A bibliometric analysis using machine learning to track paradigm shifts and analytical advances in forest ecology and forestry journal publications from 2010 to 2022

Forest habitats are critical for biodiversity,ecosystem services,human livelihoods,and well-being.Capacity to conduct theoretical and applied forest ecology research addressing direct(e.g.,deforestation)and indirect(e.g.,climate change)anthropogenic pressures has benefited considerably from new field-and statistical-techniques.We used machine learning and bibliometric structural topic modelling to identify 20 latent topics comprising four principal fields from a corpus of 16,952 forest ecology/forestry articles published in eight ecology and five forestry journals between 2010 and 2022.Articles published per year increased from 820 in 2010 to 2,354 in 2021,shifting toward more applied topics.Publications from China and some countries in North America and Europe dominated,with relatively fewer articles from some countries in West and Central Africa and West Asia,despite globally important forest resources.Most study sites were in some countries in North America,Central Asia,and South America,and Australia.Articles utilizing R statistical software predominated,increasing from 29.5%in 2010 to 71.4%in 2022.The most frequently used packages included lme4,vegan,nlme,MuMIn,ggplot2,car,MASS,mgcv,multcomp and raster.R was more often used in forest ecology than applied forestry articles.R software offers advantages in script and workflow-sharing compared to other statistical packages.Our findings demonstrate that the disciplines of forest ecology/forestry are expanding both in number and scope,aided by more sophisticated statistical tools,to tackle the challenges of redressing forest habitat loss and the socio-economic impacts of deforestation.

Review of forest ecology studies in China

As the most important type or component in the terrestrial ecosystems, forest ecosystem makes its role obviously prominent and important on environment and human being. It possesses non-substitutable functions in the process of sustainable development. However, due to the complexity of the forest ecosystem and the relatively delay or lack of the related research technology, the science is still in the case of immature and questions. This paper summarized and reviewed briefly the development and the present case of the forest ecology, then pointed out the existing problems in the forest ecosystem researches. In the end, we discussed several fields that need to pay more attention to in future researches.

Assessment of landscape ecology of agricultural protection forest system at Beizang Town, Daxing County, Beijing

Based on theories of protective forests and landscape ecology, the reasonableness of structures and patterns of shelterbelt system at Beizang Town, Daxing County, Beijing were analyzed and assessed from the two scales of forest belts and networks, by integrating uses of field investigation, GIS and RS techniques. Results showed that the existent main belt (3-12 m in width) was too narrow, while the assistant belt (3-27.1 m in width) was too wide; the species composition of the existent shelterbelts was single, and the structures and patterns of the shelterbelt system were unreasonable. It is suggested that the structure of the main and the assistant belts should be changed, such as increasing the width of main belts, decreasing the width of assistant belt, and planting more mixed species, and the pattern with arbores in the middle and shrubs in the sides of belts could be taken into account. For the landscape structure of forest network after regenerating or reconstruction, the grid number of closed network should be 13 per km2 and the minimum number of belts should be 34 per km2. This study also testified that integrating GIS and remote technique with landscape ecology could provide an effective method for reasonable reconstruction of the structures and patterns of shelterbelts system.

Forest and Landscape——By Combining with Ecology and Aesthetics

Forest as the largest ecosystem on the land can provide people recreational spaces and pleasant environments,and ensure the sustainable development,which contributes a lot in reliving environmental crises of cities and realizing the optimized utilization of resources.The authors,from the perspective of ecological and visual landscape researches,elaborated the intimate relationship between forest and landscape,to achieve the greatest exploitation and integration of the ecological value,aesthetic value and sustainable value of forest.

Ecology and social system of northern gibbons living in cold seasonal forests

Gibbons in China represent the northernmost margin of present day gibbon species distribution （around N25°）. Compared to tropical habitats, northern gibbon habitats are characterized by low temperatures and remarkable seasonal variation in fruit abundance How gibbons adapt to their cold and seasonal habitats and what ecological factors affect their sociality are key questions for understanding their ecology and social system evolution, the elucidation of which will contribute to the conservation of these special populations/species. According to preliminary short-term studies, northern gibbons consume more leaves and use larger home ranges than tropical gibbons. Interestingly, some Nomascus groups consist of more than one adult female. However, these preliminary results are not well understood or incorporated into current socio-ecological theories regarding gibbon species. To better understand northern gibbons, our team has systematically studied three habituated groups of Nomascus concolor, three groups of N. nasutus, and two habituated groups of Hoolock tianxing since 2002. In this paper, we stress the challenges facing gibbons living in northern habitats and summarize their behavioral adaptations to their harsh environments. We also describe the northern gibbon social system and discuss the potential relationships between their ecology and sociality. Finally, we highlight future research questions related to northern gibbons in China.

Forest landscape ecology and its applications in China

Landscape ecology is playing an increasingly important role in resources management and landuse planning in recent decades and attracting much attention from resource managers and scientists in China as well as in the world. Reviews of landscape ecology development in China have been well documented, whereas forest landscape ecology and its applications receive relatively fewer reviews. In this paper, we first present a brief review of the historical development and current advances of landscape ecology in China and then introduce the applications of landscape ecology to forest park designs, urban greenspace planning, ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation and forest eco-hydrology. Finally, the problems with the application of forest landscape ecology in China, such as inadequate synthesis and integration, lack of basic research on patterns and processes, basic data shortage and model usage problem are discussed on the basis of which we suggest a future direction of forest landscape ecology in China.

Feeding ecology and interactions with mammal hosts in a symbiotic genus of birds(Buphagus spp.)in Namibia

As the sole obligate symbiotic birds in Africa,oxpeckers offer a unique model for studying symbiotic relationships.Due to the multitrophic level they occupy and the context dependent foraging behavior they exhibit,the type of symbiotic relationship can be variable.In addition to providing a cleaning service to the host by removing ticks,oxpeckers frequently feed on blood,mucus,and saliva,inflicting potential damage on the host.Here,we used DNA metabarcoding on faecal samples to analyze the taxonomic composition of the trophic interactions of the Yellow-billed Oxpecker(Buphagus africanus)and Red-billed Oxpecker(B.erythrorhynchus)in northeastern Namibia.In contrast to conventional methods,DNA metabarcoding allows for a detailed identification of dietary resources encompassing both mammal hosts and consumed arthropods within the same samples.With this information,we examined differences in the diet composition between oxpecker species and localities,as well as the co-occurrence between host and arthropod species.Our findings revealed that oxpeckers predominantly source their diet from mammals,ticks,and flies;however,ticks and flies rarely co-occur in the diet of an individual.We observed variability among individuals in their feeding ecology,which is strongly correlated with locality and,to a lesser extent,with the mammal host.We noted a high degree of mobility between hosts within relatively short periods,with 32%of the samples showing traces of at least two mammal hosts.This study illustrates the dynamic foraging behavior of these specialized symbiotic birds,shedding light on their potential role in pest control services and disease transmission.

The Cultural Ecology Protection and Management of Urban Forests in China

Forests have economic,ecological,social and cultural functions.Forests Cultural ecology,the counterpart of forest ecology,is the integration of human spirit formed on the basis of natural forest and living systems.In recent years,China's urbanization rate has increased from 28%in 1993 to 45.68%in 2008,and ecological protection of urban forest has made great progress,but insufficient attention was paid to the forest cultural ecology protection and the relevant regulatory was not well performed.In order to strengthen the protection of forest cultural ecology and the management,the study showed that the social economic development of China has become mature and entered the consumption phase,besides,cultural ecology protection of forest will be the essence of urban forestry development in the future,so more and more attention will be paid to the protection of urban forest cultural ecology,especially with the enhancement of urbanization in China.The study suggests that protection of urban forest cultural ecology should be included into the forest legislation and management.The development planning of urban forest development should be strengthened to highlight the organic combination of material wealth production and spiritual wealth production,and finally promote protection of urban forest culture and the development of green culture.

Landscape Ecology Researches on the Regulation of Non-point Source Pollution in Agroforestry Watershed

Non-point source(NPS) water pollution generated by agricultural production has become a major environmental issue in agroforestry watersheds such as the Three Gorges. Landscape ecology emphasizes the regulation and effect of landscape pattern on material flow, energy flow in the ecological processes. This paper reviewed landscape ecological approaches of controlling non-point source pollution in agroforestry watershed of the Three Gorges from the patch level and landscape level. Stage I: landscape ecological investigation. The investigation is to fi gure out landscape pattern characteristics of the watershed, major causes and key sections of the non-point source pollution, "source" patches and ecological process of non-point source pollution, and the feedback relationship between landscape pattern and non-point source pollution. Stage II: landscape ecological planning. In the patch level, the best management procedures(BMPs) are selected to judge the application effect. In the landscape level, new landscape elements are introduced, "source" and "sink" landscape patch types adjusted, landscape level regulation effect assessed. Stage III: landscape ecological management. Small-watershed landscape ecological construction is carried out from patch level and landscape level, BMPs implemented gradually, landscape ecological planning and management integrated, landscape heterogeneity enhanced, intensity of non-point source pollution controlled effectively to achieve sustainable development of small watersheds.

Ecology,growth and management of black locust(Robinia pseudoacacia L.),a non-native species integrated into European forests

Black locust(Robinia pseudoacacia L.),a species native to the eastern North America,was introduced to Europe probably in 1601 and currently extends over2.3×10~6 ha.It has become naturalized in all sub-Mediterranean and temperate regions rivaling Populus spp.as the second most planted broadleaved tree species worldwide after Eucalyptus spp.This wide-spreading planting is because black locust is an important multipurpose species,producing wood,fodder,and a source of honey as well as bio-oil and biomass.It is also important for carbon sequestration,soil stabilization and re-vegetation of landfills,mining areas and wastelands,in biotherapy and landscaping.In Europe,black locust is drought tolerant so grows in areas with annual precipitation as low as 500-550 mm.It tolerates dry,nutrient poor soils but grows best on deep,nutrient-rich,well-drained soils.It is a fast-growing tree and the height,diameter and volume growth peak before the age of 20.It mostly regenerates vegetatively by root suckers under a simple coppice system,which is considered the most cost-effective management system.It also regenerates,but less frequently,by stool sprouts.Its early silviculture in production forests includes release cutting to promote root suckers rather than stool shoots,and cleaning-respacing to remove low-quality stems,reduce the number of shoots per stool,and adjust spacing between root suckers.In addition,early,moderate and frequent thinning as well as limited pruning are carried out focusing on crop trees.The species is regarded as invasive in several European countries and its range here is expected to expand under predicted climate changes.

Landscape Architecture Planning and Design Based on Landscape Ecology Theory:A Case Study of Waterfront Landscape Planning and Design of Dapo Town

With the rapid development of urbanization,landscape architecture has become an indispensable component of daily life.In order to achieve better landscape effects and protect the ecological environment,landscape ecology theory can be integrated into landscape planning to carry out disciplinary crossing and integration research between landscape ecology and landscape architecture.In this study,based on the basic theories of landscape ecology,the waterfront landscape of Dapo Town was designed,with the aim to achieve ecological balance in planning,showcase biodiversity,and create a harmonious landscape ecological environment which can benefit both nature and people.This design combined artificial and natural elements while improving the natural environment,which promoted a harmonious relationship between humans and nature,thus enriching the spatial organization of the city,and playing a role in regulating the urban environment and climate.

Ecology

What is it?Ecology is the science of how humans,animals and plants live together.For example,in the city you can find birds,rats,insects and plants that all live in the same space.Many of them eat things that people don’t want any more.If you go to a forest,you can see different kinds of plants,insects,small animals like rabbits and birds living there;they all eat different things in the forest,and some eat each other!

COMMUNITY ECOLOGY OF POPLAR-BIRCH FOREST IN CHINA

The community ecology of Poplar-Birch forest in China was studied. It includes the distribution, classification. structure. growth.regeneration, succession and forest management. Research direction of community ecology and forest management for PoplarBirch forest was pointed out. Further studies should be made on the relation between stand and ecological environment. the structure and dynamics. nursery role to needle leave trees,target cultivation and classification management. management of the second generation forest and the third generation forest.

Discussion on Influencing Factors of Water Resources Environment and Strategies for Protecting Water Ecology

At present,the major problems facing the water resource environment worldwide include water pollution,water resource shortage,and water ecosystem degradation.The discharge of industrial wastewater,agricultural non-point source pollution,and the discharge of urban sewage lead to a serious decline in water quality,which directly affects the safety of human drinking water and the living environment of aquatic organisms.Additionally,the unbalanced distribution and excessive exploitation of water resources lead to the problem of water shortage in many areas,which then leads to social and economic contradictions and ecological crises.In terms of ecosystems,the phenomena of water ecological degradation and reduction of biodiversity are increasingly obvious,and the carrying capacity of aquatic ecosystems are gradually declining.This paper aims to analyze the natural,social,and economic factors affecting the water resource environment,and propose effective strategies to protect the water ecology.To provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the sustainable utilization of water resources and the long-term development of the water ecosystem.

Ecological Assessment on the Introduced Sonneratia caseolaris and S. apetala at the Mangrove Forest of Shenzhen Bay, China

yTwo exotic species, Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. and S. apetala B. Ham., were introduced to Futian Mangrove Forest Nature Reserve, Shenzhen Bay, in 1993 for afforestation. Winter cold caused frigid harm but did not appear to be an obstacle to the introduction. The cold tolerance of the parental and filial generation increased in several years. The two Sonneratia spp. could propagate by seeds and disperse in Shenzhen Bay. While the two species grew faster than indigenous species, at the same time they promoted the growth of indigenous species, but they could not replace indigenous mangrove species. Suitable habitat was more important than the distance from the source in the natural spreading for the two species. The niche of the two species did not overlap with the niche of indigenous species. The two species did not self regenerate, although they could disperse on localized area in Shenzhen Bay. Therefore, it was unlikely that the two species would pose ecological disaster.

通过《Landscape Ecology》杂志看国际景观生态学研究动向

《LandscapeEcology》是刊载景观生态学文章的重要期刊。本文以该期刊为研究对象 ,总结自 1987年创刊以来所刊载的 5 72篇文章的关键词所体现出的景观生态学的学科体系 (理论 -原理、研究方法、实际应用 )、研究内容 (景观格局、景观过程、景观变化 )和研究对象 (景观类型、景观要素 )的发展历程 ,并对这些关键词进行时段归类和统计分析 ,提炼出各时段的研究热点并分析未来景观生态学热点发展方向。

Application of N: P Stoichiometry to Ecology Studies

Stoichiometry has long been addressed in the studies of ecosystem ecology, but it was almost ignored for a long time. Until recently, ecologists have become aware that stoichiometry could provide a new tool to study ecology from genes to the biosphere. Among this trend, N:P stoichiometry is used actively in ecological interactions since nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the two most important elements in most ecosystems. This article reviews the application of N:P stoichiometry to the studies of ecological problems at different levels, including ecosystem, community and species. Meanwhile, we also provide the cellular basis of N:P stoichiometry, identify the shortages in the use of N:P stoichiometry theory, and put forward some perspectives for future research to be conducted.

A discussion on compensation of forest ecological engineering benefit

On the basis of analysis of the present situation of the ecological benefit compensation in China and foreign countries, this paper discusses the necessity, principle and approach of establishing the compensation mechanism of forest ecological benefit, as well as compensation standard in order to provide scientific basis for further perfecting the compensation mechanism of forest ecological engineering benefit in China. It is suggested that setting up the compensation mechanism of forest ecological benefit can not only provide the steady funds source of managing and protecting forest resources, but resolve radically the dynamic and mechanism problems of commonweal forest ecological engineering construction, which will produce a widespread and profound influence on China forestry and ecological construction.

Application of Near-nature Management Theories in the Construction of Ecological Scenic Forest——With Shenzhen City as a Study Case

With the present unceasing development of science and society,ecological and social functions of forest have attracted more and more attention.This study with Shenzhen City as an example through elaborating the concepts and principles of ecological scenic forest and near-nature management,and combining with the present construction of ecological scenic forest in Shenzhen City,specifically stated the requirements,principles and implementation measures of different aspects involving in the construction of ecological scenic forest in Shenzhen,such as site classification,tree species selection,logging operation,community construction,tending management and benefit monitoring,and further expounded the application of near-nature management theories in this field.It was also stressed that the nature should be utilized and respected,artificial forest should be reformed into near-nature scenic forest with richer and more stable structure as well as higher protective eco-functions,so as to provide theoretical basis for the construction of ecological scenic forest and enhance its positive role in the urban construction of Shenzhen.

Forestry ecological footprint in China during 1973–2003

The ecological footprint （EF） model has received much attention as an assessment indicator for sustainable development in recent years. Firstly, the temporal changes of domestic timber production, imports and exports in China were analyzed from 1973 to 2003, the analysis results showed an apparent fluctuation in timber production during 1973-1995 but a decreasing trend during 1995-2002, an increasing trend in timber imports since 1995 especially after the implementation of the Natural Forest Protection Project （NFPP）, an decreasing trend year by year in timber exports since 1995. Secondly, this paper presented a time series analysis of actual forest area demand in the sustainable yield and production approach in China from 1973 to 2003, which includes both import and export forest area demand. The results showed the actual forest area demand simulated from the sustainable yield approach was slightly higher than that from the production approach during 1978-1988 and a little lower during 1989-2003; however, the actual forest area demands simulated by these two model approaches were larger than calculations that expressed in conventional forest EF. Meanwhile, the results indicated the forestry development in China during 1978-1988 was unsustainable due to overexploitation of forest stocking volumes, and China＇s forestry moved toward sustainable development since 1989 because forest resources are exploited at lower rates than they are regenerated. However, compared to forestry developed countries, the forestry development capacity in China is still lower. Finally, based on the model results we analyzed the relationships between forestry EF and the key policies, including trade policy, economic policy and forest conservation programs. In addition, several suggestions about reducing forestry EF and enhancing sustainable forestry development in China are given.