Liana Diversity and the Future of Tropical Forests

Abstract

Lianas contribute substantially to the total species richness of tropical forests, accounting for up to a quarter of the woody plant diversity. However, liana diversity is intrinsically linked with forest condition and consequently is altered by human-induced forest modifi cations. Multiple environmental drivers including forest fragmentation, logging and climate change are impacting tropical forests; the extent and intensity of their effects will likely defi ne future global liana diversity.