Biodiv Sci ›› 2008, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (3): 245-254.  DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1003.2008.07396

• Original article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Edge effects on epiphytes in montane moist evergreen broad-leaved forest

Wenzhang Ma1,2, Wenyao Liu1,3,*(), Lipan Yang1,2, Guoping Yang1   

  1. 1 Kunming Division, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650231, China
    2 Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    3 Curtin University of Techology, Perth WA 6845, Australia
  • Received:2008-01-07 Accepted:2008-04-01 Online:2008-05-20 Published:2008-05-20
  • Contact: Wenyao Liu

Abstract:

Epiphytes are important components in tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems, and are well-known for their sensitivity to environmental changes. To understand epiphyte’s response to forest fragmentation and edge effects, we established four plots at the edges of a montane moist evergreen broad-leaved forest in the Ailao Mountains of Yunnan. Within each plot, we established four transects at 10, 20, 40, and 80 m from forest edge to study the species composition, biomass, and life form of epiphytes on host trunks 0-2 m above the ground. Distance to edge influenced biomass of epiphytes (P < 0.001) and coverage of epiphytic bryophytes ( P < 0.001). Epiphytic bryophytes were more sensitive to edge effects than epiphytic ferns. The intensity of edge effects were life-form specific, and turf ( P = 0.014) and weft forms (P = 0.030) both showed a pronounced response. Based on the distributional traits of epiphytes in all plots, we concluded that both the biomass of epiphytes and coverage of epiphytic bryophytes are biological indicators of forest edges. Furthermore,Ditrichum pallidum, Wijkia hornschuchii andHerbertus giraldianus are capable of indicating edge habitats, while the conservation status of Thuidium philibertii,T. cymbifolium, Claopodium pellucinerve, Pseudotrismegistia undulata and Trachypus bicolor deserve further attention because they are excluded from forest edges.

Key words: Ailao Mountain, epiphytic bryophyte, epiphytic fern, life-form, edge effects