Latin America and Caribbean
Evaluation of Native Tree Species for the Rehabilitation of Deforested Areas in a Mexican Cloud ForestbackgroundThis study examines the survival of four native tree species used in mixed-experimental plantations in the tropical montane forest of Veracruz, Mexico (1300-1900m). Tropical montane covers only 1% of land surface in Mexico but contains ~ 10% of all flowering plants. In Veracruz, forest fragments occupy on 10% of the oringinal forest cover. Available with subscription or purchase |
Avian Communities in Forest Fragments and Reforestation Areas Associated with Banana Plantations in Costa RicaBackgroundThis study evaluates the avian diversity value of reforested and secondary forest fragments in a matrix of banana plantations in Caribbean Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, banana producers (Dole and Delmonte) retain riparian buffer forests in addition to reforestation on lands removed from production. Zygia longifolia dominated reforested and secondary forest fragments. Available with subscription or purchase |
Smallholder perceptions of agroforestry projects in PanamaBackgroundPanama’s history of shifting slash-and-burn cultivation methods has resulted in rapid deforestation and declines in land fertility in the latter 20th C with an increased population and increased resource extraction pressures. Agroforestry has been promoted in Central America, initially for fuelwood and then for more diverse usages and supplemental income for smallholders. Available with subscription or purchase |
Modification of Tropical Forest Patches for Wildlife Protection and Community Conservation in BelizebackgroundThis chapter highlights the forest management practices that are practiced in a fragmented tropical forest in Belize. The project began in 1985 and includes 8 villages home to approximately 450 people. The forested area is fragmented but howler monkeys are not hunted and have coexisted at the site with humans for many years. The project area includes 45 km² , but approximately half is cleared, and remaining forest is centered in the riparian areas. Open access copy available |
Managing Forest Remnants and Forest Gardens in Peru and IndonesiaThis chapter describes the forest management of flooded vareza of the Amazon forest in the Napo-Amazon floodplain in Peru. The area is rarely cultivated intensively due to flooding, but human populations have always been higher in this region than in upland forest areas of the Amazon. Some of the most important forest areas are known as capinurales, home to the capinuri tree (Maquira coriaceae), which is harvested for wood and resin. Inga spp. and Rheedia spp. (carichuelo) are collected for fruit. Open access copy available |
Patch Size Effects on Avian Foraging Behaviour: Implications for Tropical Forest Restoration DesignbackgroundThis study looks at bird behavior in restoration sites in southern Costa Rica. While multiple studies examine the presence of birds in restored forest, few studies examine behavior in these sites. Open access copy available |
Migratory Bird Species in Young Tropical Forest Restoration Sites: Effects of Vegetation Height, Planting Design, and SeasonbackgroundThis study examines the difference in habitat preference of four migratory birds in restored forests in southern Costa Rica. Open access copy available |
Estrategias para la restauración ecológica del bosque altoandino. El caso de la reserva municipal de Cogua. (Strategies for the ecological restoration of the high Andean forest - the case of the municipal reserve of Cogua)Entre los años 2002-2006 se realizó una restauración de potreros degradados en la reserva forestal municipal de Cogua (departamento de Cundinamarca - páramo alto - 2900-3630 m). Se hizo la restauración con 1) remoción de Chusquea scandens; 2) creación de perchas artificiales para aves (para facilitar lluvia de semillas); 3) siembras de especies selectivas Se notó invasión de Ulex europaeus y la herbivoría por Cavia porcellus (curí) como barreras para la restauración. Aún no se ha realizado una evaluación cuantitativa. Open access copy available |
Restoration of Tropical Moist Forests on Bauxite‐Mined Lands in the Brazilian AmazonBackgroundOpencast mining in the Brazilian Amazon has resulted in the annual loss of 2000-3000 ha of tropical forest. While mining has affected relatively small forest areas compared to agriculture and logging, mine sites have a disproportionate impact on topography and watersheds. Reforestation of minelands thus has special challenges. This paper evaluates forest structure and composition in four experimental stands established on a bauxite-mined site using four different reforestation techniques, 9-13 years after planting. Open access copy available |
Semeando Sustentabilidade em Apuí (Seedling Sustainability in Apuí)The project aims to strengthen environmental management in Apuí, and to increase capacity for the development of more sustainable productive activities. To achieve this goal the project works simultaneously on reinforcing the network of seeds and seedling production, strengthening institutions, supporting planting and forest conservation, building capacity of landholders in rural properties, and providing environmental education and assistance for the creation of a development plan for the municipality. By means of the rotational management of pastures, the project predicts that it will be possible to identify the best alternative to increase production and profitability while simultaneously halting the advancement of deforestation. Open access copy available |
