Strong influence of trees outside forest in regulating microclimate of intensively modified Afromontane landscapes

Abstract. Climate change is expected to have detrimental consequences on fragile ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, as well food security of millions people. Trees are likely play a central role in mitigating these impacts. The microclimatic conditions below tree canopies usually differ substantially from the ambient macroclimate vegetation can buffer temperature changes and variability. cool down their surroundings through several biophysical mechanisms, cooling benefits occur also with trees outside forest. aim this study was examine effect canopy cover microclimate an intensively modified Afromontane landscape Taita Taveta, Kenya. We studied temperatures recorded by 19 sensors under different covers, land surface (LST) estimated Landsat 8 thermal infrared sensor. combined records high-resolution airborne laser scanning data untangle effects topography microclimate. developed four multivariate regression models joint impacts LST. results showed negative linear relationship between percentage daytime mean (R2=0.65) maximum (R2=0.75) temperatures. Any increase contributed reducing average difference 0 % 100 sites 5.2 ?C 10.2 Canopy (CC) reduced LST 0.05 per percent CC. influence shown vary strongly elevation These demonstrate that substantial microclimate, but dependent macroclimate, highlighting importance maintaining particularly warmer conditions. Hence, we forests climate resilience fragmented landscapes, having strong potential for regulating regional local