Secondary & Degraded Forest Restoration
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 |
Trees and regeneration in rubber agroforests and other forest-derived vegetation in Jambi (Sumatra, Indonesia)backgroundRubber agroforests (RAF) in Sumatra, introduced in the early 1900s, represent a managed forest type that is an intermediate ecosystem between natural forest and agricultural land. While understory vegetation and some trees are allowed to remain in RAF, as agriculturally managed forests, they may differ from unmanaged forests. This study compares forest regeneration in RAF and secondary forests. Open access copy available |
Approaches to Classifying and Restoring Degraded Tropical Forests for the Anticipated REDD+ Climate Change Mitigation MechanismbackgroundForest degradation from logging and fires has impacted millions of acres of tropical forest around the globe, reducing the ability of these forests to provide ecosystem services, sequester carbon, and provide habitat to endangered species. This report focuses on the UN’s REDD + initiative (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) and calls for more attention to the potential for restoration initiatives of degraded forests to act as carbon sinks. Open access copy available |
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 |
Sustainable Management of Mangrove Resources through a Participatory Approach - KenyabackgroundThis study reviews an ongoing mangrove restoration project in the Ghazi region of Kenya. The study seeks to improve the sustainable development and conservation of mangrove forests in order to enhance productivity of natural resources in ways that sustain continuous flow of desired forest products and services. All 10 mangroves found in the Indian Ocean region are found in Ghazi. The dominant mangroves in the Ghazi area are Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal and Avicennia marina. Open access copy available |
Estructura poblacional y parámetros demográficos de Juniperus flaccida Schltdl. (Population structure and demographic parameters of Juniperus flaccida Schltdl.)Open access copy available |
