Forest edge disturbance increases rattan abundance in tropical rain forest fragments

摘要

Human-induced forest fragmentation poses one of the largest threats to global diversity yet its impact\udon rattans (climbing palms) has remained virtually unexplored. Rattan is arguably the world’s most\udvaluable non-timber forest product though current levels of harvesting and land-use change place wild\udpopulations at risk. To assess rattan response to fragmentation exclusive of harvesting impacts we\udexamined rattan abundance, demography and ecology within the forests of northeastern, Australia.\udWe assessed the community abundance of rattans, and component adult (>3 m) and juvenile (≤3 m)\udabundance in five intact forests and five fragments (23–58 ha) to determine their response to a range\udof environmental and ecological parameters. Fragmented forests supported higher abundances of\udrattans than intact forests. Fragment size and edge degradation significantly increased adult rattan\udabundance, with more in smaller fragments and near edges. Our findings suggest that rattan increase\udwithin fragments is due to canopy disturbance of forest edges resulting in preferential, high-light\udhabitat. However, adult and juvenile rattans may respond inconsistently to fragmentation. In managed\udforest fragments, a rattan abundance increase may provide economic benefits through sustainable\udharvesting practices. However, rattan increases in protected area forest fragments could negatively\udimpact conservation outcomes.