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Abstract Detail


Conservation Biology

Muñoz Barriga, Andrea [1], Koester, Nils [2].

Effects of the anthropogenic influence on epiphyte diversity in Ecuadorian Andes.

Vascular epiphytes are conspicuous elements within tropical forests. At present, tropical landscapes are frequently characterized by a mosaic of different land-use types. Primary forests are undoubtly recognized as refuges for biodiversity, in contrast to non-forested agroecosystems like pasture. In this project we compare the epiphyte community on forests and pastures. Our aim is to study and understand the patterns of epiphyte diversity in natural and intervened habitats and to measure the conservation potential of these intervened habitats for the epiphyte flora. We have selected several sites along an altitudinal gradient in both sides (eastern and western) of the Andean mountain range. Until now, we have already carried out field work in five different locations: Yanacocha, a montane forest at 3,000 m.a.s.l.; Yanayacu Biological Station, a cloud forest on the eastern foothills and Otonga Forest, a cloud forest on the western foothills (both at 2,000 m.a.s.l.); Jatunsacha Station, a lowland eastern humid forest and Bilsa Biological Station, a lowland western humid forest (both at 500 m.a.s.l.). At each location we selected a total of 24 square plots of size 20m x 20m. Half of the plots were located in forest and the other half in pasture. A representative phorophyte was at the center of each plot. We took into consideration local topography as a second factor, selecting for each land-use type 4 trees in ridge, 4 trees in slope and 4 trees in valley. We accessed the canopy with the “single rope technique”, collecting specimens the way up and using binoculars as a complement. Each tree was subdivided into the 5 different Johannson zones. Epiphytes on shrubs and treelets inside the plot were also sampled. Most of the specimens were classified and identified at Herbaria in Quito, some others will be sent to specialists in other countries.


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1 - Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Herbario QCA, Escuela de Biología, Av. 12 de Octubre entre Patria y Veintimilla, Quito, Pichincha, 17, Ecuador
2 - University of Bonn, Nees Institute for Biodiversity of Plants, Meckenheimer Allee 170, Bonn, Nord-Rheinwestfalen, 53115, Germany

Keywords:
epiphytes
Biodiversity
tropical andean forests
anthropogenic influence.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P65002
Abstract ID:965


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