Exploring intermediate richness peak: Contrasting local and regional patterns of vascular epiphytes in the Brazilian tropical montane cloud forests

• DOI: 10.1111/aec.70015
• Publication Date: 2024-12-10T09:52:27Z
• Authors: Samyra Gomes Furtado; Daniel Elias Ferr...; Luiz Menini Neto
• Keywords: Cloud forest; Rarefaction (ecology); Elevation (ballistics); Epiphyte; Species distribution

Abstract Altitudinal gradients can provide valuable insights into the distribution patterns of species richness at both local and regional scales. Typically, peaks intermediate elevations. This pattern be attributed to factors such as climatic conditions, mid‐domain effect, historical‐evolutionary processes. Our research aimed investigate vascular epiphytes along elevation gradient in dwarf cloud forests Serra da Mantiqueira (SM), Brazil. We hypothesised that would peak elevations correlating with availability water. To test this hypothesis, we sampled 18 plots, each measuring 20 × m, seven protected areas varying gradients. The lowest plot was 1270 highest 2350 m. In plot, surveyed trees (phorophytes) a circumference breast height 30 cm. Rarefaction analysis conducted compare among while beta diversity used assess composition changes across SM range. employed generalised linear model (GLM) Poisson examine relationships between environmental variables plant richness. findings suggest there is no any localities. However, regionally, range 1500‐1700 m exhibited richness, particularly when compared higher which are subject low temperatures act filters, limiting despite precipitation. Furthermore, plots above 1980 showed turnover, indicating these filters contribute more homogeneous composition. Species influenced by differences, overall, geographical distance not significant, within same locality turnover. study provides foundation for understanding altitudinal context global climate change.