Pervasive alteration of tree communities in undisturbed Amazonian forests

William F. Laurance (), Alexandre A. Oliveira, Susan G. Laurance, Richard Condit, Henrique E. M. Nascimento, Ana C. Sanchez-Thorin, Thomas E. Lovejoy, Ana Andrade, Sammya D'Angelo, José E. Ribeiro and Christopher W. Dick
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William F. Laurance: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Alexandre A. Oliveira: University of São Paulo
Susan G. Laurance: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Richard Condit: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Henrique E. M. Nascimento: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Ana C. Sanchez-Thorin: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Thomas E. Lovejoy: National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA)
Ana Andrade: National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA)
Sammya D'Angelo: National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA)
José E. Ribeiro: National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA)
Christopher W. Dick: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Nature, 2004, vol. 428, issue 6979, 171-175

Abstract: Abstract Amazonian rainforests are some of the most species-rich tree communities on earth1. Here we show that, over the past two decades, forests in a central Amazonian landscape have experienced highly nonrandom changes in dynamics and composition. Our analyses are based on a network of 18 permanent plots unaffected by any detectable disturbance. Within these plots, rates of tree mortality, recruitment and growth have increased over time. Of 115 relatively abundant tree genera, 27 changed significantly in population density or basal area—a value nearly 14 times greater than that expected by chance. An independent, eight-year study in nearby forests corroborates these shifts in composition. Contrary to recent predictions2,3,4,5, we observed no increase in pioneer trees. However, genera of faster-growing trees, including many canopy and emergent species, are increasing in dominance or density, whereas genera of slower-growing trees, including many subcanopy species, are declining. Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations6 may explain these changes, although the effects of this and other large-scale environmental alterations remain uncertain. These compositional changes could have important impacts on the carbon storage, dynamics and biota of Amazonian forests.

Date: 2004
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DOI: 10.1038/nature02383

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