Landscape heterogeneity increases survival of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis juveniles in a frequently burned, humid savanna

Abstract

We characterized Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis) seedling and juvenile survival in lowland Belizean savannas with respect to environment and fire regimes. Plants in open and densely wooded environments had lower survival after fire. We hypothesize that facilitative or correlative mechanisms might promote positive relationships between shrubs and pine survival. Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.