Abundance Of Trees Research Articles

Tree traits are a stronger predictor of bee traits and species richness than taxonomic diversity

Abstract Functional traits help to understand biological diversity and the mechanism by which ecological communities are structured and how they respond to the environment. For example, the high tree species diversity within tropical forests can be grouped into a few functional attributes, wood density, size and dependence on animal pollination or seed dispersal. However, little is known about how these traits influence animal taxonomic and functional diversity in the forests. We carried out a vegetation census on six plots (20 × 100 m) within the National Forest of Carajás (Amazon biome) to identify forest canopy species and their functional traits. Within the same plot, we also applied three bee sampling methods (entomological nets, honey traps and scent traps). By characterizing the functional traits of trees and bees, we were able to predict bee functional diversity better than with taxonomic diversity alone via combinations of tree traits like size, wood density, dependence on pollinators and extinction risk. We found that larger trees with low wood density were negatively associated with small, eusocial tree cavity nesting bees. The richness and abundance of trees with high extinction risk was positively associated with the richness of medium‐sized solitary bees. The dominance in the community of pollinator‐dependent trees (average diameter in the basal area) was negatively associated with the richness of above‐ground and cavity nesting bees. Our findings suggest that the composition of the tree community limits the availability of nesting resources for specific groups of bees. Moreover, the presence of trees with higher extinction risk (conservation value) was associated with a greater variety of bee traits and was the only metric associated with overall bee richness. As expected, functional traits shed light on the mechanism that might drive high diversity within tropical forests. In addition, there appears to be complementarity in terms of conservation value and carbon stock potential, as areas that habour tree species with higher extinction risk and higher wood density are also those with overall greater bee and functional diversity. Finally, our study can contribute to the restoration of plant—pollinator community by providing an understanding of the vegetation community that contributes to biodiversity maintenance. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

An Ecoinformatic Model Using Rényi's Entropy Predicts Soil Chemistry Effect on Tree Species Abundance Distributions

ABSTRACTAimAn ecological community consists of species of various abundances that reflect their responses to the environmental conditions. A classic macroecological pattern, the species abundance distribution (SAD), has been studied for diverse taxa and communities and integrated into numerous modelling tools. Despite its widespread use, a mathematical model that can capture variations in the empirical SAD and describe its response to environmental changes is still lacking. By integrating the Maximum Entropy Theory of Ecology (METE) with a generalised entropy called Rényi's entropy, we aim to develop a new ecoinformatic model that can predict the variation of empirical SAD along multiple environmental gradients.LocationPanama.TaxonAngiosperms.MethodsWe extend the METE using the Rényi's entropy as an uncertainty measure. We apply this extended METE, called Rényi model, to the tree abundance data from 49 plots in Panama and predict the SAD within each plot. We estimate Rényi's parameter q by fitting the predicted SAD to the empirical SAD in each plot. We further compile climate and soil data from the Panama plots and analyse their relationships with the estimated q using multiple regressions.ResultsRényi model provides adequate description of the empirical SADs and outperforms lognormal or log‐series models in 40 of the 49 tree plots, according to the Akaike information criterion. Variations in Renyi's q estimates (from 1/2 to 1) reflect shifts in the empirical SADs. Multiple regressions reveal that P, Al and NH4, three soil chemicals that are important for tree growth and species distribution, significantly affect Renyi's q across plots.Main ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the Rényi model and Rényi's q can characterise the SAD of communities under environmental changes. They also indicate the potential of using generalised entropies to predict macroecological patterns in stressed ecosystems.

The effect of ontogeny, competition, site, and climate on background mortality for trees of nine species in Canadian boreal forest.

Background tree mortality can be defined as the death of trees that naturally occurs as stands develop, in the absence of major or sudden stand disturbances. The phenomenon is often linked to ontogeny and competition and generally affects individual trees, unlike catastrophic mortality, which affects most trees in the stand. To forecast stand characteristics and to estimate how stand development could change in response to changing climate, it is necessary to quantify background mortality and to identify the most important factors involved. Using data from 10,045 permanent sample plots, we modeled background tree mortality for the 9 most abundant tree species of the eastern Canadian boreal forest. We used explanatory variables related to stand and tree ontogeny, competition, site characteristics and climate to calibrate the models. We found that an increase in age, competition and the presence of partial cut increased the mortality risk. However, the effect of DBH and site-related variables varied among species. We also found that higher temperatures, less precipitation, and higher aridity index values increased background tree mortality. According to mortality simulations under different future climate scenarios, background tree mortality could increase in the next decades for 6 of the 9 tree species studied.

Non-native palm affects arthropod communities and litter decomposition in an ongoing biome shift

The emergence of novel ecosystems, characterized by shifts in species composition and interactions, abiotic conditions and altered ecosystem functioning, is a major and inevitable challenge to contemporary ecosystem management. This study examines the ecological implications of Trachycarpus fortunei, a non-native evergreen palm, currently involved in a biome shift from deciduous temperate forest to evergreen laurophyllous forest in the Southern European Alps. Specifically, we investigated the effects of T. fortunei encroachment in peri-urban forests on flying and ground-dwelling arthropod communities as well as on leaf-litter decomposition. We found that the presence of T. fortunei altered arthropod community composition, mostly by reducing the number of herbivore species. This effect was likely driven by the lower quality of palm leaves as a food source compared to deciduous, dicotyledonous tree leaves and by a lower plant richness in the herb and shrub layer. Furthermore, we observed higher rates of leaf-litter decomposition associated with increasing abundance of young palm trees, which was not explained by predictors commonly associated with litter decomposition (i.e., detritivore abundance, litter depth and air temperature). Hence, the slow decay of palm leaves appears to be counterbalanced by the favourable conditions for litter decomposition within dense palm stands. Overall, our findings indicate that high densities of the non-native palm species (T. fortunei) impacts herbivore arthropod communities in the Southern European Alps, providing first evidence of possible effects on ecosystem functioning of this ongoing biome shift. These outcomes are integral components of the broader process of laurophyllisation in the study region, a phenomenon linked to climate warming and land use change, encompassing both native and non-native species.

Stand Dynamics of Non-Wood Forest Product Species in the Kuinima Classified Forest (KCF) in the Houet Province (Burkina Faso)

The vegetation cover of forest ecosystems in sub-Saharan Africa is currently deteriorating. Species that provide non-wood forest products such as Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa and Adansonia digitata are not spared. The aim of this study is to contribute to the valorization and conservation of these species. To achieve this, a forest inventory of the main species was conducted in the Kuinima classified forest. A systematic inventory was carried out using circular plots with a radius of 20 cm. The data obtained was complemented by a structural study of these formations, based on the circumference measured at 1m 30 from the ground. ANOVA analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between densities. The results show that Vitellaria paradoxa has the highest average density (47.714±65.165 individuals/ha), followed by Parkia biglobosa (5.626±2.29 individuals/ha). In terms of health condition, Vitellaria paradoxa is the most attacked by Loranthaceae (41.93%). Regarding the stand structure, all three species show an abundance of juvenile trees (c ≤20 cm). Moreover, with the low mortality rates observed, the dynamics is evolutionary for all three species. In order to preserve the wood potential of this forest, capacity building, technical and awareness-raising actions could be undertaken. These results constitute data that should be taken into account in programs for the conservation of NWFP species in general, and for the control of Loranthaceae that parasitize Vitellaria paradoxa in particular.

Exploring influential factors on biomass and diversity of ancient trees in human-dominated regions: A case study in Guangdong Province, China

Ancient trees, which are vital for biodiversity and cultural heritage, maintain species richness, ecosystem resilience, and societal interconnectedness. However, escalating global climate change and human activities have led to widespread declines in ancient tree diversity and habitat degradation. Hence, understanding ancient tree dynamics is vital for precise conservation strategies, fostering harmony between society and ecology. This study addresses the gap in understanding the factors influencing ancient tree biomass and diversity in human-dominated areas. This study first collected biomass equations for ancient tree species. The biomass of ancient trees within human-influenced regions of Guangdong Province was subsequently computed in detail. Finally, by employing a structural equation model, we sought to quantitatively elucidate the influence of natural variables (encompassing geography, topography, soil composition, and climatic conditions) alongside anthropogenic variables (including population density, per capita GDP, the human footprint, ancient villages, and religious sites) on both the biomass and species richness of ancient trees. The species with the highest total biomass included Ficus microcarpa L.f. (2.45 × 105 t), Ficus concinna (Miq.) Miq. (4.07 × 104 t), and Litchi chinensis Sonn. (3.16 × 104 t). Moreover, the biomass presented a pronounced phylogenetic signal and evolutionary conservation. According to the results of the structural equation model, across the entire study area, soil characteristics emerged as the most influential predictor among the natural factors (β = −0.14), whereas population density stood out as the foremost predictor among the anthropogenic factors (β = 0.23). Notably, both climatic conditions and anthropogenic factors contributed positively to an increase in ancient tree biomass (β = 0.02) (β = 0.07), albeit concurrently leading to a decrease in species richness (β = −0.05) (β = −0.08). In regions characterized by high levels of disturbance, anthropogenic factors indirectly increase biomass by increasing the abundance of large-diameter ancient trees (β = 0.28) while concurrently decreasing species richness (β = −0.11). Conversely, in areas with low levels of disturbance, anthropogenic influences also indirectly increase biomass (β = 0.19) by fostering the growth of large-diameter ancient trees while simultaneously promoting species richness (β = 0.01). This study investigated biomass and diversity factors in ancient trees within human-dominated regions of Guangdong Province. This study provides insights into ecosystem determinants, informing conservation strategies and contributing to biodiversity preservation amid societal and environmental dynamics.

Diversity and abundance of large old trees in Hainan Island: Spatial analysis and environmental correlations

Diversity and abundance of large old trees in Hainan Island: Spatial analysis and environmental correlations

Street tree communities reflect socioeconomic inequalities and legacy effects of colonial planning in Nairobi, Kenya

Street trees provide ecological and social benefits that sustain urban life, yet their distribution frequently mirrors socioeconomic inequalities, meaning underprivileged social groups also have fewer trees. The distribution patterns of urban trees are least documented in the cities of rapidly evolving middle-income countries. We assessed whether street tree abundance, size, condition, diversity, and composition vary across census-derived socioeconomic strata in Nairobi, Kenya. We sampled 2047 trees across 12 neighborhoods, covering 24 km of street, then used linear regression to understand how socioeconomic strata relate to street tree characteristics. We found substantial disparities in tree abundance, with affluent areas harboring 91.5 % of the trees sampled. Low-income areas and informal settlements had comparably few trees. Mean diameter and condition did not vary across socioeconomic strata, but high-income, formerly European neighborhoods had a higher proportion of small trees, indicating a bias in recent urban greening investments further benefiting these areas. Species diversity followed a similar pattern of inequality. High-income neighborhoods had over 30 % higher species richness and diversity than low-income areas. Even so, lower income neighborhoods exhibited greater differences in street tree community composition, and a higher proportion of trees that bear edible fruit or are used in traditional medicine. Overall, our results reveal pronounced spatial inequality in the distribution of street trees in Nairobi, reflecting not only socioeconomic differences but the enduring legacies of colonial planning.

Sacred sites provide urban green spaces that maintain bird diversity in the megacity of Tokyo, Japan

Green spaces in cities are thought to play an important role in maintaining urban biodiversity. However, it is difficult to create large new areas of green space in big cities. Therefore, existing green spaces need to be conserved and properly managed to conserve urban biodiversity. In big Japanese cities, sacred sites such as shrines, temples, and historic parks are some of the common types of green space. In addition to their role as religious spaces, they may also play an important role in urban biodiversity conservation because of their function as long-term reserves of natural vegetation. In this study, we examined the function of shrines, temples, and historic parks in Bunkyo ward, Tokyo, in maintaining bird diversity by comparing them with urban parks. In addition, a vegetation survey was conducted to identify environmental factors that affect bird diversity, and differences in the bird species observed in each type of green space are discussed. The heterogeneity of bird species composition between study sites was higher among shrines and temples than among urban parks.Forest bird abundance was higher during the breeding season and bird species richness was higher in winter at shrines and temples and historic parks than in urban parks. Bird diversity was positively affected by the abundance of shrubs and evergreen trees. We found that sacred sites were more important than urban parks for maintaining bird diversity. The results also suggested that differences in vegetation structure are a cause of this pattern, and small green spaces in the grounds of sacred sites are managed in a way that is more suitable for maintaining bird diversity.However, shrines and temples, despite their strong historical and cultural value, are threatened by recent urbanization. It is necessary to maintain and properly manage these green spaces as part of urban ecosystems.

Forest fire size amplifies postfire land surface warming

Climate warming has caused a widespread increase in extreme fire weather, making forest fires longer-lived and larger1–3. The average forest fire size in Canada, the USA and Australia has doubled or even tripled in recent decades4,5. In return, forest fires feed back to climate by modulating land–atmospheric carbon, nitrogen, aerosol, energy and water fluxes6–8. However, the surface climate impacts of increasingly large fires and their implications for land management remain to be established. Here we use satellite observations to show that in temperate and boreal forests in the Northern Hemisphere, fire size persistently amplified decade-long postfire land surface warming in summer per unit burnt area. Both warming and its amplification with fire size were found to diminish with an increasing abundance of broadleaf trees, consistent with their lower fire vulnerability compared with coniferous species9,10. Fire-size-enhanced warming may affect the success and composition of postfire stand regeneration11,12 as well as permafrost degradation13, presenting previously overlooked, additional feedback effects to future climate and fire dynamics. Given the projected increase in fire size in northern forests14,15, climate-smart forestry should aim to mitigate the climate risks of large fires, possibly by increasing the share of broadleaf trees, where appropriate, and avoiding active pyrophytes.

Effect of local habitat and landscape attributes on bird communities in shade coffee plantations in the Colombian Andes

Agroforestry is increasingly promoted to support biodiversity conservation by increasing tree cover in agricultural landscapes, but the extent to which landscape context affects how benefits accrue remains uncertain. We used shade-coffee systems to ask how the proximity and extent of forest and forest-agriculture mosaic in the landscape influenced bird communities in 160 coffee plantations that differed in coffee plant density and shade tree richness and abundance in two departments of Colombia with differing regional forest cover. Our findings suggest that regional forest cover and landscape conditions can mediate the response of birds to local habitats on plantations. Avian richness and community completeness was positively related to the amount of forest-agriculture mosaic within landscapes surrounding coffee plantations only within the comparatively forested department of Antioquia (mean 32 % regional forest cover), particularly where plantations had high richness and abundance of trees. In the largely deforested department of Cauca (mean 1 %), neither distance to forest nor cover by forest-agriculture mosaics explained avian richness and community completeness, both of which were positively related only to local tree richness and abundance. We show that biodiversity benefits from increasing habitat quality at local and landscape scales, and habitat quality within plantations becomes increasingly influential as the amount of habitat in the broader landscape declines. Our results emphasize the role of landscape context in conservation planning to promote biodiversity in coffee-growing regions.

Landscape forest cover and local vegetation structure mediate multitrophic relationships but not the leaf damage in cacao trees

Cacao is the most important agricultural product in the southern region of Bahia state, Brazil, with 70 % of its production occurring under the traditional agroforestry where cacao is mostly shaded by native trees. This traditional system allows to reconcile the production with the maintenance of the portion of original biodiversity. However, increased deforestation and intensified agroforestry management aimed at boosting productivity may impact the diversity of native species and the services they provide. In this context, our aim was to disentangle the role of landscape forest cover and the local vegetation complexity on predation of caterpillars and herbivory of cacao plants located in agroforestry systems. The study was conducted across 18 cacao agroforest sites in southern Bahia located in landscapes with different amounts of forest cover. We assessed predation rate using dummy caterpillars, sampling understory birds and arthropods and collected leaves of cacao trees to analyze damage by herbivory. We also measured shading levels and the abundance of cacao trees in each agroforestry. Predation pressure on dummy caterpillars was positively influenced by the abundance of total predators and the level of landscape forest cover and negatively by the number of cacao trees. Even so, we found no evidence that landscape, local features or the actual invertebrate assemblages (predators or herbivores) influenced the cacao leaf damage. The findings highlight the multifaceted interactions between ecological factors, predation pressure, and leaf damage within cacao agroforestry systems.

Widespread introduced species dominate the urban tree assemblage on the endemic-rich tropical island of São Tomé.

The Afrotropics are experiencing some of the fastest urbanisation rates on the planet but the impact of city growth on their rich and unique biodiversity remains understudied, especially compared to natural baselines. Little is also known about how introduced species influence β-diversity in these contexts, and how patterns coincide with native ranges of species. Here we investigated how tree assemblages of the endemic-rich Afrotropical island of São Tomé differed between urban, rural and natural zones. These were primarily characterised by urban greenspaces, shade plantations, and old-growth forests, respectively. Based on 81 transects, we assessed biodiversity metrics of endemic, native and introduced species. Tree abundance and species richness were highest in the natural zone, where the composition was most different from the urban zone. The tree community of the rural zone was the most uneven and had the least variation among transects, representing the lowest β-diversity. The urban zone was dominated by introduced species (57.7%), while the natural zone hosted almost exclusively native species (93.3%), including many endemics (26.1%). The biogeographic realms that species originated from were particularly diverse in the urban zone, with few species from the Afrotropics. In contrast to native and endemic trees, introduced trees were clearly associated with urban and rural expansion, as they were much more abundant and species-rich in these zones than in the natural zone, facilitating biotic homogenisation. These findings highlight how urban and rural environments are affecting the native tree flora of São Tomé, and the need for conservation measures geared towards globally threatened and endemic tree species. Importantly, these require the protection of natural forests, despite the rising land demands for settlements and agriculture. Ultimately, such action to conserve endemic trees will contribute to global efforts to prevent further biodiversity declines.

The abundance and distributional (in)equalities of forageable street tree resources in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

AbstractForaging for wild resources links urban citizens to nature and biodiversity while providing resources important for local livelihoods and culture. However, the abundance and distributional (in)equity of forageable urban tree resources have rarely been examined. Consequently, this study assessed the abundance of forageable street trees and their distribution in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria. During a survey of 32 randomly selected wards across 16 local government areas (LGAs) in the metropolis, 4017 street trees from 46 species were enumerated. The LGA with the highest number of street trees was Ikeja, with 818 trees, while Lagos Island had the lowest count, with two trees. This disparity in tree numbers could be attributed to variations in human population density within each LGA. Ninety‐four percent of the street trees surveyed had at least one documented use and 76% had two, making them potentially forageable. However, the most common species had relatively low forageability scores. Only 5.6% of the total street tree population was rated as highly forageable, with a usability score of at least 11 out of 15. The most forageable street trees were fruit trees and non‐native species. The forageable street trees in the LGAs showed a significant disparity in their distribution, as evidenced by a Gini coefficient of 0.81. Overall, richer neighborhoods had a higher street tree abundance, richness, and forageability potential. To meet greening and foraging goals and address the current inequitable distribution, we suggest allocating more funds for greening, particularly in low‐income neighborhoods. Further research should evaluate forageable species from other sites to acquire a detailed understanding of the distribution and abundance of forageable resources in Lagos metropolis.

Differences in phenology across three trophic levels between two Afrotropical sites separated by four degrees latitude.

Birds time their life cycle events to favourable windows in environmental conditions. In tropical environments, where photoperiod variation is small, birds show high variability in the timing of life cycle stages, yet these species have been severely underrepresented in phenology research. Here, we investigated temporal patterns in bird life cycles and resource availability in two sites in tropical Africa: Weppa (Nigeria, 7° N) and Elat (Cameroon, 3° N). In these sites we captured common bulbuls (Pycnonotus barbatus), a widespread generalist, and recorded breeding and moult over a 12-month period. Simultaneously, we surveyed fruiting tree and arthropod abundance. Our aim was to quantify seasonal patterns in moult and breeding in bulbuls at both sites, and link them to fluctuations in local fruit and arthropod abundance and precipitation. Moult was more seasonal than breeding in both sites, and seasonality of both life cycle events was stronger in Nigeria than Cameroon. The peak timing for moult was 1.5 months earlier in Nigeria than Cameroon. Seasonal variation in abundance of fruiting trees and arthropods was different between sites, as were the associations with breeding and moulting. In Nigeria, we found a positive association between moult and arthropod abundance, and a negative one with fruiting tree abundance. In contrast, in Cameroon moult was associated with higher precipitation, while breeding occurred at times with higher fruit abundance. Our results provide evidence that, even in similar habitats separated by four degrees in latitude, seasonal patterns across three trophic levels are variable. Understanding links between environmental conditions and life cycle events can reveal potential vulnerabilities of tropical species, and guide conservation efforts.

Korištenje morfoloških značajki sadnica obične bukve (Fagus sylvatica L.) za selekciju reprodukcijskog materijala iz provenijencija vjerojatno zahvaćenih klimatskim promjenama

Global climate change causes the reduction of tree growth and spread of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests, thus indicating the need to preserve tree abundance due to the changes that have occurred. The comparison of beech seedlings from various provenances in southeast and central Europe was carried out based on the dimensions of root collar diameter and height to select the proper starting material that would reduce the negative consequences of the climate. There have been statistically significant differences in root collar diameter and height between various seedlings tested in European provenances. Clear differentiation was recorded between European countries in the growth performances of one-year-old and two-year-old seedlings of F. sylvatica based on the nursery test. The study's results indicate the potential for producing adaptable beech reproductive material from various European provenances. This finding lays the groundwork for future precise analyses that aim to select provenances tolerant to changing climate conditions.

Tree density by development stage in the “El Carrizal” wathershed of Tapalpa, Jalisco

The Tapalpa forest presents an abundance of pine trees in the juvenile stage ofregeneration and sapling, but this amount progressively decreases in thesuccessive stages, when the trees show larger dimensions and take up more spaceto grow. However, it was unknown how much the loss was and how much itreached the maximum size. The objective was to quantify the grove, the individualspace, the separation between trees and their decrease. The stages were classifiedaccording to the normal diameter and the sites were classified as excessive,recommendable, sufficient and poor density. Frequency distribution, loss, spacing,and distance between trees were calculated using the Hart-Becking formula.During the development cycle, the loss was close to 90 % with a rate of 0.2 to 3%, presenting a cumulative of 60 % in the monte bravo and vardazcal stages. Therecommended class began with 1 300 to 2 700 trees ha⁻¹ in the juvenile phase,with their respective spacing of 2.07 to 2.98 m, while the mature stage culminatedwith 150 trees ha⁻¹ separated at 8.77 m. The distance between trees is consideredan auxiliary tool in thinning operations.

The diversity of soil-dwelling arthropods is significantly influenced by land use systems with tree cover in semiarid conditions

Seasonal changes in vegetation and climate exert significant influences on soil fauna in natural and agricultural ecosystems. Additionally, evidence indicates that interactions between different plant layers promote soil fauna diversity through the variety of resources available. The objective was to assess the edaphic fauna in traditional land use systems, agroforestry systems and natural vegetation, under the influence of rainfall seasonality and plant strata in the semiarid region of Brazil. For this purpose, six types of land use were selected: agroforestry; silvopastoral; slash and burn with intensive use without fallow; slash and burn with six years of fallow; slash and burn with nine years of fallow; and a system representing the natural vegetation of the Caatinga. Edaphic fauna was collected using pitfall traps in the dry and rainy seasons. A total of 43,363 individuals of the edaphic fauna were collected and grouped into taxa, determining abundance, diversity and functional groups. The results revealed higher abundance and diversity of edaphic fauna in the rainy season across all land use systems, but significantly higher numbers in systems with tree strata. The greater the abundance, richness and diversity of trees, the higher the diversity of edaphic fauna (Shannon Index - H: 0.7 < ‾H < 1) for the seasonal effect. Agroforestry systems were intermediate in the diversity of edaphic fauna (‾H < 0.8) compared to other systems. Systems with greater heterogeneity in tree and herbaceous strata were the ones that most increased the diversity and activity of functional groups of edaphic fauna (H < 0.8; 0.5 < r < 0.9). In semiarid conditions, more attention should be given to agricultural production systems with greater tree diversity and interaction between tree and herbaceous strata to conserve the biodiversity of edaphic fauna and improve the soil health.

Effect of seasonal variation on feeding and food preference of olive baboons (Papio anubis) in a protected Guinean savannah of West Africa

Abstract This study investigates the effects of seasonal changes in vegetation productivity on olive baboon feeding behavior in a protected Guinea savannah (Kainji Lake National Park). Over two consecutive years (2017 and 2018), observations were conducted both during the wet and dry seasons using a scan sampling method. Results revealed that olive baboons consumed 34 plant species belonging to 20 families, with 28 species in the wet season and 12 in the dry season. A total of 922 feeding events were recorded in the wet season and 621 in the dry season, indicating significant seasonal variation. Fruits were the preferred food item, especially in the dry season, followed by animal matter, seeds, leaves, and subterranean food. Interestingly, baboons also consumed tree bark regardless of season. In addition, their consumption of fruits (in both seasons) and seeds (in the dry season) highlights their ecological role in seed dispersal and plant regeneration within the park. To sustain baboon (and all non-human primates) conservation efforts within the park, it’s important to maintain a high diversity and abundance of native fruit trees throughout the year. This study highlights the importance of understanding how seasonal changes in vegetation affect olive baboon feeding behavior for effective park management and biodiversity conservation.

Quantifying Regulating Ecosystem Services of Urban Trees: A Case Study of a Green Space at Chungnam National University Using i-Tree Eco

Urban green spaces (UGSs) provide numerous ecosystem services (ESs) that are essential to the well-being of the residents. However, these services are often neglected in regional urban development and spatial planning. This study quantified the ESs of a 10.25 ha UGS at Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, comprising 27 species with 287 tree individuals, using i-Tree Eco. Key regulating ESs investigated included air pollution removal, carbon storage and sequestration, oxygen production, energy use reduction, avoidance of surface runoff, and replacement and functional values. Results revealed significant annual environmental benefits: 131 kg air pollutants removed (USD 3739.01 or ₩5.16 M), 1.76 Mg carbon sequestered, which is equivalent to 0.18 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1 (USD 289.85 or ₩0.40 M), 2.42 Mg oxygen produced, energy savings (including carbon offset) valued at USD 391.29 (₩0.54 M), and 203 m3 reduction in surface runoff (USD 413.09 or ₩0.57 M). The annual total benefits of these urban trees amounted to USD 4833.86 (₩6.67 M), USD 16.83/tree, or USD 0.089/capita. Additionally, these trees had replacement and functional values estimated at USD 311,115.17 (₩429.3 M). The study underscores that species selection and abundance of urban trees are fundamental for maximizing the ES delivery in urban areas, highlighting the role of UGSs in ecological and economical sustainability in cities. These insights are valuable for urban planners and policymakers to optimize benefits of UGSs in cities.