Forest structure of artificial islands in the Tucuruí dam reservoir in northern Brazil: a test core-area model

摘要: Construction of hydroelectric dams in tropical regions has been contributing significantly to forest fragmentation. Alterations at edges fragments impact plant communities that suffer increases tree damage and dead, decreases seedling recruitment. This study aimed test the core-area model a fragmented landscape caused by construction power Brazilian Amazon. We studied variations structure between margin interiors 17 islands 8-100 hectares Tucurui dam reservoir, two plots (30 >100m from margin) per island. Mean density, basal area, density cover did not differ marginal interior island plots. Also, no significant differences were found liana dead or for The peculiar topographic conditions associated with matrix habitat shapes seem extend edge effects islands' centers independently size, giving similar physical microclimatic as edges. propose protocol assessing ecological impacts natural surrounded induced (artificial) involves three steps: (1) identification focal taxa particular conservation management interest, (2) measurement an "edge function" describes response these edges, (3) use "Core-Area Model" extrapolate function parameters existing novel situations.