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Oberlin College

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Program Name

Madagascar: Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management

Abstract

The effect of elevational gradients on biodiversity has been widely studied in the field of ecology (Rahbek, 1995). The evidence supports a trend for highest biodiversity at mid latitudes and decreasing biodiversity as elevation increases (Rahbek, 1997; Grytnes, 2003; Hariharan and Buckley, 2022). This effect has primarily been explained by variation of temperatures and resource availability at different elevations. However, the effect that elevation plays on fungal communities is relatively underrepresented in the literature (Dahlberg, 2001). This study analyzes changes in mushroom diversity across an elevational gradient in Mitsinjo Reserve and Analamazaotra National Park found in Madagascar. Using the Braun-Blanquet method (1965), a total of six plots were selected along a ridgeline present in both parks. Data collection pertained to mushroom and tree communities. Metrics used for data analysis included mushroom species richness, diversity (Shannon Diversity Index (SDI)), evenness, and total tree basal area (BA) at each elevation. Regression models to test for significance were created for all metrics. An additional model was created between total BA and SDI values. Significant results were found for SDI values with an R2 value of 0.68 and a p-value of 0.04. These results are evidence that elevation can be used as an indicator for SDI of mushroom communities. With this knowledge, we can develop more holistic and efficient conservation models for at-risk ecosystems.

Disciplines

Biodiversity | Forest Biology | Fungi | Research Methods in Life Sciences | Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology

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