Epiphyte vegetation and diversity on remnant trees after forest clearance in southern Veracruz, Mexico

摘要: Tropical biodiversity, including that of epiphytes, is endangered by conversion rainforests into pastures and other forms land use. The epiphytic vegetation the lowland rainforest area Los Tuxtlas, Mexico, described listing species estimating their dry matter on 283 trees. Epiphytes remnant isolated forest trees in a corridor along brook pasture site logged 28 years ago were compared with cultivated same two undisturbed plots. Generally, number per tree as well total estimated biomass best correlated size, measured diameter at breast height. When this was taken account, epiphytes within range found plots, however, differed significantly, possibly due to differences humidity. Epiphyte numbers showed negative correlation distance from border. Cultivated Citrus Cedrela poor hosts. Differences composition performance some groups may part be explained physiological requirements. attractiveness trees, many which are figs, seed-dispersing birds bats account for comparatively high frequency species.