Monitoring
Contrasting Effects of Defaunation on Aboveground Carbon Storage Across the Global TropicsBackgroundOpen access copy available |
Defaunation of Large-Bodied Frugivores Reduces Carbon Storage in a Tropical Forest of Southeast AsiaBackgroundTropical forests are vital for carbon storage, but recent studies suggest that defaunation—the loss of large-bodied seed dispersers due to hunting and habitat fragmentation—can significantly impact this function. While previous research has shown reductions in above-ground carbon storage due to defaunation in South America and Africa, its effects on Southeast Asian forests remain debated. Some scientists argue that the dominance of wind-dispersed Dipterocarpaceae trees in the region buffers against carbon losses from defaunation. This study examines the extent to which defaunation influences carbon storage in a tropical forest in Thailand, where large frugivores such as primates, hornbills, and terrestrial mammals still persist. Available with subscription or purchase |
Using Janzen–Connell to predict the consequences of defaunation and other disturbances of tropical forestsBackgroundThe Janzen–Connell (J–C) model describes how seed dispersal and mortality shape tropical forest diversity. According to the model, seeds that fall close to their parent trees suffer high mortality due to host-specific predators, pathogens, and herbivores. In contrast, seeds dispersed farther away have a better chance of survival. Defaunation, particularly the loss of large-bodied seed dispersers, disrupts this balance by reducing seed dispersal distances. This study applies the J–C model to predict how defaunation and other disturbances affect tree recruitment and forest composition. Available with subscription or purchase |
Active restoration of post-mining forest benefits the activity density, but not the diversity of spider communities across the seasons in GhanaBACKGROUND:Open access copy available |
Expanding forest carbon sinks to mitigate climate change in AfricaBACKGROUND:Forests play a crucial role in climate change mitigation by acting as carbon sinks that sequester atmospheric CO2. African forests, covering 22% of the continent, provide substantial benefits but are under threat from deforestation and degradation. A comprehensive strategy that integrates social, economic, and environmental aspects is essential to preserve their ability to capture carbon effectively. The authors seek to examine the relationship between forest loss and increased CO2 emissions in Africa. Open access copy available |
A technological biodiversity monitoring toolkit for biocreditsBackgroundOpen access copy available |
Climate Risk ManagementBACKGROUND:Worldwide efforts are underway to devise and apply strategies to manage these risks effectively. Key challenges in climate risk management include the integration of necessary scientific disciplines, articulating stakeholder values and objectives, and quantifying pivotal uncertainties and trade-offs, all of which are vital for crafting effective management strategies. The paper addresses the intensification of global climate risks driven by accelerating climate change. The authors review these challenges based on existing literature to identify potential avenues to overcome them. Open access copy available |
Alnus acuminata: Valuable Timber Tree for Tropical HighlandsBackgroundAlnus acuminata, also known as alder, is a nitrogen-fixing tree native to tropical highlands from Mexico to northern Argentina. It thrives in elevations between 1,200 and 3,200 meters, with annual rainfall of 1,000 to 3,000 mm and temperatures ranging from 4°C to 27°C. This species plays a significant role in watershed protection, soil enrichment, and sustainable timber production. Its adaptability to moist soils, including riverbanks and landslides, and its resilience in disturbed areas make it a valuable pioneer species. Farmers in regions like Costa Rica have used Alnus acuminata in agroforestry systems for over 90 years, integrating it with pastureland and coffee cultivation. Open access copy available |
Biodiversity conservation in Costa Rica: a correspondence analysis between identifi ed biodiversity hotspots (Araceae, Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Scarabaeinae) and conservation priority life zonesBackgroundOpen access copy available |
Los bosques tropicales estacionalmente secos: ¿una prueba ácida para la restauración?BackgroundEl artículo explora los desafíos y avances en la restauración de bosques tropicales estacionalmente secos (BTES), uno de los ecosistemas más amenazados y menos estudiados del mundo. Aunque ocupan un 40% de las zonas tropicales, los BTES enfrentan altas tasas de deforestación, presión humana y vulnerabilidad al cambio climático, lo que subraya la necesidad urgente de estrategias efectivas de restauración. Open access copy available |
