Unveiling anthropogenic disturbance effects on tropical tree communities: clade-based insights across elevations

Abstract Community assemblies in tropical forests are influenced by both environmental filtering and anthropogenic disturbance processes, posing significant challenges in ecological research. We assessed the impact of selective logging on Atlantic tree communities at two elevational belts. Our study aimed to disentangle these complex effects, acknowledging that results can vary based on the clades used in the analyses. We performed analyses considering both species level and phylogenetic approaches, including or excluding tree ferns. Species and phylogenetic compositions changed at different elevations, depending on the clades used in analyses. The impact of selective logging was more pronounced in tree communities at lower elevations, indicating greater susceptibility to anthropogenic disturbances in these ranges. Additionally, tree species clades varied in their responses to environmental and anthropogenic filters, highlighting the importance of clade-specific characteristics in ecological studies. In general, we underscore the necessity for clade-specific analyses to enhance our understanding of community assembly processes and improve conservation strategies. By recognizing the differential responses of tree species clades, conservation efforts can be better tailored to address the unique challenges faced by different species and clades. This approach can contribute to more effective and sustainable management of tropical forest ecosystems in the face of ongoing environmental and anthropogenic changes.