Environmental drivers of canopy gap geometry: a meta-analysis of gap disturbance regimes across forest biomes

Abstract

Forest degradation and related biodiversity loss require urgent improvement of forest management practices. Ecological forestry, including emulation of natural disturbances and retention management is considered a promising candidate for a management strategy aiming for reducing logging impact on biodiversity processes underpinning ecosystem services. However, properties of natural disturbances and their consequences on forest ecosystems show immense variations across different forest biomes. Therefore, understanding region-specific properties of natural disturbances (e.g. canopy gap formations) is fundamental to implement the appropriate emulation practices. Moreover, recent climate change is already altering disturbance regimes in relation to region-specific climatic factors. Canopy gap structures are primarily determined by the response of forest structure to disturbance intensity, and thus may be associated with climatic and geographic factors. To analyze this association, we collected data of forest canopy gaps from 180 publications across various vegetation types, and compiled dataset of gap size distributions. Here, we will report first findings on geographical patterns of gap size distributions, and their correlations with climatic variables (mean temperature, annual precipitation, and maximum velocity of wind) and stand structural attributes. Based on region-specificity of gap disturbances, we will discuss possible management practices that can emulate natural disturbances and contribute to the maintenance of potential forest structures.