Sub-Saharan Africa
Floristic Composition, Structure and Natural Regeneration in a Moist Semi-Deciduous Forest following Anthropogenic Disturbances and Plant InvasionbackgroundThis study examines the floristic composition, structure and natural regeneration in three forest types: disturbed forest (DF), undisturbed forest (UF), and disturbed-invaded forest (DIF) in Tinte Bepo forest reserve in Ghana. In addition, this study also considers how anthropogenic disturbances and plant invasion affect plant species composition. Open access copy available |
A Comparative Assessment on Regeneration Status of Indigenous Woody Plants in Eucalyptus grandis Plantation and Adjacent Natural ForestbackgroundThis study investigates and compares diversity, density and species composition of naturally regenerated woody plants under Eucalyptus grandis plantations and the adjacent natural forest in southwestern Ethiopia. research goals & methodsVegetation data was collected from 40 sample plots, 20 in natural forest and 20 in plantations. Within the plots plant species were identified, DBH of all trees measured using a caliper; total heights of larger trees were measured using hypsometer. Available with subscription or purchase |
Understory Vegetation in Fast-Growing Tree Plantations on Savanna Soils in CongobackgroundThe study investigates the hypothesis that tree plantations established adjacent to natural forests may catalyze the regeneration of natural forest biodiversity in the Congo. Available with subscription or purchase |
Analysis of the "Shelter Tree-Effect” of Natural and Exotic Forest Canopies on the Growth of Young Podocarpus falcatus Trees in Southern EthiopiabackgroundThe potential for plantations of fast-growing non-native trees to create suitable habitat for regeneration of native plant ecosystems has gained attention in the scientific literature. Previous studies often focus on the plantation species’ impacts on soil, but this study in the Munessa-Shashemene forest of Ethiopia proposes that light factors may be important as well. In this forest, native Podocarpus falcatus saplings actually perform better under the canopy of planted non-native Pinus patula and Eucalyptus saligna trees than in native forest, and this study hypothesizes that varying patterns of irradiance and sunflecks may explain this phenomenon. Available with subscription or purchase |
Regeneration of Timber Species following Selective Logging in a Moist Semi-Deciduous Forest in GhanabackgroundThis study examines the types and frequency of natural regeneration and growth of timber tree species in 4 logging gaps: loading bays, tree-fall, primary and secondary skid trails with forest shade as control in a moist semi-deciduous forest in Ghana. Available with subscription or purchase |
Survival and Growth of Seedlings of 19 Native Tree and Shrub Species Planted in Degraded Forest as Part of a Forest Restoration Project in Madagascar's HighlandsbackgroundThis study compares the survival rates of 19 native tree and shrub species grown in a forest restoration project in Madagascar’s highlands. The study results are used to compare the survival of relatively short seedlings compared to relatively tall seedlings for all species combined in order to test the importance of seedling size for restoration. Open access copy available |
Parks as a Mechanism to Maintain and Facilitate Recovery of Forest Cover: Examining Reforestation, Forest Maintenance and Productivity in UgandabackgroundThis study highlights the use of parks as a tool for restoration and forest maintenance with a focus on Kibale National Park in Uganda. The authors assess methodological approaches and limitations with current techniques to study land cover change. Research Goals & MethodsLandcover analyses were conducted to determine the extent and spatial distribution of temporal forest change and to provide an initial analysis of forest cover change both within and around the park. Open access copy available |
Factors Limiting the Survival of Native Tree Seedlings used in Conservation Efforts at the Edges of Forest Fragments in Upland MadagascarbackgroundThis study investigates the survival of tree seedlings 15 months after planting in grasslands along the edges of tropical forest fragments damaged by fire in four restoration treatments in upland Madagascar. Available with subscription or purchase |
Succession and Regeneration Patterns of East African Mountain Forests: A ReviewbackgroundFor decades East Africa has experienced heavy tree felling, which has resulted in a change in species composition. This study conducted the phytosociological in Kenya and Ethiopia between 1992 and 1996 in order to understand the succession and regeneration processes in East African Mountain forests. Available with subscription or purchase |
Native Woody Species Regeneration in Exotic Tree Plantations at Munessa-Shashemene Forest, Southern EthiopiabackgroundThis study investigates native woody species regeneration in 4 exotic species monoculture plantations in Munessa-Shashemene Forest Project Area in southern Ethiopia. The plantation ages ranged from 9 to 28 years. Research Goals & MethodsTo sample for vegetation diversity and analyses of floristic composition, species richness, and abundance, 60 sample plots were established in the study area. 48 of these plots were in plantations and 12 were in adjacent natural forests. Available with subscription or purchase |
