Differences in Survival and Growth Among Tropical Rain Forest Pioneer Tree Seedlings in Relation to Canopy Openness and Herbivory

A study on pioneer tree species in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka, reveals that canopy openness significantly enhances seedling survival over time, while herbivory reduces it, particularly under dense canopies. The research tracked 960 seedlings of six species across four gap-understory positions, finding that survival and growth varied consistently with known shade tolerance rankings. Notably, Trema orientalis exhibited the lowest survival but highest growth potential when established, whereas Dillenia triquetra showed the highest survival but minimal growth. Wendlandia bicuspidata uniquely responded positively to herbivory by resprouting. These findings suggest that both light availability and herbivory play crucial roles in shaping pioneer species distribution through fine-scale niche partitioning, with implications for reforestation strategies.

Goodale, U. M., Berlyn, G. P., Gregoire, T. G., Tennakoon, K. U., & Ashton, M. S. (2014). Differences in Survival and Growth Among Tropical Rain Forest Pioneer Tree Seedlings in Relation to Canopy Openness and Herbivory. Biotropica, 46(2), 183–193. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.12088