Species Characteristics

Seed germination of Loxopterygium guasango, a threatened tree of coastal Northwestern South America

background

Loxopterygium guasango is a tree native to Ecuador with threatened status as of 1993, despite its durable wood, history of timber use, and potential use in reforestation. This study reports on seed germination, a potential cause of its low regeneration rates.

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Restoration of former grazing lands in the highlands of Laos using direct seeding of four native tree species: Seedling establishment and growth performance

Background

Direct seeding has recently regained favor as a lower-cost alternative to planting seedlings for restoration of degraded or abandoned sites. This study reports the establishment and growth performance of 2 pioneer (Pinus kesiya and Schima wallichii) and 2 later-successional (Keteleeria everlyniana and Quercus serrata) native trees broadcasted or buried on former grazing lands in Laos.

Open access copy available

Can Native Tree Species Plantations in Panama Compete with Teak Plantations? An Economic Estimation

background

Panama has high rates of primary forest conversion, resulting in depleted timber resources. In response, the timber plantation industry is growing to meet demand, often with non-native species. This study compares the economic feasibility of using native tree species vs non-native species for plantation forestry.

Open access copy available

Reforestation of Abandoned Pastures: Silvicultural Means to Accelerate Forest Recovery and Biodiversity

Background

Despite the 2736 native tree species in Ecuador, the majority of forestation activities in the country are based on exotic pines and eucalypts. In this book chapter, the authors describe the reason for this neglect being the lack of knowledge on the ecology and silvicultural treatment and the lack of nurseries growing these species.

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Ulu Masen REDD+ initiative, Aceh, Indonesia

Background

The area of the Ulu Masen Conservation Area has been degraded due to an illegal logging boom after the tsunami as well as increasing agricultural expansion. The Ulu Masen REDD+ initiative was developed by the Government of Aceh (GoA) to address these issues.

Open access copy available

Value and Risks of Expiring Carbon Credits from Afforestation and Reforestation Projects under the CDM

background

One of the main concerns with afforestation and reforestation being part of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is the issue of liability about the length and quality of the project (the risk of the forest or plantation being harvested or otherwise destroyed). To account for the non-permanent carbon storage of afforestation and reforestation projects, Credits for Emissions Reductions (CERs) can expire.

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Dalbergia Sissoo Mortality in Bangladesh Plantations: Correlations with Environmental and Management Parameters

background

This research seeks to correlate environmental and plantation conditions with the widespread mortality of Dalbergia sissoo trees planted in Bangladesh.

Goals & Methods

In order to understand the relationship between D. sissoo mortality and environmental and plantation characteristics, the authors examined 72 mixed plantations across five districts in Bangladesh. 

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Initial Performance and Reforestation Potential of 24 Tropical Tree Species Planted Across a Precipitation Gradient in the Republic of Panama

background

The authors of this study  planted trees from 22 native species and two exotic species to use in selection trials testing the growth and survivability of trees in plantations in three different sites.

Research Goals & Methods

The sites were chosen for their precipitation gradient from Soberania National Park (2226mm mean annual rainfall), Los Santos (1946mm rainfall), and Rio Hato (1107mm rainfall). Survival, basal diameter, height, crown diameter and wood volume index (VI) were calculated after two years of growth.

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Enriching the Tropical Rain Forest with Native Fruit Trees: A Biological and Economic Analysis in Los Tuxtlas (Veracruz, Mexico)

background

This doctoral thesis compares the net present value of planting three native tree species in comparison with cattle pasture in Los Tuxtlas, Mexico.

Research Goals & Methods

The author evaluates two native fruit species Pouteriasapota (mamey) and Diospyrosdigyna (black sapote) and the timber species Cedrelaodorata (Spanish cedar). The author evaluates the correlation between fruit yield and diameter growth for the two fruit species.

Open access copy available

The Effect of Rabbit Herbivory on Reforestation of Abandoned Pasture in Southern Costa Rica

background

This study considers how mammalian seedling herbivory may limit forest seedling growth abandonded pasture in southern Costa Rica.

Research Goals & Methods

Trees were planted in open pasture and under remnant pasture trees of Inga edulis and Inga punctata.

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