Devaney, John L. and Lehmann, Michael and Feller, Ilka C. and Parker, John D. (2017) Mangrove microclimates alter seedling dynamics at the range edge. Ecology, 98 (10). pp. 2513-2520. ISSN 0012-9658

Preview

Download (777kB) | Preview

Abstract

Recent climate warming has led to asynchronous species migrations, with major consequences for ecosystems worldwide. In woody communities, localized microclimates have the potential to create feedback mechanisms that can alter the rate of species range shifts attributed to macroclimate drivers alone. Mangrove encroachment into saltmarsh in many areas is driven by a reduction in freeze events, and this encroachment can further modify local climate, but the subsequent impacts on mangrove seedling dynamics are unknown. We monitored microclimate conditions beneath mangrove canopies and adjacent open saltmarsh at a freeze-sensitive mangrove-saltmarsh ecotone and assessed survival of experimentally transplanted mangrove seedlings. Mangrove canopies buffered night time cooling during the winter, leading to interspecific differences in freeze damage on mangrove seedlings. However, mangrove canopies also altered biotic interactions. Herbivore damage was higher under canopies, leading to greater mangrove seedling mortality beneath canopies relative to saltmarsh. While warming-induced expansion of mangroves can lead to positive microclimate feedbacks, simultaneous fluctuations in biotic drivers can also alter seedling dynamics. Thus, climate change can drive divergent feedback mechanisms through both abiotic and biotic channels, highlighting the importance of vegetation-microclimate interactions as important moderators of climate driven range shifts.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Avicennia germinans; coastal wetlands; Laguncularia racemosa; mangrove; range expan�sion; Rhizophora mangle; saltmarsh; species migration; winter climate chan;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > Biology
Item ID:	16188
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.1979
Depositing User:	John Devaney
Date Deposited:	28 Jun 2022 14:56
Journal or Publication Title:	Ecology
Publisher:	Ecological Society of America
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

Repository Staff Only(login required)

Item control page

Downloads

Origin of downloads