Leaf structure of a Venezuelan cloud forest in relation to the microclimate

The expansion of the population and refinement of techniques have increasingly endangered tropical vegetation, particularly tropical forests. These forests are being destroyed by the spread of indigenous agriculture and the clearance for timber. For millennia, indigenous populations maintained a stable equilibrium with their environment, but modern times have seen a rapid destruction of humid tropical forests. Our understanding of effective management to preserve these forests’ natural characteristics and productivity is limited, as is our awareness of their economic value. When managed sustainably, these forests can yield various products, including wood, fiber, resin, latex, and medicinal drugs. Humid tropical forests, rich in biodiversity, have evolved under stable conditions, hosting 50 to 200 species per hectare, with few individuals per species. These forests are vital gene pools but are at risk of extinction if exploited carelessly. Many species are endemic and sensitive to environmental changes. The interrelations between plants and animals, especially in seed dispersal, are crucial. This series aims to explore the structure of tropical plants and their environmental relationships, drawing from over 20 years of research in Venezuela. The cloud forest of Parque Nacional Henri Pittier, a well-known site, exemplifies unique adaptations in mist shade plants, making it an ideal starting point for this exploration.