Montane forest ecosystems support biodiversity and provide varied ecosystem services to adjacent and downstream human communities. However, human-induced disturbances are common in many of these ecosystems, threatenin...Montane forest ecosystems support biodiversity and provide varied ecosystem services to adjacent and downstream human communities. However, human-induced disturbances are common in many of these ecosystems, threatening their capacity to sustain their functions. This study assessed the status of woody vegetation and livestock use of a Kenyan montane forest 10 years after government-sanctioned cessation of human encroachment. The findings can inform suitable interventions that support recovery of abandoned forest settlements subjected to continuous anthropogenic disturbances. Selected woody vegetation attributes and livestock disturbance indicators were assessed across three human-driven disturbance regimes (light, moderate and heavy) using stratified-systematic sampling technique. Data on the extent of community dependence on forest grazing were collected from 381 randomly selected forest adjacent households using semi-structured questionnaires. Information on the palatability of plants to livestock was obtained from Focus Group Discussions. Vegetation data were analyzed using linear mixed models, while descriptive analysis was applied on household survey data. A total of 33 woody plant species belonging to 22 families were identified, out of which 55% were perceived to be unpalatable to livestock. Species richness, species diversity, stem density and basal areas declined significantly with increasing levels of disturbance. Specifically, these attributes were 59% - 98% lower in heavily disturbed sites than in moderately and lightly disturbed sites. A vast majority (88%) of the sampled households grazed their livestock in the forest throughout the year. Evidence from this study indicates that intense past and ongoing anthropogenic disturbances caused significant negative effects on the forest vegetation condition, and lowered its capacity to recover. Forest managers should prioritize minimizing recurrent anthropogenic disturbances as the forest recovers to ensure successful succession and sustainable provision of ecosystem services.展开更多
In this report we summarize the research results by Chinese scientists in 2018–2020.The focuses are placed on the researches of the middle and upper atmosphere,specifically the researches on atmospheric structure and...In this report we summarize the research results by Chinese scientists in 2018–2020.The focuses are placed on the researches of the middle and upper atmosphere,specifically the researches on atmospheric structure and composition,climate and chemistry-climate coupling and climate modelling,dynamics in particular those inducing the coupling of the atmospheric layers.展开更多
This report reviews the researches for the middle and upper atmosphere in 2020-2022 by Chinese scientists.The report consists of five parts introducing primarily the results from the aspects of the development of infr...This report reviews the researches for the middle and upper atmosphere in 2020-2022 by Chinese scientists.The report consists of five parts introducing primarily the results from the aspects of the development of infrastructure,the structure and composition,the climate and modeling,the dynamics for the middle and upper atmosphere,and Coupling between Stratosphere and Troposphere,respectively.展开更多
文摘Montane forest ecosystems support biodiversity and provide varied ecosystem services to adjacent and downstream human communities. However, human-induced disturbances are common in many of these ecosystems, threatening their capacity to sustain their functions. This study assessed the status of woody vegetation and livestock use of a Kenyan montane forest 10 years after government-sanctioned cessation of human encroachment. The findings can inform suitable interventions that support recovery of abandoned forest settlements subjected to continuous anthropogenic disturbances. Selected woody vegetation attributes and livestock disturbance indicators were assessed across three human-driven disturbance regimes (light, moderate and heavy) using stratified-systematic sampling technique. Data on the extent of community dependence on forest grazing were collected from 381 randomly selected forest adjacent households using semi-structured questionnaires. Information on the palatability of plants to livestock was obtained from Focus Group Discussions. Vegetation data were analyzed using linear mixed models, while descriptive analysis was applied on household survey data. A total of 33 woody plant species belonging to 22 families were identified, out of which 55% were perceived to be unpalatable to livestock. Species richness, species diversity, stem density and basal areas declined significantly with increasing levels of disturbance. Specifically, these attributes were 59% - 98% lower in heavily disturbed sites than in moderately and lightly disturbed sites. A vast majority (88%) of the sampled households grazed their livestock in the forest throughout the year. Evidence from this study indicates that intense past and ongoing anthropogenic disturbances caused significant negative effects on the forest vegetation condition, and lowered its capacity to recover. Forest managers should prioritize minimizing recurrent anthropogenic disturbances as the forest recovers to ensure successful succession and sustainable provision of ecosystem services.
文摘In this report we summarize the research results by Chinese scientists in 2018–2020.The focuses are placed on the researches of the middle and upper atmosphere,specifically the researches on atmospheric structure and composition,climate and chemistry-climate coupling and climate modelling,dynamics in particular those inducing the coupling of the atmospheric layers.
文摘This report reviews the researches for the middle and upper atmosphere in 2020-2022 by Chinese scientists.The report consists of five parts introducing primarily the results from the aspects of the development of infrastructure,the structure and composition,the climate and modeling,the dynamics for the middle and upper atmosphere,and Coupling between Stratosphere and Troposphere,respectively.
