Impact of El Nino and logging on canopy tree recruitment in borneo
Dipterocarpaceae, the dominant family of Bornean canopy trees, display the unusual reproductive strategy of strict interspecific mast-fruiting. During 1986-99, more than 50 dipterocarp species dispersed seed only within a 1- to 2-month period every 3 to 4 years during El Nino-Southern Oscillation events. Synchronous seed production occurred across extensive areas and was essential for satiating seed predators. Logging of dipterocarps reduced the extent and intensity of these reproductive episodes and exacerbated local El Nino conditions. Viable seed and seedling establishment have declined as a result of climate, logging, and predators. Since 1991, dipterocarps have experienced recruitment failure within a national park, now surrounded by logged forest.
Curran
LM
Department of Biology and School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. U.S. Agency for International Development-Natural Resource Management, Pontianak, West Kalimantan 78121, Indonenia. D.
Caniago
I
Paoli
GD
Astianti
D
Kusneti
M
Leighton
M
Nirarita
CE
Haeruman
H