Riparian Ficus tree communities: the distribution and abundance of riparian fig trees in northern Thailand.

ABSTRACT: Fig trees (Ficus) are often ecologically significant keystone species because they sustain populations of the many seed-dispersing animals that feed on their fruits. They are prominent components of riparian zones where they may also contribute to bank stability as well as supporting associated animals. The diversity and distributions of riparian fig trees in deciduous and evergreen forests in Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand were investigated in 2010-2012. To record the diversity and abundance of riparian fig trees, we (1) calculated stem density, species richness, and diversity indices in 20×50 m randomly selected quadrats along four streams and (2) measured the distances of individual trees from four streams to determine if species exhibit distinct distribution patterns within rip

SUBMITTER: Pothasin P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4195654 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature