Fragmentation impairs the microclimate buffering effect of tropical forests

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Climate Science
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Tropical forest species are highly sensitive to climate change.
• Habitat fragmentation and edge effects reduce forests' microclimate buffering capacity.
• The Atlantic Forest biome is a highly disturbed biodiversity hotspot.

Purpose of the Study:

• Quantify forest area impacted by edge-effect-driven microclimate alterations.
• Extrapolate findings to the entire Atlantic Forest biome.
• Assess the influence of fragment size and edge proximity on microclimate.

Main Methods:

• Collected above and below-ground temperature data for one year.
• Utilized temperature sensors in forest fragments of varying sizes.
• Measured temperature at different distances from forest edges.

Main Results:

• Forests reduced maximum outside temperatures by over one-third at ground level.
• Microclimate buffering was stronger below-ground than above-ground.
• Edge effects extended up to 20m into forest fragments, impacting 12% of the biome.

Conclusions:

• Edge effects significantly alter microclimate within Atlantic Forest fragments.
• Maintaining a low perimeter-to-area ratio is crucial for minimizing altered microclimates.
• Conservation strategies must consider edge effects in fragmented tropical forests.