EpIG‐DB: A database of vascular epiphyte assemblages in the Neotropics

Vascular epiphytes are a diverse and conspicuous component of biodiversity in tropical and subtropical forests. Yet, the patterns and drivers of epiphyte assemblages are poorly studied in comparison with soil‐rooted plants. Current knowledge about diversity patterns of epiphytes mainly stems from local studies or floristic inventories, but this information has not yet been integrated to allow a better understanding of large‐scale distribution patterns. EpIG‐DB, the first database on epiphyte assemblages at the continental scale, resulted from an exhaustive compilation of published and unpublished inventory data from the Neotropics. The current version of EpIG‐DB consists of 463,196 individual epiphytes from 3,005 species, which were collected from a total of 18,148 relevés (host trees and ‘understory’ plots). EpIG‐DB reports the occurrence of ‘true’ epiphytes, hemiepiphytes and nomadic vines, including information on their cover, abundance, frequency and biomass. Most records (97%) correspond to sampled host trees, 76% of them aggregated in forest plots. The data is stored in a TURBOVEG database using the most up‐to‐date checklist of vascular epiphytes. A total of 18 additional fields were created for the standardization of associated data commonly used in epiphyte ecology (e.g. by considering different sampling methods). EpIG‐DB currently covers six major biomes across the whole latitudinal range of epiphytes in the Neotropics but welcomes data globally. This novel database provides, for the first time, unique biodiversity data on epiphytes for the Neotropics and unified guidelines for future collection of epiphyte data. EpIG‐DB will allow exploration of new ways to study the community ecology and biogeography of vascular epiphytes

Vascular Epiphyte Assemblages on Isolated Trees along an Elevational Gradient in Southwest Panama

Ongoing destruction of tropical forests makes isolated pasture trees potentially important for the persistence of original forest dwellers such as many vascular epiphytes. We studied epiphyte assemblages on 100 isolated trees at ten pasture sites in southwest Panama along an elevational gradient ranging from 140 to 1240 m a.s.l. We analysed epiphyte species composition (richness, similarity) and registered climate and host trait variables of potential influence on their occurrence. We found a total of 5876 epiphyte individuals belonging to 148 species. Epiphyte abundance, species richness and diversity all varied about 4-fold among the 10 sites, with a high similarity of epiphyte assemblages among sites. Two sites at 870 and 1050 m a.s.l. did not fit into the overall elevational trend of increased abundance, species richness and diversity. However, all three measures were significantly correlated with humidity as the independent variable. This highlights that a gradient in humidity, and not elevation as such, is responsible for the typical elevational changes in epiphyte assemblages, so that special local conditions may lead to deviations from expected patterns. Our documentation of current elevational diversity patterns also provides a baseline for the study of long-term changes in epiphyte assemblages in anthropogenically modified landscapes

Vascular Epiphyte Assemblages on Isolated Trees along an Elevational Gradient in Southwest Panama

Ongoing destruction of tropical forests makes isolated pasture trees potentially important for the persistence of original forest dwellers such as many vascular epiphytes. We studied epiphyte assemblages on 100 isolated trees at ten pasture sites in southwest Panama along an elevational gradient ranging from 140 to 1240 m a.s.l. We analysed epiphyte species composition (richness, similarity) and registered climate and host trait variables of potential influence on their occurrence. We found a total of 5876 epiphyte individuals belonging to 148 species. Epiphyte abundance, species richness and diversity all varied about 4-fold among the 10 sites, with a high similarity of epiphyte assemblages among sites. Two sites at 870 and 1050 m a.s.l. did not fit into the overall elevational trend of increased abundance, species richness and diversity. However, all three measures were significantly correlated with humidity as the independent variable. This highlights that a gradient in humidity, and not elevation as such, is responsible for the typical elevational changes in epiphyte assemblages, so that special local conditions may lead to deviations from expected patterns. Our documentation of current elevational diversity patterns also provides a baseline for the study of long-term changes in epiphyte assemblages in anthropogenically modified landscapes

Congreso científico 2016

La Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí (UNACHI), continuando con el fortalecimiento de las políticas institucionales, correspondientes al Factor 2: Investigación e innovación, presenta a la consideración de los estamentos universitarios y a la sociedad panameña, el presente volumen, Avances en Investigación 2016, en el cual se recogen los resultados preliminares y los productos de las investigaciones, impulsadas desde las unidades académicas y la Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Posgrado (VIP), durante el período 2015-2016. Cumpliendo con el compromiso de responsabilidad social, el equipo de gestión administrativa de la Rectora Magnífica, Etelvina Medianero de Bonagas, rinde cuentas de los principales logros, los impactos sociales y las proyecciones generadas desde el quehacer investigativo institucional. La realización del II Congreso Científico comprende el desarrollo de conferencias magistrales, conferencias cortas, ponencias, un panel y la exposición de murales. En su conjunto, es un evento académico, a través del cual se procura ofrecer una visión holística de la investigación, desde las perspectivas de las diversas disciplinas, con el propósito de contribuir a un mejor entendimiento del saber humano, a que se realicen aportaciones a las teorías del conocimiento y se propongan soluciones a los grandes temas de interés nacional. Es a partir de esta visión, que en el congreso se abordan temáticas pertinentes con la gestión de la investigación; las estrategias para la colaboración internacional; las tendencias de la investigación científica; los indicadores de ciencia, tecnología e innovación; la energía y el desarrollo sustentable; el emprendimiento y la innovación; los desafíos de la agricultura, ante la soberanía alimentaria; el plan estratégico del agro panameño; la educación y las pruebas PISA; los estudios del virus del Zika y las investigaciones virológicas; los retos en la salud y el bienestar humano; la seguridad y desarrollo humano y el rol del periodismo en tiempos actuales, entre otros temas. Algunas de las instituciones nacionales e internacionales que comparten sus experiencias en el Congreso, son la Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENACYT); la Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP); el Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES); el Ministerio de Educación (MEDUCA); la Caja de Seguro Social (CSS); la Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED); el Instituto Interamericano de Ciencias Agrícolas (IICA) y el Programa LASPAU, afiliado a la Universidad de Harvard. Por la UNACHI, se cuenta con decidida participación de sus investigadores, institutos y centros de investigación. Los países de los cuales proceden los conferencistas son, los Estados Unidos, Guatemala, Colombia, Bolivia y Perú; además, del país sede, Panamá