Panama
The Structure and Composition of a Tropical Dry Forest Landscape After Land Clearance; Azuero Peninsula, PanamabackgroundThis article describes natural regeneration that has occured in five different habitat types in the Azuero Peninsula of Panama. These habitat types include active pasture, 2-yr abandoned pasture, 5-yr abandoned pasture, forest riparian zones, and a secondary forest fragment. This region is characterized by agricultural and cattle ranching landcapes in areas that previously were tropical dry forest (1700 mm rainfall per year) until the mid-20th century and have recently been undergoing rapid turnover in land ownership. Available with subscription or purchase |
Studies on the Seed Biology of 100 Native Species of Trees in a Seasonal Moist Tropical Forest, Panama, Central AmericaBackgroundSince 1998, the Panama Canal Watershed has experienced a decline in forest cover. The watershed ensures a functioning canal, thus there has been a significant investment in resources to reforest and restore the region. While these projects have focused primarily on native species, there has been issues with seed-handling. Available with subscription or purchase |
Forest Management Practices in the Bayano Region of Panama: Cultural VariationsbackgroundThis paper examines differences in forest exploitation between indigenous groups and colonists along an agricultural frontier in Panama and focuses on differences in forest use, economic base, and management practices. Research Goals & MethodsThe author compares total annual income, timber harvest volume and tree planting efforts per household in 5 indigenous villages and 3 colonist villages. Available with subscription or purchase |
Early Growth and Survival of 49 Tropical Tree Species across Sites Differing in Soil Fertility and Rainfall in PanamabackgroundThis research investigates the importance of soil quality upon species survival across a gradient of differing levels of rainfall and dry season length on disturbed land in Panama. Available with subscription or purchase |
A Case Study Assessment of Agroforestry: The Panama Canal WatershedbackgroundThis article provides a qualitative assessment of three agroforestry sites in the Panama Canal watershed based on management objectives, project life span, incentives, technology, economic feasibility, community involvement, and extension. It seeks to guide sustainable forest management options for the Panamanian government. conclusions & takeawaysEnvironmental managers should view agroforestry as a production system and consider this in its social and biophysical context. Available with subscription or purchase |
Tree plantations on farms: Evaluating growth and potential for successBackgroundInterest in native species is growing across the tropics as reforestation of degraded lands becomes more widespread. Evaluation of successful species is an important component of reforestation planning. Available with subscription or purchase |
The Tree Planting and Protecting Culture of Cattle Ranchers and Small-Scale Agriculturalists in Rural Panama: Opportunities for Reforestation and Land RestorationbackgroundThis study examines the relationship between farmers and trees in the tropical dry forest in two rural communities of Panama, focusing on the uses and values that small landholders assign to local tree species, both native and exotic. Available with subscription or purchase |
Local and Regional Environmental Variation Influences the Growth of Tropical Trees in Selection Trials in the Republic of PanamabackgroundThis study evaluates the effect of varying site conditions on the basal area of 21 neotropical and 2 exotic tree species at three different sites in Panama. Research Goals & MethodsSeedlings were planted in 2003 in randomized blocks and measured for basal diameter, height, live crown length, and crown diameter each year from 2004 to 2006. Available with subscription or purchase |
The Agua Salud Project, Central PanamaBackgroundThe Agua Salud Project is located in the watershed that includes and surrounds the Panama Canal, an engineering feat that largely relies on natural hydrological systems. Much of this watershed has been deforested, thus an official policy has been put into place to reforest and regain ecosystem services. This project seeks to utilize the globalize role of the canal to bring attention to the ecosystem services of the region. Open access copy available |
Restoration of dry tropical forests in Central America: A review of pattern and processBackgroundMuch information on restoration and management exists for wet tropical forests of Central America but comparatively little work has been done in the dry forests of this region. Such information is critical for reforestation efforts that are now occurring throughout Central America. This paper describes processes of degradation due to land use and provides a conceptual framework for the restoration of dry tropical forest, of which less than 2% remains intact. Open access copy available |
