An investigation of the distribution and ecology of tree ferns (Cyatheaceae) in the Tambopata Reserved Zone, Madre de Dios, Peru
1994
Report
Unpublished report of unknown provenance
Reserva Nacional Tambopata Parque Nacional Bahuaja-Sonene ferns plants inventories distributions ecology habitat heterogeneity habitat preferences Nephelea cuspidata Trichipteris Cyathea Cyatheaceae Madre de Dios Bibliography
Very little is known about the ecology of trees ferns; few publications suggest that they require light and high moisture. From the observations made, it is possible to conclude that they are common in lowlands, in canopy gaps and other relative open areas of the forest. In the ZRT a preliminar study on tree ferns was made and the results showed that they are abundant in "quebradas" (small rivers, creeks). Later, more detailed quantitative studies were made concerning its distribution. Also information on the natural history of ferns was gathered, taking as a distribution pattern, size class, number of reproductive individuals and level of herbivore damage. The samples obtained in the "quebradas" were compared with the ones of the adjacent forest. It was found two groups of species (group A exclusively composed by Nephelea cuspidata and group B by several species of Trichipteris and Cyathea). It was demonstrated that the ferns were concentrated in "quebradas" and although, in general terms, tree ferns are scarce in Tambopata, considerable concentrations of them can be found in some sites. Some of the species are exclusively distributed in "quebradas" and other in adjacent forests. The factors affecting this distribution have not been yet determined and require additional study.