Effects of plant species richness on the structure of plant-bird interaction networks along a 3000-m elevational gradient in subtropical forests

Lei, Boyu; Tian, Yao; Cui, Jifa; Zhao, Jin; Zhou, Youbing

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2023.120819

Cited by 7 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 77 publications

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“…Global anthropogenic changes cause major negative impacts on biodiversity, with cascading effects on species interactions (Cazetta & Fahrig 2022;Teixido et al 2022;Chen et al 2023;Wang et al 2023). Seed dispersal net-works, resulting from mutualistic interactions between plants and animals, are also influenced by human disturbance (Emer et al 2018;Yu et al 2023;Lei et al 2023). As most studies expected, the seed dispersal networks in disturbed habitats are structured by animal traits, particularly for body size.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Importance of plant and fruit traits on the structure of bird seed dispersal networks in different disturbed habitats

WANG,

TAI,

ZHANG

et al. 2024

Integr. Zool.

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Species functional traits can influence seed dispersal processes and consequently affect species' role in the mutualistic network. Although the effect of animal traits on the structure of the seed dispersal network is well explored, it remains poorly understood how plant and fruit traits contribute to the structure. We here studied the effects of plant and fruit traits on the structure of bird seed dispersal networks across different disturbed habitats in the Meihua Mountain National Nature Reserve, Southeastern China. During the study period, 16, 20, 13, and 15 bird species were recorded foraging on 10, 11, 12, and 8 plant species, resulting in 511, 312, 265, and 201 foraging events in the protected forest, natural forest, village, and bamboo forest, respectively. The composition of these seed dispersal networks is not primarily influenced by a specific group of bulbul species, but rather by the presence of an endangered plant species, Taxus chinensis. As we expected, the structure of the four networks was different among the four disturbed habitats. Furthermore, our results also showed tree height and canopy density were the most important plant traits for structuring the seed dispersal network, while sugar, amylase, dry matter, and alkaloids were identified as significant fruit traits. Overall, our findings highlight the value of integrating trait‐based ecology into the framework of the seed dispersal network and provide new insights for mutualistic network conservation in disturbed habitats.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…2023; Lei et al. 2023). As most studies expected, the seed dispersal networks in disturbed habitats are structured by animal traits, particularly for body size.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Importance of plant and fruit traits on the structure of bird seed dispersal networks in different disturbed habitats

WANG,

TAI,

ZHANG

et al. 2024

Integr. Zool.

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“…Importantly, rodent species that are fossorial and/or ground-dwelling often benefit initially in habitats disturbed by open-pit mining, sheltering from predators in gravels and tailings piles, provided sufficient vegetation is present to support their dietary needs (Lawer et al 2019). This can cause their numbers to increase until density-dependent regulation affects their body condition and population dynamics (Lei et al 2023). Subsequently, their recovery trajectories may tip into decline once the pioneer phase of succession transitions into a more complete ecosystem recovery, with recolonization by rodent predators (Guariguata & Ostertag 2001).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This can cause their numbers to increase until density‐dependent regulation affects their body condition and population dynamics (Lei et al. 2023). Subsequently, their recovery trajectories may tip into decline once the pioneer phase of succession transitions into a more complete ecosystem recovery, with recolonization by rodent predators (Guariguata & Ostertag 2001).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recovery of small rodents from open‐pit marble mining: effects on communities, populations, and individuals

WU,

WANG,

WANG

et al. 2024

Integr. Zool.

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Mining can significantly alter landscapes, impacting wildlife and ecosystem functionality. Natural recovery in open‐pit mines is vital for habitat restoration and ecosystem re‐establishment, although few empirical studies have examined this process. Here, we assessed temporal and spatial responses of small rodents at the community, population, and individual levels during natural mine recovery. We examined the abundance, reproductive potential, and individual health of small rodents at active mines and at former mine sites left to recover naturally for approx. 10 and 20 years. We also assessed the effects of disturbance on rodent recovery processes at three distances from the mine boundary. Rodent numbers peaked after 10–13 years of recovery and exhibited the strongest male bias in the sex ratio. The Chinese white‐bellied rat (Niviventer confucianus) was the most abundant species, achieving its highest population abundance at sites abandoned for 10–13 years and thriving at locations closer to the mine boundary. Only Chevrier's field mouse exhibited morphological responses to the mine recovery category. Ectoparasite load was unaffected by mine or distance‐disturbance categories. Both Chevrier's field mouse (Apodemus chevrieri) and the South China field mouse (Apodemus draco) were affected significantly by vegetation layer cover during recovery succession. Our study highlights the complexities of ecological succession, with a peak in abundance as pioneer communities transition toward a climax seral stage. Careful prior planning and active site management are necessary to optimize abandoned mine recovery. Efforts to accelerate mine recovery through technical restoration should promote conditions that initiate and perpetuate the establishment and succession of wildlife assemblages.

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“…Environmental and stand factors data of standard plots AUC) enclosed by the curve and the abscissaZhou et al, 2023). Two sets of data are required for the operation of the maximum entropy model: one is the geographical distribution data of plant species, which is expressed by the latitude and longitude of each species; The second is the raster data of environmental factors in the study area, the elevation of Beijing is derived from the 30 m×30 m digital elevation model (DEM), the slope aspect and slope are extracted from the DEM (http://westdc.westgis.ac.cn), and the soil raster data is derived from the measured data of the sample plots.…”

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confidence: 99%

Applying specific habitat indicators to study Asteraceae species diversity patterns in mountainous area of Beijing, China

zhang

2024

Preprint

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Determining the distribution pattern and drivers of specific species diversity is significant for predicting the response to biodiversity and formulating conservation programs to reduce biodiversity loss. How to apply regional habitat indicators to study specific species diversity patterns is a hot spot in recent years. In this study, we investigated 112 Asteraceae plants sample plots and explored the effects of topography, soil nutrients and stand factors on Asteraceae species diversity by using SEM model. And the responses of Asteraceae species diversity to specific habitat factors was simulated by Maxent model. The results shown that soil nutrients had the highest, but topography and canopy closure had the lowest relative contributions to the Asteraceae species diversity among these factors. Topography and soil nutrients affected Asteraceae species diversity by direct and indirect effects. The contribution rate of each potential environmental variable’s impact on the Asteraceae species diversity was ranked as the following: STN (29.7%)> SOC (28.5%) > slope (8.5%)> Ele (8.1%). Asteraceae species diversity was abundant at high SOC (＞27g/kg), STN (＞1.8 g/kg), low Ele (165–333 m) and gentle slopes (5–12 degrees). Our study indicates that the Asteraceae species diversity could as an indicator to reflect or evaluate the level of soil nutrient content.

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Effects of plant species richness on the structure of plant-bird interaction networks along a 3000-m elevational gradient in subtropical forests

Cited by 7 publications

References 77 publications

Importance of plant and fruit traits on the structure of bird seed dispersal networks in different disturbed habitats

Importance of plant and fruit traits on the structure of bird seed dispersal networks in different disturbed habitats

Recovery of small rodents from open‐pit marble mining: effects on communities, populations, and individuals

Applying specific habitat indicators to study Asteraceae species diversity patterns in mountainous area of Beijing, China

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