Changes in climate and vegetation with altitude on Mount Batilamu, Viti Levu, Fiji

Abstract

Abstract:To investigate changes in vegetation and climate with altitude, we established forest plots and recorded climatic data at 100-m intervals between 550–1100 m asl on the western slopes of Mount Batilamu, Mount Koroyanitu range, Viti Levu, Fiji. Trees with a dbh ≥10 cm were identified and measured in 21 10 × 10-m plots, starting at 750 m altitude. Temperature and relative humidity sensors were deployed in two habitats, leaf litter and 50 cm above the ground, and two vegetation types, grasslands and forest, at six altitudes over a 48-h period. Two significantly distinct forest types, lowland and montane, were present. Montane forest was found at higher elevations (>950 m asl) and had significantly higher stem density. Mean temperature decreased significantly with altitude and was strongly moderated by vegetation type (lower average and less variation in forest). While average relative humidity significantly increased with altitude, it was strongly moderated by both habitat and vegetation type (higher average and less variation in leaf litter and forest). The lapse rate varied with time of day (higher during the day) and vegetation type (higher in grasslands). Therefore, vegetation and microhabitats create unique microclimates, and this should be considered when investigating current or future climatic patterns along altitudinal gradients on forested mountains.

Genetic and morphological diversity of mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.) in northern Madagascar: The discovery of a putative new species?

“…The scattered distribution of M. arnholdi in humid forests is surprisingly located within a well‐recognized dry biogeographic zone (BIN and SAL; Figure S11), and its presence in the small humid area within the dry ANTSO forest (Figure ; Figures S10 and S11), points to humid vegetation as a key factor for M. arnholdi resilience. For BIN and SAL forests, altitude likely has a major role in maintaining a humid microclimate, as it has been demonstrated for other tropical regions (e.g., Anderson et al, ). The case of the ANTSO forest is different as this forest is located at a low altitude and mainly composed of dry vegetation.…”

Fijian sea krait behavior relates to fine‐scale environmental heterogeneity in old‐growth coastal forest: The importance of integrated land–sea management for protecting amphibious animals

“…Humidity data are less often reported than temperature but can vary considerably (Anderson et al, 2018 ). In our study, absolute humidity had complex relationships with the environmental parameters measure, which is similar to results from other studies (Anderson et al, 2018 ). The depth of leaf litter was a significant predictor of humidity when interacting with distance to the HWM and canopy cover.…”

Indigenous chicken production in Fiji Islands: knowledge, constraints and opportunities

“…Rakiraki is located at 17°22′S and 178°10′ E and is 6 m above sea level. Nausori is located at 18°2′ S and 178°32′ E and is 11 m above sea level [ 6 ]. The two districts are located on Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu.…”

“…The two districts are located on Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu. Rakiraki district, located in Ra province, is situated on the leeward side of the island and experiences a tropical semi-dry climate, which is characterized by average annual precipitation between 600 and 1,600 mm, and a dry season that ranges from five to eight months between April and November [ 6 ]. In contrast, Nausori district, situated in Tailevu district, experiences a tropical wet climate.…”

“…In Fiji, the frequency and severity of the impact of phenomena associated with the harsh environmental conditions vary with ecological region and location relative to the sea. There are two main agro-ecological regions, the semi-dry region associated with erratic rainfall and the wet region, which experiences frequent rainfall throughout the year [ 6 , 7 ]. Chicken production in the two regions is likely to differ.…”