Tropical tree species diversity in a mountain system in southern Mexico: local and regional patterns and determinant factors

Mechanisms explaining patterns of biodiversity along elevation gradients in tropical mountain systems remain controversial. We use a set of climatic, topographic and soil variables encompassing regional, landscape and local-level spatial scales to explain the spatial variation of tree species diversity in the Sierra Madre of Chiapas, Mexico. We sampled 128 circular plots (0.1-ha each) in four elevational bands along four elevation gradients or transects encompassing 100-2200 m. A total of 12,533 trees belonging to 444 species were recorded. Diversity patterns along the elevation gradient and the explanatory power of independent variables were dependent on spatial scale (regional vs transect) and functional group (total vs late-successional or pioneer species). Diversity of all species and late-successional species (1 - proportion of pioneer species) showed a constant pattern at the regional and transect scales, with low predictive power of climatic variables and/or elevation. A linear d...