Edge‐mediated compositional and functional decay of tree assemblages in Amazonian forest islands after 26 years of isolation

Abstract

Islands formed upstream of mega hydroelectric dams are excellent experimental landscapes to assess the impacts of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity. We examined the effects of plot‐, patch‐ and landscape‐scale variables on the patterns of floristic diversity across 34 forest islands that had experienced 26 years of isolation since the creation of the 4437 km2 Balbina Hydroelectric Reservoir of central Brazilian Amazonia. In addition, three undisturbed continuous forest sites in neighbouring mainland areas were also sampled across a comparable elevational gradient.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jan 30, 2015
Source ID
10.1111/1365-2745.12371

Entities

People

  • Carlos A. Peres
  • Maíra Benchimol

Organizations

  • Conservation, Food and Health Foundation
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  • Idea Wild
  • Ministry of Education
  • Natural Environment Research Council
  • University of East Anglia

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Aquatic Ecology
  • Coastal Oceanography
  • Hydraulic Engineering.