Reusing indigenous plant materials to restore vegetation: A practical case in Shei-Pa National Park

Abstract

Using only local gene pools to restore native vegetation is challenging. This practice enabled native forest in a post-fired pine and silvergrass woodland to be rehabilitated by reusing indigenous materials in a simple and effective manner. We designed vegetation restoration processes, including uprooting silvergrass and removing pine leaf from woodland ground, collecting tree saplings on sliding slopes and transplanting them, and collecting humus and seeds from roadsides and redistributing them at restoration sites. Volunteers, tourists, and employees of Shei-Pa National Park participated in the restoration practices. Through 5-year practices, the native vegetation and forest floor environment exhibited a remarkable recovery, inducing the reappearance of the Guanwu salamander. This restoration practice cost little money but required much time and labor. The approach may be suitable for small restoration sites. We believe that this practice could enhance knowledge, technology, and enthusiasm for local ecological restoration.