Alborz Mountains host Caspian Hyrcanian forest ecoregion along the northern slopes and forest steppe ecoregion in highlands. Hyrcanian forest covers the southeastern part of Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is of gre...Alborz Mountains host Caspian Hyrcanian forest ecoregion along the northern slopes and forest steppe ecoregion in highlands. Hyrcanian forest covers the southeastern part of Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is of great biogeographic importance. Altitudinal pattern and correlation between woody species biodiversity （DIV）, forest structure （（stem density （DEN）, mean basal area （MBA） and mean height class （MHC）） and disturbance （DIS） were explored along 2,4oo m altitudinal gradient in Hyrcanian relict forest, Central Alborz Mountains. Vegetation changes from lowland forest （LoF） to mid- altitude forest （MiF） and montane forest （MoF） in this area. The altitudinal gradient was divided into twelve 200 m elevational belts. Point centered quarter method （PCQM） with 96 sampling points and 83 vegetation samples by plot method （PM） were used to record field data. Shannon-Wiener index and Pearson coefficient were used for diversity and correlation analysis. The results showed that DEN decreased linearly, MBA and MHC showed relatively hump shaped and DIS showed a reverse hump shaped pattern of change along altitudinal gradient. Woody species diversity decreased non-steadily from LoF to MoF. Transitional vegetations of Carpinus-Fagus and Fagus-Quercus represented higher diversity of woody taxa compared to adjacent homogenous communities. Significant correlation was observed between altitude and all parameters： DEN with MBA, DIS and DIV; MBA with DIS; MHC with DIS along with DIV; and DIS with DIV at the study area scale. Surprisingly,correlation between studied parameters differed within each vegetation type. Altitude probably acts as a proxy for human and environmental driving forces in this area. Stability of warm and wet condition, season length, soil depth along with forest accessibility probably influences the altitudinal pattern of the studied parameters. Disturbance affects forest structure and consequently diversity; especially in lowlands. The obtained results recommend using both forest biodiversity and mensuration data in management process of forest ecosystems.展开更多
This work was completed on the study of the southern slope scrublands （matorrals） of Tlemcen region in the northwest of Algeria （Western Algeria）. These scrublands are under various states of degradation, made up ...This work was completed on the study of the southern slope scrublands （matorrals） of Tlemcen region in the northwest of Algeria （Western Algeria）. These scrublands are under various states of degradation, made up of Quercus ilex, Juniperus oxycedrus, Thymus ciliatus, Rosmarinus officinalis. The problems sought in this study are to give the actual position of vegetable cover and in particular that of the formations to matorrals currently existing in the southern slope of the area of Tlemcen, while being based on the phytoecological aspect of the vegetable groupings which constitute this inheritance. Sampling is the first phase of work based on the analysis of the spatial variations of the structure and composition floristic and considering the nature of the problem to be treated, the authors considered to be useful to use the method Zuricho Montpeli6raine developed at the point by Braun-Blanquet, the method usually used consists to collect all the plant species and to make the list of the species on a small square of surface 100 m2 （have it minimal）. The floristic readings （150 on the whole） were taken according to the method of Braun-Blanquet. Our results show that there exists a therophytisation marked by a general invasion of annual species as show us as the synergistic action of the aridity and the anthropic action generated important modifications on the level of the vegetation in the dynamic direction. This advanced degradation leads a steppisation which results in a substitution of the elements of the matorrals by species more adapted much the xericity.展开更多
The structural diversity of different tree-crop associations were studied at Gachabari Sal forest area of Madhupur Garh on Buffer and Peripheral Zone during 2006. The total density, basal area of trees in the Buffer a...The structural diversity of different tree-crop associations were studied at Gachabari Sal forest area of Madhupur Garh on Buffer and Peripheral Zone during 2006. The total density, basal area of trees in the Buffer and Peripheral Zone were 155.5 trees·hm^(-2), 795.4 trees·hm^(-2) and 3.9 m2·hm-2, 5.8 m^2·hm^(-2), respectively. No regeneration and natural trees were found in Peripheral Zone and the Zone is totally occupied by exotic species where the Buffer Zone comprised of both natural and exotic trees. The Peripheral Zone belonged to younger and smaller trees whereas the Buffer Zone belonged to mixture of smaller, taller, younger and mature trees simultaneously. For the practicing of different agroforestry systems both Zones have lost their original characters of Sal forest.展开更多
The objective of this study entails the review and assessment of the relevance of existing and draft policies and legislation that affects the Non-timber Forest Products （NTFP） sector in Swaziland. A hierarchical me...The objective of this study entails the review and assessment of the relevance of existing and draft policies and legislation that affects the Non-timber Forest Products （NTFP） sector in Swaziland. A hierarchical method of policy and legislation review and analysis was devised for this study. Findings indicated that most national policies and legislation are outdated and old-fashioned, with gaps and overlaps, and there is lack of collaboration between institutions implementing these. The present national forest policy does not adequately guide the development of NTFPs. As a consequence, whilst international policies and legislation capture an excellent spectrum of elements and issues on NTFPs they still remain difficult to implement. However, national level criteria and indicators have issues and elements that are relevant to the sustainable use of NTFPs. It was recommended that national strategies, action plans, policies and legislation be reviewed and updated. The study shows that there are no existing institutional networks or formal collaboration between the institutions involved in the implementation of local, national, regional, and international policies and legislation that affect NTFPs. Government, private sector, Non-Governmental Organizations （NGO＇s）, communities, individuals, and all concerned agencies should jointly develop and implement policies and legislation to provide secure access and benefits to people whose livelihood depends on/is supplemented by NTFPs and further foster networking and collaboration. The immediate adoption and implementation of the 11 policy recommendations on the sustainable management of Non-timber Forest Resources compiled by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biodiversity （CBD） from the Convention on Biological Diversity is highly recommended. It is worthwhile to note that while some of the 11 recommendations were directly inherited from certain articles of the CBD some are general recommendations.展开更多
Almost three-fourths of forests are experiencing anthropogenic disturbances globally, and more than two-thirds of the forests in Nepal receive different types of disturbances. In community forests(CFs), local communit...Almost three-fourths of forests are experiencing anthropogenic disturbances globally, and more than two-thirds of the forests in Nepal receive different types of disturbances. In community forests(CFs), local communities are dependent on the ecosystem services provided by the forests for various aspects of their livelihoods, which disturb the forests’ natural conditions and ecosystem functioning in a variety of ways. This study tested the major disturbance factors that had influential roles on plant species diversity, recruitment(seedlings and saplings), biomass, soil organic carbon(SOC) and total carbon density in two community-managed forests in the Mid-hills of Nepal. The stump number, cut-off seedlings and saplings, lopping, dropping, and grazing/trampling were used as measures of the major anthropogenic disturbances. The necessary data were collected from 89 randomly selected sample plots, each with an area of 250 m2. The responses to anthropogenic disturbances were analyzed using Generalized Linear Models(GLM). The results showed that forest lopping was the most significant anthropogenic disturbance for biomass and total carbon density balance. A higher degree of lopping in the forests resulted in a lowering of the forests’ carbon stock in the study area. SOC showed no significant response to any of the tested anthropogenic disturbances. Woody species richness and number of saplings increased with an increasing number of stumps, which signifies that intermediate disturbance was beneficial. However, a higher intensity of lopping reduced the sapling density. Grazing/trampling was the most significant disturbance for inhibiting seedling growth. Areas in the forests with a higher intensity of trampling showed lower numbers of seedlings and saplings. These results will be a guide for managing anthropogenic disturbances in multiple-use forests in Nepal, as well as those in similar socio-economic environments worldwide.展开更多
This study aims to assess the impact of monospecific Tectona grandis forest plantation on the soil mite abundance and diversity. To achieve these objectives, two sites situated in Ivory Coast were investigated. The fi...This study aims to assess the impact of monospecific Tectona grandis forest plantation on the soil mite abundance and diversity. To achieve these objectives, two sites situated in Ivory Coast were investigated. The first, a primary forest was characterized by a very weak human activities whereas the second, a teak plantation was characterized by a high disturbance performed during the planting. After extracting, sorted and description, 116 mite species were described in the two sites. Mite densities were lower in teak plantation and also higher in the litter and decreased to the depth in both sites. Species richness re- corded in teak plantation （52 species） was significantly lower compared to primary forest （98 species）. The same trend was ob- served for Oribatida but not for Gamasida. The lower Oribatida （5 vs. 17） and higher Oribatida （24 vs. 41） were recorded respec- tively in teak plantation and primary forest. Mite Shannon index and evenness were significantly different between sites. High Jaccard index values and the appearance of exclusive species in both habitats showed that the sites are very distinct. Total number of species recorded corresponded to 58%-63% of the total number of species estimated by ACE and Chao 1＆2 estimators, indi- cating that the sampling effort was not sufficient. Mite abundance and diversity varied depending on the characteristics of habi- tats. Chemical element （Corn, Ctot, Ntot, and SOM） values were lower in teak plantation （disturbed habitat） and significantly dif- ferent to primary forest in the topsoil. Apart from litter height, soil depth, pH and C/N ratio, others variables were strongly corre- lated to mite abundance and diversity [Current Zoology 59 （5）： 633-643, 2013].展开更多
文摘Alborz Mountains host Caspian Hyrcanian forest ecoregion along the northern slopes and forest steppe ecoregion in highlands. Hyrcanian forest covers the southeastern part of Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is of great biogeographic importance. Altitudinal pattern and correlation between woody species biodiversity （DIV）, forest structure （（stem density （DEN）, mean basal area （MBA） and mean height class （MHC）） and disturbance （DIS） were explored along 2,4oo m altitudinal gradient in Hyrcanian relict forest, Central Alborz Mountains. Vegetation changes from lowland forest （LoF） to mid- altitude forest （MiF） and montane forest （MoF） in this area. The altitudinal gradient was divided into twelve 200 m elevational belts. Point centered quarter method （PCQM） with 96 sampling points and 83 vegetation samples by plot method （PM） were used to record field data. Shannon-Wiener index and Pearson coefficient were used for diversity and correlation analysis. The results showed that DEN decreased linearly, MBA and MHC showed relatively hump shaped and DIS showed a reverse hump shaped pattern of change along altitudinal gradient. Woody species diversity decreased non-steadily from LoF to MoF. Transitional vegetations of Carpinus-Fagus and Fagus-Quercus represented higher diversity of woody taxa compared to adjacent homogenous communities. Significant correlation was observed between altitude and all parameters： DEN with MBA, DIS and DIV; MBA with DIS; MHC with DIS along with DIV; and DIS with DIV at the study area scale. Surprisingly,correlation between studied parameters differed within each vegetation type. Altitude probably acts as a proxy for human and environmental driving forces in this area. Stability of warm and wet condition, season length, soil depth along with forest accessibility probably influences the altitudinal pattern of the studied parameters. Disturbance affects forest structure and consequently diversity; especially in lowlands. The obtained results recommend using both forest biodiversity and mensuration data in management process of forest ecosystems.
文摘This work was completed on the study of the southern slope scrublands （matorrals） of Tlemcen region in the northwest of Algeria （Western Algeria）. These scrublands are under various states of degradation, made up of Quercus ilex, Juniperus oxycedrus, Thymus ciliatus, Rosmarinus officinalis. The problems sought in this study are to give the actual position of vegetable cover and in particular that of the formations to matorrals currently existing in the southern slope of the area of Tlemcen, while being based on the phytoecological aspect of the vegetable groupings which constitute this inheritance. Sampling is the first phase of work based on the analysis of the spatial variations of the structure and composition floristic and considering the nature of the problem to be treated, the authors considered to be useful to use the method Zuricho Montpeli6raine developed at the point by Braun-Blanquet, the method usually used consists to collect all the plant species and to make the list of the species on a small square of surface 100 m2 （have it minimal）. The floristic readings （150 on the whole） were taken according to the method of Braun-Blanquet. Our results show that there exists a therophytisation marked by a general invasion of annual species as show us as the synergistic action of the aridity and the anthropic action generated important modifications on the level of the vegetation in the dynamic direction. This advanced degradation leads a steppisation which results in a substitution of the elements of the matorrals by species more adapted much the xericity.
文摘The structural diversity of different tree-crop associations were studied at Gachabari Sal forest area of Madhupur Garh on Buffer and Peripheral Zone during 2006. The total density, basal area of trees in the Buffer and Peripheral Zone were 155.5 trees·hm^(-2), 795.4 trees·hm^(-2) and 3.9 m2·hm-2, 5.8 m^2·hm^(-2), respectively. No regeneration and natural trees were found in Peripheral Zone and the Zone is totally occupied by exotic species where the Buffer Zone comprised of both natural and exotic trees. The Peripheral Zone belonged to younger and smaller trees whereas the Buffer Zone belonged to mixture of smaller, taller, younger and mature trees simultaneously. For the practicing of different agroforestry systems both Zones have lost their original characters of Sal forest.
文摘The objective of this study entails the review and assessment of the relevance of existing and draft policies and legislation that affects the Non-timber Forest Products （NTFP） sector in Swaziland. A hierarchical method of policy and legislation review and analysis was devised for this study. Findings indicated that most national policies and legislation are outdated and old-fashioned, with gaps and overlaps, and there is lack of collaboration between institutions implementing these. The present national forest policy does not adequately guide the development of NTFPs. As a consequence, whilst international policies and legislation capture an excellent spectrum of elements and issues on NTFPs they still remain difficult to implement. However, national level criteria and indicators have issues and elements that are relevant to the sustainable use of NTFPs. It was recommended that national strategies, action plans, policies and legislation be reviewed and updated. The study shows that there are no existing institutional networks or formal collaboration between the institutions involved in the implementation of local, national, regional, and international policies and legislation that affect NTFPs. Government, private sector, Non-Governmental Organizations （NGO＇s）, communities, individuals, and all concerned agencies should jointly develop and implement policies and legislation to provide secure access and benefits to people whose livelihood depends on/is supplemented by NTFPs and further foster networking and collaboration. The immediate adoption and implementation of the 11 policy recommendations on the sustainable management of Non-timber Forest Resources compiled by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biodiversity （CBD） from the Convention on Biological Diversity is highly recommended. It is worthwhile to note that while some of the 11 recommendations were directly inherited from certain articles of the CBD some are general recommendations.
文摘Almost three-fourths of forests are experiencing anthropogenic disturbances globally, and more than two-thirds of the forests in Nepal receive different types of disturbances. In community forests(CFs), local communities are dependent on the ecosystem services provided by the forests for various aspects of their livelihoods, which disturb the forests’ natural conditions and ecosystem functioning in a variety of ways. This study tested the major disturbance factors that had influential roles on plant species diversity, recruitment(seedlings and saplings), biomass, soil organic carbon(SOC) and total carbon density in two community-managed forests in the Mid-hills of Nepal. The stump number, cut-off seedlings and saplings, lopping, dropping, and grazing/trampling were used as measures of the major anthropogenic disturbances. The necessary data were collected from 89 randomly selected sample plots, each with an area of 250 m2. The responses to anthropogenic disturbances were analyzed using Generalized Linear Models(GLM). The results showed that forest lopping was the most significant anthropogenic disturbance for biomass and total carbon density balance. A higher degree of lopping in the forests resulted in a lowering of the forests’ carbon stock in the study area. SOC showed no significant response to any of the tested anthropogenic disturbances. Woody species richness and number of saplings increased with an increasing number of stumps, which signifies that intermediate disturbance was beneficial. However, a higher intensity of lopping reduced the sapling density. Grazing/trampling was the most significant disturbance for inhibiting seedling growth. Areas in the forests with a higher intensity of trampling showed lower numbers of seedlings and saplings. These results will be a guide for managing anthropogenic disturbances in multiple-use forests in Nepal, as well as those in similar socio-economic environments worldwide.
文摘This study aims to assess the impact of monospecific Tectona grandis forest plantation on the soil mite abundance and diversity. To achieve these objectives, two sites situated in Ivory Coast were investigated. The first, a primary forest was characterized by a very weak human activities whereas the second, a teak plantation was characterized by a high disturbance performed during the planting. After extracting, sorted and description, 116 mite species were described in the two sites. Mite densities were lower in teak plantation and also higher in the litter and decreased to the depth in both sites. Species richness re- corded in teak plantation （52 species） was significantly lower compared to primary forest （98 species）. The same trend was ob- served for Oribatida but not for Gamasida. The lower Oribatida （5 vs. 17） and higher Oribatida （24 vs. 41） were recorded respec- tively in teak plantation and primary forest. Mite Shannon index and evenness were significantly different between sites. High Jaccard index values and the appearance of exclusive species in both habitats showed that the sites are very distinct. Total number of species recorded corresponded to 58%-63% of the total number of species estimated by ACE and Chao 1＆2 estimators, indi- cating that the sampling effort was not sufficient. Mite abundance and diversity varied depending on the characteristics of habi- tats. Chemical element （Corn, Ctot, Ntot, and SOM） values were lower in teak plantation （disturbed habitat） and significantly dif- ferent to primary forest in the topsoil. Apart from litter height, soil depth, pH and C/N ratio, others variables were strongly corre- lated to mite abundance and diversity [Current Zoology 59 （5）： 633-643, 2013].
