Liana community assemblages in relation to human disturbance in a tropical forest in Ghana: implications for conservation

Abstract

Although lianas are disturbance-adapted plants, there are conflicting reports about how human disturbance influences their community assemblages in tropical forests. The current study was conducted to determine the patterns of liana diversity and community structure following human disturbance, and examine the conservation implications in the Kakum National Park, Ghana. Liana diversity and community structure were investigated in thirty 40 × 40 m plots (15 plots/forest type) that were randomly demarcated in disturbed and undisturbed forests (secondary and primary forests, respectively). Furthermore, tree saplings and seedlings were counted in the two forests and related with liana abundance. The findings revealed that liana Shannon diversity index, abundance and basal area were significantly higher in the disturbed forest. Besides, these attributes correlated significantly with disturbance intensity. Dominance of several liana species varied between the forest types probably as a result of human disturbance. Abundance of tree sapling and seedling was significantly lower in the disturbed forest, and it related negatively and significantly with liana abundance in the disturbed forest. Tree regeneration was absent in areas where lianas formed thickets. Management of lianas in the disturbed forest may be needed as lianas appear to have impeded tree regeneration.