Variations of population structure and important value of the main edificators along the elevation gradient on the northern slope of Changbai Mountain

From 700 m to 1900 m on the northern slope of Changbai Mountain, 13 plots with an interval of 100 m in elevation were investigated to study the variations of population structure and important value of the main edificators along the elevation gradient. In their core distribution areas, most of the edificators had healthy population structure and could regenerate smoothly except Larix olgensis, but important value of Larix olgensis had no obvious variations with elevation changes, which showed that Larix olgensis had its own particularity and strong adaptability. At high elevation above 1800 m, Betula ermanii was the only species that could form a mono-dominant community. Important values of Pinus koraiensis and Acer mono had similar changing trends, and they had the similar ecological adaptabilities.

Jiangsu's Top Enterprises with Import and Export Value of More Than US$ 200 Million in 1995

Name of the Enterprise1. Jiangsu Overseas Enterprises (Group) Co. Ltd2. Yizheng Chemical Fibers Co. Ltd3. Jiangsu Silk Products Imp. & Exp. (Group) Co. Ltd4. Jiangsu Garments Imp. & Exp. (Group) Co. Ltd5. Zhangjiagang Foreign Trading Company6. Jiangsu Textiles Imp. & Exp. (Group) Co.

Community Perception of Riparian Corridors Ecosystem Services and Implications for Environmental Education in Upper Oueme Catchment in Benin, West Africa

The assessment of the local community perception of the value of riparian corridors is relevant to understand their attitude towards the conservation of such ecosystem. We conducted a semi-structured survey on the perception and importance attributed to the ecosystem services (ESs) provided by riparian corridors in 368 households across 70 villages located in a buffer zone of 5 km of servitude around the permanent rivers of the Upper Oueme watershed in Benin. We found that local communities easily reported provisioning and cultural ESs than regulating and supporting ones, indicating their misunderstanding of the main role of riparian corridor. Moreover, the supply of cropping areas was perceived as the most important ES. Educated respondents and high-income households had more knowledge of regulating ESs and supporting ESs, respectively. Overall, the highly perceived importance of the provision of cropping areas indicates a potential risk of agricultural encroachment of riparian corridors. We suggest the consideration of the current local perception of riparian corridor’s role in designing a sound environmental education aiming at the change of local population’s perception. This perception shift will promote a sustainable management of the riparian corridors.

Concepts of keystone species and species importance in ecology

This paper discussed the keystone species concept and introduced the typical characteristics of keystone species and their identification in communities or ecosystems. Based on the research of the keystone species, the concept of species importance (SI) was first advanced in this paper. The species importance can be simply understood as the important value of species in the ecosystem, which consists of three indexes: species structural important value (SIV), functional important value (FIV) and dynamical important value (DIV). With the indexes, the evaluation was also made on species importance of arbor trees in the Three-Hardwood forests (Fraxinus mandshurica, Juglans mandshurica, and Phellodendron amurense) ecosystem.

Structure changes and succession dynamic of the natural secondary forest after severe fire interference

The structure and dynamic succession law of natural secondary forest after severe fire interference in recent 20 years were studied by adopting the method of deducing time series from the spatial sequence of vegetation in Heihe region, Heilongjiang, China. Two typical and widely distributed forest types in the study area, namely forest type A and forest type B, were selected as study subjects. Forest type A is pure broadleaf forest or broadleaf mixed forest mainly composing of superior Betula platyphylla and Populus davidiana in the area with gradient 〈25°, while forest type B is pure forest or mixed forest composing of superior Quercus mongolica and Betula davurica in the area with gradient 〉25°. Species richness, vegetation coverage, important value, and similarity index of commtmity in different layers （Herb, shrub, small tree, and arbor layers） were investigated and analyzed for the two typical forests. The results show that after fire interference, the species richness and coverage in each layer in forest type A were higher than that in forest type B. Both for forest type A and B, with elapse of post-fire years, the species richness and coverage of herbs and shrubs showed a decline tendency, while those of arbor layer present a rising tendency. Through comparison of the important values of species in each layer and analysis of community structure changes, the dynamic process of post-fire vegetation succession for forest type A and B was separately determined. Post-fire 80 years＇ succession tendency of forest type A is B. platyphylla and Larix gmelinii mixed forest. Its shrub layer is mainly composed of Corylus heterophylla and Vaccinium uliginosum, and herb layer is dominated by Carex tristachya, Athyrium multidentatum, and Pyrola incarnate; whereas, the post-fire 80 years＇ succession of forest type B is Q. mongolica and B. davurica mixed forest. Its shrub layer is mainly composed of lespedeza bicolar and corylus heterophylla and herb layer is dominated by Carex tristachya, Asparagus densiflorus, and Hemerocallis minor.

Vegetation patterns and species-environment relationships in the Gurbantunggut Desert of China

The Gurbantunggut Desert is the largest stable and semi-stable sand desert in China, yet few data exist on vegetation pattern and species-environment relationships for these diverse desert landscapes. The sand dunes of the survey area are mainly of the longi- tudinal form from north to south, but checkerboard-shaped and honeycomb-shaped forms are also present, with the height of 10-50 m. We measured vegetation and soil data on north-south transects and compared them with vegetation and soil data on east-west transects. Analysis revealed that the varying trend and strength of the species diversity, dominance and cover of the plant communities in the longitudinal and transverse directions across the landscape are significantly different. The results of CCA ordination show that the microhabitats of soil organic matter （OM）, soil salts （TS）, sorting index （ σ ）, topsoil water-content （SM） and pH relate to the differences in vegetation observed as differences in species assemblage from salt-intolerant ephemerals, micro-subshrubs and subshrubs to salt-tolerant shrubs and micro-arbors. The terrain （alt.） and soil texture （the contents of Mz and Ф 1） affect the spatial differentiation of many species. However, this spatial differentiation is not so marked on transects running longitudinally with the landscape, in the same direction as the dunes. The species of the desert vegetation have formed three assemblages under the action of habitat gradients, relating to three sections running transversely across the landscape, at right angles to the direction of the dune crests. In the mid-east section of the study area the topography is higher, with sand-lands or dune-slopes with coarse particles. Here the dominant vegetation comprises shrubs and subshrubs of Seriphidium santofium and Ephedra distachya, with large numbers of ephemeral and ephemeroid plants of Senecio subdentatus, and Carex physodes in spring and summer. On the soil of the dune-slopes in the mid-west of the study area, with coarse particles and abundant TK, the plant assemblage of Haloxylon persicum, Soranthus meyeri and Agriophyllum squarrosum is developed. The species composition in the east marginal belt of the study area has similar characteristics to the mid-west section. There is no corresponding section in the north-south transects （except for the north and south margins）. This is because the habitats of most plants are located in the middle of the microhabitat gradients in the north-south direction in the desert.

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.

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.

Assessment of natural regeneration status and diversity of tree species in the biodiversity conservation areas of Northeastern Bangladesh

A study was conducted at two-biodivcrsity conservation areas of Northeastern Bangladesh （a part of Sylhet Forest Division） to assess the species composition, diversity and density of natural regeneration of tree species both indigenous and exotic species. Data were collected by stratified random quadrate method during January 2010 to July 2010. Totally 200 circular plots of 2 m〉〈2 m in size had 5 different habitat types of plants namely; forest, roadside, homestead （surrounding forest dwellers house）, fallow land and others （canals, streams and tea gardens side）, which included a total of 55 regenerating species belonging to 28 families. Meliaceae is the dominant family and shows the highest family importance value （26.3）, having six species, followed by Moraeeae （24.24）. Among the five habitat types, forest （43 species） possess the highes number of species, followed by roadside （23 species）. Total 15 exotic species among 9 families and 40 indigenous species with 24 families were recorded. For exotic species, Tectona grandis possess the highest relative density （11.7%） and relative frequency （10.5%）; Senna siamea had highest relative abundance （7.83%）. In case of indigenous species, Chickrassia tabularis possess the highest relative density （4.23%） and relative frequency （4%）; Dipterocarpus turbinatus bad the highest relative abundance （3.92%）. Tectona grandis （29.66） and Chickrassia tabularis （10.8） had the highest IVI for exotic and indigenous species respectively. Different diversity indic＇es such as Shanon-Winner diversity index,＇ species diversity index, species richness index, species evenness index, Simpson index and species dominance index, etc. were applied to quantify definite diversity. The regeneration of species associated with low levelsof disturbance was in the exotic Species. Study suggests that proper protection from human disturbances and scientific management of natural regeneration of two-study forests may lead a rich biodiversity site in the country.

Community structure and biodiversity in plantations and natural forests of seabuckthorn in southern Ningxia,China

Two types of sampling plots of seabuckthom （Hippophae rhamnoides） communities were investigated in Pengyang County of Ningxia region by a typical sampling method to study the characteristics of community structure and biodiversity. Composition and dominant species of each community were analyzed by the importance value of species as an index. The number of individuals and the importance value, as well as Sorensen＇s similarity coefficient, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Pielou＇s evenness index and Simpson＇s dominance index, were used as indices to compare characteristics of community structure, similarity and biodiversity between plantations and natural forests of seabuckthom. The results indicate that the importance values of species of natural seabuckthom communities were dispersed and the difference between dominant species was not statistically significant. Diversity indices of natural seabuckthom communities reflected by species richness and evenness were higher than that of plantations. Community structure of natural seabuckthom forests is more complex. We propose that natural forest can be used as sample to guide selection of plant species in silviculture in order to improve biodiversity of plantation.

Evaluation of water resources conserved by forests in the Hani rice terraces system of Honghe County,Yunnan,China：an application of the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model

The Hani Rice Terraces System, based on gravity-flow irrigation, is one of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems(GIAHS) pilot sites selected by FAO in 2010. The water resource plays an important role in the sustainable development of this system. The value of water conserved by the forest is influenced by natural, economic and social factors. In this paper, the water quality, per capita water resources, per capita GDP and population density are chosen as indices to construct an index system for a comprehensive evaluation of water resources value. The weights of these indices are 0.443, 0.31, 0.141 and 0.106 respectively, which are determined by the analytic hierarchy process(AHP) method. The water resources value has been assessed by the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model. The results show that the water resources value in the Hani Rice Terraces System is 4.25 RMB/m^3. Evaluating the value of water resources in the Hani Rice Terraces System can provide a reference for ecological compensation, for raising public awareness of the importance of protecting the system, and ultimately achieving its sustainable development.

Effects of selection cutting on the forest structure and species diversity of evergreen broad-leaved forest in northern Fujian, southern China

The short-term effects of selection curing of different intensities on the forest structure and species diversity of evergreen broad-leaved forest in northern Fujian Province were investigated and analyzed. The results showed that selection curing of low and medium intensities caused little variation in the forest structure. After curing, the dominant species retained their leading status in the community. However, the community structure changed significantly following selection curing of high and extra-high intensities; the status of the dominant species of the community declined dramatically. Some tree species began to disappear from the sampling plots. Except for extra-high intensity curing, the diversity of tree species did not change significantly for the other three curing intensities. However, the evenness of the stands was very different among the four kinds of curing plots. For low and medium intensity selection cutting, the evenness declined slightly. For extra-high intensity selection curing, the evenness increased to some extent, which might be due to a more even distribution of tree species after curing. CuRing operations resulted in some adverse reactions to development of arborous species diversity of evergreen broad-leaved forest, particularly serious damage to the forest canopy. But the rational selection cuttings, which may benefit the restoration and maintenance of species diversity over a long period and may come about from the variations in environmental factors such as sunlight, temperature and humidity.

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.

Compatibility and complementarity of indigenous and scientific knowledge of wild plants in the highlands of southwest Saudi Arabia

This study presents a survey of wild plants commonly used by local inhabitants in the highlands of southwest Saudi Arabia. Based upon literature review, direct observation of local inhabitants, and questionnaire interviews, 36 plant species were assessed and given scores according to their use. The gaps between scientific and indigenous knowl- edge on the use of plants were estimated using a ＂compatibility ratio＂. The score values were estimated based on seven different use categories of ecosystem services, including food, forage, medicine, wood, beekeeping, research, and education. Additional structural categories include source of materials, shade, hedges, ornamental plantings, and soil stabilization. There are discrepancies between indigenous knowledge （IK） and scien- tific knowledge （SK） but in most cases, SK of the species supports the IK and plant users preference. The results also provide information that challenges assumptions about the consistency of IK with SK. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the cultural context and uses of wild plants. Biodiversity-based knowledge holds promise for contributing to sustainable use of wild plant resources and related traditions. The success of such endeavours depends on the compatibility and complementarity of indigenous and scientific knowledge.

Study on the Ground Cover Plant in Tibetan Herb Garden

This paper conducts a comprehensive survey of the ground cover plant in Tibetan herb garden for the first time using " five-point sampling method". Survey results show that:(i) A total of 46 families,95 genera,119 species of ground cover plants in herb garden are applied in Tibet,and Asteraceae,Gramineae,Leguminosae,Labiatae,Iridaceae and Liliaceae are used most,with the species number of 22,15,8,7,6 and 5,respectively,accounting for 18. 49%,12. 61%,6. 72%,5. 88%,5. 04% and 4. 20% of the plants surveyed,respectively.(ii) In terms of importance value for the herbaceous layer,the top three plants are Poa pratensis L.,Festuca arundinace and Lolium multiflorum L.,with the importance value of 45. 950,34. 610 and 29. 880,respectively; in terms of importance value for the non-turf ground cover herb plants,the top three plants are Trifolium L.,Cosmos bipinnata Cav. and Althaea rosea(Linn.) Cavan.,with the importance value of4. 372,3. 437 and 2. 062,respectively.(iii) The overall level of greening is low and uneven in the region,with large regional differences. In terms of ground cover plant abundance,Nyingchi > Lhasa > Shannan > Changdu > Xigaze > Ali > Nagqu.

Performance of Tree Species Growing on Tailings Dam Soils in Zambia： A Basis for Selection of Species for Re-vegetating Tailings Dams

To facilitate the development of the basis for the selection of plants for re-vegetating tailings in Zambia, an as sessment of the performance of tree species growing on tailings dams was conducted. The performance of species was determined in terms of relative density, frequency and importance value for each species. The study reveals variations in performance of species; for example in terms of importance values, Acacia polyacantha （33.5%）, Toona ciliata （21.4%）, Acacia sieberana （9.9%）, Bauhinia thonningii （9.1%） and Peltophorum africanum （8.3%） were the most dominant species. The dominance of these species on tailings dams demonstrates tolerance to railings dams conditions. The study recommends that emphasis must be placed on these species in re-vegetating tailings dams.

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.