South Asia
Overcoming Ecological Barriers to Tropical Lower Montane Forest Succession on Anthropogenic Grasslands: Synthesis and Future ProspectsBackgroundThis review attempts to address the difficulty in restoring grasslands to secondary tropical forest through reforestation. Proposed strategies are discussed for future recruitment methods for woody vegetation. Research Goals & MethodsThis study examines work conducted in Knuckles Forest Reserve (KFR) in the lower montane tropical rainforest and grasslands of Sri Lanka. Available with subscription or purchase |
Differences in Seedling Survival and Growth among Tropical Rain Forest Pioneers in Relation to Canopy Openness and Herbivory.BackgroundThe study monitored the effect of canopy openness and herbivore damage on seedling survival and growth of 960 individuals of six pioneer tree species: Dillenia triquetra, Macaranga indica, Macaranga peltata, Schumacheria castaneifolia, Trema orientalis, and Wendlandia bicuspidata. Available with subscription or purchase |
Restoring working forests in human dominated landscapes of tropical South Asia: An introductionBackgroundThe resource issues around restoring human dominated landscapes in tropical South Asia are complex and can be divided into topics concerning forest fragmentation and restoration. This review article discusses key subjects in forest fragmentation and restoration in South Asia. Available with subscription or purchase |
Human Hydrographical Changes Interact with Propagule Predation Behaviour in Sri Lankan Mangrove ForestsBackgroundThis article describes the relation between propagule predators and vegetation structure and environmental factors on a forest path. It also considers how human influence affects these interactions. Open access copy available |
Mangrove forests: Resilience, protection from tsunamis, and responses to global climate changebackgroundAvailable with subscription or purchase |
Net Primary Productivity of Two Mangrove Forest Stands on the Northwestern Coast of Sri LankaBackgroundThis article compares the net primary production of an estuarine mangrove stand to an island fringing stand in Dutch Bay in northwestern Sri Lanka. Research Goals & MethodsNet above-ground primary productivity was measured by monitoring litterfall and above-ground biomass increment between 1985 and 1987. Available with subscription or purchase |
Carbon stock in Kolli forests, Eastern Ghats (India) with emphasis on aboveground biomass, litter, woody debris and soilsbackgroundCarbon estimates for India’s forests are inadequate because they are largely based on secondary data. While actual carbon estimates exist in some locales, a nationwide carbon inventory is needed. This study contributes an evaluation of above- and belowground biomass and carbon stocks in the Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats, Tamilnadu. Open access copy available |
Variation in Canopy Structure, Light and Soil Nutrition Across Elevation of a Sri Lankan Tropical Rain ForestBackgroundThis study aims to examine differences in resource availability across elevation and geology in mixed dipterocarp forest by measuring light, soil nutrition and soil water availability in relation to forest structure in southwest Sri Lanka. Available with subscription or purchase |
Structural Properties of Two Types of Mangrove Stands on the Northwestern Coast of Sri LankabackgroundThis article compares the structural diversity of six mangrove stands of both estuarine and island-fringing types in Puttalam lagoon and Dutch Bay in northwestern Sri Lanka. Research Goals & MethodsUsing belt transects, the authors measured floristic composition, tree height and leaf-area index and calculated density, basal area and mean stand diameter. Standing above-ground biomass was also measured and compared to dbh using destructive sampling methods. Available with subscription or purchase |
A review of the floral composition and distribution of mangroves in Sri LankaBackgroundThe article reviews literature on the numbers and distributions of Sri Lankan mangrove species and highlights the causes of overestimation. It also attempts to provide an accurate count based on standardized fieldwork over a 4-year period along the coast between Palatupana and Puttalam, Sri Lanka. The authors name some examples of mischaracterized or misidentified species from previous studies and address the importance of clearly defining the terms for mangroves. Open access copy available |
