Windward Islands moist forests

The Windward Islands moist forests ecoregion (WWF ID:NT0179) covers forested, high-precipitation areas of the volcanic Windward Islands. The forested areas are mostly at higher elevations in the interior of the islands, surrounded by dry forests, dry shrubland, or mangroves on the flat coastal lowlands. Closed forest of this ecoregion cover the majority of the islands. Species diversity is very high.[1][2] [3] [4]

Windward Islands moist forests
One of the peaks of Mount Pelée, Martinique
Ecoregion territory (in blue dashed box)
Ecology
RealmNeotropic
BiomeTropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests
Geography
Area2,072 km2 (800 sq mi)
CountryDominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Coordinates14.9°N 60.97°W / 14.9; -60.97

Location and description

The Windward Islands are a volcanic island arc, with mountainous interiors in which steep slopes and difficulty converting the land to agriculture has provided some protection from human settlement and development. Moist forests are found on the islands of Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, and Grenada.[2]

Climate

The climate of the ecoregion is Tropical rainforest climate (Köppen climate classification (Af)). This climate is characterized as hot, humid, and having at least 60 mm of precipitation every month.[5][6] The rainy season occurs in the summer and fall, with precipitation ranging from 10,000 mm/year in the high elevations of Dominica to 3,750 mm/year in the lower elevations of Grenada.[1]

Flora and fauna

70% of the ecoregion is closed, broadleaf evergreen forest. Another 20% is open forest. The characteristics tree species of the mature forests are gommier (Dacryodes excelsa), (Amanoa caribaea), and trees of genus (Sloanea). The mature forests feature widespread epiphytes and lianas, with an understory of Licania ternatensis and Tapura antilliana. Forests that have been cleared for agriculture or timber are typically reforested by Miconia mirabilis and Cecropia schreberiana.[4]

References
  1. "Windward Islands moist forests". World Wildlife Federation.
  2. "Map of Ecoregions 2017". Resolve, using WWF data.
  3. "Windward Islands moist forests". Digital Observatory for Protected Areas.
  4. "Windward Islands moist forests". The Encyclopedia of Earth.
  5. Kottek, M., J. Grieser, C. Beck, B. Rudolf, and F. Rubel, 2006. "World Map of Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification Updated" (PDF). Gebrüder Borntraeger 2006. Retrieved September 14, 2019.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. "Dataset - Koppen climate classifications". World Bank. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
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