14.1.3 Impact of Casuarina on the Fauna
Introduced Casuarina plantations also affect the native fauna. For example, when
these trees are planted on foredunes they fall over easily during strong winds,
making nesting habitat inaccessible to sea turtles (Caretta caretta) (Schmid et al.
2008). In addition, the removal of Casuarina plantations was favorable to the
skink (Eutropis bibronii) in India, increasing its population, probably because of
the availability of more suitable space for basking activity. It was also attributable
to the regeneration of Spinifex littoralis at sites previously occupied by Casuarina,
since skinks were found to be associated with this plant (Subramanean and Vikram
Reddy 2010).
In their native distribution range Casuarina stands may have both negative and
positive impacts on the bird community. Arnold (1988) found that the total number
of birds was lower in Casuarina forests than elsewhere (Eucalyptus wandoo open
forest and E. accedens open forest with Dryandra sessilis). In addition, because
Casuarina provides little food for most nectar-feeders, their densities are usually
lower in Casuarina forests than in other communities (Arnold et al. 1987). On the
other hand, Frith (1979) studied the ecology of land birds in Aldabra Atoll and
found that many endemic birds were closely associated with Casuarina. In
southeastern Queensland Bentley and Catterall (1987) found that Casuarina corridors and linear remnants of forests were used by birds to move between forest
fragments.
In brief, Casuarina is usually considered an invasive species outside its native
distribution range, with a negative impact on the population, community, and
ecosystem functioning, generally resulting in arrested natural succession. Because
it is oftentimes used in Mexico to stabilize coastal dunes and increase vegetation
cover.The goal of this chapter was to analyze the impact of Casuarina stands on
the natural regeneration process occurring beneath the canopy of this tree. We also
wanted to explore whether local conditions modify the impact of this species in
terms of passive restoration and natural regeneration on tropical dunes in Mexico.
We asked: is it possible to recover the natural coastal dune vegetation after
reforestation with these exotic–invasive Casuarina trees?
14.2 Study Site
The study site is located to the north of the port of Veracruz, in the outskirts of the
city (Fig. 14.1). The area is being actively transformed because of the growing
infrastructure for commercial activities in the Port. This area is an extensive sand
plain where the river Río Medio drains. Nowadays the site is mostly urbanized
(Fig. 14.1).
The coastline is oriented in an almost east-west direction, and faces north-west.
Sand is transported both by ocean currents and by wind, and extensive dunefields
14 The Impacts on Natural Vegetation
219
Introduced Casuarina plantations also affect the native fauna. For example, when
these trees are planted on foredunes they fall over easily during strong winds,
making nesting habitat inaccessible to sea turtles (Caretta caretta) (Schmid et al.
2008). In addition, the removal of Casuarina plantations was favorable to the
skink (Eutropis bibronii) in India, increasing its population, probably because of
the availability of more suitable space for basking activity. It was also attributable
to the regeneration of Spinifex littoralis at sites previously occupied by Casuarina,
since skinks were found to be associated with this plant (Subramanean and Vikram
Reddy 2010).
In their native distribution range Casuarina stands may have both negative and
positive impacts on the bird community. Arnold (1988) found that the total number
of birds was lower in Casuarina forests than elsewhere (Eucalyptus wandoo open
forest and E. accedens open forest with Dryandra sessilis). In addition, because
Casuarina provides little food for most nectar-feeders, their densities are usually
lower in Casuarina forests than in other communities (Arnold et al. 1987). On the
other hand, Frith (1979) studied the ecology of land birds in Aldabra Atoll and
found that many endemic birds were closely associated with Casuarina. In
southeastern Queensland Bentley and Catterall (1987) found that Casuarina corridors and linear remnants of forests were used by birds to move between forest
fragments.
In brief, Casuarina is usually considered an invasive species outside its native
distribution range, with a negative impact on the population, community, and
ecosystem functioning, generally resulting in arrested natural succession. Because
it is oftentimes used in Mexico to stabilize coastal dunes and increase vegetation
cover.The goal of this chapter was to analyze the impact of Casuarina stands on
the natural regeneration process occurring beneath the canopy of this tree. We also
wanted to explore whether local conditions modify the impact of this species in
terms of passive restoration and natural regeneration on tropical dunes in Mexico.
We asked: is it possible to recover the natural coastal dune vegetation after
reforestation with these exotic–invasive Casuarina trees?
14.2 Study Site
The study site is located to the north of the port of Veracruz, in the outskirts of the
city (Fig. 14.1). The area is being actively transformed because of the growing
infrastructure for commercial activities in the Port. This area is an extensive sand
plain where the river Río Medio drains. Nowadays the site is mostly urbanized
(Fig. 14.1).
The coastline is oriented in an almost east-west direction, and faces north-west.
Sand is transported both by ocean currents and by wind, and extensive dunefields
14 The Impacts on Natural Vegetation
219