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Amazonia comprises a mosaic of contrasting habitats, with wide environmental heterogeneity at local and regional scales. In central Amazonia, upland forest (terra firme) is the predominant forest type and seasonally flooded forests inundated by white- and black-water rivers (várzea and igapó, respectively) represent around 20% of the forested areas. In this work, we took advantage of a natural spatial arrangement of the main vegetation types in central Amazonia to investigate butterfly assemblage structure in terra firme, várzea and igapó forests at the local scale. We sampled in the low- and high-water seasons, combining active and passive sampling with traps placed in both the understory and canopy. Terra firme supported the highest number of butterfly species, whereas várzea forest provided the highest number of butterfly captures. The high species richness in terra firme may reflect that this forest type is floristically richer than várzea and igapó. Várzea is a very productive environment and may thus support a higher number of butterfly individuals than terra firme and igapó. Most butterfly species (80.2%) were unique to a single forest type and 17 can be considered forest type indicator species in this landscape. Floodplain forest environments are therefore an important complement to terra firme in terms of butterfly species richness and conservation in Amazonia.

Background and Purpose: The study aims at comparing two (over 100 years old) floodplain oak-predominated forests in the Czech Republic (CZ) with two in of Croatia (HR) with regards to: i) their structure and yield and, more specifically, ii) individual oak tree characteristics including acorn production. Materials and Methods: In both countries a different silvicultural concept is preferred (CZ: clear-cutting management with artificial regeneration, HR: shelterwood management with natural regeneration). The main research goal was to create a basic decision tool for forest managers and open some questions for future research. Results: Despite the different natural and management practices, the total standing volume of floodplain forest was found to be similar in both countries, ranging from 500 to 700 m3·ha-1 (basal area: 34-41 m2·ha-1). In CZ generally more poor structure diversity was detected. Although in CZ the number of crop oaks (130-160 oaks per hectare) was almost double as compared with HR, the CZ oaks had shorter crowns, almost twice smaller crown projection, lower mean volume and lower share of valuable assortments. Conclusions: Despite the total standing volume of oaks in HR being lower than in CZ, the total yield was observed in Croatia (loss in CZ ca. 22,000 €·ha-1). The acorn density and quality were generally higher in HR with a more even distribution as well. Despite more favourable climatic conditions in HR, the currently used management system in CZ floodplain forests should be gradually converted to the Croatian model with a multi-layered forest structure, more focused on individual tree growth and stability with high economical value and high reproductive potential.

Areas subject to little anthropogenic impact and with preserved river dynamics are very rare in the floodplains of large European rivers [7-9]. These environmentally valuable territories are usually categorized as different forms of protected areas. Particularly due to the establishment of the Natura 2000 network of nature protection areas, the number of floodplain forests thus protected in Europe has been gradually increasing. In the context of environmental assessment of Natura 2000 sites, environmental assessment of the level of natural habitat conservation appears to be a potential decision support tool. This paper assesses the efficiency of the Natura 2000 European Network in the biodiversity conservation of Central European floodplain forest habitats on the ecosystem level of an entire river basin (Morava River basin, Czech Republic). In order to express the efficiency of natural habitat conservation, our paper uses the nature conservation efficiency index, which is calculated in the GIS environment based on an environmental analysis of data obtained through natural habitat mapping in the Czech Republic, conducted in 2001-2004 as part of the conservation objectives of Natura 2000. Environmental analysis results show that the conservation efficiency of the Natura 2000 network in territorial conservation of floodplain forests in the study area of the Morava River floodplain is approximately six times as high (NCEIEU = 0.067) as the efficiency of the Czech national network of protected areas (NCEICZ = 0.017). The paper also highlights the importance of detailed habitat mapping for environmental landscape studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the bryophyte flora of İğneada Floodplain Forest National Park (Kırklareli-Demirköy) and Acarlar Floodplain Forest (Sakarya-Karasu) in Turkey were investigated in 2016–2017. Here, we report Bryum gemmiferum R. Wilczek & Demaret from İğneada Floodplain Forest National Park in Turkey. In addition, we report Atrichum crispum (James) Sull from both İğneada and Acarlar Floodplain Forest in Turkey. Atrichum crispum is also a new record for Asia continent. Illustrations, location in Turkey and comparisons with morphologically similar taxa were given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bryophyte flora of Karacabey (Bursa) Floodplain Forest in Turkey was investigated in 2017. Here, we report Weissia multicapsularis (Sm.) Mitt. from forest. This globally important moss species is a new record for Turkey and the continent of Asia. Illustrations, details of the location in Turkey and comparisons with morphologically similar taxa are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of fruit, seeds and seedlings, as well as the anatomy of the seed and the seedling of Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze. Morpho-biometry was performed on fifty fruit samples and one hundred seeds. To describe the sequences of the morphological events of the germination stages, ten seeds were placed to germinate. Anatomical analysis was performed in a scanning electron microscope with seed samples and seedling leaves. The species has leguminous type fruit of 16.1 to 45.2 cm length and 4.1 to 7.3 cm width; seeds have a pleurogram and are eurispermic, ovoid, deltoid to elliptical and measure from 3.8 to 6.1 cm length and 2.5 to 5.7 cm width. Anatomically, the cotyledons are composed of thin-walled parenchyma cells with various oil cells. The seedlings have bipinnate leaves, with waxes and simple trichomes at the margins of the adaxial surface and paracytic stomata on the abaxial surface. The epicotyl is slightly twisted, with caducous cataphylls and a first pair of alternate eophylls. Germination is of the phanero-hypogean-reserve type. Taxonomic recognition of this species is possible in the field through the external morphological traits and can help in identification of saplings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survival of planted trees is commonly used as a performance metric for compensatory mitigation wetlands. However, establishing floodplain forest through planting is difficult due to flood-induced tree mortality. We used multiyear tree census and hydrologic data from 17 compensatory mitigation projects in Illinois, USA, to relate planted and volunteer tree establishment to flood frequency, depth, and duration. Annual survival of planted trees decreased with greater annual maximum flood depth and duration. By the end of official compliance monitoring, sites with greater flood exposure had greater planted tree mortality. We resurveyed 10 sites that were at least 10 years old, and found that long-term tree survival was significantly lower in sites with greater flood exposure. Naturally colonizing trees differed in species composition from planted trees; specifically, wind dispersed species were well-represented among volunteer trees, whereas hard mast species were absent. There was no clear relationship between volunteer tree recruitment and measured flood variables. Across all sites, compliance with tree survival standards was poor, but influenced by hydrologic conditions. Current performance standards for tree survival may be unrealistic in restored wetlands that are exposed to long-duration floods. Regulators and practitioners should seek alternative methods to establish desired floodplain forest structure and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottomland hardwoods are floodplain forests along rivers and streams throughout the southeastern United States. The interrelations among hydrology, soils, geomorphic landforms, and tree species composition are the foundation of forest management in bottomland hardwoods, and historically their correspondence has allowed for somewhat predictable forest responses based upon the hydrogeomorphic setting. However, extensive hydrologic and geomorphic modifications in floodplains have disrupted these interrelations and, on many sites, have created novel disturbance regimes resulting in unpredictable forest responses. Reduced or altered timing of surface flooding and groundwater declines are common in the region and have favored increases in stem densities, particularly of species less tolerant of flooding and more tolerant of shade. In these highly modified systems, more process-level understanding of floodplain hydrology, soil moisture dynamics, interspecific tree competition, and regeneration is needed to develop more effective management prescriptions and for forestry to be represented in integrated water-resource management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We introduce a flood disturbance module to the LANDIS-II forest succession modelling framework to enable investigations into how inundation interacts with other disturbances and successional processes to alter floodplain forest cover and community dynamics. • In a case study in the Upper Mississippi River floodplain, USA, we illustrate how predictions of total forest cover and the abundance of different forest community types were responsive to patterns of inundation and outbreaks of the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). • Our results suggest that a deeper understanding of floodplain forest dynamics can be gained through integrative models that combine forest successional processes and other disturbances, with the impacts of inundation. • This modelling framework should allow for future studies that examine how alternative hydrologic scenarios and other disturbances interact to influence floodplain forests in space and time. Simulation models are often used to identify hydrologic regimes suitable for different riparian or floodplain tree species. However, most existing models pay little attention to forest successional processes or other disturbances that may interact with the hydrologic regime of river systems to alter forest dynamics in space and time. In this study, we introduce a flood disturbance module to the LANDIS-II forest succession modelling framework to enable investigations into how inundation interacts with other disturbances and successional processes to alter floodplain forest cover and community dynamics. We illustrate the functionality of the model using a case study with multiple scenarios in the Upper Mississippi River floodplain, USA. We found that model predictions of total forest cover and the abundance of specific forest community types were generally related to uncertainty in the susceptibility of different species and age classes to inundation. By simulation year 100, increases or decreases in total forest cover and forest type distributions were roughly proportional to the initial differences in the susceptibility of species and age classes to inundation. The largest decrease in total forest cover was associated with a scenario that included disturbance by the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) and when using susceptibility parameters corresponding to the weakest flood tolerance. In contrast, changes in the composition of aboveground biomass were not sensitive to differences in susceptibility, and generally showed shifts toward later successional species with higher shade tolerance and longer lifespans for all scenarios. Our findings suggest that flood inundation interacts with other disturbances (e.g., insect outbreaks) and forest successional processes to alter forest abundance, distribution, and species composition in this system. Our modelling framework should allow for future studies that examine such interactions in other systems, and in the context of alternative hydrologic scenarios and other disturbance regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Species determination of forest birds in the field is mostly acoustic-based. Th us, acoustic detectability of birds is probably a key factor significantly affecting the results of bird census in forests. In this study, we focused on acoustic detectability of nesting birds in the European temperate floodplain forest. We analysed songs in passerines and territorial calls in non-passerine birds. The audibility of bird calls is relatively high, most species can be well acoustically detected at the distance of 100 m and longer. Good audibility was recorded (across the species under study) at the distance of 57-608 m (mean 213 m, median 175 m, SD = 117, n = 53), threshold audibility at the distance of 57-897 m (mean 231 m, median 185 m, SD = 151, n = 53). In a floodplain forest with closed canopy, the audibility of birds was significantly lower than in open habitats. The audibility of birds was rather low before 10 a. m. (Central European Summer Time) and increased later due to the decline of vocal activity of a part of the bird assemblage, when a smaller number of individuals was calling and, at the same time, the threshold distance of their audibility increased. The audibility is higher in species with larger body size (body mass > 50 g) in comparison with smaller species (body mass ≤ 50 g). In the paper, some factors affecting the acoustic detectability of forest birds are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A critical review of reports from European localities reveals that the herein newly described Populus erratica Sachse, nom. nov. was previously treated under a variety of names. Due to its stratigraphical range from the late Oligocene to early Miocene, it might be a useful tool for age determinations in the terrestrial record. So far it is known only from warm-temperate floodplain forests in Central Europe – possibly even restricted to the alpine area. The taxonomic relationships to some morphologically similar species from other localities cannot be entirely clarified here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article brings new information about phenomenon of the growth of floodplain forest without influence of floods over 50 years. Floodplain forest and its hydrogeological regime are under detail research for 10 years and detail 10 years data from hydrogeological well is used in this study. The area of interest belongs to nature reserve Plackuv les what together with brook Satava represents a unique relic of a floodplain forest in the confluence area of the rivers Svratka and Jihlava in southern Moravia (South-Moravian Region). The damming of the channel of the river Svratka has caused the end of floods. Despite the anthropogenic regulations performed, the hydrogeological conditions have remained preserved at the site. Stream channel was rised due to the regulation at the above the level of the existing ground; this eliminated its drainage functions for groundwater. The contact between the base of floodplain loams and the groundwater Tab. is not lost and the capillary rise in them remains preserved. Analysis of groundwater level confirmed multi-component refilling of the hydrogeological structure, which is drained in Plackuv les and the river Satava. All last 10 years, the maximum of the groundwater level measured is from July to September. It means, that groundwater reaches the highest level in the period, when the minimum flow rates are recorded on the surface flows. In this period, the locality displays the maximal infiltration of the precipitation from the last hydrological year from distant infiltration area. Because of the absence of floods, groundwater at this site is the most significant resource of water, and it represents a key-factor which enables the growth and thriving of the floodplain forest ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topographic diversity is an important component of environmental heterogeneity. Topographic diversity within the Upper Mississippi River floodplain has been degraded because of modifications for navigation improvement. Efforts aimed at restoring topographic diversity in the Upper Mississippi River floodplain have been extensive but have not focused on reversing the effects of forest loss and degradation. We investigated habitat features associated with Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) locations both within and outside of river floodplains and hypothesized this species would select topographically diverse habitats. Both topographic diversity and the distance to the upland forest/floodplain forest interface were useful predictors of Cerulean Warbler presence. We conclude that incorporation of topographic diversity into floodplain forest restoration planning would likely benefit Cerulean Warblers and the other species with similar habitat requirements. Incorporating topographic diversity into floodplain forest conservation planning will be challenging on major rivers that serve multiple purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Black locust plantations are always lighter, warmer and less humid. • Contain more non-forest, ruderal and significantly higher number of alien species. • The largest impact of black locust was recorded on the mixed oak-hornbeam forests. • The smallest impact was recorded on the floodplain forest. Abstract Information about invasive alien species and their interactions with the environment and native ecosystems is very important to prevent widespread loss of original habitats and biodiversity. Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is one of the most widespread alien plant species in Europe and has become a dominant forest tree species, which is frequently planted. We analysed how environmental factors (light, temperature and humidity), species composition and level of invasion changed in black locust stands compared with those in different neighbouring native forest types (floodplain, oak and mixed oak-hornbeam forests). The aims of this study were to determine (i) how the microclimatic conditions of the native forests changed after replacing the native trees with black locust, (ii) how black locust changed species composition and level of invasion of the understory and (iii) whether black locust equally influenced the three types of native forests. The results showed that compared with those of the other forest types, the conditions of black locust stands were always warmer and drier with more light from the sparse canopy of trees. In the black locust forests, we recorded more non-forest and ruderal species with significantly higher percentage number and cover of alien species in the understory vegetation than in the native forest stands. Different native forest types and their black locust twins were mutually influenced in a different way. The mixed oak-hornbeam forest was the type most influenced by replacement with black locust, whereas floodplain forest changed the least. Black locust plantations replacing native forests cause decreasing native species biodiversity, because of the occurrence of alien, ruderal and non-forest species. The dry and warm character of black locust stands contributed to an acceleration of microclimate change. This information can be useful for forest managers and planners participating in the replacement of native forest stands by alien tree species, which has ecological and economic impacts with consequences for nature and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patterns of habitat selection are influenced by local productivity, resource availability, and predation risk. Species have taken millions of years to hone the macro- and micro-habitats they occupy, but these may now overlap with contemporary human threats within natural species ranges. Wattled Curassow (Crax globulosa), an endemic galliform species of the western Amazon, is threatened by both hunting and habitat loss, and is restricted to white-water floodplain forests of major Amazonian rivers. In this study conducted along the Juruá River, Amazonas, Brazil, we quantified the ranging ecology and fine-scale patterns of habitat selection of the species. We estimated the home range size of C. globulosa using conventional VHF telemetry. To estimate patterns of habitat selection, we used geo-locations of day ranges to examine the extent and intensity of use across the floodplain, which were then compared to a high-resolution flood map of the study area. We captured two females and one male, which we monitored for 13 months between September 2014 and September 2015. Average home range size was 283 ha, based on the 95% aLoCoH estimator. Wattled Curassows selected areas of prolonged flood pulses (six to eight months/year) and had a consistent tendency to be near open water, usually in close proximity to river banks and lakes, especially during the dry season. Amazonian floodplains are densely settled, and the small portions of floodplain habitat used by Wattled Curassows are both the most accessible to hunters and most vulnerable to deforestation. As a result, the geographic and ecological distribution of Wattled Curassows places them at much higher extinction risk at multiple spatial scales, highlighting the need to consider habitat preferences within their conservation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Uroczysko Warta is one of the most important riparian forest areas in Poland. The construction of the Jeziorsko reservoir resulted in changes in the Warta river hydrological regimes. This in turn led to a reduction in the floodplain area and flooding frequency, which as a consequence has had a dramatically detrimental effect on the floodplain forests in that wilderness. Riparian forests are among the richest and most beautiful forest ecosystems. Unfortunately, river regulation and flood control measures result in their degradation. In Poland only 0.2% total area is covered by riparian forests. The Uroczysko Warta is one of the most important groups of these habitats not only in Poland, but also on the European scale. It was assumed that the implementation of simple land and water system restoration systems -- gates, barrages, culverts with backwater valve gates -- may promote recreation of advantageous hydrological relations. This study presents results of water monitoring in the Uroczysko Warta Wilderness and the volume of deadwood formed as a consequence of hydrometeorological conditions. The paper provides a detailed description of climate characteristics (air temperature and precipitation) in the 30-year period of 1988-2017, i.e. after the commissioning of the Jeziorsko reservoir along with the hydrological characteristic of the wilderness area in the years 2009-2017 (water stages in the Warta river and in the Lutynia river, water stages in oxbow lakes and groundwater tables) and the volume of deadwood formed in the years 2006-2014. Water stages in the Warta and the Lutynia as well as water levels in oxbow lakes and groundwater tables show considerable mutual correlations. This indicates efficient operation of constructed land reclamation systems. The volume of formed deadwood shows no evident trends, only a close relationship with climatic conditions. Thus it may be hypothesised that the concept for the protection of floodplain forests in the Uroczysko Warta, consisting in the buffer supply of oxbow lakes at high water stages in the Warta and the Lutynia is appropriate, particularly since waters supplying the wilderness area do not stagnate, but they move within the ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecology of earwigs in natural forest ecosystems is poorly understood. We used sweeping to determine the population densities of adult earwigs, by sex and species, on ten tree species in a temperate floodplain forest in southern Moravia (Czech Republic). We also determined the relationships between the properties of tree species and earwig density and diet as indicated by digestive tract contents. The densities and diet composition of earwigs differed between the three detected earwig species [Apterygida media (Hagenbach, 1822), Chelidurella acanthopygia (Genè, 1832) and Forficula auricularia Linnaeus, 1758] and among tree species. Earwig densities were related to lichen coverage and fungal coverage on the trees. The diet of earwigs was associated with specific leaf area, herbivore damage to the leaves, and light exposure of the trees. A. media was the most abundant of the three earwig species. Although the contents of its digestive tract changed depending on available food resources, A. media appeared to preferentially consume soft-bodied insect herbivores and fungi associated with wounds caused by herbivores rather than plant material. Therefore, this species has the potential to help reduce the population densities of soft-bodied pests of forest trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries worldwide, measures have been taken in floodplains for flood prevention and nature rehabilitation. In the Netherlands, floodplains are lowered by excavating in order to enlarge the discharge capacity and create opportunities for the development of river habitats such as forest. As forest can obstruct the flow of water through a floodplain, their development has to be controlled in some cases. In many floodplains, the growth of the vegetation is controlled by cattle and horses. We carried out an exclosure experiment over a twelveyear period in a partly excavated and year-round grazed floodplain along a lowland river in the Netherlands. We focussed on hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) as it plays an important role in the obstruction of water flow and in the wood-pasture cycle. Most hawthorn shrubs were recorded on the excavated part of the floodplain with a low cover of tall herbaceous plants. The total number of hawthorn plants was negatively related to inundation on the lower parts of the excavated sites and positively related to inundation on the higher parts of the excavated sites. The herbivores negatively affected the establishment and growth of hawthorn. Although lowering the floodplain by excavation will increase the discharge capacity of the floodplain in the short term, it will decrease in the long term as excavation also increases opportunities for the development floodplain forest. If flood prevention and nature rehabilitation are both goals to be achieved in a floodplain, hawthorn encroachment can be controlled by a clever design and management of grazing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The current status of the forest fund is discussed. The agroforestry melioration potential of the Western Kazakhstan region is assessed. The modern silviculture stage on the area studied is described. Biodiversity depletion is noted, and possibilities for conservation of the existing natural and artificial protective plantings in the extreme conditions of Western Kazakhstan are assessed. Floodplain forests, chopping sand massifs and estuary-type depressions, and gully and ravine forests are considered as key botanical and landscape territories of the surveyed area. Three key areas, namely, the experimental planting at the Janybek Research Station, aspen on Bolshaya Ichka Mountain, and the Pershinskiy forest are characterized. The necessity of applying new agroforestry land use and practice is justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floodplain forests are considered important forest ecosystems, and providers of ecosystem functions and services. The subject of this research was to assess the level of provision of five selected ecosystem functions (climate regulation and regulation of short water cycle, biomass production, oxygen production, and carbon sequestration) and biodiversity by relevant groups of forest habitats, and their mutual comparison. Assessment of ecosystem functions was performed in biophysical units based on published data, our own research, and expert knowledge. The results showed the high importance of floodplain forests. In the majority of the services that were studied, this habitat reached high values and, in comparison with the other habitats, took one of the leading positions. When comparing the ranking in the provision of individual ecosystem functions per unit area, the best-assessed habitat in all assessed functions was floodplain and wetland forests, followed by ravine forests and beech forests, but the analysis of the rate of ecosystem function provision, related to the total area of interest, showed a different order of values. Understanding the context of the individual ecosystem functions of natural ecosystems and those close to nature, in comparison with anthropogenically altered ecosystems is a suggested route for ecologically and economically balanced landscape decision-making, which may increase the efficiency of nature and landscape protection.

Research Highlights: Rare, or sparsely distributed, species drive the floristic diversity of upland, terra firme and seasonally flooded forests in the central Juruá—a remote and hitherto floristically poorly known area in the Brazilian Amazon. Background and Objectives: Floristic inventories are critical for modelling and understanding the role of Amazonian forests in climate regulation, for sustainable management of forest resources and efficient conservation planning. Yet, detailed information about the often complex spatial distributions of many Amazonian woody plants is limited. Here, we provide information about forest structure and species composition from a remote terra firme forest and an adjacent floodplain forest in the western Brazilian Amazon. More specifically, we ask (1) how floristically different are the terra firme and floodplain forests? and (2) how variable is species composition within the same forest type? Materials and Methods: Between September 2016 and October 2017, we inventoried 97 plots (each 0.1 ha; 100 × 10 m) placed at least 800 m apart, with 46 plots in terra firme forest and 51 in seasonally flooded forest. We included all trees, hemi-epiphytes and palms with diameter at breast height (dbh) > 10 cm and woody lianas > 5 cm dbh. We examine forest structure, family- and species-level floristic composition and species diversity within and between forest types using family and species importance values, rarefaction curves and dissimilarity matrices. Results: Terra firme forest and seasonally flooded forest woody plant communities differ both in structure and species composition, which was highly variable within forest types. Many species were shared between terra firme and seasonally flooded forests, but most species were forest type-specific. Whereas species richness was greatest in the terra firme forest, floodplain species richness was among the highest regionally. Conclusions: Floodplain forests are a crucial complement to terra firme forests in terms of Amazonian woody plant diversity.

Riparian forests are considered as complex and biologically rich habitats. They play a crucial role for biodiversity conservation, in particular in landscapes under strong management pressure. Tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) support a wide array of biodiversity and some authors have suggested using them as indirect biodiversity indicators in forest ecosystems. This study investigates TreM profiles of a temperate riparian forest as last natural forest ecosystem in a context of intensively managed landscape along the Ciron river and of surrounding pine plantations of the Landes de Gascogne forest (France) and explores their drivers at tree and plot scales. A total of 28 transects perpendicular to the river, representing 84 0.1 ha-plots, were selected along the Ciron river and three of its tributaries. At tree scale, diameter at breast height (dbh), tree species and tree status (living, standing or lying dead) were significant predictors of TreM diversity. At plot scale, Alnus glutinosa was found to significantly contribute to riparian forest TreM profiles by hosting specific TreMs. The same role was highlighted for broadleaved species in pine plantations. At plot scale, the drivers of TreM diversity varied depending on plot location in the transect (riparian forest, plantation forest, intermediate area). We found that the presence of lying dead trees is an important driver of TreM diversity at plot scale, particularly in plantation stand and we thus suggest lying dead trees be included in future studies focusing on TreMs. The rich TreM profile of riparian forests highlights their crucial role in biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We followed the long-term changes of softwood floodplain forests strongly altered by water regime changes and examine the behaviour of neophytes in this environment. Here we ask: (1) How did the composition of neophyte and native species change? (2) How did the presence of species that prefer wetter conditions change? (3) What traditionally distinguished type of softwood floodplain forests (a wetter one or a more mesophilous one) do neophytes prefer? (4) What environmental factors affect the native species richness and the occurrence and cover of neophytes? Materials and Methods: Historical and recent phytosociological relevés of the association Salicetum albae of the Slovak part of the inland delta of the Danube River were used (177 plots together). For each plot, the number and cover of neophytes and number of native species were measured, and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, the stand structure (cover of tree, shrub and herb layer) and the mean of Ellenberg indicator values were calculated and compared among time periods. Temporal trends of the soil moisture characterized by indicator values calculated for each plot were determined using a Linear Model. The synoptic table of traditional vegetation types was done to show preferences of neophytes for particular softwood forest types. The effect of site conditions on native species richness and occurrence of neophytes was determined using the Generalized Linear Model. Results: The relative number and cover of neophyte species increased and the absolute number of native species decreased over time; the vegetation of the area has changed from variable hygrophilous and mesophilous to homogenised mesophilous; most non-native species prefer the mesophilous vegetation of the floodplain forests; the wetter parts of the floodplain more successfully resisted invasions. Conclusions: The vegetation of the researched area has considerably changed over time to become less diverse and less hygrophilous, and has more invasive species. To preserve floodplain forests, natural hydrological and connectivity patterns should be adequately protected.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to characterize the floristic-structural heterogeneity of the tree species in an alluvial forest remnant considering three sectors: forest-river edge, forest interior and forest/non-forest matrix edge. Forty-eight plots of 200 m 2 were allocated and all tree individuals with a diameter at breast height (dbh) equal to or greater than 5 cm were measured and identified. Data was analyzed by Shannon’s diversity index, Pielou evenness and phytosociological descriptors. Plots were ordered through NMDS. Sixty-six species were sampled and Myrtaceae was found to be the richest family. Diversity and evenness reached 2.96 and 0.71, respectively. Sebastiania commersoniana (Baill.) L.B.Sm. & Downs presented the highest importance value (21.22%). The NMDS showed that tree components are spatially partitioned according to sectors, therefore indicating floristic-structural heterogeneity.

Patterns of habitat selection are influenced by local productivity, resource availability, and predation risk. Species have taken millions of years to hone the macro- and micro-habitats they occupy, but these may now overlap with contemporary human threats within natural species ranges. Wattled Curassow (Crax globulosa), an endemic galliform species of the western Amazon, is threatened by both hunting and habitat loss, and is restricted to white-water floodplain forests of major Amazonian rivers. In this study conducted along the Juruá River, Amazonas, Brazil, we quantified the ranging ecology and fine-scale patterns of habitat selection of the species. We estimated the home range size of C. globulosa using conventional VHF telemetry. To estimate patterns of habitat selection, we used geo-locations of day ranges to examine the extent and intensity of use across the floodplain, which were then compared to a high-resolution flood map of the study area. We captured two females and one male, which we monitored for 13 months between September 2014 and September 2015. Average home range size was 283 ha, based on the 95% aLoCoH estimator. Wattled Curassows selected areas of prolonged flood pulses (six to eight months/year) and had a consistent tendency to be near open water, usually in close proximity to river banks and lakes, especially during the dry season. Amazonian floodplains are densely settled, and the small portions of floodplain habitat used by Wattled Curassows are both the most accessible to hunters and most vulnerable to deforestation. As a result, the geographic and ecological distribution of Wattled Curassows places them at much higher extinction risk at multiple spatial scales, highlighting the need to consider habitat preferences within their conservation strategy.