Abstract
As secondary forests become more common around the world, it is essential to understand successional pathways to ensure their proper forest management. Despite optimism about secondary forests in terms of landscape restoration, the influence of invasive species on their development has been poorly explored. Here, forest plots in the Araucaria Forest, Southern Brazil, are used to compare forest dynamics over a 14-year period between unmanaged bamboo forest development (control) and the removal of bamboo. Six control plots (15 × 15 m) were monitored for all adult trees since 2007 alongside six adjacent removal plots; after the initial measurement of the control in 2007, all plots were measured bi-annually from 2010 to 2020. Comparisons were based on tree species diversity, composition, and structure parameters. Removal plots show a trend towards developing a forest composition with more secondary and late successional species while the control plots demonstrate succession restricted to the pioneer trees that regenerated immediately after bamboo die-off (2005–2006). Without the presence of bamboos, removal plots are mirroring the well-known successional pathway typical of the Araucaria Forest. Conversely, bamboos are effectively arresting successional development in the control, resulting in lower levels of diversity and less complex forest structure. For the first time, this study presents a direct analysis of the influence of bamboos on forest succession, providing evidence on which practices to manage bamboo forests can be developed so these secondary forests can fulfill their ecological and economic potential.
Highlights
IntroductionEspecially forests, have been subjected to unprecedented degradation that has reduced their overall land cover [1]; this has resulting in habitat reduction, fragmentation, and biodiversity extinction [2,3], all of which have the potential to threaten the well-being of future generations [4]
The results based on empirical data show that species richness (0 D) surged from 9 to 16 tree species in the control between the first year monitored after the bamboo die-off
This study offers, for the first time, a comparative analysis to test the effects of bamboo dominance on structure and diversity of young forests through the monitoring of forest development in plots with and without the presence of bamboo
Summary
Especially forests, have been subjected to unprecedented degradation that has reduced their overall land cover [1]; this has resulting in habitat reduction, fragmentation, and biodiversity extinction [2,3], all of which have the potential to threaten the well-being of future generations [4]. After forests are clear-cut and large tracts of land are abandoned following improper agriculture and pasture management, secondary forests are increasingly becoming part of the world’s landscape [1]. In this context, it is essential to understand which successional pathways and mechanisms are taking place to inform management policies and support the development of silvicultural practices that will ensure effective and balanced conservation, ecosystem services and production strategies of regenerating forests
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
