TITLE:
Edge Effects of Oil Pipeline Canopy Openings on Tree Community Structure and Dynamics in a Montane Atlantic Forest
AUTHORS:
Pablo J. F. Pena Rodrigues, Leticia R. Melo, Rodolfo C. R. de Abreu, Mariana A. Iguatemy
KEYWORDS:
Fragmentation, Disturbance, Human-Modified Habitats, Linear Canopy Openings, Human Impact
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.4 No.7,
July
25,
2016
ABSTRACT: The
Atlantic forest has historically been severely deforested, and only fragments
currently remain that are subject to a wide variety of anthropogenic impacts,
including edge effects that can cause structural and functional degradation.
The Tinguá Biological Reserve-RJ comprises approximately 26,000 hectares of
well-preserved Atlantic Forest, but it is subject to impacts caused by two
canopy openings along oil pipelines. Comparisons were made between pipeline
edges and forest interiors to evaluate edge effects on the structure and
dynamics of those tree communities. Tree densities were higher along forest
edges, apparently increasing over time. Tree basal areas, on the other hand,
have decreased along edges due to higher mortality rates. Linear canopy opening
edges showed higher densities of small trees, while the interior had more very
large trees, indicating changes in successional processes and community
structural patterns due to edge effects.