TY - JOUR

T1 - Environmental heterogeneity caused by anthropogenic disturbance drives forest structure and dynamics in Brazilian Atlantic Forest

AU - Cirne-Silva, T.M.

AU - Carvalho, W.A.C.

AU - Terra, M.C.N.S.

AU - de Souza, C.R.

AU - Santos, A.B.M.

AU - Robinson, S.J.B.

AU - dos Santos, R.M.

PY - 2020/4/1

Y1 - 2020/4/1

N2 - We evaluated how tree community floristic composition, forest structure and dynamics varied over a period of 13 years across a topographic gradient of ravines created by anthropic disturbance in Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The study area is located within a fragment of Atlantic Forest (21° 09' S, 44° 54' W), in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. This work was based on data of tree diameter at 1.3 m from the soil, collected in four inventories. Each individual was recorded as being in one of three stratified topographic classes: hilltop, slope and bottom. We used direct gradient analysis to evaluate floristic compositional changes, phytosociological analysis to evaluate structural variations, and assessed demographic and biomass changes over time through analysis of rates of forest dynamics. The results did not reflect modifications in the patterns of floristic composition and species diversity along the topographic gradient, while differences in forest structural attributes and dynamics may be detected at these smaller spatial scales. Thus, the same species group may employ different strategies against different restrictive environmental factors. Finally, we suggest that floristic composition and species diversity may be less sensitive parameters for post-disturbance responses than forest dynamics and structure.

AB - We evaluated how tree community floristic composition, forest structure and dynamics varied over a period of 13 years across a topographic gradient of ravines created by anthropic disturbance in Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The study area is located within a fragment of Atlantic Forest (21° 09' S, 44° 54' W), in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. This work was based on data of tree diameter at 1.3 m from the soil, collected in four inventories. Each individual was recorded as being in one of three stratified topographic classes: hilltop, slope and bottom. We used direct gradient analysis to evaluate floristic compositional changes, phytosociological analysis to evaluate structural variations, and assessed demographic and biomass changes over time through analysis of rates of forest dynamics. The results did not reflect modifications in the patterns of floristic composition and species diversity along the topographic gradient, while differences in forest structural attributes and dynamics may be detected at these smaller spatial scales. Thus, the same species group may employ different strategies against different restrictive environmental factors. Finally, we suggest that floristic composition and species diversity may be less sensitive parameters for post-disturbance responses than forest dynamics and structure.

KW - Environmental disturbances

KW - Environmental heterogeneity

KW - Forest dynamics

KW - Species distribution spatial scale

KW - Biodiversity

KW - Digital storage

KW - Dynamics

KW - Anthropic disturbances

KW - Anthropogenic disturbance

KW - Brazilian Atlantic forests

KW - Floristic compositions

KW - Forest structural attributes

KW - Structural variations

KW - Topographic gradients

KW - Forestry

KW - anthropogenic effect

KW - conservation planning

KW - environmental disturbance

KW - floristics

KW - forest dynamics

KW - forest ecosystem

KW - heterogeneity

KW - montane forest

KW - phytosociology

KW - species diversity

KW - topographic effect

KW - Atlantic Forest

KW - Brazil

KW - Minas Gerais

U2 - 10.26525/JTFS32.2.125

DO - 10.26525/JTFS32.2.125

M3 - Journal article

VL - 32

SP - 125

EP - 135

JO - Journal of Tropical Forest Science

JF - Journal of Tropical Forest Science

IS - 2

ER -