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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
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A Method for Quantifying Foliage-Dwelling Arthropods
Published on: October 20, 2019
Tree species richness of upper Amazonian forests
1Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299.
Summary
High tree species richness was found in Upper Amazonian forests, challenging previous assumptions. These forests host more tree species than Asian forests, indicating a global pattern in tropical ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Botany
- Biodiversity Science
Background:
- Tropical forests are crucial for global biodiversity.
- Understanding tree species richness patterns is vital for conservation.
- Previous research suggested Asian forests were more species-rich than Amazonian ones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify tree species richness in Upper Amazonian forests.
- To compare Amazonian tree species richness with other tropical regions.
- To challenge existing notions about forest biodiversity distribution.
Main Methods:
- Conducted censuses of trees with a diameter of 10 cm or greater.
- Established six 1-hectare plots in Amazonian Peru.
- Included one plot on the Venezuela-Brazil border.
Main Results:
- Two plots near Iquitos, Peru, exhibited the highest tree species richness globally (approx. 300 species/hectare).
- All Peruvian plots were among the most species-rich ever reported.
- Upper Amazonian forests showed equal or greater tree species richness compared to Asian forests.
Conclusions:
- Upper Amazonian forests are exceptionally species-rich.
- High tree species richness is a characteristic of mature lowland evergreen forests globally.
- Fertile to moderately infertile soils support high tree diversity across continents.
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