CAMPBELL

CARO

CHAMSHAMA

CHIDUMAYO

DAYTON

Deo D. Shirima

FROST

MAKANA

MALIMBWI

MUNISHI

Pantaleo K. T. Munishi

PIELOU

PRETZSCH

RUNYAN

SHANNON

SMEE

SPINAGE

Stein R. Moe

Ørjan Totland

Abstract:Dominant woody species can determine the structure and composition of a plant community by affecting environmental conditions experienced by other species. We explored how dominant tree species affect the tree species richness, diversity, evenness and vertical structural heterogeneity of non-dominant species in wet and dry miombo woodlands of Tanzania. We sampled 146 plots from eight districts with miombo woodlands, covering a wide range of topographic and climatic conditions. We recorded 217 woody plant species belonging to 48 families and 122 genera. Regression analysis showed significant negative linear associations between tree species richness, relative species profile index of the non-dominant and the relative abundance of the dominant tree species (Brachystegia spiciformisandBrachystegia microphyllain wet, andBrachystegia spiciformisandJulbernardia globiflorain dry miombo woodlands). Shannon diversity and evenness had strong non-linear negative relationships with relative abundance of dominant tree species. A large number of small individual stems from dominant and non-dominant tree species suggesting good regeneration conditions, and intensive competition affecting survival. We suggest that dominant miombo tree species are suppressing the non-dominant miombo tree species, especially in areas with high recruitments, perhaps because of their important adaptive features (extensive root systems and ectomycorrhizal associations), which enhance their ability to access limited nutrients.</jats:p

Crossref

Journal of Tropical Ecology

Does the abundance of dominant trees affect diversity of a widespread tropical woodland ecosystem in Tanzania?

Does the abundance of dominant trees affect diversity of a widespread tropical woodland ecosystem in Tanzania?

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