that forest edges can have complex effects on tree demography and that one must consider all tree life stages in order to effectively assess their effects on plant populations.
Euterpe precatoria Mart. is the most abundant plant species in the Amazon basin, and one of the main non-timber forest products on the continent. A thorough understanding of the ecology of this species is needed to support sustainable management initiatives. Resource availability, disturbance regime, and human management are some of the main factors influencing population structure. We described the species’ life stages, evaluated its allometric relationships, and assessed the effects of habitat type (floodplain and upland) and proximity to human settlements on population size distribution in the Central Amazon near the Purus River. The height:diameter ratio increased from Seedlings to Juvenile 2, but decreased from Juvenile 2 to Reproductive 2, indicating changing height investment for any given diameter along these life stages. There was a marked habitat dependency in both the density and population size distribution, with populations in upland forests dominated by juveniles, whereas populations in the floodplains were dominated by reproductive palms. Proximity to human settlements was not related to population structure parameters. Our results suggest that the disturbance regime may have opposite meanings in várzea forests, where it limits recruitment under increased light levels, and in terra firme forests, where it may stimulate recruitment under limited light conditions.
Para o Duka, é claro v AGRADECIMENTOS Agradeço à FAPESP pela bolsa e auxílio financeiro. Ao Flavio pela excelente orientação e por toda ajuda durante todo o processo, obrigada! Ao Zé Luis, agradeço por mais uma (co)orientação, como sempre, me dando a maior força. À UNICAMP, INPA e PDBFF agradeço pelo apoio e excelente infraestrutura e por tudo que aprendi durante esses anos de estudo. À Célia, Viviane, Sílvia e demais funcionários da pós-graduação, pela eficiência e ajuda, principalmente nos prazos finais. Um agradecimento especial à Sandra, Joly, Rafael e Tamashiro (Unicamp); Flavia Costa, Sidney Ferreira, Flavio e Regina Luizão, Jean Marques e Maitê (INPA); John Hay (UnB) e Dadão (de todo lugar). À Tânia e toda equipe do laboratório de solos (INPA). Ao Paulinho, Glauco, Zé e demais professores do EFA-2008, obrigada!!! Um agradecimento especial à Isolde Ferraz, com quem trabalhei durante dois anos e que ajudou com a infraestrutura dos laboratórios e viveiro, pelas discussões sobre as sementes e plântulas, pela amizade e carinho.Agradeço a todos que me ajudaram em campo e em viveiro: Úrsula, Joninha,
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