Altitude and community traits explain rain forest stand dynamics over a 2370‐m altitudinal gradient in Costa Rica

Abstract Stand dynamic rates in Earth's vitally important tropical mountain rain forests are a central component of the response these to global change, but their relationships environmental gradients poorly understood. We worked mature on 440–2810 m asl altitudinal gradient Costa Rica's Talamanca Cordillera, making five censuses 29 0.25‐ha permanent sample plots during 2012–2019. determined mortality and recruitment rates, as well basal area ( G ) increments, for individuals ≥10 cm diameter at breast height. Our main hypothesis was that stand decrease with altitude (therefore temperature); we also tested hypotheses increase plot community‐weighted mean specific leaf (CWM SLA) CWM wood gravity (WSG). developed regressions using generalized additive models test our hypotheses. Mortality decreased line hypothesis, though strongly non‐linear trend may be driven by extreme weather temperature. Also, best model included SLA negative relationship. Gross increment ∆ gross , annual trees survived study period, had hump‐shaped relationship altitude, possibly related low WSG mid‐altitude forests. indeed negatively WSG. However, net growth (∆ annualized difference between initial final areas) positively due montane forests, nine <1500 asl. Patterns forest dynamics this long go beyond direct temperature, further work is required improve scenarios climate change. traits should measured understanding. The effects storms lightning low‐ middle‐altitude potentially high resilience Fagaceae‐dominated require attention. Diversity, not generality, expected comparing transects.