Plant Population Dynamics in Fragmented Landscapes

Deforestation in the tropics is continuing at rates that lack historical precedent, resulting in the fragmentation of species-rich rain forests. One of the most common consequences of fragmentation is reduced seedling establishment, particularly for species found in the forest understory. In collaboration with Dr. Emilio Bruna, we are determining the relative importance of abiotic and biotic factors on the recruitment of Heliconia acuminata, an Amazonian understory plant. Research is conducted at INPA/Smithsonian Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project. We use field studies coupled with innovative spatially-explicit modeling framework to evaluate the importance of specific process (e.g., dispersal) on variation in plant demography across fragments. By advancing our understanding of the mechanisms that influence plant demography in fragmented landscapes, this work will help improve management and conservation efforts for tropical forests.

Project Participants
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