Biodiversity
Restoring Caribbean Dry Forests: Evaluation of Tree Propagation TechniquesBACKGROUND:Germination of seedlings, survival, and establishment are key components of forest restoration. Solar radiation and soil moisture regulate the seedling establishment in tropical dry forests. Unlike tropical wet forests, the role of light for seed germination in tropical dry forests is understudied. The study emphasizes the need for effective restoration strategies, particularly the propagation techniques for native tree species, as these forests serve critical ecological functions and house unique biodiversity. Open access copy available |
Forty Years of Tropical Forest Recovery from Agriculture: Structure and Floristics of Secondary and Old-growth Riparian Forests in the Dominican RepublicBACKGROUND:The value of secondary forests in the tropics has received increased attention in recent years. The recovery of tropical forests from agricultural use, given the increase in abandoned agricultural lands, has gained momentum. Yet, few long-term studies of post-agriculture vegetation recovery in the tropics exist. The study compares 40-year-old secondary forests regenerating naturally after agricultural abandonment with old-growth forests in the Dominican Republic's Cordillera Central. Available with subscription or purchase |
Evaluation of Forest Recovery over Time and Space Using Permanent Plots Monitored over 30 Years in a Jamaican Montane Rain ForestBACKGROUNDAn easily calculated recovery index would be of great value to studies of succession and restoration. The authors discuss the development of a new recovery index to assess the recovery of tropical forests after severe human disturbances. This index addresses current indices' limitations by incorporating the number and size of individuals within a community. The authors also propose a method for assessing recovery over time and space using permanent plots monitored over 30 years in the Jamaican montane forest. This provides more accurate estimates of forest conservation status. Open access copy available |
Restoration of degraded forest ecosystem through non-forestry livelihood supports: experience from the Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary in BangladeshBACKGROUND:Protected areas cover a small percentage of the land despite their importance, with many rural poor depending on them for subsistence. Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary is highlighted as a significant protected area facing severe biodiversity loss due to heavy forest dependency by local communities. The study evaluates a livelihood support program implemented to reduce forest dependency and enhance biodiversity by providing non-forestry income sources to the forest-dependent communities in Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary. Open access copy available |
Publicaciones del Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica (Peru)El Centro de Innovación Científica Amazónica (CINCIA) genera conocimiento científico e integra este conocimiento para elaborar iniciativas de gestión ambiental para promover el desarrollo sostenible y, cuando sea necesario, la restauración y la reforestación en la Amazonia peruana. -- The Center for Amazonian Scientific Innovation (CINCIA) generates scientific knowledge and integrates this knowledge to craft environmental management initiatives to promote sustainable development and, where needed, restoration and reforestation in the Peruvian Amazon. Open access copy available |
The potential of secondary forests to restore biodiversity of the lost forests in semi-deciduous West AfricaBACKGROUND:The human population in West Africa has increased considerably over the past four decades, leading to a high demand for food. This has led to the conversion of vast forest lands to agricultural lands in the region. Degraded forest landscapes have the capacity to regain fertility and naturally regenerate, resulting in the widespread spread of secondary forests in West Africa. Despite the significant presence of secondary forests in the region, there is rare knowledge about forest successional stages and general dynamics. Open access copy available |
Ecological filtering shapes the impacts of agricultural deforestation on biodiversityBackground:Deforestation for agriculture poses a significant threat to biodiversity. However, the severity of these impacts varies in agricultural landscapes. This study emphasizes the need to understand the factors underlying this variation to predict future biodiversity impacts of agricultural land use. While previous studies focused on landscape features and management regimes, this article introduces the concept of filtering, suggesting that natural and anthropogenic filtering may shape biodiversity responses at large geographical scales Available with subscription or purchase |
Maximizing biodiversity conservation and carbon stocking inrestored tropical forestsBackground:Ecological restoration plays a critical role in fragmented mega-diverse regions, particularly for endangered species with low dispersal rates. Species with impoverished populations, limited dispersal capacity, and important functionsas food resources for animals should be prioritized for active reintroduction in order to increase the conservation value ofrestored forests. However, seedlings from these species are often hard to find or too costly to include in many restoration projects. Open access copy available |
Co-benefits in biodiversity conservation and carbon stock during forest regeneration in a preserved tropical landscapeBackground:Recognizing the connection between carbon stock and biodiversity has become more crucial in light of the requirements set by international agreements. Consequently, a vital and indispensable measure for guiding relevant global environmental initiatives is to empirically investigating the potential advantages of restoring degraded areas through forest regeneration. This approach aims to boost both aboveground carbon stock and biodiversity, moving them closer to their natural levels. Available with subscription or purchase |
Discolouring the Amazon Rainforest: how deforestation is affecting butterfly colorationBackgroundButterflies are among the most colorful organisms in the world, and color plays a central role in many of their life-history strategies. However, sudden environmental changes, including anthropogenic disturbances such as habitat loss and fragmentation, could affect the efficacy of coloration strategies in these and other animals. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how deforestation is affecting butterfly coloration in the Amazon Rainforest and to provide insights into the potential consequences of anthropogenic disturbances on these beautiful creatures. Available with subscription or purchase |
