Influence of climate and regeneration microsites on <em>Pinus contorta</em> invasion into an alpine ecosystem in New Zealand
In many regions, alien conifers have spread widely at lower elevations and are increasingly found colonizing alpine areas. Although studies have addressed conifer invasions at low elevations, little is known about the rates and constraints on spread into higher elevations. Here, we assess the relati...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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AIMS Press
2016-08-01
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| Series: | AIMS Environmental Science |
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| Online Access: | http://www.aimspress.com/environmental/article/947/fulltext.html |
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| author | Melanie A. Harsch Philip E. Hulme Richard P. Duncan Sara Tomiolo |
| author_facet | Melanie A. Harsch Philip E. Hulme Richard P. Duncan Sara Tomiolo |
| author_sort | Melanie A. Harsch |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In many regions, alien conifers have spread widely at lower elevations and are increasingly found colonizing alpine areas. Although studies have addressed conifer invasions at low elevations, little is known about the rates and constraints on spread into higher elevations. Here, we assess the relative importance of climate and the availability of regeneration microsites on the establishment of the alien species <em>Pinus contorta</em> into a high elevation site in New Zealand. Spread has occurred from two stands planted at the elevation of the native treeline (1347–1388 masl) in the 1960s. Most stems established between 1350 and 1450 masl and <em>P. contorta</em> individuals were found up to 270 m above the original plantings. Although the population has increased by 180% in the last 20 years, population growth rate has been declining. Furthermore, comparisons with studies from other mountain ranges around the world and at low elevations in New Zealand suggest this is a relatively limited spread. Our results suggest that climate variation did not have a significant effect on establishment patterns, as opposed to availability of regeneration microsites. Soil and alpine mat microsites favoured establishment of<em> P. contorta</em> and, although these microsites did not appear to be saturated, microsite availability may be an important limiting factor for the spread of <em>P. contorta.</em> Thus management strategies should focus on preventing spread in addition to removing already established stems. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-11T14:16:08Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-c42bd8d8c8f14bae8397cafbe96800be |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2372-0352 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-11T14:16:08Z |
| publishDate | 2016-08-01 |
| publisher | AIMS Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | AIMS Environmental Science |
| spelling | doaj.art-c42bd8d8c8f14bae8397cafbe96800be2022-12-22T01:03:08ZengAIMS PressAIMS Environmental Science2372-03522016-08-013352554010.3934/environsci.2016.3.525environ-03-00525Influence of climate and regeneration microsites on <em>Pinus contorta</em> invasion into an alpine ecosystem in New ZealandMelanie A. HarschPhilip E. Hulme0Richard P. DuncanSara TomioloThe Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, PO Box 85084, Christchurch, New ZealandIn many regions, alien conifers have spread widely at lower elevations and are increasingly found colonizing alpine areas. Although studies have addressed conifer invasions at low elevations, little is known about the rates and constraints on spread into higher elevations. Here, we assess the relative importance of climate and the availability of regeneration microsites on the establishment of the alien species <em>Pinus contorta</em> into a high elevation site in New Zealand. Spread has occurred from two stands planted at the elevation of the native treeline (1347–1388 masl) in the 1960s. Most stems established between 1350 and 1450 masl and <em>P. contorta</em> individuals were found up to 270 m above the original plantings. Although the population has increased by 180% in the last 20 years, population growth rate has been declining. Furthermore, comparisons with studies from other mountain ranges around the world and at low elevations in New Zealand suggest this is a relatively limited spread. Our results suggest that climate variation did not have a significant effect on establishment patterns, as opposed to availability of regeneration microsites. Soil and alpine mat microsites favoured establishment of<em> P. contorta</em> and, although these microsites did not appear to be saturated, microsite availability may be an important limiting factor for the spread of <em>P. contorta.</em> Thus management strategies should focus on preventing spread in addition to removing already established stems.http://www.aimspress.com/environmental/article/947/fulltext.htmlbiological invasionsclimate changedendrochronologydispersalforestrymicrohabitat<em>Pinus contorta</em>recruitmenttree lineweed |
| spellingShingle | Melanie A. Harsch Philip E. Hulme Richard P. Duncan Sara Tomiolo Influence of climate and regeneration microsites on <em>Pinus contorta</em> invasion into an alpine ecosystem in New Zealand AIMS Environmental Science biological invasions climate change dendrochronology dispersal forestry microhabitat <em>Pinus contorta</em> recruitment tree line weed |
| title | Influence of climate and regeneration microsites on <em>Pinus contorta</em> invasion into an alpine ecosystem in New Zealand |
| title_full | Influence of climate and regeneration microsites on <em>Pinus contorta</em> invasion into an alpine ecosystem in New Zealand |
| title_fullStr | Influence of climate and regeneration microsites on <em>Pinus contorta</em> invasion into an alpine ecosystem in New Zealand |
| title_full_unstemmed | Influence of climate and regeneration microsites on <em>Pinus contorta</em> invasion into an alpine ecosystem in New Zealand |
| title_short | Influence of climate and regeneration microsites on <em>Pinus contorta</em> invasion into an alpine ecosystem in New Zealand |
| title_sort | influence of climate and regeneration microsites on em pinus contorta em invasion into an alpine ecosystem in new zealand |
| topic | biological invasions climate change dendrochronology dispersal forestry microhabitat <em>Pinus contorta</em> recruitment tree line weed |
| url | http://www.aimspress.com/environmental/article/947/fulltext.html |
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