Showing papers on "Undergrowth published in 2010"

Fuelling the biodiversity crisis: species loss of ground-dwelling forest ants in oil palm plantations in Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo)

Abstract: Oil palm plantations today cover large areas of former tropical lowland rain forest in Southeast Asia and are rapidly expanding on the island of Borneo. Study of the community of ground-dwelling ants in different plantations in Sabah, Malaysia, over 2 years using tuna baiting, revealed that the oil palm plantation ground ant community was severely reduced in species richness in comparison to the forest interior, regardless of age, undergrowth cover, or proximity to neighbouring forest. The results indicate that oil palm plantation habitats, now covering more than 15% of Sabah’s land area, can sustain only about 5% of the ground-dwelling ant species of the forest interior. Nine of the 23 ant species baited in the plantations were never recorded inside forest. All numerically dominant ants were non-forest species. The most common species was Anoplolepis gracilipes, an invasive species present at 70% of all bait sites and known to cause ‘ecological meltdowns’ in other situations. The low frequency and species number of forest ground ants indicates that oil palm plantations act as effective dispersal barriers leading to community isolation in rain forest remnants. The replacement of natural forests with oil palm plantations poses a serious threat to the conservation of biodiversity on Borneo if similar results are confirmed in other taxa.

Wild coffee management and plant diversity in the montane rainforest of southwestern Ethiopia.

Abstract: Coffea arabica occurs naturally in the montane rainforests of Ethiopia, but large areas of these unique forests have been converted to other land-uses. In the remaining forest, wild coffee is managed and harvested with increasing intensity because of rising coffee prices in the world market. This study evaluated the impact of coffee management on wild coffee populations and the forest vegetation as a basis for conservation planning in southwestern Ethiopia. Vegetation surveys and yield assessments were carried out in unmanaged natural forest and in managed semi-forest coffee (SFC) systems. Analyses show that wild coffee density and coffee yields were low in natural forest (max. 15 kg ha )1 year )1 ). In SFC systems, 30% of the canopy trees and most undergrowth vegetation were removed. This stimulated wild coffee growth and strongly enhanced yields (max. 54 kg ha )1 year )1 ), but severely disturbed forest structure. Species richness increased by 26% because of an increase in species of ruderal and secondary vegetation; however, species richness and abundance of typical forest species declined. Conservation of the natural forest therefore requires the control of wild coffee management. Wild coffee certification is discussed as one tool to reconcile conservation measures and the interests of local farmers.

L‘écologie et la vie sociale du Céphalophe bleu (Cephalophus monticola Thunberg), petit ruminant forestier africain

Abstract: The blue duiker is a small, frugivorous, strictly diurnal ruminant that occupies forest with open undergrowth. The social group consists of a ♂-♀ pair with the young of the last two litters. Pairs seem permanent in small territories adjacent to each other, without any noticeable overlap. The population density is high. The life style adopted by the blue duiker represents an exception among forest ruminants, and appears to be a well adapted response to various ecological pressures, especially predation.

Habitat preferences of the native badger and the invasive raccoon dog in southern Finland

Abstract: We compared the habitat preferences of the alien raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides (Gray, 1834) and the native badger Meles meles (Linnaeus, 1758) in two areas (Ruissalo and Tuulos) in southern Finland by radio-tracking the animals during summer from 2005 to 2008. We assumed that the habitat preferences of these two medium-sized carnivores differ to some extent (ie they are able to share the resources), because they have been sympatric for more than 50 years in southern Finland and populations of both species have increased during that period. The results indicated that the habitat preferences of these species are indeed different: raccoon dogs favoured meadows, gardens and open woodlands with tall and abundant undergrowth, whereas badgers favoured both pine forests and deciduous and mixed forests with thick canopy but sparse undergrowth. However, fields were favoured by both species in one study area (Tuulos). The results show that although both species are flexible in their habitat use and share some habitat preferences, the most favoured habitats differ between the species.

Evaporation and Soil Moisture in Relation to the Succession of Plant Associations ...

Abstract: 1. These data represent the evaporation rates in the lower aerial stratum and the range of soil moisture in the upper subterranean strata of the vegetation of the various associations, but these must be regarded as critical regions, since within them develop the seedlings which determine the character of succeeding vegetation. 2. Evaporation at different stations in the same plant association exhibits variations similar in character and degree. 3. The rate of evaporation in the cottonwood dune association, both by its great amount and by its excessive variation, seems a quite sufficient cause for the xerophytic character of the vegetation and for the absence of undergrowth, in spite of the constant presence of growth-water. 4. The pine and oak dune associations resemble one another closely both in their mean evaporation rates and in their supply of growth-water. The former is slightly more xerophytic during the midsummer weeks. 5. The vernal vegetation of the pine dune is quite as mesophytic as that of th...

Observing the Forest Canopy with a New Ultra-Violet Compact Airborne Lidar

Abstract: We have developed a new airborne UV lidar for the forest canopy and deployed it in the Landes forest (France). It is the first one that: (i) operates at 355 nm for emitting energetic pulses of 16 mJ at 20 Hz while fulfilling eye-safety regulations and (ii) is flown onboard an ultra-light airplane for enhanced flight flexibility. Laser footprints at ground level were 2.4 m wide for a flying altitude of 300 m. Three test areas of ~500 × 500 m2 with Maritime pines of different ages were investigated. We used a threshold method adapted for this lidar to accurately extract from its waveforms detailed forest canopy vertical structure: canopy top, tree crown base and undergrowth heights. Good detection sensitivity enabled the observation of ground returns underneath the trees. Statistical and one-to-one comparisons with ground measurements by field foresters indicated a mean absolute accuracy of ~1 m. Sensitivity tests on detection threshold showed the importance of signal to noise ratio and footprint size for a proper detection of the canopy vertical structure. This UV-lidar is intended for future innovative applications of simultaneous observation of forest canopy, laser-induced vegetation fluorescence and atmospheric aerosols.

Effects of Thinning on Community Characteristics of Larix principis-rupprechtii Plantations in Hebei, China

Abstract: The plots of thinning intensity with five different treatments of C(control), L(35.48%), M(43.15%) , H(57.66%) and G(81.85%) on the undergrowth, carried out in the Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations of Saihanba forestry centre, Hebei province of China, were repeated four times respectively in order to find out the effects of thinning on community characteristics of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations. By means of field investigation and statistical analysis, results are as follows: 1) The different thinning intensities have changed ecological conditions of forest and regulated the stand density which has the significant effects on the height growth and girth growth of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations. 2) The first dead branch height and fresh one present the increasing tendency with the increase of the thinning intensity. 3) Different thinning intensity has different dominant species of undergrowth vegetation and these vegetations happen to succession from shade plants to sun plants. 4) Thinning can improve species richness and diversity.

Habitat use by the european wild rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) in a coastal sandy dune ecosystem of central italy

Abstract: The European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has been recurrently introduced into Italy since the Roman times. Some populations occur along sandy coastal dunes (Central Italy). There is no information about the ecology and habitat preferences of wild rabbits in this particular ecosystem. During May and June 2009, we assessed the distribution of wild rabbits in a 120 ha protected area (province of Livorno, Tuscany), by faecal pellet counts in 170 circular plots (d = 1 m). Range size defined by Kernel Analysis was 27.3 ha (95%) and 13.2 ha (50%). Habitat selection was assessed through Jacobs' index of selection. Rabbits selected the first dunes that offer both food (psammophilous grasses) and the cover of tamarisk shrubs. Holm oak woods and pinewoods were avoided, probably because of the lack of undergrowth.

Status, Distribution and Diversity of Invasive Forest Undergrowth Species in the Tropics: a Study from Northeastern Bangladesh

Abstract: This paper analyzes data on the composition, status, diversity, and distribution pattern of invasive forest undergrowth species in a protected area (Khadimnagar National Park) of Northeastern Bangladesh. Assessment was done by means of stratified random sampling to diversify the invasive forest undergrowth species. For vegetation survey, 45 plots were taken randomly in (2 m × 2 m) circular plot from three topographical regions namely top of the hill, middle slope and plain land (15 plots from each region) and a total of 715 individuals, 22 invasive species belonging to 17 families were recorded from the study site. Among invasive species, shrubs constitute 10 species, herbs 9 species, and vines 3 species respectively. Mass number of invasive undergrowth species was grows in plain land (45.45%) followed by middle slope (31.82%). Based on the survey, invasive undergrowth plants of study areas were also categorized into three degrees of invasiveness e.g., highly invasive, moderately invasive and potentially invasive. Herbs, shrubs, and vines constitute the highest density at Chromolaema odorata (Linn.) King. (1.09), relative density at Chromolaema odorata (Linn.) King. 6.85%; highest and lowest frequency was calculated at Cassia alata L. (64.44%) and Diplazium esculentum (24.44%); for relative frequency the highest was Cassia alata L., which occupies 6.64%. Determination of the abundance of the different species revealed that Cassia alata L., constitutes (3.36) followed by Pteris cretica Wilsonii (3.14) of the area. The presence of invasive undergrowth species always reduced the number of associated species. Therefore, an extensive in-depth long-term investigation, proper policy formulation and management interventions and further study and continuous monitoring on their impacts need to be triggered targeting the control of the invasive undergrowth species of this protected area. In this aspect, national and international organization could help to conserve its biodiversity.

Interspecific interactions of the critically endangered Forest Owlet (Athene blewitti)

Abstract: The Forest Owlet (Athene blewitti) is critically endangered and at extremely high risk of extinction owing to its restricted distribution. An expedition was organized to determine the density of the Forest Owlet in the Melghat Tiger Reserve in February 2004 where they had been observed sporadically in the previous 5 years. We hoped to identify as many individuals as possible and to observe interspecific interactions in order to understand the social framework in which the species survives. A total of 43.4 km of jungle roads was checked; we confirmed the presence of three of the 13 previously reported individuals, and found 11 previously undetected owlets. Owlets were found in areas with several interconnected forest clearings which allowed the owlets to forage in them. In all cases where the Forest Owlet occurred, a village or agricultural fields of the indigenous people (Adivasis) was within a 0.5-km radius. It appears that Forest Owlets preferred to establish feeding territories in areas disturbed by anthropogenic activity such as clearing dead trees and undergrowth for fire, trampling undergrowth while searching for firewood, burning areas around the agricultural plots, or driving herds of cattle through the area. All of these activities appear to optimize the habitat for the sit-and-wait foraging Forest Owlet, facilitating detection and tracking of prey in open areas with sparse and short undergrowth, allowing a better all-round view due to a lower density of trees.

Relation of populations of forest-forming species in the fir-aspen-birch forests of West Salair

Abstract: The spatial structure of the fir undergrowth vs. to the fir, aspen, and birch trees in the climax community of the fir-aspen-birch forest was analyzed by the method of R-functions. The analysis showed that the fir undergrowth is primarily concentrated near old fir trees, but near the fir stumps it is more rare than expected. This distribution of the fir undergrowth should have resulted in the decrease in area and number of fir population. The fir undergrowth concentrates the most near the small-leaved species, where dense fir clumps are formed. The populations of the small-leaved species are a stabilizing factor of the dominant population in the fir-aspen-birch forests.

Study on the species diversity of undergrowth in the different stand densities of Pinus tabulaeformis plantation of Xiaolongshan area

Abstract: 【Objective】This paper studied the influence of stand density on species diversity of undergrowth of Pinus tabulaeformis plantation in Xiaolongshan area,to put forward an appropriate stand density.【Method】Five types of 30 years stand density were selected,and the law of important values,species richness,species diversity index,evenness index and similarity coefficient changing with stand density were analyzed.【Result】① There were 50 vascular species in 38 families and 23 genus of undergrowth in P.tabulaeformis.As stand density increased,species number decreased,and the composition of shrub and herb changed.②Species richness,Shannon-Wiener,Simpson index in shrub layer and herb layer deceased.③Correlation coefficient analysis showed that the stand density had some relationship with species richness and the evenness index of herb layer,which had significantly negative correlation with the stand density.④ As stand density increased,the total forest loss of species,and similarity index gradually decreased.【Conclusion】Analysis showed that stand density did have influence on species diversity,but the influence was no significant.When stand density was 1717-1 867 plant/hm2,species diversity index except that Alatalo reached the highest,which indicated that the density was more appropriate for growth and development of understory vegetation,and can contribute to an increase in forest diversity.

Undergrowth penetration rain collector

Abstract: The utility model discloses an undergrowth penetration rain collector, which comprises water collecting slots, wherein the water collecting slots are arranged on a plurality of supports, each support is respectively fixed on a stand column which is used to embed on the ground, a stainless steel filter screen is arranged on an adjacent position of one end of the water collecting slot to form a filter bin, the height of the end is lower, and a water nozzle is screwed on a lowest position of the bottom portion of the filter bin. The undergrowth penetration rain collector has the characteristics that the structure is simple and practical, the maintenance is convenient, blockage is prevented, and observation data extremely has reliability and representativeness.

Carbon Storage and Distribution Law of the Rubber Forest Ecological System in Danzhou of Hainan

Abstract: The carbon storage in the rubber forest ecological system is mainly made up of the soil,undergrowth vegetation,litter and tree layers.Samples from the soil layer(0 cm-20 cm,20 cm-40 cm,40 cm-60 cm,60 cm-80 cm,80 cm-100 cm),undergrowth vegetation layer,litter layer and tree(5,10,15,20,25 and 30 years old) layer of the rubber plantation in Danzhou of Hainan were investigated,and the organic carbon of samples were indoor tested and analyzed.It was preliminarily concluded that the carbon storage of rubber forest ecological system in Danzhou of Hainan was 851.3 t/hm2.The carbon storage of soil layer was 536.9 t/hm2 the carbon storage of tree layer(306.8 t/hm2)the carbon storage of litter layer(4.4 t/hm2) the carbon storage of undergrowth vegetation layer(3.2 t/hm2).The carbon storages in the rubber plantations of different tree ages changed approximately between 75.7 t/hm2 and 152.7 t/hm2,and showed an approximately double peak trend.

Ecogeographical characteristics of the seed-bearing capacity and natural regeneration of pine on the fire-sites in pine forests of Transbaikalia

Abstract: The paper presents the results of the studying of the parameters of post-fire structure and seed-bearing capacity of tree stands, factors of surface medium (thickness of burnt duff, projective cover of herb and moss vegetation) as well as number, vitality, and age structure of self-seeded Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and accompanying small-leaved species in the Lower Selenga pine forest massif of the forest-steppe in Southwestern Transbaikalia. The seed harvests were 1.5-2 times higher than in the geographically replacing forest types in the forest-steppe of West Siberia, and vitality of the undergrowth of the pine under the canopy of fire-affected stands was extremely low. It is shown that the pine reforests successfully on the fire-sites in the zone of insemination from the forest walls and on the thin fire-sites in the cowberry-rhododendron pine forests, where it is 2-3 times more abundant than in forest-steppe of the West Siberia. The reforestation is insufficient on the fire-sites in the bearberry-lichen pine forests.

Лесовосстановление на вырубках темнохвойно-кедровых лесов южной тайги Западной Сибири

Abstract: Reforestation on felled areas of dark coniferous Siberian stone pine forests in the southern subzone of taiga in West Siberia is successful and satisfactory. Differentiation of regeneration on tree story and undergrowth is finished in 30 years after cutting. The dark coniferous with Siberian stone pine and deciduous stands are formed depending on disturbance of site and undergrowth preservation.

Distribution of Cyperus Chamaecephalus Cherm., a Forest Undergrowth Species with Inconspicuous Inflorescences

Abstract: The distribution of Cyperus chamaecephalus Cherm, a frequently overlooked forest undergrowth species with inconspicuous inflorescences, has been very poorly documented The authors report several recent discoveries which permit a more complete understanding of its geographical distribution in Madagascar’s lowland and mountain rainforests

Biomass Characteristics of The Deteriorated Pinus massoniana Forests in Red Soil Low Hilly

Abstract: By the methods of sample tree(for tree layer) and quadrat yield(for shrub layer,herbaceous layer and humus layer),the biomass of four deteriorated Pinus massoniana mixed stands and one pure P.massoniana plantation and its allocation were studied in this paper.The results showed that the biomass of tree layer in the mixed forest of Schima superba and P.massoniana,Chinese chestnut and P.massoniana,Sour jujube and P.massoniana,and Liquidambar formosana and P.massoniana was 135.501 t/hm2,31.499 t/hm2,22.138 t/hm2 and 69.725 t/hm2,respectively,and 37.043 t/hm2 for the pure pine stand.The stems,branches and leaves was accounted for 40.39%~74.87%,11.40%~32.67% and 9.31%~26.94% of total biomass respective in the four mixed stands.For the undergrowth vegetation,the biomass was 6.649 t/hm2 in the pure P.massoniana plantations,while only 3.825 t/hm2 in the mixed Schima superba and P.massoniana plantations.The forest litter was the most in the mixed Schima superba and P.massoniana plantations and it was the least in the mixed Liquidambar formosana and P.massoniana plantations.The average biomass for all stands was 68.095 t/hm2.

Effects of different thinning intensities on regeneration of young seedlings and diversities in Quercus mongolica forests

Abstract: In this paper,the regeneration process of young trees and undergrowth biodiversity of Quercus mongolica with different thinning intensity were investigated.The results showed that medium thinning could be beneficial to young trees seedling of undergrowth to regeneration,further which was conducive to induce into the seedling stand,and it also could effectively increase the resistance to diseases and insect pests of forest stand,enhance the species diversity of undergrowth,improve the stability of stand.

The importance of undergrowth vegetation and browsing pattern on oak seedlings

Abstract: This 30 ECTS master thesis aim was to investigate how the species composition and structures in the understorey vegetation community affects oak seedling browsing risk, frequency and severity. The study was conducted in 10 mixed broadleaved forests in Southern Sweden. A subplot sampling inventory method over transect was used in order to evaluate browsing pattern on natural regenerated oak seedlings. Data for studies was collected in July 2009. In the total of 200 focal oak subplots evaluation, around 8 500-undergrowth vegetation species individuals were carried out. The results showed that in all 10 sites together, more than half of all oaks were browsed and third part of all damaged undergrowth species were oaks. Undergrowth vegetation species composition and density didn’t affect browsing pattern and severity in all ten forests. In all 200 focal oak subplots the most damaged undergrowth species were: Quercus sp, Sorbus aucuparia, Populus tremula, and Fraxinus sp. Browsing choice and severity was dependant on the oak seedling height by itself and available undergrowth species height in the surroundings. Oak stands should have a high amount of broadleave species in the undergrowth until regeneration phase is over in order to provide enough oak seedlings per hectare for future stand management without fencing.

Discussion on Developing Forest Undergrowth Industry——A Case Study in Thousand-isle Lake District

Abstract: Starting off with connotation and significance of forest undergrowth industry,combining with the status quo of forest undergrowth industry development in our country,analyzes the status quo of forest undergrowth industry development and existent main problems in Thousand-isle Lake District,puts forward guidance idea,developing principle and countermeasure to expanding forest undergrowth industry

The hydro-ecological effects study of the Liquidambar formosana plantation in suburban area of Changsha

Abstract: In order to scientifically estimate the ecological benefits of urban landscape public welfare forest of Changsha city,by taking the methods of forest hydrological location observation,sample collection,experimental analysis,the hydrological ecology effects of Liquidambar formosana plantation in Changsha suburban were studied with wasteland data as the control,which were caused from three hydrological ecology action layers: forest canopy layer,undergrowth litter layer and soil layer.The results show that the amount of canopy interception accounted for 22.37% of the average total amount of rainfall during the period of observation,there was a linear relationship among the through fall,stem flow and the rainfall outside plantation,and there was an obvious power function relationship between the amount of canopy interception and that of rainfall;and the storage of underground litter in the plantation is 4.56 t·hm-2,the litter maximum moisture content was 6.79 t·hm-2;and the soil unit weight of the plantation underground was smaller than that of wasteland,the non-capillary porosity was bigger than that of wasteland by two times,and the soil maximum moisture content in the layer of 0～45cm on plantation underground was 197.80 mm;and the Liquidambar formosana plantation can improve the soil structure,and had an apparent function of soil and water conservation compared with the wasteland.

Analysis on Undergrowth Vegetation Structure and Habitat of Plantation in Datong Qinghai

Abstract: Species composition of undergrowth vegetation and dominant species in plantation in Datong were studied preliminarily by plots and line transect method,the results showed plantation provided the necessary place where herb and shrubby grow and succession of plant community.Undergrowth vegetation type of coniferous forest were shade tolerance plant under Picea purpurea,Larix principis pure forest and Picea purpurea ×Larix principis mixed forest,undergrowth vegetation type of broadleaf forest were liking light weed under Populus cathayana and Betula platyphylla pure forest,undergrowth vegetation type of mixed forest as Populus cathayana×Hippophae rhamnoides,Populus cathayana×Picea crasfolia,Betula platyphylla× Picea crasfolia were sciadophylous plants,undergrowth vegetation biomass of broadleaf pure forest relatively large,and that of coniferous pure forest and mixed forest were relatively small.

Correlativity between Undergrowth Vegetation Species Diversity/Biomass and Soil Fertility of Four Types Planted Forest in Suburbs

Abstract: Using sample surveys and sampling method,this paper is to study species diversity and biomass of undergrowth vegetation,soil physical and chemical properties,and correlation between them in four plantation of suburbs of Changsha.The results showed that shrub layer richness and diversity indexes were all higher than herb layer,but evenness index was opposite;biomass of undergrowth vegetation showed coniferous forestbroad leaved forest;the vertical differentiation law of soil nutrient was obvious descend with increasing of the depth of the soil layer;TN,TK and AK had close relationship with diversity index of undergrowth vegetation(p0.05);soil water content,AP and AK had good prediction ability on diversity index;there are relativity between shrub layer biomass and pH,TN and litter layer biomass.Herb layer biomass had significant negative relativity with soil organic matter content(p0.05).Total biomass had relativity with TN content(p0.05).