The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Yoan Paillet - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Nothing else matters? Tree diameter and living status have more effects than biogeoclimatic context on microhabitat number and occurrence: An analysis in French forest reserves
PLoS ONE, 2019Co-Authors: Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, N. Debaive, Olivier Gilg, Eugenie Cateau, Eric GuilbertAbstract:Managing forests to preserve biodiversity requires a good knowledge not only of the factors driving its dynamics but also of the structural elements that actually support biodiversity. Tree-related Microhabitats (e.g. cavities, cracks, conks of fungi) are tree-borne features that are reputed to support specific biodiversity for at least a part of species' life cycles. While several studies have analysed the drivers of Microhabitats number and occurrence at the tree scale, they remain limited to a few tree species located in relatively narrow biogeographical ranges. We used a nationwide database of forest reserves where Microhabitats were inventoried on more than 22,000 trees. We analysed the effect of tree diameter and living status (alive or dead) on microhabitat number and occurrence per tree, taking into account biogeoclimatic variables and tree genus. We confirmed that larger trees and dead trees bore more Microhabitats than their smaller or living counterparts did; we extended these results to a wider range of tree genera and ecological conditions than those studied before. Contrary to our expectations, the total number of microhabitat types per tree barely varied with tree genus-though we did find slightly higher accumulation levels for broadleaves than for conifers-nor did it vary with elevation or soil pH, whatever the living status. We observed the same results for the occurrence of individual microhabitat types. However, accumulation levels with diameter and occurrence on dead trees were higher for Microhabitats linked with wood decay processes (e.g. dead branches or woodpecker feeding holes) than for other, epixylic, Microhabitats such as epiphytes (ivy, mosses and lichens). Promoting large living and dead trees of several tree species may be a relevant, and nearly universal, way to favour Microhabitats and enhance the substrates needed to support specific biodiversity. In the future, a better understanding of microhabitat drivers and dynamics at the tree scale may help to better define their role as biodiversity indicators for large-scale monitoring.
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nothing else matters tree characteristics have more effects than biogeoclimatic context on microhabitat diversity and occurrence a nationwide analysis
bioRxiv, 2019Co-Authors: Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, N. Debaive, Olivier Gilg, Eugenie Cateau, Eric GuilbertAbstract:Managing forests to preserve biodiversity requires a good knowledge not only of the factors driving its dynamics but also of the structural elements that actually support biodiversity. Tree-related Microhabitats (cavities, cracks, conks of fungi) are tree-borne features that are reputed to support specific biodiversity for at least a part of species9 life cycles. While several studies have analysed the drivers of Microhabitats number and occurrence at the tree scale, they remain limited to a few tree species located in relatively narrow biogeographical ranges. We used a nationwide database of forest reserves where Microhabitats were inventoried on more than 22,000 trees. We analysed the effect of tree diameter and living status (alive or dead) on microhabitat number and occurrence per tree, taking into account biogeoclimatic variables and tree genus. We confirmed that larger trees and dead trees bore more Microhabitats than their smaller or living counterparts did; we extended these results to a wider range of tree genera and ecological conditions. Contrary to expectations, the total number of microhabitat types per tree barely varied with tree genus - though we did find slightly higher accumulation levels for broadleaves than for conifers - nor did it vary with elevation or soil pH. We observed the same results for the occurrence of individual microhabitat types. However, accumulation levels with diameter and occurrence on dead trees were higher for Microhabitats linked with wood decay processes (e.g. dead branches or woodpecker feeding holes) than for other, epixylic, Microhabitats such as epiphytes (ivy, mosses and lichens). Promoting large living and dead trees of several tree species may be an interesting, and nearly universal, way to favour Microhabitats and enhance the substrates needed to support specific biodiversity. In addition, a better understanding of microhabitat drivers and dynamics at the tree scale may help to better define their role as biodiversity indicators for large-scale monitoring.
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nothing else matters a nationwide study of Microhabitats drivers at the tree scale
bioRxiv, 2018Co-Authors: Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, N. Debaive, Olivier Gilg, Vincent Boulanger, Eric GuilbertAbstract:Managing forest structure to preserve biodiversity requires a good knowledge of the elements that actually support biodiversity as well as the driving factors of their dynamics. Tree-related Microhabitats (cavities, cracks, conks of fungi) are tree-borne features that are reputed to support specific biodiversity, linked to Microhabitats for at least a part of their life cycle. While several studies have analysed the drivers of Microhabitats number and occurrence at the tree scale, they remain limited to a few tree species located in relatively narrow biogeographical range. Here, we used a nationwide database of forest natural reserves comprising more than 22000 trees where Microhabitats have been inventoried since 2005. We analysed the effect of tree diameter and live status (alive or dead) on microhabitat number and occurrence per tree, taking into account biogeoclimatic variables and tree genus. We confirmed that larger trees as well as dead trees bore more Microhabitats than their smaller or alive counterparts, and extended these results to a wider range of tree genus and conditions. Contrary to expectations, these relationships varied neither much with tree genus, with slightly higher accumulation levels for broadleaves than for conifers, nor with biogeographical context. We observed these results both for the total number of Microhabitats per tree and for the occurrence of individual microhabitat types. However they were more marked for Microhabitats linked with wood decay processes (e.g. dead branches or woodpecker feeding holes) than for other, epixylic, Microhabitats such as epiphytes (ivy, mosses and lichens). Promoting large living and dead trees of several tree species seems a good and quite universal way to promote Microhabitats and enhance potential substrates to support specific biodiversity. In addition, a better understanding of the drivers of Microhabitats at the tree scale may help to better define them as biodiversity indicators for large scale monitoring.
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The indicator side of tree Microhabitats: a multi-taxon approach based on bats, birds and saproxylic beetles
Journal of Applied Ecology, 2018Co-Authors: Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, F. Gosselin, Solène Du Puy, Christophe Bouget, V. Boulanger, N. Debaive, Olivier Gilg, E. GuilbertAbstract:1. National and international forest biodiversity assessments largely rely on indirect indicators, based on elements of forest structure that are used as surrogates for species diversity. These proxies are reputedly easier and cheaper to assess than biodiversity. Tree Microhabitats - tree-borne singularities such as cavities, conks of fungi or bark characteristics - have gained attention as potential forest biodiversity indicators. However, as with most biodiversity indicators, there is a lack of scientific evidence documenting their quantitative link with the biodiversity they are supposed to assess. 2. We explored the link between microhabitat indices and the richness and abundance of three taxonomic groups: bats, birds, and saproxylic beetles. Using a nation-wide multi-taxon sampling design in France, we compared 213 plots located inside and outside strict forest reserves. We hypothesized that the positive effect setting aside forest reserves has on biodiversity conservation is indirectly due to an increase in the proportion of large structural elements (e.g. living trees, standing and lying deadwood). These, in turn, are likely to favour the quantity and diversity of Microhabitats. We analysed the relationship between the abundance and species richness of different groups and guilds (e.g. red-listed species, forest specialists, cavity dwellers) and microhabitat density and diversity. We then used confirmatory structural equation models to assess the direct and indirect effects of management abandonment, large structural elements and Microhabitats on the biodiversity of the target species. 3. For several groups of birds and bats, the indirect effect of management abandonment and large structural elements on biodiversity was mediated by Microhabitats. However, the magnitude of the link between microhabitat indices and biodiversity was moderate. In particular, saproxylic beetles' biodiversity was poorly explained by Microhabitats, large structural elements or management abandonment. 4. Synthesis and applications: Tree Microhabitats may serve as indicators for bats and birds, but they are not a universal biodiversity indicator. Rather, compared to large structural elements, they most likely have a complementary role to biodiversity. In terms of forest management and conservation, preserving diversity of Microhabitats at the local scale benefits several groups of both bats and birds.
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Snags and large trees drive higher tree microhabitat densities in strict forest reserves
Forest Ecology and Management, 2017Co-Authors: Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, F. Gosselin, V. Boulanger, N. Debaive, Olivier Gilg, M. Fuhr, E. GuilbertAbstract:Tree Microhabitats (cavities, conks of fungi, bark features) play an important role for both rare and specialized species biodiversity; their preservation should therefore be targeted by biodiversity-friendly forest practices. However, when compared to other old-growth characteristics like deadwood or large trees, tree Microhabitats have only recently been studied so related scientific knowledge is still relatively limited. Defining target values for microhabitat densities in managed forests is mostly based on expert knowledge rather than quantitative empirical data. We compared the densities of microhabitat-bearing trees between managed forests, where wood is still harvested, and strictly protected forest reserves, where harvesting has been abandoned, in 17 French forests (222 plots) located in both lowlands and mountain regions. We found that microhabitat densities are generally higher in strict forest reserves than in managed forests and that this difference is mainly driven by standing dead and large living trees. Though scarce, standing dead trees over-contribute to the difference observed while large trees played a lesser but significant role. In addition, contrary to results obtained for other old-growth characteristics (such as deadwood volumes), the difference between managed and strict forest reserves was higher in mountain than in lowland forests. For individual Microhabitats, five out of eleven Microhabitats in mountains and only one in lowland (woodpecker cavities) were significantly more numerous in strict forest reserves than in managed forests. Finally, total microhabitat density and density of specific Microhabitats such as cavities and bark features increased with time since the last harvest. This increase was also mainly supported by standing dead microhabitat-bearing trees. Compared to previous studies in comparable contexts, the densities we estimated were generally higher; however, such comparisons could only be made for the most documented microhabitat types. Our results support the idea that management abandonment favours the abundance and diversity of Microhabitats. However, microhabitat dynamics remain poorly known and only long-term monitoring will help understand underlying mechanisms of recruitment. In the meantime, our results may inspire forest managers in their application of daily biodiversity-friendly practices.
F. Gosselin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The indicator side of tree Microhabitats: a multi-taxon approach based on bats, birds and saproxylic beetles
Journal of Applied Ecology, 2018Co-Authors: Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, F. Gosselin, Solène Du Puy, Christophe Bouget, V. Boulanger, N. Debaive, Olivier Gilg, E. GuilbertAbstract:1. National and international forest biodiversity assessments largely rely on indirect indicators, based on elements of forest structure that are used as surrogates for species diversity. These proxies are reputedly easier and cheaper to assess than biodiversity. Tree Microhabitats - tree-borne singularities such as cavities, conks of fungi or bark characteristics - have gained attention as potential forest biodiversity indicators. However, as with most biodiversity indicators, there is a lack of scientific evidence documenting their quantitative link with the biodiversity they are supposed to assess. 2. We explored the link between microhabitat indices and the richness and abundance of three taxonomic groups: bats, birds, and saproxylic beetles. Using a nation-wide multi-taxon sampling design in France, we compared 213 plots located inside and outside strict forest reserves. We hypothesized that the positive effect setting aside forest reserves has on biodiversity conservation is indirectly due to an increase in the proportion of large structural elements (e.g. living trees, standing and lying deadwood). These, in turn, are likely to favour the quantity and diversity of Microhabitats. We analysed the relationship between the abundance and species richness of different groups and guilds (e.g. red-listed species, forest specialists, cavity dwellers) and microhabitat density and diversity. We then used confirmatory structural equation models to assess the direct and indirect effects of management abandonment, large structural elements and Microhabitats on the biodiversity of the target species. 3. For several groups of birds and bats, the indirect effect of management abandonment and large structural elements on biodiversity was mediated by Microhabitats. However, the magnitude of the link between microhabitat indices and biodiversity was moderate. In particular, saproxylic beetles' biodiversity was poorly explained by Microhabitats, large structural elements or management abandonment. 4. Synthesis and applications: Tree Microhabitats may serve as indicators for bats and birds, but they are not a universal biodiversity indicator. Rather, compared to large structural elements, they most likely have a complementary role to biodiversity. In terms of forest management and conservation, preserving diversity of Microhabitats at the local scale benefits several groups of both bats and birds.
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Snags and large trees drive higher tree microhabitat densities in strict forest reserves
Forest Ecology and Management, 2017Co-Authors: Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, F. Gosselin, V. Boulanger, N. Debaive, Olivier Gilg, M. Fuhr, E. GuilbertAbstract:Tree Microhabitats (cavities, conks of fungi, bark features) play an important role for both rare and specialized species biodiversity; their preservation should therefore be targeted by biodiversity-friendly forest practices. However, when compared to other old-growth characteristics like deadwood or large trees, tree Microhabitats have only recently been studied so related scientific knowledge is still relatively limited. Defining target values for microhabitat densities in managed forests is mostly based on expert knowledge rather than quantitative empirical data. We compared the densities of microhabitat-bearing trees between managed forests, where wood is still harvested, and strictly protected forest reserves, where harvesting has been abandoned, in 17 French forests (222 plots) located in both lowlands and mountain regions. We found that microhabitat densities are generally higher in strict forest reserves than in managed forests and that this difference is mainly driven by standing dead and large living trees. Though scarce, standing dead trees over-contribute to the difference observed while large trees played a lesser but significant role. In addition, contrary to results obtained for other old-growth characteristics (such as deadwood volumes), the difference between managed and strict forest reserves was higher in mountain than in lowland forests. For individual Microhabitats, five out of eleven Microhabitats in mountains and only one in lowland (woodpecker cavities) were significantly more numerous in strict forest reserves than in managed forests. Finally, total microhabitat density and density of specific Microhabitats such as cavities and bark features increased with time since the last harvest. This increase was also mainly supported by standing dead microhabitat-bearing trees. Compared to previous studies in comparable contexts, the densities we estimated were generally higher; however, such comparisons could only be made for the most documented microhabitat types. Our results support the idea that management abandonment favours the abundance and diversity of Microhabitats. However, microhabitat dynamics remain poorly known and only long-term monitoring will help understand underlying mechanisms of recruitment. In the meantime, our results may inspire forest managers in their application of daily biodiversity-friendly practices.
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Influence of tree characteristics and forest management on tree Microhabitats
Biological Conservation, 2011Co-Authors: A. Vuidot, Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, F. GosselinAbstract:Higher densities of tree Microhabitats in unmanaged forests may explain biodiversity differences with managed forests. To better understand the determinants of this potential biodiversity indicator, we studied the influence of tree characteristics on a set of tree Microhabitats (e.g. cavities, cracks, bark features)on 75 plots in managed and unmanaged French forests. We hypothesized that the number of different microhabitat types per tree and the occurrence of a given microhabitat type on a tree would be higher in unmanaged than in managed forests, and that this difference could be linked to individual tree characteristics: diameter, vitality and species. We show that unmanaged forests contained more trees likely to host Microhabitats (i.e. large trees, snags) at the stand level. However, at the tree level, forest management did not influence Microhabitats; only tree characteristics did: large trees and snags contained more Microhabitats. The number and occurrence of Microhabitats also varied with tree species: oaks and beech generally hosted more Microhabitats, but occurrence of certain types of Microhabitats was higher on fir and spruce. We conclude that, even though Microhabitats are not equally distributed between managed and unmanaged forests, two trees with similar characteristics in similar site conditions have the same number and probability of occurrence of Microhabitats, whatever the management type. In order to preserve biodiversity, foresters could reproduce unmanaged forest features in managed forests through the conservation of specific tree types (e.g. veteran trees, snags). Tree Microhabitats could also be more often targeted in sustainable forest management monitoring.
Frédéric Archaux - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Nothing else matters? Tree diameter and living status have more effects than biogeoclimatic context on microhabitat number and occurrence: An analysis in French forest reserves
PLoS ONE, 2019Co-Authors: Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, N. Debaive, Olivier Gilg, Eugenie Cateau, Eric GuilbertAbstract:Managing forests to preserve biodiversity requires a good knowledge not only of the factors driving its dynamics but also of the structural elements that actually support biodiversity. Tree-related Microhabitats (e.g. cavities, cracks, conks of fungi) are tree-borne features that are reputed to support specific biodiversity for at least a part of species' life cycles. While several studies have analysed the drivers of Microhabitats number and occurrence at the tree scale, they remain limited to a few tree species located in relatively narrow biogeographical ranges. We used a nationwide database of forest reserves where Microhabitats were inventoried on more than 22,000 trees. We analysed the effect of tree diameter and living status (alive or dead) on microhabitat number and occurrence per tree, taking into account biogeoclimatic variables and tree genus. We confirmed that larger trees and dead trees bore more Microhabitats than their smaller or living counterparts did; we extended these results to a wider range of tree genera and ecological conditions than those studied before. Contrary to our expectations, the total number of microhabitat types per tree barely varied with tree genus-though we did find slightly higher accumulation levels for broadleaves than for conifers-nor did it vary with elevation or soil pH, whatever the living status. We observed the same results for the occurrence of individual microhabitat types. However, accumulation levels with diameter and occurrence on dead trees were higher for Microhabitats linked with wood decay processes (e.g. dead branches or woodpecker feeding holes) than for other, epixylic, Microhabitats such as epiphytes (ivy, mosses and lichens). Promoting large living and dead trees of several tree species may be a relevant, and nearly universal, way to favour Microhabitats and enhance the substrates needed to support specific biodiversity. In the future, a better understanding of microhabitat drivers and dynamics at the tree scale may help to better define their role as biodiversity indicators for large-scale monitoring.
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nothing else matters tree characteristics have more effects than biogeoclimatic context on microhabitat diversity and occurrence a nationwide analysis
bioRxiv, 2019Co-Authors: Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, N. Debaive, Olivier Gilg, Eugenie Cateau, Eric GuilbertAbstract:Managing forests to preserve biodiversity requires a good knowledge not only of the factors driving its dynamics but also of the structural elements that actually support biodiversity. Tree-related Microhabitats (cavities, cracks, conks of fungi) are tree-borne features that are reputed to support specific biodiversity for at least a part of species9 life cycles. While several studies have analysed the drivers of Microhabitats number and occurrence at the tree scale, they remain limited to a few tree species located in relatively narrow biogeographical ranges. We used a nationwide database of forest reserves where Microhabitats were inventoried on more than 22,000 trees. We analysed the effect of tree diameter and living status (alive or dead) on microhabitat number and occurrence per tree, taking into account biogeoclimatic variables and tree genus. We confirmed that larger trees and dead trees bore more Microhabitats than their smaller or living counterparts did; we extended these results to a wider range of tree genera and ecological conditions. Contrary to expectations, the total number of microhabitat types per tree barely varied with tree genus - though we did find slightly higher accumulation levels for broadleaves than for conifers - nor did it vary with elevation or soil pH. We observed the same results for the occurrence of individual microhabitat types. However, accumulation levels with diameter and occurrence on dead trees were higher for Microhabitats linked with wood decay processes (e.g. dead branches or woodpecker feeding holes) than for other, epixylic, Microhabitats such as epiphytes (ivy, mosses and lichens). Promoting large living and dead trees of several tree species may be an interesting, and nearly universal, way to favour Microhabitats and enhance the substrates needed to support specific biodiversity. In addition, a better understanding of microhabitat drivers and dynamics at the tree scale may help to better define their role as biodiversity indicators for large-scale monitoring.
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nothing else matters a nationwide study of Microhabitats drivers at the tree scale
bioRxiv, 2018Co-Authors: Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, N. Debaive, Olivier Gilg, Vincent Boulanger, Eric GuilbertAbstract:Managing forest structure to preserve biodiversity requires a good knowledge of the elements that actually support biodiversity as well as the driving factors of their dynamics. Tree-related Microhabitats (cavities, cracks, conks of fungi) are tree-borne features that are reputed to support specific biodiversity, linked to Microhabitats for at least a part of their life cycle. While several studies have analysed the drivers of Microhabitats number and occurrence at the tree scale, they remain limited to a few tree species located in relatively narrow biogeographical range. Here, we used a nationwide database of forest natural reserves comprising more than 22000 trees where Microhabitats have been inventoried since 2005. We analysed the effect of tree diameter and live status (alive or dead) on microhabitat number and occurrence per tree, taking into account biogeoclimatic variables and tree genus. We confirmed that larger trees as well as dead trees bore more Microhabitats than their smaller or alive counterparts, and extended these results to a wider range of tree genus and conditions. Contrary to expectations, these relationships varied neither much with tree genus, with slightly higher accumulation levels for broadleaves than for conifers, nor with biogeographical context. We observed these results both for the total number of Microhabitats per tree and for the occurrence of individual microhabitat types. However they were more marked for Microhabitats linked with wood decay processes (e.g. dead branches or woodpecker feeding holes) than for other, epixylic, Microhabitats such as epiphytes (ivy, mosses and lichens). Promoting large living and dead trees of several tree species seems a good and quite universal way to promote Microhabitats and enhance potential substrates to support specific biodiversity. In addition, a better understanding of the drivers of Microhabitats at the tree scale may help to better define them as biodiversity indicators for large scale monitoring.
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The indicator side of tree Microhabitats: a multi-taxon approach based on bats, birds and saproxylic beetles
Journal of Applied Ecology, 2018Co-Authors: Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, F. Gosselin, Solène Du Puy, Christophe Bouget, V. Boulanger, N. Debaive, Olivier Gilg, E. GuilbertAbstract:1. National and international forest biodiversity assessments largely rely on indirect indicators, based on elements of forest structure that are used as surrogates for species diversity. These proxies are reputedly easier and cheaper to assess than biodiversity. Tree Microhabitats - tree-borne singularities such as cavities, conks of fungi or bark characteristics - have gained attention as potential forest biodiversity indicators. However, as with most biodiversity indicators, there is a lack of scientific evidence documenting their quantitative link with the biodiversity they are supposed to assess. 2. We explored the link between microhabitat indices and the richness and abundance of three taxonomic groups: bats, birds, and saproxylic beetles. Using a nation-wide multi-taxon sampling design in France, we compared 213 plots located inside and outside strict forest reserves. We hypothesized that the positive effect setting aside forest reserves has on biodiversity conservation is indirectly due to an increase in the proportion of large structural elements (e.g. living trees, standing and lying deadwood). These, in turn, are likely to favour the quantity and diversity of Microhabitats. We analysed the relationship between the abundance and species richness of different groups and guilds (e.g. red-listed species, forest specialists, cavity dwellers) and microhabitat density and diversity. We then used confirmatory structural equation models to assess the direct and indirect effects of management abandonment, large structural elements and Microhabitats on the biodiversity of the target species. 3. For several groups of birds and bats, the indirect effect of management abandonment and large structural elements on biodiversity was mediated by Microhabitats. However, the magnitude of the link between microhabitat indices and biodiversity was moderate. In particular, saproxylic beetles' biodiversity was poorly explained by Microhabitats, large structural elements or management abandonment. 4. Synthesis and applications: Tree Microhabitats may serve as indicators for bats and birds, but they are not a universal biodiversity indicator. Rather, compared to large structural elements, they most likely have a complementary role to biodiversity. In terms of forest management and conservation, preserving diversity of Microhabitats at the local scale benefits several groups of both bats and birds.
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Snags and large trees drive higher tree microhabitat densities in strict forest reserves
Forest Ecology and Management, 2017Co-Authors: Yoan Paillet, Frédéric Archaux, F. Gosselin, V. Boulanger, N. Debaive, Olivier Gilg, M. Fuhr, E. GuilbertAbstract:Tree Microhabitats (cavities, conks of fungi, bark features) play an important role for both rare and specialized species biodiversity; their preservation should therefore be targeted by biodiversity-friendly forest practices. However, when compared to other old-growth characteristics like deadwood or large trees, tree Microhabitats have only recently been studied so related scientific knowledge is still relatively limited. Defining target values for microhabitat densities in managed forests is mostly based on expert knowledge rather than quantitative empirical data. We compared the densities of microhabitat-bearing trees between managed forests, where wood is still harvested, and strictly protected forest reserves, where harvesting has been abandoned, in 17 French forests (222 plots) located in both lowlands and mountain regions. We found that microhabitat densities are generally higher in strict forest reserves than in managed forests and that this difference is mainly driven by standing dead and large living trees. Though scarce, standing dead trees over-contribute to the difference observed while large trees played a lesser but significant role. In addition, contrary to results obtained for other old-growth characteristics (such as deadwood volumes), the difference between managed and strict forest reserves was higher in mountain than in lowland forests. For individual Microhabitats, five out of eleven Microhabitats in mountains and only one in lowland (woodpecker cavities) were significantly more numerous in strict forest reserves than in managed forests. Finally, total microhabitat density and density of specific Microhabitats such as cavities and bark features increased with time since the last harvest. This increase was also mainly supported by standing dead microhabitat-bearing trees. Compared to previous studies in comparable contexts, the densities we estimated were generally higher; however, such comparisons could only be made for the most documented microhabitat types. Our results support the idea that management abandonment favours the abundance and diversity of Microhabitats. However, microhabitat dynamics remain poorly known and only long-term monitoring will help understand underlying mechanisms of recruitment. In the meantime, our results may inspire forest managers in their application of daily biodiversity-friendly practices.
Lawren Sack - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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trade offs in seedling growth and survival within and across tropical forest Microhabitats
Ecology and Evolution, 2014Co-Authors: Faith Inmannarahari, Rebecca Ostertag, Gregory P Asner, Susan Cordell, Stephen P Hubbell, Lawren SackAbstract:For niche differences to maintain coexistence of sympatric species, each species must grow and/or survive better than each of the others in at least one set of conditions (i.e., performance trade-offs). However, the extent of niche differentiation in tropical forests remains highly debated. We present the first test of performance trade-offs for wild seedlings in a tropical forest. We measured seedling relative growth rate (RGR) and survival of four common native woody species across 18 light, substrate, and topography Microhabitats over 2.5 years within Hawaiian montane wet forest, an ideal location due to its low species diversity and strong species habitat associations. All six species pairs exhibited significant performance trade-offs across Microhabitats and for RGR versus survival within Microhabitats. We also found some evidence of performance equivalence, with species pairs having similar performance in 26% of comparisons across Microhabitats. Across species, survival under low light was generally positively associated with RGR under high light. When averaged over all species, topography (slope, aspect, and elevation) explained most of the variation in RGR attributable to microhabitat variables (51–53%) followed by substrate type (35–37%) and light (11–12%). However, the relative effects of microhabitat differed among species and RGR metric (i.e., RGR for height, biomass, or leaf area). These findings indicate that performance trade-offs among species during regeneration are common in low-diversity tropical forest, although other mechanisms may better explain the coexistence of species with small performance differences.
Stephen P Hubbell - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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trade offs in seedling growth and survival within and across tropical forest Microhabitats
Ecology and Evolution, 2014Co-Authors: Faith Inmannarahari, Rebecca Ostertag, Gregory P Asner, Susan Cordell, Stephen P Hubbell, Lawren SackAbstract:For niche differences to maintain coexistence of sympatric species, each species must grow and/or survive better than each of the others in at least one set of conditions (i.e., performance trade-offs). However, the extent of niche differentiation in tropical forests remains highly debated. We present the first test of performance trade-offs for wild seedlings in a tropical forest. We measured seedling relative growth rate (RGR) and survival of four common native woody species across 18 light, substrate, and topography Microhabitats over 2.5 years within Hawaiian montane wet forest, an ideal location due to its low species diversity and strong species habitat associations. All six species pairs exhibited significant performance trade-offs across Microhabitats and for RGR versus survival within Microhabitats. We also found some evidence of performance equivalence, with species pairs having similar performance in 26% of comparisons across Microhabitats. Across species, survival under low light was generally positively associated with RGR under high light. When averaged over all species, topography (slope, aspect, and elevation) explained most of the variation in RGR attributable to microhabitat variables (51–53%) followed by substrate type (35–37%) and light (11–12%). However, the relative effects of microhabitat differed among species and RGR metric (i.e., RGR for height, biomass, or leaf area). These findings indicate that performance trade-offs among species during regeneration are common in low-diversity tropical forest, although other mechanisms may better explain the coexistence of species with small performance differences.
