Species coexistence in tropical forests
The mechanisms underlying the coexistence of hundreds of sympatric species are still much debated. Using spatially-expicit data on >3,500 individual seedlings and >3,000 trees in the Myristicaceae (nutmeg) family, I am investigating the strength and influence of density-dependence, abiotic and biotic neighbourhoods and species traits on survival, growth, distribution and reproduction at the individual and community levels.
Neighbourhood and community interactions determine the spatial pattern of tropical tree seedling survival
A study of the influence of local neighbourhood (nearby seedlings and trees of the same or different species) has shown the extent of spatial autocorrelation in seedling survival, and the importance of including these factors.
I am now incorporating abiotic variable (light and habitat) as well as species traits (relative growth rate, seed size) into models of individual seedling survival in order to examine density dependence and niche effects.
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Resource- and pollen-limitation of fruit production in dioecious tropical trees
With spatially-explicit data on c.1,000 reproductive individuals in 15 species, I am investigating the effects of inter-sex distance, male flowering investment, and female traits (size, light availability...) on fruit production over the previous seven years.
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Study site
The Yasuni Forest Dynamics Plot is one of the highest diversity sites in the Neotropics.
Finding Species works to document the flora and fauna of Yasuni, produce field guides, and coordinate a scientific voice for the protection of the Park.
Yasuni Rainforest Campaign
SOS Yasuni
Recent article and website on Yasuni and the ITT
