Relationships between the density of two potential restoration tree species and plant species abundance and richness in a degradedAfromontane forest ofKenya

Abstract

AbstractIn recent years, there have been considerable efforts to restore degraded tropical montane forests through active restoration using indigenous tree species. However, little is known about how these species used for restoration influence other species. In this study, two potential restoration species,Albizia gummiferaandNeoboutonia macrocalyx, are investigated with regard to the relationship between their density and the abundance and richness of other plant species. The study was conducted in a degraded forest consisting of disturbed transition zones and secondary forest. Our results show positive relationships between the density ofA. gummiferaand the abundance of tree seedling and sapling richness in the transition zones and in the secondary forest. Shrub richness was negatively related to the density ofA. gummifera. Abundance and richness of tree saplings and shrubs were positively related toN. macrocalyxdensity both in the transition zones and in the secondary forest. Herb species richness declined withN. macrocalyxdensity in the transition zones but increased withN. macrocalyxdensity in the secondary forest. The positive relationships between the density of the two tree species and species richness of other woody species suggest that bothA. gummiferaandN. macrocalyxcan be suitable for active restoration of degraded mountain forests within their natural range.