Hierarchical spatial point process analysis for a plant community with high biodiversity

Abstract

A complex multivariate spatial point pattern of a plant community with high biodiversity is modelled using a hierarchical multivariate point process model. In the model, interactions between plants with different post-fire regeneration strategies are of key interest. We consider initially a maximum likelihood approach to inference where problems arise due to unknown interaction radii for the plants. We next demonstrate that a Bayesian approach provides a flexible framework for incorporating prior information concerning the interaction radii. From an ecological perspective, we are able both to confirm existing knowledge on species' interactions and to generate new biological questions and hypotheses on species' interactions.

Spatial associations among tree species in a temperate forest community in North-western Spain

“…In harsh environments such as semiarid or arid plant communities, it is well known that positive facilitative interactions can outweigh negative competitive interactions, resulting in similar small multi-species clumps as those found here (Muller, 1953;Callaway, 1995;Illian et al, 2009). However, in forest systems this is a rather unusual pattern.…”

Gibbs point process models with mixed effects

“…In addition, we cannot assume straight away that the interaction between herds is repulsive. An interaction function which can be used to model either attraction or repulsion is preferable (Illian et al, 2007).…”

Nuevas herramientas para el estudio de la interacción entre especies en el espacio y en el tiempo

“…Los estudios del patrón espacial han sido de creciente importancia en los últimos años para estudiar diferentes procesos ecoló-gicos, como pueden ser la coexistencia de especies (Chave 2004, Bagchi et al 2011, Ledo 2013, cómo se estructuran las comunidades (Condit et al 2000, Wiegand et al 2007, explicar a qué escala ocurren o trabajan diferentes mecanismos (Bellehumeur y Legendre 1998, Uriarte et al 2004, Illian et al 2006, o si existen relaciones entre especies y hábitats (Harms et al 2001, Plotkin et al 2002). …”