Abstract
On a continental scale, Neotropical dry forests exhibit high plant beta diversity, forming twelve unique floristic provinces. Conserving this diversity requires plans to protect areas in each province, based on an understanding of their particular ecological conditions. In Colombia dry forest occurs in seven regions. We explored some challenges for conserving beta diversity at the country scale by downscaling the analysis and framing it in the context of the general knowledge status of the country’s dry forests, and particularly of seed dispersal. Our literature review revealed 178 studies, with an increase in publication rate in recent years. The Cauca Valley and the Caribbean region had the most publications. More than half of studies were species inventories of plants, birds, and bats, whereas only ten studies dealt with plant-animal interactions and five with secondary succession. Analyses on plants, birds, and bats revealed high levels of dissimilarity among regions. One-half of plant species in Colombia´s dry forests are dispersed by birds and mammals. Large-sized frugivorous birds and mammals are absent from remaining forest patches, which may negatively affect patterns of seed dispersal and secondary succession. Understanding the ecological and biogeographic factors at several scales, supported by local knowledge of the ecological processes that contribute to forest integrity, is key for the conservation of the unique and distinctive species composition of regional assemblages. A coordinated research effort that integrates knowledge of ecological processes at local to national scales is a priority.
Highlights
The Dry Tropical Forest (DTF) biome has a global distribution and encompasses a broad variety of ecosystem types, from open woodlands to dense forests that may be mostly or partially deciduous
We explored some challenges for conserving beta diversity at the country scale by downscaling the analysis and framing it in the context of the general knowledge status of the country’s dry forests, and of seed dispersal
In Colombia, the original area of DTF covered an extent of 88 829 km2, but 90 % has already been transformed into pastures, crops, and urban areas; the remaining area is highly fragmented (González-M et al 2018)
Summary
The Dry Tropical Forest (DTF) biome has a global distribution and encompasses a broad variety of ecosystem types, from open woodlands to dense forests that may be mostly or partially deciduous. Dry forests are among the most threatened ecosystems on a global scale, due to anthropogenic transformation for agriculture and other uses (Portillo-Quintero and Sánchez-Azofeifa 2010). 97 % of the remaining area of DTF throughout the tropics is at risk due to one or more factors such as landscape transformation, habitat fragmentation and climate change (Miles et al 2006). Developing strategies for the conservation of dry forest biodiversity and ecosystem services at country and continental scales is necessary and urgent (Portillo-Quintero et al 2015, Calvo-Rodríguez et al 2016). Viable, ecosystems these strategies should be based on solid knowledge of ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes that may operate at different spatial and temporal scales
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
