The Ecology of the Woodlands of Central Park, New York City
Item
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Title
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The Ecology of the Woodlands of Central Park, New York City
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Identifier
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d_2009_2013:7b4cdd065c85:11274
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identifier
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11797
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Creator
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Alvarez, Regina V.,
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Contributor
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Dwight Kincaid
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Date
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2012
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Ecology | Forestry | Urban forestry | Central Park | Habitat fragmentation | Invasive plants | Urban ecology | Woodland ecology
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Abstract
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A quantitative ecological inventory was conducted in the 54.6-hectare (ha) urban woodlands of Central Park, New York City. Fifteen sites were selected and woody stems greater than or equal to one centimeter (cm) diameter were surveyed using the point-centered quarter transect method. Total area surveyed was 1.091 hectares. The survey tallied 1,271 stems from 82 species in 31 families and 50 genera. Stem diameters ranged from 1 cm to 218 cm. In terms of ecological dominance, Prunus serotina Ehrh. was the dominant taxon followed by Quercus rubra L. The largest trees were Quercus rubra, Prunus serotina, Morus alba L., Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Platanus occidentalis L., Liriodendron tulipifera L., Quercus palustris Munchh., Ulmus americana L., and Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott, ranging in diameter from 100 cm to 218 cm. Lower diameter at breast height (DBH) quartile stem sizes were dominated by Acer platanoides L., Prunus serotina, Celtis occidentalis L. and Q. palustris.;As a fully human-made park under continual management, these woodlands contain a high percentage of non-native and horticultural species. A survey of the biodiversity of the park, however, shows the significant role even a highly managed park can play in wildlife habitat.;Invasive plants are a serious threat to native plants and wildlife habitat everywhere. Numerous invasive species are present in Central Park. This study evaluates management practices to control these species and makes further recommendations. It analyzes the potential of other non-native species, as well as native species, to become invasive. This study can help park managers decide which plants to highlight and preserve and which to manage and control.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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2009_2013.csv
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Biology
