English
Ecological Significance of Crown Functional Traits Across Size Classes and Disturbance Environments in Eight Pioneer Species in a Sri Lankan Rain ForestbackgroundThis article evaluates the tree crown characteristics of eight pioneer tree species in the Shorea-Mesua vegetation type (an aseasonal, mixed dipterocarp forest) around the Sinharaja World Heritage Forest Reserve in southwest Sri Lanka. Research Goals & MethodsThe crown surface area, crown volume, and live crown ratio were measured as well as evaluated for their correlation with tree size classes and disturbance causes. Available with subscription or purchase |
The Ecophysiology of Pioneer Tree Species in Relation to their Disturbance Ecology in a Wet Lowland Rainforest, Sri LankaBackgroundThis dissertation evaluates pioneers species and their response to light availability and disturbance characteristics in the Shorea-Mesua vegetation type (an aseasonal, mixed dipterocarp forest) around the Sinharaja World Heritage Forest Reserve in southwest Sri Lanka. Open access copy available |
Kibale National Park Rehabilitation ProjectBackgroundKibale National Park is one of the last remaining tracks of tropical forest in Uganda. It provides great environmental benefits, specifically serving as a home to large populations of primates. The Kibale National Park Rehabilitation Project seeks to protect these benefits. Open access copy available |
Principles and Practice of Forest Landscape Restoration: Case Studies from the Drylands of Latin AmericabackgroundDryland forests cover nearly 30% of the surface of the earth and are of global importance for biodiversity and human livelihoods.Many dryland forest ecosystems have been destroyed or highly degraded due to unsustainable land-use practices, including livestock ranging, overharvesting, conversion to agriculture, and rapid urban growth. This document provides the results of a study evaluating the application of forest landscape restoration to dryland ecosystems in Latin America. Open access copy available |
Bwa Yo: Important Trees of HaitibackgroundThis book, published in 1996, presents important tree species in Haiti as part of a USAID effort to address environmental degradation in Haiti. The trees presented are mainly those in the agricultural landscape, providing food or fuel, although trees with cultural or ecological importance are also presented. Each tree profile provides information and photos including discussions of the species and common names, importance, taxonomy and botanical features, distribution and ecology, tree characteristics, utilization, propagation, and other findings (biomass studies, growth performance, tree improvement, seed research, and/or planting stock quality). Open access copy available |
Amazon Reforestation ProjectBACKGROUNDThis resource presents the mission of the Amazon Reforestation Project (ARP) which aims to conserve tropical rainforest and conduct forest restoration on deforested lands in the Brazilian Amazon. Located on over 1 million hectares of land in the state of Amazonas, this project aims to serve as an example for large scale conservation and restoration in this region, where increasing development and globalization of Manaus is leading to increased opportunities and incentives for deforestation. Full resource not available online |
Rehabilitation of Degraded Tropical Forest LandsbackgroundThis article discusses the options for the rehabilitation of degraded land on high rainfall areas. It suggests that it is both environmentally and economically disadvantageous to let the degraded land remain in an unproductive and rapidly eroding state. Available with subscription or purchase |
Restoration of Tropical Forest EcosystemsBACKGROUNDThis book presents a compilation of papers presented at a symposium on "Restoration of Tropical Forest Ecosystems" that occurred in Bonn, Germany during October of 1991. The event, sponsored by Mitsubishi Corporation, addressed the reasons for tropical forest destruction, opportunities and challenges for restoration, rehabilitation and management. This book presents perspectives of authors from different countries and contexts on forestry, ecology, and nature conservation to address the need for restoration and rehabilitation of tropical forests. Open access copy available |
High Diversity Forest Restoration in Degraded Areas: Methods and Projects in BrazilbackgroundThis book addresses different approaches to the restoration of degraded, high diversity tropical and subtropical forests, including methods and empirical results. Available with subscription or purchase |
Sustaining mahogany: research and silviculture in Mexico's community forestsBackgroundMahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) is one of the most important timber species in the neotropics yet it is still harvested directly from natural forests, which has led to it being listed under CITES, required nationstates to develop sustainable production systems. This paper provides a meta-analysis of years of research in order to identify challenges and opportunities of sustainable manageing mahogany and make suggestions for production systems. The authors use the forest ejidos of Quintana Roo in Mexico as a case study. Open access copy available |
