Forest species colonizing cerrado open areas: distance and area effects on the nucleation process

Arantes, Carolina de Silvério; Vale, Vagner Santiago do; Oliveira, Ana Paula de; Júnior, Jamir Afonso do Prado; Lopes, Sérgio de Faria; Schiavini, Ivan

doi:10.1007/s40415-014-0051-8

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Once seeds arrive, their success is enhanced by the more amenable environmental conditions created by the nurse tree. The influence of trees on soils and microclimate has been well‐documented in savanna and other harsh environments (Brooker et al., 2008; Duarte, Dos‐Santos, et al., 2006; Scarano, 2002), as has been the resulting facilitation of seedling recruitment (Arantes et al., 2014, 2015; Vieira et al., 2013). Our results indicate that this effect is particularly strong for forest species, which presumably are not particularly well‐adapted to the conditions of open savanna.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous studies in savanna have shown that existing tree cover can facilitate seedling establishment of both savanna and forest tree species (Arantes et al., 2014; Hoffmann, 1996; Kellman, 1985; Salazar et al., 2012; Weltzin & Mcpherson, 1999). By attracting seed dispersers or providing shade (Arantes et al., 2015; Bonanomi et al., 2011; Carrière et al., 2002; Duarte et al., 2006; Fujita, 2016; Verdu & Garcia‐Fayos, 1996), colonization success should be higher under tree canopies than in open sites, resulting in tree aggregation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Facilitation by isolated trees triggers woody encroachment and a biome shift at the savanna–forest transition

Abreu

Durigan

Melo

et al. 2021

Journal of Applied Ecology

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1. Woody encroachment into grassy biomes is a global phenomenon, often resulting in a nearly complete turnover of species, with savanna specialists being replaced by forest-adapted species. Understanding the mechanisms involved in this change is important for devising strategies for managing savannas.2. We examined how isolated trees favour woody encroachment and species turnover by overcoming dispersal limitation and environmental filtering. In a savanna released from fire in south-eastern Brazil (Cerrado), we sampled woody plants establishing under 40 tree canopies and in paired treeless plots. These trees comprised eight species selected for habitat preference (savanna or forest) and dispersal syndrome (bird dispersed or not). We recorded dimensions of each tree, dispersal syndrome and habitat preference of recruits, and quantified the physical environment within each plot, aiming at a mechanistic understanding of woody encroachment.3. We found clear evidence that isolated trees cause nucleation and drive changes in functional composition of savanna. Effectiveness as nucleator differed among species, but was unrelated to their functional guilds (habitat preference or dispersal syndrome). The density of saplings in nuclei was partially explained by soil moisture (+), daily temperature amplitude (−) and sum of bases (−). 4. Our results indicate that isolated trees act first as perches, strongly favouring bird-dispersed species. They then act as nurse trees, considerably changing the environment in favour of forest-adapted recruits. In the long term, as the nuclei expand and merge, savanna specialists tend to disappear and the savanna turns into a low-diversity forest. Synthesis and applications.Fire suppression has allowed the nucleation process and consequently the woody encroachment and fast replacement of savanna specialists by forest species in the Cerrado. By elucidating the mechanisms behind woody encroachment, we recommend using prescribed fires to burn forest seedlings and to reduce tree canopy size wherever the management goal is to maintain the typical savanna structure and composition.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Facilitation by isolated trees triggers woody encroachment and a biome shift at the savanna–forest transition

Abreu

Durigan

Melo

et al. 2021

Journal of Applied Ecology

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“…have ripe fruits [ 48 , 46 ]. Shrubs and small trees are generally related to regeneration phases of the ecosystem and produce a high quantity of nutritious fruits that are dispersed by birds [ 49 , 50 , 51 ]. As fruits are important component of elaenias diet [ 16 , 20 ], the use of successive winter areas seems to be driven by both climate and resource availability.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Migratory timing, rate, routes and wintering areas of White-crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps chilensis), a key seed disperser for Patagonian forest regeneration

2017

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Migratory animals often play key ecological roles within the communities they visit throughout their annual journeys. As a consequence of the links between biomes mediated by migrants, changes in one biome could affect remote areas in unpredictable ways. Migratory routes and timing of most Neotropical austral migrants, which breed at south temperate latitudes of South America and overwinter closer to or within tropical latitudes of South America, have yet to be described in detail. As a result, our understanding about how these birds provide links between South American biomes is almost non-existent. White-crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps chilensis) is a long-distance austral migrant that breeds in the Patagonian Forest biome and overwinters in tropical South America. Because this small flycatcher plays a key role in the regeneration of this ecosystem, our objective was to describe the annual cycle of White-crested elaenias to evaluate the degree of migratory connectivity between breeding and wintering areas and therefore to determine if there are specific biomes of northern South America linked by elaenias to Patagonian forests. Fifteen individuals were successfully tracked throughout a complete migration cycle using miniature light-level geolocators. All individuals resided and moved through the same general regions. During fall (March-April-May), elaenias were located in the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest biomes, from Rio de Janeiro to the region near Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. During winter (June-July-Aug.), birds were located further inland, within the Cerrado biome. Birds used three different routes during fall migration. Our results indicate that some individuals use a direct route, flying between 500–600 km/day, crossing desert and grasslands, while others took a detour, flying 100–200 km/day through forested areas with refueling opportunities. All birds used the Yunga forest during spring migration, with ten out of 15 individuals showing a clear counterclockwise loop trajectories throughout their annual cycle. None of the elaenias passed through Amazonia, traveled to western South America or crossed the Equator. Eleanias exhibited a high migratory connectivity between breeding area in Patagonian Forests and winter areas, Atlantic Forest and Cerrado. Our results suggest that Patagonian Forests could be strongly impacted by changes in those biomes or in the Yungas.

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“…(Meliaceae) and the initial secondary Maprounea guianensis (Aubl) (Euphorbiaceae), were also present in the ecotone and Campo Sujo areas. Arantes et al (2014) observed forest species expanding into areas of the Cerrado sensu stricto infl uenced by environmental changes promoted by the savanna species Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth. (Fabaceae).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

OCCUPATION STRATEGY OF THE ARBOREAL SPECIES Tachigali rubiginosa (MART. EX TUL.) OLIVEIRA-FILHO: EVIDENCE OF FOREST EXPANSION OVER GRASSLAND AREAS.

2021

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Understanding the dynamics of forest species occupation in savanna and grasslands environments allows us to assess how forest expansion operates over time. For eleven years, the population dynamics of Tachigali rubiginosa (Mart. ex. Tul.) Oliveira-Filho was registered to evaluate the occupation strategy of this species in the ecotone between forest (Mata de Galeria) and grassland (Campo Sujo), located within the Capetinga stream basin, at Fazenda Água Limpa, Federal District. This area has been protected from wildfires since 1987. This study allocated thirty-one transects of 5 m x 100 m perpendicularly to the Capetinga stream, covering forest and grassland environments. The measurements were taken from adult trees (DBH ≥ 5 cm), young trees (height > 1 m and DBH < 5 cm) and seedlings (height ≤ 1 m and DBH < 5 cm). The results indicated that, in the studied period, the population of T. rubiginosa increased from 179.5 to 262.8 ind / ha. In 2007, of the total of 280 individuals in 1.56 ha, 96 of them were in the forest (0.22 ha), 103 in the ecotone (0.16 ha), and 81 in the grassland (1.18 ha). In 2018, this proportion changed when the number of individuals decreased in the forest (83 individuals), while the number increased in the ecotone (135 individuals) and in the grassland (194 individuals). In 2007, the young trees dominated with 71% of the total, followed by the adults trees (28.5%) and the seedlings (20.7%). In 2018, the young trees represented most individuals (39.2%), but there was a balance between the three size categories, as the seedlings represented 30.0% and adults trees 30.7%. Over the period of the study, there was an increase in the population of T. rubiginosa, especially of young individuals, which indicates persistence over time and an expansion of this forest species into grassland environments.

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Forest species colonizing cerrado open areas: distance and area effects on the nucleation process

Cited by 3 publications

References 44 publications

Facilitation by isolated trees triggers woody encroachment and a biome shift at the savanna–forest transition

Facilitation by isolated trees triggers woody encroachment and a biome shift at the savanna–forest transition

Migratory timing, rate, routes and wintering areas of White-crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps chilensis), a key seed disperser for Patagonian forest regeneration

OCCUPATION STRATEGY OF THE ARBOREAL SPECIES Tachigali rubiginosa (MART. EX TUL.) OLIVEIRA-FILHO: EVIDENCE OF FOREST EXPANSION OVER GRASSLAND AREAS.

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