Chris Dahl, Stephen J. Richards, Ismale Basien, Augustine J. Mungkaje, Vojtech Novotny
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Rainforests on high tropical mountains are globally important species diversity hotspots. We studied amphibians along an extensive rainforest elevation gradient on Mt. Wilhelm (4509 m) in Papua New Guinea. We established eight sites at 500 m elevation increments between 200 and 3700 m a.s.l. and relate their community composition to the known species pool of New Guinea island. We recorded 3390 frogs from 55 species, which is three times more species than at any local community along the elevation gradient. Species diversity peaked at 1700 m a.s.l. for Mt. Wilhelm communities, and at 500–1100 m a.s.l. in the broader New Guinea fauna, probably reflecting increasing speciation and decreasing dispersal rates with increasing elevation. The beta diversity between frog communities was high and increased with increasing elevation. The change in frog community composition across 500 m elevation corresponded to the change over 200 km distance within lowland forests. A majority of frog species were distributed over narrow <500 m elevational ranges, at Mt Wilhelm and the New Guinea fauna more broadly. We did not detect Rapoport's pattern of wider elevation range for species at higher elevations than for lowland species, for Mt. Wilhelm communities or the New Guinea fauna. The high beta diversity patterns along elevation gradients generated by rapid species turnover with narrow elevation ranges make frog communities vulnerable to change in environment, including climate change.
Abstract in Melanesian Pidgin is available with online material.
期刊介绍:
Ranked by the ISI index, Biotropica is a highly regarded source of original research on the ecology, conservation and management of all tropical ecosystems, and on the evolution, behavior, and population biology of tropical organisms. Published on behalf of the Association of Tropical Biology and Conservation, the journal''s Special Issues and Special Sections quickly become indispensable references for researchers in the field. Biotropica publishes timely Papers, Reviews, Commentaries, and Insights. Commentaries generate thought-provoking ideas that frequently initiate fruitful debate and discussion, while Reviews provide authoritative and analytical overviews of topics of current conservation or ecological importance. The newly instituted category Insights replaces Short Communications.