Tropical Wet Forest
Patterns of Seed Longevity and Germination in the Tropical RainforestbackgroundThis article reviews the factors that affect seed longevity and germination in tropical trees by providing an introduction to literature on the subject. Available with subscription or purchase |
Rattan: Ecological Balance in a Borneo Rainforest SwiddenbackgroundThis study provides an overview of the cultivation of rattan vines (Calamus trachycoleus) utilized in traditional swidden cultivation in Borneo, Indonesia. Available with subscription or purchase |
Manual para restauração florestal: florestas de transição (Manual of forest restoration: transition forests)Open access copy available |
Smallholder timber plantation development in Indonesia: what is preventing progress?BackgroundIn the context of a supply-demand problem in Indonesia’s forestry sector in 2006 causing an increase in illegal logging, the government of Indonesia undertook measures to stem illegal logging and incentivize plantations. This paper evaluates a community timber plantation program in Indonesia called HTR (Hutan Tanaman Rakyat, community timber plantation). Open access copy available |
Fruit Production of the Ungurahua Palm (Oenocarpus bataua subsp. bataua, Arecaceae) in an Indigenous Managed ReservebackgroundThis article reviews the biology and use of the Amazonian palm Oenocarpus batua, known in Ecuador as ungurahua. It is a mid-story palm that grows throughout the terra firme sites in the Amazon Basin and wet coastal areas of Ecuador, Trinidad, and Panama. Available with subscription or purchase |
Identifying Fast-Growing Native Trees from the Neotropics using Data from a Large, Permanent Census PlotbackgroundThis paper results from data collected over a decade from 160 trees in a 50 ha plot in BCI Panama. Research Goals & MethodsGrowth in dbh was calculated and a projection (trajectory) was estimated for the life of the tree (using regression). Available with subscription or purchase |
The Value of Rehabilitating Logged Rainforest for BirdsBackgroundThis study examines a lowland, dry dipterocarp forest in Sabah, Malaysia that had been selectively logged in 1988-89. One area was rehabilitated (enrichment planting and liberation cutting of vines, bamboos, and noncommercial species). This area was surrounded by a naturally reforesting area. The authors suggest that rehabilitation of selectively logged forests is a more effective carbon sink than plantations. Available with subscription or purchase |
Seeing the fruit for the trees in BorneoBackgroundLowland dipterocarp tropical rainforests reproduce during infrequent community-wide events known as ‘general flowering.’ These unpredictable cycles, thought to be influenced by El Niño cycles, are the primary reproductive driver across this forest type. During a time of rapid deforestation across the highly diverse, but highly sensitive, dipterocarp-dominated landscape of Borneo, capitalizing on general flowering is critical for seed collection for restoration efforts and for species preservation. Open access copy available |
The Effects of Cultivation History on Forest Recovery in Fallows in the Eastern Arc Mountain, TanzaniabackgroundThe authors of this study looked at fallows of varying age within systems of shifting cultivation to understand factors that influence their recovery. The authors focused on the role of duration of cultivation and cropping history in influencing recovery. All cropping systems in the area are shade intolerant. Research Goals & MethodsPrimary forests, farms, and fallow areas were surveyed for basal area, stand complexity, and diversity (Fisher's alpha). Available with subscription or purchase |
Rehabilitation of Degraded Forests in Thailand: Policy and PracticebackgroundThis article provides an overview of efforts to rehabilitate degraded lands in Thailand. The authors synthesize articles and government policies to understand different plans of action for the government. Based on their analyses, they outline the challenges facing forest rehabilitation efforts and specific areas that need improvement. Open access copy available |
