Species Turnover across Different Life Stages from Seedlings to Canopy Trees in Swamp Forests of Central Brazil

Abstract

Processes driving the assembly of swamp forest communities have been poorly explored. We analyzed natural regeneration and adult tree communities data of a swamp gallery forest in Central Brazil to discuss the role of ecological filters in shaping plant species turnover in a successional gradient. Species data of 120 plots were used to assess species turnover between natural regeneration and adult tree communities. Our analyses were based on 4995 individuals belonging to 72 species. Community patterns were discerned using ordination analyses. A clear floristic turnover among plant life stages was distinguished. Regeneration community of swamp forests was richer in species composition than the adult community. Tree species commonly found in nonflooded gallery forests were present in the regeneration plots but not in the adult community. Differences in the floristic composition of these two strata suggest that not all species in the seedling stage can stand permanent flooding conditions and only a few tolerant species survive to become adult trees. We propose that natural disturbances play an important role by altering limiting resources, allowing seeds of nonflooded forest species to germinate. This paper elucidates the turnover between plant life stages in swamp forests and suggests mechanisms that may shape these communities.

Leaf trait co‐variation and trade‐offs in gallery forest C3 and CAM epiphytes

“…Flooded and non‐flooded gallery forests of the Cerrado differ in soil properties, nutrient cycling, tree dynamics, structure, and floristic composition (Fontes et al., 2015; Ivanauskas et al., 1997; Naiman & Décamps, 1997; Ribeiro & Walter, 2008; Silva et al., 2013; Silver et al., 1999). Seasonally or permanently flooded gallery forests have higher tree density, but lower tree dominance and species richness than non‐flooded gallery forests (Ribeiro & Walter, 2008).…”

“…The few studies performed on the epiphyte flora of the Cerrado showed that diverse epiphyte communities were restricted to gallery forests (Felfili et al, 2001;Ribeiro & Walter, 2008). Epiphytes correspond to only 4% (69 species) of the spermatophytes (seed-bearing plants) in Cerrado gallery forests (Felfili et al, 2001), but local abundance can be substantial: Oliveira Flooded and non-flooded gallery forests of the Cerrado differ in soil properties, nutrient cycling, tree dynamics, structure, and floristic composition (Fontes et al, 2015;Ivanauskas et al, 1997;Naiman & Décamps, 1997;Ribeiro & Walter, 2008;Silva et al, 2013;Silver et al, 1999). Seasonally or permanently flooded gallery forests have higher tree density, but lower tree dominance and species richness than non-flooded gallery forests (Ribeiro & Walter, 2008).…”

Potential and management strategy of floral biodiversity in the coastal areas in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

“…The number of species of seedlings and saplings in Tanah Merah Coast area did not differ significantly (see Table 1 and Table 2), while at the Samboja Reservoir area significantly differed. The research conducted by Fontes et al (2015) reveals that once plants start to grow and become sapling, the floristic composition of forest changes remarkably. This shift in floristic composition suggests that soil waterlog may act as a strong abiotic filter in the assembly of juvenile and adult communities.…”