The Spatial Distribution of Mistletoe in a Southern Indian Tropical Forest at Multiple Scales

摘要: Taxillus tomentosus is a mistletoe of significant management concern in southern India. This affects the productivity several nontimber forest products, most significantly Amla (Phyllanthus emblica and Phyllanthus indofischeri), whose fruits provide an important source income for indigenous communities. Management interventions are required to secure continued viability thereby its role livelihoods. To enhance scientific basis management, we characterized distribution T. at three scales, examined potential mechanisms underlying this distribution, compared both with those documented other habitats. Mistletoes were aggregated all scales: on individual trees, within plots 500 m2, scales 3-4 km. Seed deposition patterns initial 'template' that largely determines tree plot scales. pattern subsequently altered as variation host suitability mortality from fires influence establishment success postestablishment survival. Local prevalence infection contributed spread, areas high highlighted appropriate foci intervention. Although novel scale aggregation have been identified, tropical appears be shaped by similar forces previously temperate systems.