Ecuador
Herbaceous plant diversity in forest ecosystems: patterns, mechanisms, and threatsBACKGROUND:Recent studies have expanded our ecological understanding by focusing on forest herbs, highlighting that while trees dominate ecological theory, they represent only a small fraction of forest plant diversity. Forests showcase varying plant diversity due to human activities like land-use changes, invasive species, climate change, and overabundant herbivores, necessitating comprehensive management strategies. By understanding the complex interplay of these factors, the research aims to promote effective long-term conservation and sustainability of herbaceous plant communities in these environments. Available with subscription or purchase |
Seed Production and 22 Years of Climatic Changes in an Everwet Neotropical ForestBACKGROUND:Yasuní National Park in western Amazonia hosts one of the world’s most biodiverse and everwet tropical forests, with minimal seasonal variation in rainfall and temperature. Its stable climate and relative insulation from large-scale disturbances such as ENSO make it an ideal site to investigate long-term ecological responses to climate change. The forest’s biological richness and global conservation importance underscore the need to understand how shifting climatic conditions influence seed production and, by extension, forest regeneration and community dynamics. Available with subscription or purchase |
Mapping tree species vulnerability to multiple threats as a guide to restoration and conservation of tropical dry forestsBackground:The global biodiversity crisis is exacerbated by anthropogenic threats such as climate change, habitat conversion, and overexploitation. Evaluating the susceptibility of ecosystems and species to these threats is imperative for strategic and cost-effective planning of restoration and conservation efforts. Available with subscription or purchase |
Disrupted montane forest recovery hinders biodiversity conservation in the tropical AndesBackgroundIn the U.N. Decade on Restoration, recovering degraded forests is a high priority. Andean montane forests are a biodiversity hotspot, storing large quantities of carbon, and providing many sources for human livelihood. Many parts of the Andean forests are recovering after agriculture abandonment, but it is not yet known how the dynamics of these recovery processes progress over time. Knowledge of forest regeneration trajectory is crucial for further restoration planning. Open access copy available |
Regeneration Status and Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge for Cloud Forest Ecosystem Restoration in EcuadorBackgroundForests are a crucial component of global biodiversity. Ecuador has a long history of deforestation and forest degradation. Historical contexts such as colonization and governmental initiatives have shaped and will continue to shape the way people and forests interact. Emerging evidence supports the integration of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) into ecological restoration practices in order to more effectively manage natural resources while incorporating the needs of local communities. The authors use this study to evaluate human disturbance impacts on cloud forest species and what TEK in the area can provide to aid in restoration. Open access copy available |
Human Persecution is An Important Threat to the Conservation of the Endangered Black-and-Chestnut Eagle in Northern AndesBackgroundHuman-wildlife conflicts are widespread and put threatened species at an even higher risk of extinction. Human persecution of threatened wild animals with the aim to protect domesticated animals contributes to the decline of threatened wild animals. The black-and-chestnut eagle is under threat in the northern Andes of Ecuador and Colombia due to efforts to protect domestic poultry. Open access copy available |
Safeguarding sloths and anteaters in the future: Priority areas for conservation under climate changeBackgroundSloths and anteaters come from the order Pilosa which has very little species richness and a high rate of species loss in recent years, making this order highly vulnerable to extinction. This order is distributed endemically in the Neotropics. Conservation concerns are high due to the high levels of habitat fragmentation and loss in Neotropical landscapes and conservation areas need to be prioritized to ensure Pilosa species survival. Available with subscription or purchase |
Forest ecosystem services at landscape level – Why forest transition matters?BackgroundForest transition theory describes patterns of forest decline and recovery. This theory explains what services change as forested landscapes shift in the three stages of recovery. This model covers both forest-type gradients (diversity and usage) and landscape gradients (connectivity and coverage). It is not yet understood how these forest transition stages influence the quantity and quality of ecosystem services. Open access copy available |
Módulo 5: El enfoque de paisaje en la planificación a mesoescala de la restauraciónEspañolAntecedentesOpen access copy available |
Módulo 4: Practicando la restauración ecológica: el monitoreo y mantenimiento de áreasEspañolAntecedentesOpen access copy available |
