Table 1 Reference values for multiple ecological indicators

From: Simple ecological indicators benchmark regeneration success of Amazonian forests

Ecosystem component

Ecological indicator

5 years

10 years

15 years

20 years

Ref. value

Mean ± SD

Ref. value

Mean ± SD

Ref. value

Mean ± SD

Ref. value

Mean ± SD

Structure

Maximum DBH (cm)

9.9

16.4 ± 6.5

14.8

21.3 ± 6.5

17.7

24.2 ± 6.5

19.7

26.2 ± 6.5

Basal area (m². ha−1)

4.1

10.2 ± 6.1

9.4

15.5 ± 6.1

12.5

18.6 ± 6.1

14.7

20.8 ± 6.1

Structural heterogeneity index (varies between 0−1)

0.16

0.19 ± 0.03

0.20

0.23 ± 0.03

0.22

0.25 ± 0.03

0.24

0.27 ± 0.03

Diversity

Species richness (spp.100 ind−1)

21.4

22.8 ± 1.4

28.1

29.5 ± 1.4

32

33.4 ± 1.4

34.8

36.2 ± 1.4

Species diversity (Hill1)

8.9

11.0 ± 2.1

17

19.1 ± 2.1

21.7

23.8 ± 2.1

25

27.1 ± 2.1

Function

Aboveground biomass (Mg. ha−1)

43

54.5 ± 11.5

83.4

94.9 ± 11.4

106.2

117.5 ± 11.3

123

134.3 ± 11.3

  1. Mean and standard deviation values (Mean ± SD) extracted from the optimal successional trajectories modelled for non-flooded terra firme areas across the Brazilian Amazon forest, for each ecological indicator, at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of succession. The reference values (Ref. value) represent the minimum thresholds for forest regeneration following an optimal successional trajectory, i.e. the lowest values of the range and can be calculated by subtracting the standard deviation from the mean. Values are valid for forest inventories considering DBH ≥ 5 cm.
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