Gap Dynamics in a Tropical Lower Montane Forest in South Ecuador

Canopy gaps are integral parts of every primary mature forest ecosystem, no matter whether it is a temperate or tropical forest. They can be caused by various factors, including landslides, strong winds and injury or death of individual trees. Landslides and uprooting may open-up the soil to the mineral horizon; other causes may not affect soil structure such drastically. Many fast growing, shade-intolerant, pioneer species are adapted to canopy disturbance and they need light gaps to establish and to reach maturity. Late-successional canopy tree species often tolerate shade as juveniles, but most of them also require disturbance of the forest canopy to reach reproductive maturity (Hartshorn 1980; Whitmore 1989).