Authors:
Lugo, A.E.
Publication Date:
2009
Abstract/Summary:
We live in the era of secondary forests that is rapidly giving way to a new era of novel tropical forests. Research in Puerto Rico documents the emergence of novel forests, which are different in terms of species composition, dominance, and relative importance of species from forests that were present before the island was deforested. These novel forests emerged without assistance. They are a natural response to the new environmental conditions created by human activity. Natural processes have remixed or reassembled native and introduced plant and animal species into novel communities adapted to anthropogenic environmental conditions. Novel forests are expected to protect soils, cycle nutrients, support wildlife, store carbon, maintain watershed functions, and mitigate species extinctions. The dawn of the age of tropical novel forests is upon us and must not be ignored.
Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article
Source:
Biotropica
Link:
https://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pubs/ja_iitf_2009_lugo003.pdf