Diversity and structure of tropical rain forest of Tutuila, American Samoa: effects of site age and substrate
Webb E and Fa`aumu S. 1999. Diversity and structure of tropical rain forest of Tutuila, American Samoa: effects of site age and substrate. Plant Ecology. 144:257-274
Report contains information about tree community diversity, guild composition, and forest structure from three 1.2 ha permanent forest research plots on Tutuila, American Samoa. Plots were established in three habitat types of lowland hill forest: two in mature tracts that differed in substrate type (talus vs non-talus), and a third in a 30-40 year-old abandoned plantation on non-talus soil. A total of 57 tree species were encountered. Classification of 24 tree species into four distinct guilds based on forest-type preference: early successional or persistent successional (disturbed forest), generalist (no preference), or mature phase. Results of this study suggest that conservation of the native fauna is essential in retaining the potential for regeneration of native forest after large-scale disturbance.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Webb, Edward; Fa`aumu, Siaifoi
- Units
- NPSA , PACN
- Keywords
- American Samoa, Biomass, Dispersal, Disturbance, Guilds, Plant Communities (Vegetation), Plant-animal interactions, Regeneration, Succession, Tutuila