Ecological networks in savannas reflect different levels of hydric stress in adjacent palm swamp forest ecosystems.

ABSTRACT: Palm swamp forests are wetland ecosystems typical of the Brazilian Cerrado, which in recent decades have undergone intense changes due to land use alterations and climate change. As a result of these disturbances, many palm swamps have been experiencing significant drying, which can also affect adjacent vegetation. In the present study, we evaluated whether the drying of palm swamps affects the structure of plant-herbivore networks located in adjacent savanna areas in Brazil. Our results show that savanna areas adjacent to dry zones of palm swamps have fewer interactions, fewer interacting species, and a less specialized topology, which corroborates our expectations. Our findings indicate that the drying of palm swamps also has propagated impacts on adjacent savanna vegetation, impairing m

SUBMITTER: de Araujo WS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11393334 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature