Access into forest canopies: new ways to study orchids and other canopy organisms

Lowman M.D., . (2005) Access into forest canopies: new ways to study orchids and other canopy organisms. [Proceedings Paper]

Forest canopies contain a major portion of the diversity of organisms on Earth and constitute the bulk of photosynthetically active foliage and biomass in forest ecosystems. Included in this biodiversity are the majority of orchid species as well as many bromeliads ferns and other epiphytes. For these reasons canopy access and research into the dynamics of the treetops have become integral to the management of forests and to our better understanding of global changes. Topics such as epiphyte herbiviory orchid pollinators bromeliad tank inhabitants and foliage longevity can be addressed with greater safety ease and accuracy. In this presentation I review a history of canopy access that spans 25 years. Progression of simple to more complex methods of access is illustrated ranging from ladders to ropes to walkways to cranes and even dirigibles. Advancement of research topics from simple natural history to the current state of experimental biology is also explained. Examples of research projects using different methods of canopy access are explained to provide a sense of how these methods have expanded our ability to study epiphytes and their associated canopy ecosystems. Current rates of exploitation of tropical rain forests give an added incentive for researchers to undertake studies in forest canopies. The next ten years are critical as scientists attempt to classify the biodiversity and ecology of rain forest canopies before habitat fragmentation takes its toll.

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Abstract

Forest canopies contain a major portion of the diversity of organisms on Earth and constitute the bulk of photosynthetically active foliage and biomass in forest ecosystems. Included in this biodiversity are the majority of orchid species as well as many bromeliads ferns and other epiphytes. For these reasons canopy access and research into the dynamics of the treetops have become integral to the management of forests and to our better understanding of global changes. Topics such as epiphyte herbiviory orchid pollinators bromeliad tank inhabitants and foliage longevity can be addressed with greater safety ease and accuracy. In this presentation I review a history of canopy access that spans 25 years. Progression of simple to more complex methods of access is illustrated ranging from ladders to ropes to walkways to cranes and even dirigibles. Advancement of research topics from simple natural history to the current state of experimental biology is also explained. Examples of research projects using different methods of canopy access are explained to provide a sense of how these methods have expanded our ability to study epiphytes and their associated canopy ecosystems. Current rates of exploitation of tropical rain forests give an added incentive for researchers to undertake studies in forest canopies. The next ten years are critical as scientists attempt to classify the biodiversity and ecology of rain forest canopies before habitat fragmentation takes its toll.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Summary En
AGROVOC Term:	CANOPY
AGROVOC Term:	ORCHIDACEAE
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:27
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/16587

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