ABSTRACT
Tropical dry forests (TDF) are forests in dryland areas and are distinguished by their marked dry season and low water availability. Their annual rainfall ranges from 500mm to 2000mm, they have a ratio of potential evapotranspiration to precipitation of between one and four, and experience typically three to eight months of drought (Murphy and Lugo, 1986). They account for 40–42 per cent of the tropical forests worldwide (Murphy and Lugo, 1986; Mayaux et al, 2005). These dry forests contain a wealth of unique biodiversity (Janzen, 1988; Gentry, 1995; Groombridge and Jenkins, 2002), but suffer severe threats from anthropogenic and economic pressures. These forests are also among the least protected ecosystems (Janzen, 1988; Bullock et al, 1995). It is estimated that close to one billion people worldwide directly depend upon dryland products for their livelihoods. Plant species of this ecosystem have slower growth rates and restricted reproductive episodes compared to other tropical forests, which may make them more susceptible to disturbance.
