Multi-dimensional temperature sensitivity of protected tropical mountain rain forests
It evaluate the ecological sensitivity to temperature of TMRF, applying a multidimensional approach in protected areas over a 440–2,950 m asl altitudinal gradient in Costa Rica, synthesizing results of a long-term research programme (2012-present). It evaluate the sensitivity to the current spatial temperature gradient of eleven ecosystem properties in three categories: forest composition and diversity, thermal characteristics of forest stands and forest structure and dynamics. Data are from 29 to 32 plots of 50 m x 50 m (0.25 ha) distributed over the gradient, in which all trees, palms and tree ferns ≥ 10 dbh are identified to species and measured for recruitment, growth and mortality. An experimental study of leaf litter decomposition rates was carried out in twelve plots. Current and future (SSP 585, 2070) values of mean annual temperatures MAT were obtained from online climate surfaces. Thermal characteristics of forest stands were determined using MATs of species occurrences in GBIF and include a new index, the Community Thermal Capital Index (CTCI), calculated as CTI-MAT. It classified degrees of sensitivity to temperature as very weak, weak, moderate or substantial. All eleven ecosystem properties are substantially sensitive, so changes in their values are expected under rising temperatures. Species density, the community temperature index CTI, tree recruitment and mortality rates and leaf litter decomposition rates are positively related to temperature, while the community weighted mean thermal niche breadth, the CTCI, net basal area increments, stand basal area and carbon in aboveground biomass are negatively related. Results point to zones of vulnerability in the protected areas.
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Texto biblioteca |
| Language: | spa |
| Published: |
Frontiers
2024
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| Subjects: | TOLERANCIA AL CALOR, HEAT TOLERANCE, ZONAS PROTEGIDAS, PROTECTED AREAS, BOSQUES, FORESTS, TEMPERATURA AMBIENTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE, |
| Online Access: | https://repositorio.catie.ac.cr/handle/11554/12610 |
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