Ecological study of lianas in Khao Yai national park, Thailand

• Main Authors: Lertpanich, K.(Mahidol University, Bangkok (Thailand). Faculty of Science. Department of Biology), Brockelman, W.Y.(Mahidol University, Bangkok (Thailand). Institue of Science and Technology for Research and Development. Center for Conservation Biology)
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English; Thai
• Published: Bangkok (Thailand) 2002
• Subjects: Biodiversity; Forest ecology; Plants; Species; Surveying; Synecology; Tropical forests

Lianas are important features of tropical rain forests around the world. Lianas determine the forest community structure in various ways. Lianas pull groups of host trees down when one member host tree is felled. Consequently, lianas in open areas, such as in logged areas and tree-fall gaps, inhibit forest regeneration and decrease the growth rates of trees. Lianas often cause mechanical damage to host trees. Finally, lianas increase the mortality rate of trees. Lianas provide structural components of the habitat and food resources. Moreover, lianas reproduce during periods unfavorable to trees, hence they supply food for animals during periods when trees are unproductive. This study was set in the Mo Sing To natural study plot, which covers 27 hectares. All lianas GT=3 cm were included. The total number of stems in the census was 11526 stems (remets). The number of liana individuals was less than that of the stems, which were 8369 individuals (genets). Regarding identified species, there were 32 families, which can be separated into 90 species. The number of identified individuals was 7413 genets. Thus, there were 956 unidentified genets, which need more specimens for identification. This research is also investigating constraint factors (such as soil nutrients, slope, elevation), which determine the distribution of lianas. The study should be finished in 2003.