Tree community diversity of lowland swamp forest in Northeast Costa Rica, and changes associated with controlled selective logging

Abstract

In the Atlantic lowlands of Northeast Costa Rica, logging occurs in tracts of poorly drained wet forest ('swamp forest'), yet little is known about factors affecting swamp forest diversity or the potential for biodiversity retention during harvest. This paper quantitatively describes the species composition and diversity of the swamp forest habitat, and reports the immediate impact of controlled, selective logging on tree community diversity. Pentaclethra macroloba (Leguminosae), Carapa nicaraguensis (Meliaceae) and Pterocarpus officinalis (Leguminosae) accounted for >70% of the primary swamp forest basal area. Nevertheless, 225 species from 53 families with individuals ≥10cm dbh were encountered in 16.4 ha; most species had very low abundances. Gamma diversity is a component of overall swamp forest diversity. Extraction of 49.2m3ha−1 (5.5 trees ha−1) of timber from a 4ha plot reduced species richness by 14, supporting assertions that random mortality during logging can affect the distribution of rare species. However, tree community diversity as measured by rarefaction was not greatly affected by selective logging. Total post-logging stem recruitment over a 3-year period was greater in logged plots than in undisturbed plots; the recruitment of the ruderal species Ochroma lagopus (Bombacaceae) was the most clearly affected by logging. Any localized dominance by this species will be limited in space and time in a carefully managed forest. The results suggest that controlled selective logging can be consistent with biodiversity conservation, and complement protected areas in Northeast Costa Rica.