Secondary & Degraded Forest Restoration
A Strategy for Restoration of Montane Forest in Anthropogenic Fern Thickets in the Dominican RepublicBackgroundThis study looked at the potential of different tree species to grow in clearings in fern-dominated thickets in a state of arrested succession. It was conducted in the Ébano Verde Scientific Reserve in the Dominican Republic with subtropical montane forest. Research Goals & MethodsThe authors cleared fern-dominated shrubs with machetes and planted 18 species of early and late successional trees and shrubs with and without a single application of fertilizer. Available with subscription or purchase |
Seed inputs to microsite patch recovery on two tropandean landslides in EcuadorBackgroundRegeneration of landslides is typically initiated by seed rain. This study reports on seed rain, seed pool, and plant cover on two Ecuadorian landslides. Open access copy available |
The Value of Rehabilitating Logged Rainforest for BirdsBackgroundThis study examines a lowland, dry dipterocarp forest in Sabah, Malaysia that had been selectively logged in 1988-89. One area was rehabilitated (enrichment planting and liberation cutting of vines, bamboos, and noncommercial species). This area was surrounded by a naturally reforesting area. The authors suggest that rehabilitation of selectively logged forests is a more effective carbon sink than plantations. Available with subscription or purchase |
Secondary Forest Regeneration Under Fast-Growing Forest Plantations on Degraded Imperata cylindrica GrasslandsBACKGROUNDIn Southeast Asia, large areas of former rain forest lands are covered by fire-climax Imperata cyclindrica (alang-alang) grass. Grass has potential to colonize varying types and sizes of land preventing regrowth of woody species. Natural forest recovery is inhibited by fires and competition with grass and shrubs. Planting fast growing tree species can create needed micro-climate and speed up regeneration of woody species. This study compared the regeneration of native tree species under the canopy of tree plantations, riverine areas, and uncultivated grassland areas. Available with subscription or purchase |
Young Restored Forests Increase Seedling Recruitment in Abandoned Pastures in the Southern Atlantic RainforestbackgroundThis study examines whether the practice of planting seedlings in abandoned pastures improves restoration outcomes in the Atlantic forest of Brazil. Research Goals & MethodsThe authors compare seedling populations in old growth forest, young restored forest, and abandoned pastures. Open access copy available |
Successional Change and Resilience of a Very Dry Tropical Deciduous Forest Following Shifting AgricultureBackgroundGiven substaintial conversion of very dry tropical deciduous forests in Mexico to agricultural and other land uses, this study examines forest succession over time in such ecosystems. The study was conducted near Nizanda, Oaxaca, Mexico with 26°C average temperatures and 900 mm average rainfall. Available with subscription or purchase |
Regeneration of Five Combretaceae Species along a Latitudinal Gradient in Sahelo-Sudanian Zone of Burkina FasoBackgruondThis study examines seedling density and regeneration processes of 5 species of Combretaceae across latitudinal gradients in the Sahelo-Sudanian ecoregion in Burkina Faso. Species were chosen based on their economic importance and large distributions. Rainfall varies across the area studied from 400-900 mm annually with elevations of about 300 m. The vegetation in the area is strongly seasonal with mostly deciduous trees and most herbacious species dying back during the dry season. Open access copy available |
The Effects of Cultivation History on Forest Recovery in Fallows in the Eastern Arc Mountain, TanzaniabackgroundThe authors of this study looked at fallows of varying age within systems of shifting cultivation to understand factors that influence their recovery. The authors focused on the role of duration of cultivation and cropping history in influencing recovery. All cropping systems in the area are shade intolerant. Research Goals & MethodsPrimary forests, farms, and fallow areas were surveyed for basal area, stand complexity, and diversity (Fisher's alpha). Available with subscription or purchase |
Influence of species richness and environmental context on early survival of replanted mangroves at Gazi bay, KenyaBackgroundMangrove restoration is often unsuccessful, thus this study involves long-term large-scale experiments measuring a range of ecosystem functions in replanted mangrove stands in Ghazi in Kenya funded by Earthwatch. Open access copy available |
Lessons Learnt from WWF’s Worldwide Field Initiatives Aiming at Restoring Forest LandscapesbackgroundThis document provides a series of case studies about forest landscape restoration projects from across the WWF network. The authors provide overall lessons as well as country-specific lessons. The authors summarize lessons learned across programs for the different stages of restoration programs. Open access copy available |
