Agent‐based modeling of the effects of forest dynamics, selective logging, and fragment size on epiphyte communities

摘要: Forest canopies play a crucial role in structuring communities of vascular epiphytes by providing substrate for colonization, locally varying microclimate, and causing epiphyte mortality due to branch or tree fall. However, as field studies the three-dimensional habitat are generally challenging, our understanding how forest structure dynamics influence is scarce.Mechanistic models can improve community dynamics. We present such model that couples dispersal, growth, individual with dynamics, obtained from functional-structural model, allowing study forest-epiphyte interactions. After validating independent data, we performed several theoretical simulation experiments assess (a) differences natural (b) selective logging, (c) fragmentation could long-term communities.The proportion arboreal occupied (i.e., saturation level) was tightly linked increased decreasing turnover rates. While species richness was, general, negatively correlated rates, low numbers forests very-low-turnover rates were competitive exclusion when became saturated. Logging had negative impact on communities, potentially leading near-complete extirpation simulated target diameters fell below threshold. Fragment size no effect abundance level but positively numbers.Synthesis: The presented first step toward studying dynamic interactions an agent-based modeling framework. Our suggests key factor controlling communities. Thus, both human-induced changes example, loss large trees, pose challenges conservation.