FORICO : gap dynamics model of the lower mantane rain forest in Puerto Rico

A model, FoRico, has been developed to simulate the natural gap succession of the lower montane rain forest in Puerto Rico. The FORICO model stochastically simulates a 1/30 hectare stand, and determines, on a yearly basis, the establishment, growth, and death of individual trees. Hurricane frequency and stand damage probabilities are included to mimic storm effects common to West Indian forests. Validation of the model was achieved by correlating diameter distributions and species ranking of model results to field data. Comparison of hurricane and nonhurricane simulations indicate that disturbance plays an important role in maintaining the composition and species diversity of the Puerto Rican rain forest.