Vanessa de Souza Moreno

Strong floristic distinctiveness across Neotropical successional forests.

Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Date: 07-2022

DOI: 10.1126/SCIADV.ABN1767

Abstract: Forests that regrow naturally on abandoned fields are important for restoring bio ersity and ecosystem services, but can they also preserve the distinct regional tree floras? Using the floristic composition of 1215 early successional forests (≤20 years) in 75 human-modified landscapes across the Neotropic realm, we identified 14 distinct floristic groups, with a between-group dissimilarity of 0.97. Floristic groups were associated with location, bioregions, soil pH, temperature seasonality, and water availability. Hence, there is large continental-scale variation in the species composition of early successional forests, which is mainly associated with biogeographic and environmental factors but not with human disturbance indicators. This floristic distinctiveness is partially driven by regionally restricted species belonging to widespread genera. Early secondary forests contribute therefore to restoring and conserving the distinctiveness of bioregions across the Neotropical realm, and forest restoration initiatives should use local species to assure that these distinct floras are maintained.

Functional recovery of secondary tropical forests

Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Date: 29-11-2021

DOI: 10.1073/PNAS.2003405118

Abstract: Tropical forests disappear rapidly through deforestation but also have the potential to regrow naturally through a process called secondary succession. To advance successional theory, it is essential to understand how these secondary forests and their assembly vary across broad spatial scales. We do so by synthesizing continental-scale patterns in succession using a functional trait approach. We show that the start and pathway of succession varies with climatic water availability. In dry forests, succession is driven by drought tolerance traits and in wet forests by shade tolerance traits. Based on these successional principles, we propose an ecologically sound strategy to improve active forest restoration.

Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio De Mesquita Filho

Location: Brazil

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Universidade De São Paulo Escola Superior De Agricultura Luiz De Queiroz

Location: Brazil

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