Local‐ and landscape‐scale drivers of terrestrial herbaceous plant diversity along a tropical rainfall gradient in Western Ghats, India

BACKGROUND:

In tropical forests, understory herbaceous angiosperms, which can constitute up to 40% of plant species richness, are understudied compared to trees, and while tree diversity is primarily driven by water availability, it is hypothesized that herb diversity may be more influenced by light availability. Forest ecosystems host a wide variety of plant species, with trees representing a small fraction, while the majority consists of herbaceous plants, which are profoundly impacted by biotic and abiotic factors such as land-use history, invasive species, climate change, and herbivory. The study highlights the urgent need for more standardized survey methods and long-term monitoring to manage and preserve herbaceous plant diversity in forest ecosystems effectively.

GOALS AND METHODS:

The primary goal of this study is to enhance the understanding of herbaceous plant diversity in forest ecosystems by highlighting recent advancements in ecology. The paper employs methods such as selecting ten recent papers to discuss major themes and advances, examining local, regional, and global patterns of herbaceous diversity, and investigating ecological mechanisms such as abiotic and biotic interactions. Additionally, it reviews the impact of anthropogenic pressures like land-use history, invasive species, and climate change, and underscores the importance of standardized survey methods and long-term monitoring for effective conservation strategies.

CONCLUSIONS AND TAKEAWAYS:

The study concludes that addressing methodological challenges in surveying herbaceous plants is crucial for a deeper understanding of their diversity and distribution in forest ecosystems. Findings show that patterns and drivers of herb diversity differ significantly from those of woody plants, necessitating direct comparisons and specific strategies. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the importance of short-distance seed dispersal and biotic interactions in herb diversity, recommending active restoration strategies to mitigate human disturbances and climate change impacts.