Forest edges revisited: species composition, edge-related species, taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity

Although edges are usually considered key areas for biodiversity, previous studies have focused on anthropogenic edges, usually studied edges in relation to forest interiors (disregarding the adjacent non-woody vegetation), and used simple taxonomic indices (without considering functional or phylogenetic aspects). We studied the species composition as well as taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of north- and south-facing edges and the two adjacent habitats (forest and grassland) in near-natural forest–grassland mosaics in the Kiskunság Sand Ridge (Hungary) and the Deliblato Sands (Serbia). We found that the species composition of edges was significantly different from that of forests and grasslands, and included species that were rare or absent in habitat interiors. This indicates that the contact of adjacent forest and grassland habitats results in the emergence of a new habitat that deserves scientific attention in its own right. In the Kiskunság, species richness and Shannon diversity were generally higher at edges than in forests or grasslands. In the Deliblato, edges were taxonomically not more diverse than grasslands. Thus, increased taxonomic diversity at edges should not be considered a general phenomenon. In the Kiskunság, forests and edges had higher functional diversity than grasslands, while there were no significant differences among the habitats in the Deliblato. It seems that functional diversity is strongly influenced by canopy openness and the traits of the dominant species. The phylogenetic diversity of woody habitats was higher than that of grasslands both in the Kiskunság and the Deliblato, which probably reflects the different evolutionary age of the habitats

Forest edges revisited: Species composition, edge-related species, taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity

Although edges are usually considered key areas for biodiversity, previous studies have focused on anthropogenic edges, usually studied edges in relation to forest interiors (disregarding the adjacent non-woody vegetation), and used simple taxonomic indices (without considering functional or phylogenetic aspects). We studied the species composition as well as taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of north- and south-facing edges and the two adjacent habitats (forest and grassland) in near-natural forest–grassland mosaics in the Kiskunság Sand Ridge (Hungary) and the Deliblato Sands (Serbia). We found that the species composition of edges was significantly different from that of forests and grasslands, and included species that were rare or absent in habitat interiors. This indicates that the contact of adjacent forest and grassland habitats results in the emergence of a new habitat that deserves scientific attention in its own right. In the Kiskunság, species richness and Shannon diversity were generally higher at edges than in forests or grasslands. In the Deliblato, edges were taxonomically not more diverse than grasslands. Thus, increased taxonomic diversity at edges should not be considered a general phenomenon. In the Kiskunság, forests and edges had higher functional diversity than grasslands, while there were no significant differences among the habitats in the Deliblato. It seems that functional diversity is strongly influenced by canopy openness and the traits of the dominant species. The phylogenetic diversity of woody habitats was higher than that of grasslands both in the Kiskunság and the Deliblato, which probably reflects the different evolutionary age of the habitats

Fifteen emerging challenges and opportunities for vegetation science - A horizon scan by early career researchers

With the aim to identify future challenges and opportuni-ties in vegetation science, we brought together a group of 22 early career vegetation scientists from diverse back-grounds to perform a horizon scan. In this contribution, we present a selection of 15 topics that were ranked by participants as the most emergent and impactful for vegetation science in the face of global change. We highlight methodological tools that we expect will play a critical role in resolving emerging issues by providing ways to unveil new aspects of plant community dynam-ics and structure. These tools include next generation se-quencing, plant spectral imaging, process- based species distribution models, resurveying studies and permanent plots. Further, we stress the need to integrate long-term monitoring, the study of novel ecosystems, below- ground traits, pollination interactions and global networks of near-surface microclimate data at fine spatio-temporal resolutions to fully understand and predict the impacts of climate change on vegetation dynamics. We also empha-size the need to integrate traditional forms of knowledge and a diversity of stakeholders into research, teaching, management and policy- making to advance the field of vegetation science. The conclusions reached by this hori-zon scan naturally reflect the background, expertise and interests of a representative pool of early career vegeta-tion scientists, which should serve as basis for future de-velopments in the fiel