Edge effects in a tropical montane forest mosaic: Experimental tests of post-dispersal acorn removal

Authors: López-Barrera, F., Newton, A. and Manson, R.

Journal: Ecological Research

Volume: 20

Issue: 1

Pages: 31-40

ISSN: 0912-3814

DOI: 10.1007/s11284-004-0016-7

Abstract:

Forest edges created by scattered-patch clearcutting have become common in tropical montane cloud forests in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. It was hypothesised that forest edges may influence regeneration of oak species, which are canopy dominants in these forests, by affecting the activities of small mammal species. Acorns of different oak species varying in germination timing were offered to predators and/or dispersers at different positions along replicated forest edges during 2 consecutive years. We investigated the effects of (1) edge type (hard and soft), (2) distance from the edge (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 m inside forest fragments) and (3) oak species, on the rate of acorn removal mainly by small mammals. During a non-masting year, acorn removal was affected by the interaction of edge type and distance from the edge (P < 0.05), with acorn removal being highest near hard edges compared to adjacent forest interiors. As predicted, acorn removal was greater along soft (100%) than along hard edges (82%), but this pattern was recorded only during the non-masting year. This study partly supports previous studies of rodents preferentially consuming acorns with early germination rather than acorns exhibiting dormancy, however these patterns may change with variation in acorn abundance. These results suggest that patch clear-cutting affects regeneration processes within forest fragments by influencing the activities of small mammals, but the nature of this effect also depends on acorn abundance and the characteristics of the forest edge created. © The Ecological Society of Japan 2004.

Source: Scopus

Edge effects in a tropical montane forest mosaic:: experimental tests of post-dispersal acorn removal

Authors: López-Barrera, F., Newton, A. and Manson, R.

Journal: ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Volume: 20

Issue: 1

Pages: 31-40

eISSN: 1440-1703

ISSN: 0912-3814

DOI: 10.1007/s11284-004-0016-7

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Edge Effects in a Tropical Montane Forest Mosaic: Experimental Tests of Post-Dispersal Acorn Removal

Authors: Lopez-Barrera, F., Newton, A. and Manson, R.H.

Journal: Ecological Research

Volume: 20

Pages: 31-40

ISSN: 0912-3814

DOI: 10.1007/s11284-004-0016-7

http://springerlink.metapress.com/content/u9cx667rfuqq2fjg/?p=3271c54e94154e0b829bbc10a47d6760&pi=6

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Adrian Newton

Edge effects in a tropical montane forest mosaic : experimental tests of post-dispersal acorn removal

Authors: LOPEZ-BARRERA, F., NEWTON, A. and MANSON, R.

Journal: Ecological research

Volume: 20

Issue: 1

Pages: 31-40

Publisher: Springer

ISSN: 0912-3814

Source: CiNii EN

Edge effects in a tropical montane forest mosaic : experimental tests of post-dispersal acorn removal

Authors: Lopez-Barrera, F., Newton, A. and Manson, R.

Journal: Ecological research

Volume: 20

Issue: 1

Pages: 31-40

Publisher: Springer

ISSN: 0912-3814

Source: CiNii JP