An experimental test of the importance of isolated trees for frog diversity in tropical landscapes.

ABSTRACT: Isolated trees are conspicuous in fragmented landscapes and are often considered 'keystone structures', due to their significant ecological role despite occupying small areas. They are also regarded as 'biodiversity foci', because they may support higher abundance and species richness than nearby open areas. However, these suggestions have not been tested experimentally yet. Using experimental ponds and amphibians as a model system, we tested the importance of isolated trees for biological communities in a biodiversity hotspot, the Atlantic Forest. We built and sampled 28 artificial ponds, 10 near the edge of a continuous forest, nine beneath isolated trees and nine in open pasture. To test for differences in amphibian community structure among experimental treatments, we quantified commun

SUBMITTER: Almeida-Gomes M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12214440 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature