Linking Amazon Forest Dynamics with Mammalian Diversity

Natural disturbances such as treefalls are a major component of tropical forest dynamics. These omnipresent treefall gaps are crucial for forest regeneration and promote plant diversity. However the effects of treefalls on mammals are not well understood. This book provides novel insights into the population dynamics, community structure, and species richness of terrestrial and arboreal small mammals in treefall gaps and undisturbed forests within the Amazonas. The discovery of a reciprocal source-sink dynamics and the underlying mechanisms of higher mammalian species diversity in gaps contributes to a better understanding of the role of natural disturbances. This book will be especial useful for biology students and professionals interested in tropical ecology and new strategies for conservation and forest management.