Spatial patterns of species diversity in Kenya

摘要: The most striking feature of Earth is the existence life and its diversity. Explaining patterns species diversity one complex problems in ecology. This because usually outcome many contributing factors whose relative importance varies with spatial temporal scales. However, carefully framed questions about can provide insight into a wide variety processes on doctoral thesis investigates ecological responsible for variability mainly richness birds large mammals, to lesser extent plants Kenya. Chapter 1 gives brief general introduction biological diversity, aim study, description study area outline thesis. Chapters 2 3 introduce two new indices based animal body size. In chapter 2, an index herbivores derived from inverse relationship between size local abundance. has advantage incorporating information abundances without need time-consuming surveys. addition, by estimating abundance every mass, differences are also incorporated proposed index. proposes grazing mammals measure variation among species. treating different sizes as being essentially different. Practically, (Chapters 3) may be ideal rapid appraisal herbivore over areas sampling basis presence absence within unit. 4 5 focus use Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer-Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (AVHRR-NDVI) means relevant environmental influencing at landscape scale. 4, vascular were correlated interannually integrated maximum average NDVI (standard deviation coefficient variation). Species negatively positively NDVI. demonstrates relations net primary productivity (NPP) biodiversity indicators (species number individuals). related deviation) unimodally NDVI, highest individuals occurring intermediate levels (productivity). Given assumptions close NPP heterogeneity, this concludes that both heterogeneity hypotheses important understanding potential remotely sensed data explaining richness. 6 explores mammal habitat using spectral reflectance high resolution satellite (Landsat TM). influence scale relation was tested. changes calculations strength correlation does not change direction implies before starting manage which protected must determined. 7 examines correlates bird regional (a quarter degree) Mean annual evapotranspiration emerged overriding factor confirming hypothesis energy partitioned such environmentally available limits 8, predicted multi-temporal vegetation Hence, establishes relates favoring whereas represent limiting distribution Since reflect stable cover, occurs predictable environments 9 reflecting current ecoclimatic stability. reveals regions persistence conditions have enhanced development human cultures agricultural development. Consequently, pressure nature often particularly great biologically unique regions. view this, distinctions made unstable concerning conservation priorities management approaches.