Abstract
BackgroundFujian cypress (Fokienia hodginsii) is a highly valued but endangered tree species. The Ta Xua Nature Reserve in Vietnam is one of its main conservation centers. This nature reserve consists of a fully protected core zone, a buffer zone in which low intensity forest use is permitted, and a forest restoration zone in which forest regenerates after shifting cultivation.MethodsThe community and population status of F. hodginsii and two other threatened tree species (Aglaia spectabilis and Quercus platycalyx) were assessed across the three conservation zones. Based on 120 random sample plots of 400 m2, we applied adaptive cluster sampling for trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of at least 6 cm. In addition, tree regeneration (DBH < 6 cm) was assessed.ResultsIn the core zone, F. hodginsii, A. spectabilis and Q. platycalyx occurred at moderate densities (4.9, 5.1 and 4.4 trees∙ha−1, respectively). F. hodginsii and A. spectabilis were however much less abundant in the buffer and restoration zones. In contrast, Q. platycalyx had its highest density in the restoration zone. Regeneration of all three target species occurred in the core zone; however, there were only a few regenerating trees of F. hodginsii and A. spectabilis in the buffer and regeneration zones. Regeneration of F. hodginsii and A. spectabilis was mostly in the vicinity of conspecific adult trees.ConclusionsF. hodginsii and A. spectabilis were mostly confined to the core zone, and regeneration of these species was rare in the buffer and restoration zones. For these two species, the core zone was the most important refuge, so continued conservation of this zone is important for the preservation of these species. The results of this study in the Ta Xua Nature Reserve do not confirm the classification of Q. platycalyx as ‘vulnerable’ in the Vietnam Red List. Further forest monitoring including repeated population assessments is needed to evaluate the vulnerability of threatened tree species.
Highlights
Fujian cypress (Fokienia hodginsii) is a highly valued but endangered tree species
The abundance ranks of F. hodginsii, A. spectabilis and Q. platycalyx were 34, 32 and 49, respectively (Fig. 3a)
A rough estimation of the total population sizes of F. hodginsii, A. spectabilis and Q. platycalyx results in 64,844, 67,491 and 58,228 trees≥6cm, in the core zone, respectively; 20,627, 6,513 and 53,197 trees≥6cm in the buffer zone; and 834, 834, 23,078 trees≥6cm in the restoration zone
Summary
The Ta Xua Nature Reserve in Vietnam is one of its main conservation centers This nature reserve consists of a fully protected core zone, a buffer zone in which low intensity forest use is permitted, and a forest restoration zone in which forest regenerates after shifting cultivation. A major forest conservation strategy involves the establishment of strictly protected zones to safeguard remaining habitats and species (Bruner et al 2001; Joppa and Pfaff 2010). These zones are often surrounded by low-use buffer zones, which enhance the conservation value of the protected area and provide forest products for the local population (DeFries et al 2005; Chape et al 2005). Studies of tree communities in different forest conservation zones are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of different conservation practices
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