Demography of palm species in Brazil's Atlantic forest: a comparison of harvested and unharvested species using matrix models

摘要: Surprisingly little is known about the effect of alternative harvesting methods and different means reproduction on population dynamics plant species. Here, we test hypothesis that habitat fragmentation leads to negative growth rates for three palm species in Brazil’s biodiversity-rich highly fragmented Atlantic forest. We compared demography (λ elasticities) Astrocaryum aculeatissimum, Euterpe edulis Geonoma schottiana five fragments ranging size from 19 3500 ha. A total 4.05 ha were censused throughout landscape studied. All individuals palms tagged 2005 their survival was monitored 2006 2007. new plants also recorded. Summary matrices constructed each transition years by pooling data all plots together Based summary matrices, A. aculeatissimum G. asymptotic not significantly 1, suggesting populations these stable. The projection E. decrease size, with 95% confidence intervals λ estimates failing exceed one second year. survivorship high stage classes exceeded 85% postseedling stages. found more important vital larger stages Our results show maintenance levels reproductive should be a focus conservation strategies species, especially case large individuals.