Plant species richness in riparian forests: Comparison to other forest ecosystems, longitudinal patterns, role of rare species and topographic factors

This study aimed to analyze plant species richness in riparian forests at both local and regional scales across several watersheds in the Sudetes (Poland, Central Europe). Specifically, species richness in riparian forest was compared to other forest types in the same region. It was also hypothesized that due to high complexity and dynamics, riparian forests share a higher number of rare species. In addition, the longitudinal pattern of species richness was analyzed at both local and regional scales. Finally, the effect of topography on species richness in riparian forests in spring areas and along rivers of various sizes was analyzed. Riparian forests have significantly higher alpha diversity than beech and ravine forests, but oak forests showed a similar level of diversity. However, a comparison of accumulation curves showed, that riparian forests are the most species-rich at a regional scale. All forest types had a similar share of rare species. Eight uniform groups of rare species were distinguished in riparian forests and reflected the riparian complexity and dynamics. The number of plant species per plot was highest in spring areas and decreased from headwaters to lower reaches. The estimated total number of species showed a similar pattern; however, the highest number was estimated for riverine forests along 3rd order streams and therefore suggest a unimodal pattern of gamma diversity along a longitudinal (upstream–downstream) gradient. The effect of topographic variables on species richness differed depending on the position in the river network.