Observations on the aggregation of adult cicadas (Homoptera: Cicadidae) in tropical forests

1980 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 711-722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen M. Young
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Forests ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Secondary Forest ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Direct Sunlight ◽  
Patchy Distribution ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Feeding Sites ◽  
Fragmented Forest ◽  
Forest Habitats

The distribution of adult cicadas in various tree species was studied in Costa Rica. These observations indicate that tropical cicadas, mostly males, often congregate in certain tree species in various kinds of secondary forest habitats. Aggregated male cicadas exhibit intense chorusing and females fly into chorusing aggregations, presumably for mating. Trees used for aggregations are also cicada feeding sites. The conspicuous absence of oviposition evidence or nymphal skins suggest that these trees are used primarily for intensive male chorusing which assembles females for mating. Tendency to congregate in particular trees is related to the spatial position of the trees and their exposure to direct sunlight. Highly fragmented forest patches in some regions (central highlands, lowland Guanacaste) function as islands for cicadas to complete their life cycles and mating, whereas the abundant secondary forest habitats in other regions (northeastern lowlands) are being invaded by a few species which use secondary forest trees for completion of life cycles and mating. The apparent absence of dense aggregations of adult cicadas within climax tropical forests, even though nymphal skins are found here, is probably related to the very patchy distribution of individuals of each tree species and perhaps other factors (i.e., shading) affecting the attractiveness of trees for congregating cicadas.

scholarly journals Rarity of monodominance in hyperdiverse Amazonian forests

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans ter Steege ◽  
Terry W. Henkel ◽  
Nora Helal ◽  
Beatriz S. Marimon ◽  
Ben Hur Marimon-Junior ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Forests ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Life History Traits ◽  
Seed Mass ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Amazonian Forests ◽  
High Diversity

Abstract Tropical forests are known for their high diversity. Yet, forest patches do occur in the tropics where a single tree species is dominant. Such “monodominant” forests are known from all of the main tropical regions. For Amazonia, we sampled the occurrence of monodominance in a massive, basin-wide database of forest-inventory plots from the Amazon Tree Diversity Network (ATDN). Utilizing a simple defining metric of at least half of the trees ≥ 10 cm diameter belonging to one species, we found only a few occurrences of monodominance in Amazonia, and the phenomenon was not significantly linked to previously hypothesized life history traits such wood density, seed mass, ectomycorrhizal associations, or Rhizobium nodulation. In our analysis, coppicing (the formation of sprouts at the base of the tree or on roots) was the only trait significantly linked to monodominance. While at specific locales coppicing or ectomycorrhizal associations may confer a considerable advantage to a tree species and lead to its monodominance, very few species have these traits. Mining of the ATDN dataset suggests that monodominance is quite rare in Amazonia, and may be linked primarily to edaphic factors.

Bird assemblages in isolated Ficus trees in Kenyan farmland

2006 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 723-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. Eshiamwata ◽  
D. G. Berens ◽  
B. Bleher ◽  
W. R. J. Dean ◽  
K. Böhning-Gaese
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Forests ◽  
Forest Fragmentation ◽  
Seedling Establishment ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Frugivorous Birds ◽  
Fragmented Forest ◽  
Important Group ◽  
Disturbed Areas

Over the last few decades a rapid and extensive conversion of tropical forests to agricultural land has taken place resulting in mosaics of fragmented forest patches, pastures and farmland. While the effects of forest fragmentation on biodiversity have been intensively studied within the remaining forests, relatively little is known about the biodiversity in tropical farmland (Daily et al. 2001, Pimentel et al. 1992). Frugivorous birds are an important group of species in tropical farmland ecosystems. Frugivorous birds are significant seed dispersers and can play a prominent role in transporting seeds into disturbed areas and setting the stage for the regeneration of these systems. Isolated fleshy-fruited trees in agricultural landscapes have been shown to attract birds, leading to an increased seed rain and seedling establishment under their canopies (Carrière et al. 2002, Duncan & Chapman 1999, Guevara et al. 1986, 2004; Slocum & Horvitz 2000).

scholarly journals Bird communities in a degraded forest biodiversity hotspot of East Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moses Mulwa ◽  
Mike Teucher ◽  
Werner Ulrich ◽  
Jan Christian Habel
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Forests ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Agricultural Fields ◽  
Degraded Forest ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Small Forest

AbstractTropical forests suffer severe habitat destruction. Thus, tropical forests frequently consist today of only a few small remnants that are often embedded within a matrix of agricultural fields and tree plantations. Forest specialist species have experienced severe population declines under these circumstances. We studied bird communities based on census plots set up in a near-natural forest block, as well as degraded forest patches, tree plantations, and agricultural fields, across the Taita Hills in southern Kenya. We classified each bird species according its ecology and behavior. We quantified the land cover and landscape configuration around each census plot. Typical forest species were mainly observed in the near-natural forest block, and to a lower extent in degraded forest patches. Plantations were almost devoid of birds. Bird communities of small forest fragments were more similar to that of agricultural land than the near-natural forest block. Most frugivorous, insectivorous and nectarivorous birds occurred in forest habitats, while granivorous bird species dominated the bird communities of agricultural land. The surrounding landscape had a marginal impact on bird species composition at local sites. Our study showed that the preservation of near-natural cloud forest, including small forest patches, is essential for the conservation of forest-dependent species, and that plantations do not serve as surrogate habitats.

scholarly journals El Niño-Southern Oscillation affects the water relations of tree species in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Palomo-Kumul ◽  
Mirna Valdez-Hernández ◽  
Gerald A. Islebe ◽  
Manuel J. Cach-Pérez ◽  
José Luis Andrade
Keyword(s):  
Water Potential ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Tropical Forests ◽  
Specific Leaf Area ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Deciduous Species ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Seasonally Dry ◽  
Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests ◽  
Dry Tropical Forests

AbstractWe evaluated the effect of ENSO 2015/16 on the water relations of eight tree species in seasonally dry tropical forests of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. The functional traits: wood density, relative water content in wood, xylem water potential and specific leaf area were recorded during the rainy season and compared in three consecutive years: 2015 (pre-ENSO conditions), 2016 (ENSO conditions) and 2017 (post-ENSO conditions). We analyzed tree size on the capacity to respond to water deficit, considering young and mature trees, and if this response is distinctive in species with different leaf patterns in seasonally dry tropical forests distributed along a precipitation gradient (700–1200 mm year−1). These traits showed a strong decrease in all species in response to water stress in 2016, mainly in the driest site. Deciduous species had lower wood density, higher predawn water potential and higher specific leaf area than evergreen species. In all cases, mature trees were more tolerant to drought. In the driest site, there was a significant reduction in water status, regardless of their leaf phenology, indicating that seasonally dry tropical forests are highly vulnerable to ENSO. Vulnerability of deciduous species is intensified in the driest areas and in the youngest trees.

scholarly journals Differences of tree species composition and microclimate between a mahogany(swietenia macrophyllaking) plantation and a secondary forest in Mt. Makiling, Philippines

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Kwon Lee ◽  
Don Koo Lee ◽  
Su‐Young Woo ◽  
Emmanuel Rodantes G. Abraham ◽  
Wilfredo M. Carandang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Secondary Forest ◽  
Tree Species Composition

scholarly journals Performance Of Bilati Dhonia (Eryngium Foetidum L.) Under The Canopy Of Different Tree Species

1970 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-262
Author(s):  
M Moniruzzaman ◽  
AKM Qamruzzaman
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Leaf Length ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Direct Sunlight ◽  
Hill District ◽  
Eryngium Foetidum ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Sun Light ◽  
Growth Characters

Performance of ‘Bilati Dhonia’ (Eryngium foetidum L.) grown under the shades of different tree species, namely guava, jackfruit, mango, jujube, and farmers’ practice (grown under artificial shade) was evaluated at the Agricultural Research Station, Raikhali, Rangainati Hill District during two consecutive years of 2004-05 and 2005-06. The results revealed that plant height, leaf length, number of leaves per plant and fresh weight per plant were significantly higher under the canopies of various trees and farmers’ practice than those grown under direct sun light. Different growth characters were better under the shades of jackfruit and guava trees than those of other species. Periods to first and 50% flowering under tree species were longer than that under direct sunlight. The highest fresh yield (mean of two years) of ‘Bilati Dhonia’ was found in the farmers’ practice (27.58 t/ha), which was similar to those under guava (27.31 t/ha) and jackfruit trees (27.51 t/ha). Keywords: Bilati Dhonia (Eryngium foetidum L.); tree shades; hilly area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i2.9252 BJAR 2011; 36(2): 255-262

scholarly journals Conserving a geographically isolated Charaxes butterfly in response to habitat fragmentation and invasive alien plants

Koedoe ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Casparus J. Crous ◽  
James S. Pryke ◽  
Michael J. Samways
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Agricultural Matrix ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Invasive Tree Species ◽  
Remnant Forest

In South Africa, much of the forest biome is vulnerable to human-induced disturbance. The forest-dwelling butterfly Charaxes xiphares occidentalis is naturally confined to a small forest region in the south-western Cape, South Africa. Most of the remaining habitat of this species is within a fragmented agricultural matrix. Furthermore, this geographical area is also heavily invaded by alien plants, especially Acacia mearnsii. We investigated how C. x. occidentalis behaviourally responds to different habitat conditions in the landscape. We were particularly interested in touring, patrolling and settling behaviour as a conservation proxy for preference of a certain habitat configuration in this agricultural matrix. Remnant forest patches in the agricultural matrix showed fewer behavioural incidents than in a reference protected area. Moreover, dense stands of A. mearnsii negatively influenced the incidence and settling pattern of this butterfly across the landscape, with fewer tree settlings associated with more heavily invaded forest patches. This settling pattern was predominantly seen in female butterflies. We also identified specific trees that were settled upon for longer periods by C. x. occidentalis. Distance to a neighbouring patch and patch size influenced behavioural incidences, suggesting that further patch degradation and isolation could be detrimental to this butterfly. Conservation implications: We highlight the importance of clearing invasive tree species from vulnerable forest ecosystems and identify key tree species to consider in habitat conservation and rehabilitation programmes for this butterfly. We also suggest retaining as much intact natural forest as possible. This information should be integrated in local biodiversity management plans.

scholarly journals Tree Diversity and Their Regeneration in the Sacred Groves of Virajpet, Central Western Ghats, India

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 360-369
Author(s):  
Devi A.G. PRASAD ◽  
Shwetha BHARATHI
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Sacred Groves ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Tree Species Composition ◽  
Rich Diversity ◽  
Central Western Ghats ◽  
Undisturbed Forest ◽  
The Rich

Sacred groves are one of the finest examples of informal way of conserving the forest wealth. Baseline data collection of their diversity, distribution and regeneration capacity becomes necessary for the management and conservation of these undisturbed forest patches. In this context, the present investigation was carried out using random quadrat method in the sacred groves of Virajpet, Karnataka, India. A total of 132 tree species belonging to 113 genera and 45 families were identified within five sacred groves. Higher basal area (51.73-85.65 m2/ha) and tree density (453.33-515.9 individuals/ha) were observed as compared to other forests of Western Ghats region. The present investigation has revealed a healthy regeneration of tree species. Seedling and sapling composition differed to some extent from the mature tree species composition which could be used in predicting the future possibilities. Protection and conservation of such sacred groves should be of interest, for better regeneration of the rich diversity they harbour.

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