Regeneration status of important tropical forest tree species in Bolivia: assessment and recommendations

Abstract

The regeneration status of 68 of the most important tropical forest tree species in Bolivian forests was reviewed to elucidate perceived problems with natural forest regeneration and to identify potential silvicultural systems that may help establish adequate regeneration. A wide range of species, important for timber, non-timber products, and forest ecological processes, was reviewed. A combination of field research, interviews with local experts, and literature searches was used to conduct the assessment. In general, little published information was available on the regeneration ecology of Bolivian tree species. However, based on available sources, regeneration was deemed inadequate for 60% of the species reviewed. Particularly acute regeneration problems exist for the most highly valued timber species, many of which appear to need enlarged clearings and subsequent competition control for establishment. Regeneration problems were most severe for shade-intolerant and intermediate shade-tolerant hardwood species. In general, palm species had fewer regeneration problems than dicotyledonous species. Little is known about the specific mechanisms of regeneration failure for many species, but the causes of regeneration failure appear to be varied. This information indicates that solutions to regeneration problems need to be addressed on a species-by-species basis. For many high-valued shade intolerant species, however, successful regeneration may depend on the acceptance by forest industry of non-traditional forestry practices that provide for larger clearings, perhaps followed by post-harvesting silvicultural treatments to control competing vegetation.