Estimation of above-ground biomass and carbon stock of an invasive woody shrub in the subtropical deciduous forests of Doon Valley,western Himalaya,India

This study describes the different parameters used to derive the allometric equation for calculating the biomass of an invasive woody shrub Lantana camara L.from the subtropical conditions of western Himalaya.It identifies the most accurate and convenient method for biomass calculation by comparing destructive with nondestructive methodology.Different parameters were measured on a wide range of Lantana from different community levels for the non-destructive calculation of total aboveground biomass.Different explanatory variables were identified and measured such as basal diameter either as a single independent variable or in combination with plant height.The other suitable combinations of available independent variables include crown length,crown width,crown area,crown volume and coverage of the plant.Amongst the wide range of allometric equations used with different variables,the equation with D2 H as a variable was found to be the most suitable estimator of biomass calculation for Lantana.Sahastradhara,being the most disturbed area due to its high tourist activity round the year,showed maximum coverage（58.57 % ha-1）,highest biomass（13,559.60 kg ha-1） and carbon density（6,373.01 kg ha-1）of Lantana.The degree of Lantana’s invasiveness in subtropical conditions was also calculated on the basis of importance value index（IVI）.The maximum IVI（22.77）and mean coverage（26.8 % ha-1） was obtained from the areas near Jolly Grant airport,indicating that physically disturbed areas are more suitable for the growth of Lantana,which may significantly increase shrub biomass.The importance of incorporating allometric equations in calculation of shrub biomass,and its role in atmospheric carbon assimilation has thus been highlighted through the findings of this study.

Diversity and structural composition of species in dipterocarp forests:a study from Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh

Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area composed of tropical remnant rainforest that harbor substantial number of large,old Garjan（Dipterocarpus spp.）trees.The present study assessed composition,structure and diversity of the species in this protected area.A total of 32 trees species were recorded with DBH ≥ 11 cm belonging to 24 genera and 19 families.The forest is low in plant diversity as represented by Shannon–Wiener diversity and Simpson Dominance indices.Dipterocarpus turbinatus was the most dominant species with maximum relative density,frequency,dominance,and importance value index.Syzygium firmum and Tectona grandis followed in terms of dominance.The structural composition indicated higher number of individuals in the medium growth classes（41 to 〈 511 cm DBH and 16–20 m height ranges）,whereas D.turbinatus was the only species that dominated most of the growth classes.Poor stem density in lower growth classes indicated meager recruitment of regeneration which may be due to lower annual precipitation,increased grazing and encroachments.This study will help to understand the patterns of tree species composition and diversity in the remnant dipterocarp forests of Bangladesh.It will also contribute to identifying threatened plants to undertake D.turbinatus based conservation and sustainable management of the Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tree Species Composition and Diversity in the Riparian Forest of Lake Barombi Kotto, Cameroon

Tree species composition and diversity were investigated in the riparian forest around Lake Barombi Kotto, Cameroon. This study aimed at determining the tree species composition, population structure, and providing evidence of anthropogenic disturbances in the riparian forest of Lake Barombi Kotto. The objectives were to determine the tree species composition and diversity in the riparian forest around Lake Barombi Kotto, to elucidate the forest structure and to document the anthropogenic disturbances in this forest. Five plots were laid within which the tree enumeration and measurement of dbh were carried out. Trees were identified using scientific identification keys in the Flora of West Africa. Disturbance scores were given to each site by qualitatively assessing various disturbances. A total of 340 trees belonging to 70 plant species, 63 genera and 28 plant families were enumerated. Shannon-Wiener diversity varied across sites, with the highest value (H = 3.45) recorded in Tung and the lowest (H = 2.21) in Malenda. Population structure differed across sites, the largest stand basal area of 43.78 m2/ha was recorded in Bondokombo while the smallest (2.15 m2/ha) was recorded in the Sacred Island. Cecropia peltata L., Pseudospondias macrocarpa Oliv. Pierre and Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn had the largest basal areas across the different sites. Species rich families were Malvaceae (9 species), Fabaceae (9 species), Annonaceae (4 species), and Anacardiaceae (4). This study shows that, there is a high tree species diversity in the protected forest (Tung) but the other unprotected sites are highly disturbed by anthropogenic activities. There is need to develop and enhance existing management policies for this riparian forest, especially by replanting the cut trees and creating a protected riparian buffer to conserve its floristic diversity and ecological functions.

Comparative regeneration status in a natural forest and enrichment plantations of Chittagong (south) forest division, Bangladesh

The natural regeneration of the tree species in pure natural forest stand and enrichment plantations of Baraitali Forest of Chittagong (South) Forest Division, Bangladesh was studied by stratified random quadrat method during April 2002 to November 2002. Totally 100 plots of 3 m X 3 m in size represents a total of 64 regenerating tree species from natural forest with an average seedlings of 24767/hm2, while only 40 regenerating tree species were recorded from enrichment plan-tations with an average seedlings of 18633/hm2. Maximum regeneration in natural forest was found with Castanopsis spp. (2200 seedlings/hm2) followed by Glochidion lanceolarium (2183 /hm2) whereas, in enrichment plantations maximum regen-eration was found with Dipterocarpus gracilis (2117/hm2) followed by Anogeissus acuminata (2000/hm2). For natural forest, highest relative density was found for Castanopsis spp (8.88%), relative frequency for Glochidion lanceolarium (7.36%), rela-tive abundance for Syzygium spp. (3.79%) and Importance Value Index were recorded with Glochidion lanceolarium (18.24%). The corresponding values for enrichment plantations were highest with Dipterocarpus gracilis (11.36%), Glochidion lanceo-larium (9.71%), Dipterocarpus gracilis (5.92%), Glochidion lanceolarium (23.32%) respectively. Stem per hectare of some common trees with their seedlings and saplings in both the natural stands and enrichment plantations showed that only Dip-terocarpus gracilis successfully recruited in both sites but recruitment was higher in natural forest. Like many other primary rain forests, the Baraitoli forest typically has both substantial seedlings and soil seed bank from which regeneration may occur. The naturally regenerated seedlings are quite dense but it could not reach the pole stage due to human interference.

Productivity status of traditional agrisilviculture system on northern and southern aspects in mid-hill situation of Garhwal Himalaya, India

The productivity of traditional agrisilviculture system （agricultural crops ＋ trees） was investigated in the northern and south- ern aspects of mid-hill situation in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India during the 2004-2006. A total of 19 tree species were studied in both northern and southern aspects, out of which 17 tree species were selected in northern aspect and 12 tree species in southern aspect for phytosociological characteristic analysis of trees in agrisilvicultural system. The most dominant tree species are Grewia optiva, Celtis australis and Melia azedarach and successively grown under traditional agrisilviculture system. The results show that the annual produc- tivity of all tree species was 3 775 kg.ha-1.a^-1 in northern aspect （site-N） and 3 10! kg.ha^-1.a^-1 in southern aspect （site-S）. G. optiva had the highest productivity in both site-N and site-S among the tree species, followed by M. azedarach, Quercus leucotrichophora and C. australis. The dominant agricultural crops were Eleusine coracana in summer cereals, Phaseolus vulgaris in summer pulses-oilseeds and Triticum aestivum in the winter season in the area. The average biological productivity of agricultural crops in northern aspect was about 16% higher than that in southern aspect under traditional agrisilviculture system. The sole agricultural crop productivity （without trees） in northern aspect was also higher than that in southern aspect. An obvious difference in annual productivity of trees and agriculture crops was observed between northern aspect and southern aspect. The overall productivity in traditional agrisilviculture system （crop ＋ tree） was 24% （in northern aspect） and 21% （in southern aspect） higher than that in sole cropping system.

Ecological distribution and population structure of Litsea glaucescens(Lauraceae)in the ravines of Sierra Fría and Sierra Laurel,Central Mexico

Litsea glaucescens Kunth(Mexican bay leaf,laurel)has a wide distribution in Mexico,growing at both riparian and rupicolous environments in the mountainous region of the Central Highlands of the country.Sierra Fría-Sierra Laurel is a protected natural area covered by a dry forest.The Mexican bay leaf is associated with the oak forest,especially on ravines.The species has been considered at risk in recent years.This research is focused on analyzing the elements of the environment of the ravines,which are influencing the distribution and establishment of laurel populations in the region.Two mountainous regions of Aguascalientes were selected,Sierra Fría and Sierra Laurel.Three ravines of the basin were selected to obtain environmental data.Variables registered were topographic,edaphic,and biotic.Principal component analysis was used to identify ecological factors associated with the presence of L.glaucescens.Mexican bay leaf populations were registered in 10 ravines.At the structural level in the community,29 woody species were registered,Mexican bay leaf had an Importance Value Index of 15.8,ranking 10th among all species.Individuals of laurel were classified by size classes(S,individuals with heights ranging from 0 to 20 cm;S,heights ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 m;S,heights between 1 and 2 m with light trace of flowering;S,heights greater than 2 m with flowering greater than 30% of the canopy;and S,individuals with heights greater than 5 m,curved trunk and basal regrowth)to obtain the population structure.The importance index value for all the species in the riparian community was calculated to the community level.Edaphic factors that characterized the presence of Mexican bay leaf were a high percentage of rock coverage(90%),less mulch depth,and sandy loam shallow soils.Sites that showed higher cation exchange capacity had a higher presence of individuals of the S,S,and Ssize classes.Class Sindividuals were found in shady places with 97% of intercepted light.Individuals of classes Sand Sendure less shady places(75%–85% of intercepted light),and individuals class Sand Sare more frequent in open canopies and crag conditions.Regarding the ecological site factors,such as riverside stream,and rocks on mountain slopes,L.glaucescens life form is riparian and rupicolous.Cation exchange capacity,sodium and calcium levels play an important role in the presence of Mexican bay leaf.Distribution on the ravine and recruitment of the Mexican bay leaf populations are associated with shaded sites,mainly for individuals of size classes Sand S,versus sunny places for individuals of size classes Sand S.The overall population structure had a positive kurtosis with all plant size categories well represented;statistically,the population structure of L.glaucescens is very close to the normal distribution.The information obtained allows us to affirm that the laurel populations in the mountainous areas of Sierra Fría and Sierra Laurel from central Mexico are in good demographic condition.

Assessment of Tree Diversity and Abundance in Rashad Natural Reserved Forest, South Kordofan, Sudan

This study aims to estimate the tree diversity status of Rashad Forest Reserves in the Rashad locality of the South Kordofan State of Sudan. For data collection, eight sample plots (20 × 20 m) were taken randomly, and parameters were determined: trees species diversity, composition, relative density, dominance, important value index, and species richness in the Rashad forest reserve. The results show that a total of 237 and 56 tree species, including 22 families, have been identified in the study area. Fabaceae family and species numbers have the highest number of 13 species in 8 genera, followed by Combretaceae with 8 species belonging to 3 different genera, Malvaceae with 5 species belonging to 4 different genera, Apocynaceae with 3 species belonging to 3 different genera. The Arecaceae, Burseraceae, Capparaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, and Rubiaceae families each had two species, and all the other 11 families had one species each. Among the 56 different tree species found within the reserve. The results also indicated that Tamarindus indica L. and Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf. had the highest relative density and dominance of 4.64% and 11% respectively. Adansonia digitata L., Grewia villosa Willd, Vepris nobilis (Delile) Mziray had density and dominance of 4.80% and 9%. Followed by Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr, Adansonia digitata L., Catunaregam nilotica (Stapf) Tirveng. (Syn: Xeromphis nilotica (Stapf) Keay, Vangueria madagascariensis J. F. Gmel. with 3.38% and 8%, respectively. Eleven species recorded the least relative dominance of 0.42%. Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’) value stood at 3.82. And as diversity indices varied with location depending on the species available within an ecological zone, Rashad forest reserve is blessed with a moderate diversity index.

Vegetation Structure and Regeneration Status of the Western Escarpment of the Rift Valley of the Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Understanding the structure and regeneration of forest resources contributes to identifying the elements of diversity, endemism, threatened and endangered species. This study was conducted in the western escarpment of the Rift valley of the Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The main objective was to investigate structure and regeneration status of the study area. A systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data from a total 102 quadrats, each 20 × 20 m (400 m2) and five 1 × 1 m (1 m2) sub-quadrats were established at the four corners and at the centre for sapling and seedling estimation. Tree and shrub species were listed;Height (H ≥ 1.5 m) and DBH ≥ 2 cm were measured and recorded. R-statically software and Microsoft Excel were used to record and analyse the data. A total of 126 plant species belonging to 43 families and 90 genera were identified. The most dominant families were Fabaceae, followed by Anacardiaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Most frequent species were Euclea divinorum (84.3%), followed by Rhus natalensis (83.3%), Terminalia brownii (74.5%). DBH class ≤ 5cm had highest density (63.6%) and DBH ≥ 25.1 cm had the lowest density (0.87%). Three population patterns have been observed;inverted J, J-shaped and irregular shaped. 93% of species had IVI values b/n 1 - 4, 65% of species IVI values < 1% and 7% of species had IVI values ≥ 5.28. Pappea capensis, Combretum molle, Terminalia brownii, Euclea divinorum had highest IVI values. In the vertical stratification, lower story was 91.3% of the individuals. Only a few species contributed to the high density of saplings (440.2/ha) and seedlings (825.49/ha) while most had very little or no saplings and seedlings at all. Thus, in order to revert the current forest structure and regeneration to the previous natural state, it is considered important to minimize the influence of the human interference, grazing and raising awareness to surrounding community.

Changes in tree species diversity and dominance across a disturbance gradient in Nepalese Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) forests

Disturbance is often touted as a management tool, as moderate disturbance is believed to enhance diversity; thus an understanding of frequent and fluctuating disturbance regimes in forests and their effects on stand structure, dominance and diversity is very crucial. Here, the effects of different disturbance regimes, along a gradient, on diversity and dominance of five Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.-dominated forests were investigated in 25 one-ha plots in Nepal. A total of 67 tree species were recorded; of which 41 species were encountered in least disturbed and 10 species in beavily disturbed forest. Significant variations among forests were observed for all measures of alpha diversity. Alpha diversity measures declined linearly along a disturbance gradient while dominance increased linearly. Relative basal area of S. robusta increased as the level of disturbance increased, which in turn produced more than two-fold higher important value index in heavily disturbed forest than the least disturbed forest. All alpha diversity measures declined in an order of three with increasing relative basal area of S. robusta. The similarity in species composition between each pair of disturbed forests was generally low （Jaccard＇s similarity index 〈 57%）, suggesting a higher Beta diversity, It can be concluded that diversity of Sal forests declines with increasing magnitude of disturbance, which in turn favors a higher domi- nance of S. robusta. Controlling the population of the dominant species, mainly S. robusta, is recommended to enhance diversity and to achieve multiple-use forest management objectives.

Effect of exclosure ages on woody plant structure,diversity and regeneration potential in the western Tigray region of Ethiopia

Exclosure is a method of rehabilitating degraded lands by protecting them from the interference of animals and from human encroachment, and is used to regenerate native vegetation as a way to reduce soil erosion, increase rain water infiltration and provide fodder and woody biomass in degraded grazing lands. Therefore, we studied woody plant structure, diversity and regeneration potentials in 5-and 10-year grazing exclosures in comparison with open grazed sites in a semi-arid environment. Data on species diversity, abundance, structure, basal area, frequency, density, and regeneration status were collected from 270 sample plots. Forty-one woody species representing 20 families were identified, with 18, 28 and 38 species found in open grazed areas, and in 5-and 10-year grazing exclosures, respectively. The 10-year grazing exclosures had a higher(P <0.05) species richness and plant densities compared to the 5-year grazing exclosures and the open grazed areas. The population structure and regeneration status of woody species in both grazing exclosures showed an inverted J-shape, indicating a healthy regeneration status, whereas hampered regeneration was observed in open grazed areas. The establishment of grazing exclosures had positive effects in restoring woody plant diversity and improving vegetation structure and regeneration potentials of degraded grazing lands.

Species composition, stand structure, and regeneration status of tree species in dry Afromontane forests of Awi Zone, northwestern Ethiopia

Species composition,structure,and regeneration status of trees were assessed in five dry Afromontane forests.In each of the forests,trees having≥5 cm diameter at breast height were identified and measured in 80 quadrats(20×20m^(2)).We compared tree species composition and similarities,stem densities,frequencies,basal area and importance value index of trees.Harvesting index was calculated to 13.3%in the least disturbed and 22.5%in highly disturbed forests.A total of 1,655 individuals representing 38 species and 28 families were recorded.The tree densities varied from 364.1 to 664.1stem ha^(−1) with an average basal area of 20.7m^(2) ha^(−1).The analysis showed significant differences in basal areas of tree species between the least and highly disturbed forests.Seedling densities ranged from 2000 to 8162.5 stem ha^(−1) and sapling densities ranged from 512.5 to 2562.5 stem ha^(−1).The anthropogenic disturbances revealed high degradation of population structure and regeneration statutes of the trees in the studied forest ecosystem.In conclusion,the study provided empirical results on the dominance,population structure,importance value and regeneration status of tree species,which would be instrumental for the development of successful rehabilitation strategies for the studied forests.

Enhancement of diversity,stand structure and regeneration of woody species through area exclosure:the case of a mopane woodland in northern Botswana

Introduction:An area exclosure is the practice of land management that involves the exclusion of livestock and humans from openly accessing an area that is characterized by severe degradation.Area exclosures have been employed as cheap and convenient means of rehabilitating degraded forests/woodlands.A study was carried out to(i)assess the species richness,diversity and evenness;(ii)determine the densities,frequencies,dominance and importance value index;and(iii)assess the population structure and regeneration status of woody species inside and outside the fence(area exclosure)of Okavango Research Institute(ORI)located in Maun,northern Botswana.Results:Thirty-five woody species were recorded inside(32 spp.)and outside(24 spp.)the ORI compound,and the population structure and regeneration status of the woody species were better inside than outside the ORI compound.The exclosure had seven times higher mean density of woody species than outside ORI,and an exceptional regeneration of seedlings was observed inside than outside the ORI compound,suggesting the process of recovery of the degraded woodland.The frequencies of more than half of the woody species also showed increment inside than outside the exclosure.The results suggest that the exclosed area is still in an initial recovery stage since it had been an open grazing area prior to the establishment of the exclosure.Most of the woody species encountered outside ORI showed hampered recruitment and regeneration,owing to different anthropogenic impacts and overgrazing by animals.Conclusions:Despite the relatively short period(10 years)of exclosure establishment,results from the present study have further provided empirical evidences on the actual crucial roles played by area exclosures to increase woody species richness,diversity,evenness,density,frequency,dominance and important value index as well as enhance the population structure and regeneration of the woody species in northern Botswana.Future research is recommended focusing on comparative studies on herbaceous species richness,diversity and density,horizontal and vertical distribution of soil seed banks,species richness of soil microorganisms,plant and soil biomass,plant and soil carbon pools(above and below ground)as well as soil contents and properties inside and outside the ORI compound.

Potential of exclosure on aboveground biomass carbon stock and ecological fitness of woody species in Jabi Tehnane district, northwestern Ethiopia

Assessment of ecological fitness of woody species across land use is critical issues in degraded land restoration.However,little is known about AGBC stored capacity,important value and distribution index of woody species grows in exclosure and adjacent open lands.Therefore,this research is aimed to(i)analyse impact of exclosure on AGBC(ii)ecological fit species.A random sampling method was employed.Forty sample plots(50m*50m)were used.AGBC stocks(mean±SE)of woody species in adjacent open grazing and exclosure land use of GW site was 0.11±0.07 and 1.24±0.27Mg ha^(-1) respectively.While in adjacent open grazing and exclosure land use of WG site,the value was 0.27±0.03 and 2.79±0.27Mgha^(-1) respectively.In both site exclosure land uses,the proportion of rare,occasional and common woody species were better than their adjacent open grazing land.Cupressus lustanica from open grazing and Vernonia auriculifera from exclosure land use of WG as well as Croton macrostachyus from open grazing and Leucaena leucocephala fromexclosure land use of GWsite were recorded as top ecologically fit species.It is recommended to protect degraded lands via integrating ecologically adapted native species and fully used their diversity to achieve the potential benefits of land restoration.