The impact of the invasive tree cedrela odorota on the electric blue gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi) and its habitat (Pandanus rabaiensis) in Kimboza forest reserve, Tanzania
Loading...
Date
2022-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Abstract
Non-native plants are a major cause of habitat loss and fragmentation that lead to biodiversity
loss. Geckos are particularly vulnerable to habitat alterations due to their small range and their
restricted and specific terrestrial habits. However, our understanding of how introduced plants
affect geckos, is poor. In this study, we investigate the potential effects of non-native and invasive
neo-tropical tree Cedrela odorata on the critically endangered electric blue gecko, Lygodactylus
williamsi, and its sole habitat, Pandanus rabaiensis. We used 107 square (10 m x 10 m) sample plots
distributed systematically throughout the forest to assess the extent and effects of C. odorata on
P. rabaiensis forest patches. We compared the abundance of L. williamsi on 125 P. rabaiensis trees
growing in a mixture with C. odorata, native trees, and in pure stands and at three canopy cover
categories (0–30%, >30–50%, and > 50%). We found an inverse relationship between the
abundance of C. odorata trees (diameter at breast height (DBH)> 10 cm) and the abundance of
P. rabaiensis. Spatially, the two trees dominated different parts of the forest. In contrast, the
abundance of L. williamsi was not significantly affected by the presence of C. odorata. However,
change in the canopy cover of the trees growing above the P. rabaiensis significantly affected the
abundance of L. williamsi. The abundance of L. williamsi in a 0–30% cover was significantly higher
than 30–50% and > 50% canopy covers. The findings of this study suggest that if left unmanaged,
C. odorata could continue to take up the space that could be occupied by P. rabaiensis and other
native plants, and thus limit the population size of an endangered species.
Description
Global Ecology and Conservation
Volume 38, October 2022, e02225 pp. 1-11
Keywords
Exotic plants, Habitat modification, Uluguru Mountains, Turquoise dwarf gecko, Reptiles