Sustache-Sustache, José A.

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Post-hurricane growth and recruitment of plant species used by birds in Northern Puerto Rico
(2004) Sustache-Sustache, José A.; Breckon, Gary J.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Collazo, Jaime A.; Lewis, Allen R.; Department of Biology; González, Sally
In this work, I studied the effects of natural disturbances, specifically Hurricane Georges, on plant growth and survival in forests of north-central Puerto Rico. Eight study plots were monitored from February 1999 to January 2000. This study demonstrated that seedling density of many species was higher in disturbed sites. Two hundred and seventy-nine new seedlings germinated, 9.36 % of the total individuals recorded in all study plots (2,981). Growth (basal area, ht) for all species combined was significantly greater in disturbed sites. Survival of seedlings was consistently higher in disturbed plots. Seedlings that germinated post-hurricane and their species richness were higher in disturbed plots. Species richness highlighted the role of neighboring parental trees, as well as the seed bank and dispersal. Forest gaps facilitated germination, and possibly the replacement of plants otherwise inhibited by canopy species. Lessons gained from my study should be useful to promote native plant species regeneration, and aid in reconciling competing forest management practices.