Impacts of Recreation Activities on Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Upper Mountain Vegetation

A.Z Azita,H Mohd-Zaki,H.Z Pakhriazad,S Mohd-Nazre,A.H Hazandy

doi:10.5539/jsd.v2n2p114

Abstract

This study examines the impacts of recreation activities on Mount Tahan (2187 m a.s.l); the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia by assessing tree diameter, height, leaf area, sapwood area, and chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) of selected species. Vegetation cover was also determined by counting the number of species. Two most dominant tree species in the study plots, i.e., Tristaniopsis fruticosa and Baeckea frutescens were selected as representative to assess the impacts on the vegetation growth. Both tree species dominated over 50% of total vegetation in both areas. Meanwhile, CF was determined on T. fruticosa since this species was the only broadleaf species found in both areas. Four plots sized 20 m X 20 m representing each disturbed and undisturbed were established in camping and trampling areas. The total number of plant species recorded was 29 in both camping and trampling areas but was found less in disturbed plots. Impacts of trampling and camping on all the parameters at higher altitude in disturbed plots were significantly different from those in the undisturbed plots. For trampling, all growth parameters taken in disturbed plots were found lower than in undisturbed plots. For camping, however, the mean values of vegetation cover were found lower in disturbed plots compared to undisturbed plots but the mean values of tree diameter, height, leaf area and sapwood area were found greater in disturbed than in undisturbed plots. In contrast, all CF parameters were found higher in disturbed plots for both trampling and camping areas.

Highlights

Recreation ecology is in a sense a redefining of an age-old activity
We evaluated the impact of camping and trampling activities on vegetation both in the disturbed and undisturbed areas at Mount Tahan
About 23 species were recorded in undisturbed plots whereas only 14 species were found in disturbed plots (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Recreation ecology is in a sense a redefining of an age-old activity. Doubtless, human moving through the wilderness or bush have always observed the impacts of others who may have gone before them (Liddle, 1997). Large and sometimes ecologically sensitive areas have been developed with facilities to accommodate visitor use and recreationists unintentionally trample vegetation, erode soil, and disturb wildlife. By virtue of their massive numbers, protected area recreationists pose a real and significant threat to the very resource they so cherish. This is true at backcountry attraction sites, campsites, and along trails, where visitation and its effects are concentrated. We evaluated the impact of camping and trampling activities on vegetation both in the disturbed and undisturbed areas at Mount Tahan. Deteriorating conditions can be detected before severe or irreversible impacts occur, allowing time for implementing corrective actions

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Conclusion