An Analysis of Forest Edge in La Cruz, Tilaran, Costa Rica
Number: 00S15. Issue: Spring 2000
Author[s]:
Genesis M. Humphrey
Conservation and Resource Studies Major, College of Natural
Resources, University of California, Berkeley
James Daniels
Research Genetics, Inc., Huntsville,
Alabama
Keywords:
deforestation, edge, edge effects, fragmentation, isolation, remnants
Abstract:
When forested land is cleared for agriculture but a fragment of forest remains
uncleared, the forest/clearing edge interface is subjected to a variety of changes collectively known as
edge effects. Changes in light penetration, temperature, wind velocity, edge species abundance, and
seedling stem density that may occur as a result of the clearing damage the structure and biodiversity
of the fragment. Tests of four sample sites in a fragment in La Cruz, Tilaran, Costa Rica showed
significant decreases in light, temperature, and wind as distance away from the forest edge and towards
the forest interior increased. However, results showed no significant difference in edge species abundance
or stem density along the transects. Site variation makes establishing a baseline for edge depth difficult.
Continued studies are necessary so that edge effect can be accounted for in conservation planning.
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