Transient Population Dynamics of Two Epiphytic Orchid Species after Hurricane Ivan: Implications for Management

Populations of epiphytic orchids in disturbance‐prone environments rarely reach stable‐stage equilibrium. We characterized the post‐disturbance, transient dynamics of two epiphytic orchids, Broughtonia cubensis, and the leafless Dendrophylax lindenii, comparing the following indices: reactivity/firs...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biotropica 2015-07, Vol.47 (4), p.441-448
Main Authors: Raventós, José, González, Elaine, Mújica, Ernesto, Bonet, Andreu
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adults
amplification
asymptotic growth
demography
elasticity
epiphytes
habitats
hurricanes
momentum
Orchidaceae
orchids
Population
population dynamics
population momentum
reactivity
seeds
short-term dynamics
Tropical Biology
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Summary:Populations of epiphytic orchids in disturbance‐prone environments rarely reach stable‐stage equilibrium. We characterized the post‐disturbance, transient dynamics of two epiphytic orchids, Broughtonia cubensis, and the leafless Dendrophylax lindenii, comparing the following indices: reactivity/first‐time attenuation, maximal amplification/attenuation, and amplified/attenuated inertia. We also assessed the effects of reintroducing only seeds or only adults, by examining the elasticity of the inertia on the vital rates. For 2006–2010, the stochastic growth rate of D. lindenii was λₛ = 0.94, or a 6 percent decrease per annum. First‐time step attenuation indicates that in 1 year, the population could decrease by an additional 16 percent, and in the worst‐case scenario could decrease by almost half, relative to the stable‐stage distribution, in 10 years. Broughtonia cubensis had a λₛ = 1.03; reactivity and first‐time step attenuation indicates that in 1 year, the population should not change by more than 14 percent of the estimated stable‐stage distribution. However, the worst‐case scenario projected a reduction of 40 percent relative to the stable‐stage distribution within 8 years. A comparison of reintroduction strategies assessed by elasticity of the population momentum showed that adults performed better when relocated to new habitats.
ISSN:0006-3606
1744-7429
DOI:10.1111/btp.12231