Abiotic and Biotic Factors as Predictors of Species Richness on Madagascar

摘要: Madagascar contains a diversity of endemic species. Yet levels species richness vary among the isolated habitats scattered across island. A number ecological factors have been advanced to account for patterns richness. In particular, abiotic such as habitat area, latitude, altitude, temperature, and rainfall suggested ultimate differences in may support. Biotic variables vegetation type more proximate determining available animals occupy. Several studies included Malagasy locales evaluating large-scale relationships between (e.g., [Reed Fleagle, 1995], [Fleagle Reed, 1996]; [Eeley Lawes, 1999]; [Emmons, [Ganzhorn et al., 1999]). This study combines data on geography, topography, climate, with lists from 27 national parks, reserves, other protected areas specifically address biogeographic Madagascar. Ecological are considered individually order determine which biotic best predict primate, mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian