Climate change is one of the most important factors endangering biodiversity, especially among tropical montane forest species. However, for several regions and species-rich groups there are no baseline data to analyse their response to climate change. Understanding species diversity patterns across altitudinal gradients is therefore vital for the design of appropriate conservation strategies. Tropical montane forests are particularly sensitive to changes in climatic conditions and are therefore ideal for evaluating the potential impacts of climate change on vulnerable taxa. Orchids and ferns constitute two of the most diverse groups in tropical montane forests with terrestrial and epiphytic habits in both groups. Deforestation, habitat degradation, climate change and overharvesting threaten the survival of these groups in this forest.

The main goal of this project is to assess the altitudinal distribution and diversity patterns of terrestrial and epiphytic ferns and orchids in order to support the development of conservation strategies and to raise awareness among local stakeholders regarding the importance of these groups. The study will be carried out in the national park “Bosque Protección Alto Mayo”, in Northern Peru. We will conduct the research at the following altitudes in the park: 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, 2800, 3000, 3200, 3400, and 3600 m which correspond to montane forest (bosque montane), elfin forest (bosque enano) and grassland (pajonal húmedo). At each altitude, three 400 m2 (20 x 20 m) plots will be established; each plot will be subdivided into four subplots of 100 m2 (10 x 10 m) (9 altitude levels x 3 plots = 27 plots in total).

At each plot, we will estimate tree basal area, canopy cover and number of strata to characterize forest structure. At each plot, we will record and identify all terrestrial orchid and fern individuals present, and we will select one tree (with a diameter at breast height >20 cm) to record the richness and abundance of epiphytic orchids and ferns. To characterize the microenvironment we will place two data loggers per altitude, with temperature and relative humidity sensors. I will organise workshops with local communities, park rangers and national park administration staff to exchange information about orchids and ferns and with the aim of increasing the value given to these groups by the local communities.