Forest Communities Research Articles

Spatial distribution of mammalian fauna in a community forest at Wadrékro, Oumé department, west-central Côte d'Ivoire

The rate at which Ivorian forests are disappearing has become increasingly alarming. It is therefore necessary to conduct investigations in these natural ecosystems to reverse this trend. Accordingly, this study was carried out in a community forest in Wadrékro, in the Oumé department, to determine the spatial distribution of mammalian species recorded there. To achieve this objective, foot surveys were conducted using linear transects and reconnaissance walks or recces. Data analysis revealed that four (4) habitat types were colonized by mammalian fauna in this forest. The orders Artiodactyla and Rodentia showed a wide distribution, while the order Carnivora was restricted to the southern and eastern parts of the forest. At the species level, the Bushbuck and the Greater Cane Rat were the most widespread. These findings could be useful for the restoration of Ivorian forest cover.

Effects of urbanization and floral diversity on the bee community (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) in an oak forest in a Protected Natural Area of Mexico

Effects of urbanization and floral diversity on the bee community (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) in an oak forest in a Protected Natural Area of Mexico

Determinants of job satisfaction and motivation among community forest workers: insights from the Hindu Kush Himalaya, Pakistan

ABSTRACT To restore the forest landscape and improve livelihoods, the Government of Pakistan has implemented significant efforts under the Billion Tree Afforestation Project, with Community Forest Workers playing a key role. This study explores the factors influencing job satisfaction and motivation among these workers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region of Pakistan. Data were collected through a survey of 362 workers and 15 interviews with village elders. The results show that low wages and agricultural landholdings reduce job satisfaction, while adequate training, timely funding for projects, prompt salary payments, and strong cooperation from stakeholders improve it. Additionally, respectful treatment by forest department staff enhances job satisfaction, while financial struggles, poor communication, and a lack of educational programmes negatively affect it. Our findings emphasise the need for the government to prioritise worker training, motivation, and foster better stakeholder collaboration to effectively involve workers in landscape restoration efforts.

Woody Species Composition, Structure and Diversity of Trees-Based Agroforestry System in the Mid-Highlands, Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

This study aims to examine woody species composition, structure, and diversity of Tree-based agroforestry systems in the mid-highlands, Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Data was collected in each observation plot in the agroforestry patterns. The total number of observation plots was thirty-three. The plot sizes for saplings 5m x 5m, poles 10m x 10m, and trees 20m x 20m. The results found there were 31 plant species composition belonging to 18 families. Plant species at the tree level 73%, herbaceous 10% and shrubs 17%, native endemic species 74%, and introduced 26%. A total of 77% of plant species were planted and 23% of species grew wild. The structures tree level vegetation with the highest importance value index (IVI) was the Tectona grandis species with IVI 144.9, the pole layers were Tectona grandis with IVI 126.7, and the sapling layers were Theobroma cacao with IVI 94.0. While the structures tree level vegetation with the lowest IVI was Artocarpus heterophyllus with IVI 13.4, the pole layers were Mangifera indica with IVI 13.2, and the sapling layers were Syzygium polyanthum and Citrus aurantiifolia with IVI 15.5. The highest species diversity index in the agroforestry of community forest was 1.7. Species richness index (M') and evenness index (E') were evenly distributed all in the agroforestry patterns with moderate criteria. The findings research show that agroforestry systems in the study area are diverse, with the different wood species compositions and structures. Keywords: Agroforestry, composition, community forest, konawe regency, species diversity, structure, southeast Sulawesi, vegetation.

Dwarf shrub expansion and loss of lichens distinctly dominate multi-decadal changes in northern boreal understory plant communities

Northern boreal forests and treelines are particularly sensitive to the current climate change that has already resulted in increased productivity, shrub expansion and up- and northward shifts of species. However, these changes are expected to be gradual or lagged due to slow process rates, and can be buffered to some extent by large herbivores. Multi-decadal observations of understory change in northern boreal forests remain scarce, particularly those involving bryophytes and lichens despite their importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Here, we analyse temporal changes in understory plant communities of northern boreal forests in Saariselkä, Finland (68.46° N, 27.37° E) that were originally sampled in 1981. We resurveyed plant communities (vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens) at 22 sites (including 88 vegetation plots) in 2014 and at 80 sites (320 plots) in 2022 in different forest site types. Reindeer grazing was moderate throughout the study period (1.5–2.0 reindeer/km²), while mean annual temperature rose over 1°C. We found clear temporal shifts in plant communities towards increasing dwarf shrub dominance and decreasing lichen cover and diversity, which were consistent across the study area and within different site types. However, the increase in dwarf shrubs was species-specific: the cover of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) and lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) had increased over time, while the originally most dominant species, heather (Calluna vulgaris), had decreased and become subordinate to all the above. The observed changes reflect a shift into moister conditions and are likely linked to both succession and climate change. Long-term reindeer grazing is most likely the key driver reducing lichen cover, which may be further affected by the dwarf shrub expansion. The consistency of the observed changes in different site types is indicative of corresponding changes occurring elsewhere in northern boreal forests with comparable environmental conditions and grazing pressure. Importantly, our results raise concerns about the local disappearance of lichens if the declining trend continues.

Estimating Vegetation Density Dynamics, Tree Diversity, and Carbon Stock in the Agroforestry System of the Community Forest in Bogor Regency, Indonesia

Mitigation actions to address climate change are essential to prevent future adverse impacts, with woody species in forests playing a pivotal role in carbon storage, as exemplified by the agroforestry systems commonly practiced in community forests of Bogor Regency, which integrate woody species and crops. This study aimed to analyze changes in vegetation density using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) approach, analyze stand structure and composition, and estimate above-ground carbon stocks in the agroforestry land of community forest in Tenjolaya Sub-District, Bogor Regency. The methods used were spatial analysis with NDVI, vegetation analysis, and carbon stock estimation using allometric and destructive methods. The plot size was 50 m × 50 m, totaling 21 plots. NDVI analysis resulted in low density (0.59–0.67), moderate density (0.67–0.78), and high density (0.78–0.85). This study found 178 plant species across 40 families, with Fabaceae and Myrtaceae being the most dominant. The carbon stock is 27.69 tons carbon/ha. Carbon stock is significantly influenced by tree density, number of species, and basal area values. A well-managed community forest has high ecological, economic, and social potential through the development of agroforestry, which can maintain biodiversity and environmental sustainability while storing carbon stocks. Keywords: above-ground carbon, agroforestry, community forest, normalized difference vegetation index, vegetation density

Species Diversity, Biomass Production and Carbon Sequestration Potential in the Protected Area of Uttarakhand, India.

Ecosystem functioning and management are primarily concerned with addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, which are closely linked to carbon stock and species diversity. This research aimed to quantify forest understory (shrub and herb) diversity, tree biomass and carbon sequestration in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Using random sampling methods, data were gathered from six distinct forest communities. The study identified 271 vascular plants from 208 genera and 74 families. A notable positive correlation (r2 = 0.085, p < 0.05) was observed between total tree density and total tree basal area (TBA), shrub density (r2 = 0.09), tree diversity (D) (r2 = 0.58), shrub diversity (r2 = 0.81), and tree species richness (SR) (r2 = 0.96). Conversely, a negative correlation was found with the concentration of tree dominance (CD) (r2 = 0.43). The Quercus leucotrichophora, Rhododendron arboreum and Quercus floribunda (QL-RA-QF) community(higher altitudinal zone) exhibited the highest tree biomass (568.8 Mg ha-1), while the (Pinus roxburghii and Quercus leucotrichophora) PR-QL (N) community (lower altitudinal zone) in the north aspect showed the lowest (265.7 Mg ha-1). Carbon sequestration was highest in the Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus floribunda and Rhododendron arboreum (QL-QF-RA) (higher altitudinal zone) community (7.48 Mg ha-1 yr-1) and lowest in the PR-QL (S) (middle altitudinal zone) community in the south aspect (5.5 Mg ha-1 yr-1). The relationships between carbon stock and various functional parameters such as tree density, total basal area of tree and diversity of tree showed significant positive correlations. The findings of the study revealed significant variations in the structural attributes of trees, shrubs and herbs across different forest stands along altitudinal gradients. This current study's results highlighted the significance of wildlife sanctuaries, which not only aid in wildlife preservation but also provide compelling evidence supporting forest management practices that promote the planting of multiple vegetation layers in landscape restoration as a means to enhance biodiversity and increase resilience to climate change. Further, comprehending the carbon storage mechanisms of these forests will be critical for developing environmental management strategies aimed at alleviating the impacts of climate change in the years to come.

Aboveground-belowground linkages across vegetation degradation gradients differ among native eucalypt communities.

Native vegetation degradation impacts soil communities and their functions. However, these impacts are often studied by comparing soil biotic attributes across qualitatively defined, discrete degradation levels within a single plant community at a specific location. Direct quantification of the relationships between vegetation and soil attributes across continuous degradation gradients and at larger scales is rare but holds greater potential to reveal robust patterns in aboveground-belowground linkages that may apply across different plant communities. We investigated how native vegetation attributes relate to soil communities and their functions across a degradation gradient within three native temperate eucalypt woodland and forest communities that differed in soil nutrient availabilities. Across remnant patches of native vegetation in the Sydney Basin bioregion, we established plots representing different levels of decline in their vegetation quality (i.e., increased exotics and canopy changes) compared to relevant reference communities. In those plots, we assessed soil community groups (microbes and fauna), carbon (C) and nutrient cycling (litter decomposition, enzyme activity, and phosphate and nitrate accumulation rates), soil pH, texture and vegetation attributes (composition, structure, and function). Our unique study design revealed that the relationships between vegetation degradation and soil biota across the food web (i.e., AM fungi, Fungi:bacteria ratio, Gram-positive bacteria, total nematodes) were highly dependent on the plant community. However, the degradation impacts on soil functions (i.e., total enzyme activity, and phosphate availability) were mostly consistent, suggesting their potential as belowground indicators of ecosystem degradation, with a notable positive association observed in phosphate availability rates. Additionally, the effects of vegetation degradation on soil biota and their functions appeared stronger in the nutrient-poor plant communities, suggesting greater vulnerability of their belowground components. Our findings call for caution when generalizing belowground responses to degradation and for further research on how nutrient availability mediates the impacts of degradation on aboveground-belowground linkages.

An Analysis of Joint Forest Management in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Through Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat Lens

ABSTRACT Participatory development aims to polish the management practices of institutions and communities in sustaining natural resources. This study focuses on how Joint Forest Management (JFM) has provided opportunities to the forest departments and communities for sustainable management of the forests and what challenges have been faced while implementing JFM in Siran valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. By applying a mixed method approach, a total of 169 (120 male and 49 female) respondents including 23 forest department officials and the community members; JFM committees’ heads, forest owners and users, and key respondents. The strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) framework along with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model were applied to analyze the primary data. The results show that the strength and opportunity factors are inclined toward JFM if the institutional setup is utilized appropriately. Strength factors such as income generating activities are visible, thus forest income plays a vital role in livelihood diversification and improvement. Trust building is the most powerful opportunity among communities’ perspectives in terms of awareness about JFM. Weaknesses are found in the management plan and policy implementation on behalf of the community and forest department. In addition, low female participation and elite capture scored the biggest threat.

Sustainable Management by Forest Farmer Group in Serayu Watershed

The conservation and development management of watersheds require comprehensive studies, planning, and implementation from the upstream water sources to the downstream areas. The active involvement of stakeholders, including government entities responsible for policies, regulations, and budgets, as well as civil society groups such as forest farmer communities, fishermen, business groups, environmental activists, and empowerment advocates, is essential. This research focuses on watershed management among forest farmer groups in the Serayu River area, the longest river in Central Java, specifically in Cilacap and Banyumas Regencies of Indonesia A qualitative explanatory case study method was employed, utilizing direct observation, in-depth interviews, document analysis, and discussions. Data were analyzed through reduction, classification, clarification, and triangulation. The findings reveal that the management of the Serayu River watershed still requires socialization, coordination, and collaboration among stakeholders in planning, conservation, maintenance, development, monitoring, and evaluation. These stakeholders include local and village governments, socio-economic community groups, private entities, and academics. Relevant watershed management approaches include conceptual, deterministic, stochastic, parametric, and probabilistic methods.

Synthesizing Local Capacities, Multi-Source Remote Sensing and Meta-Learning to Optimize Forest Carbon Assessment in Data-Poor Regions

As the climate emergency escalates, the role of forests in carbon sequestration is paramount. This paper proposes a framework that integrates local capacities, multi-source remote sensing data, and meta-learning to enhance forest carbon assessment methodologies in data-scarce regions. By integrating multi-source optical and radar remote sensing data alongside community forest inventories, we applied a meta-modelling approach using stacked generalization ensemble to estimate forest above-ground carbon (AGC). We also conducted a Kruskal–Wallis test to determine significant differences in AGC among different tree species. The Kruskal–Wallis test (p = 1.37 × 10−13) and Dunn post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences in carbon stock potential among tree species, with Afzelia quanzensis (x~ = 12 kg/ha, P-holm-adj. = 0.05) and the locally known species M’buta (x~ = 6 kg/ha, P-holm-adj. = 5.45 × 10−9) exhibiting a significantly higher median AGC. Our results further showed that combining optical and radar remote sensing data substantially improved prediction accuracy compared to single-source remote sensing data. To improve forest carbon assessment, we employed stacked generalization, combining multiple machine learning algorithms to leverage their complementary strengths and address individual limitations. This ensemble approach yielded more robust estimates than conventional methods. Notably, a stacking ensemble of support vector machines and random forest achieved the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.84, RMSE = 1.36), followed by an ensemble of all base learners (R2 = 0.83, RMSE = 1.39). Additionally, our results demonstrate that factors such as the diversity of base learners and the sensitivity of meta-leaners to optimization can influence stacking performance.

Wild bees show local spatial and temporal dynamics in southeastern US blueberry farmscapes.

Wild bee communities are the target of various conservation and ecological restoration programs. Strategic conservation can influence bee communities visiting fields and help mitigate pollinator limitations in fruit production. However, planning compatible conservation strategies and gauging their effectiveness requires understanding how local communities vary across space and time in crops and adjacent semi-natural areas. Here, we assessed the spatiotemporal changes in the composition of wild bee communities in blueberry fields and adjacent forests. In partnership with commercial farms in southeast Georgia, USA, we deployed blue vane traps at the interior and edge of blueberry fields and within adjacent forests of 8 fields, from March to October over 2 yr. We identified 72 wild bee species across 26 genera. The most common were Melissodes communis (Cresson, Hymenoptera: Apidae), Bombus bimaculatus (Cresson, Apidae), Melissodes bimaculatus (Lepeletier), Ceratina floridana (Mitchell, Apidae), Lasioglossum pectorale (Smith, Halictidae), and Lasioglossum nymphale (Smith), which accounted for nearly 60% of the wild bees caught. Bee diversity and richness fluctuated over time, with peaks in all 3 habitat types occurring after the blueberry blooming. Bee abundance in the adjacent forest was relatively constant throughout the season, while in the field interior and edge assemblages, abundance peaked between May and June. We observed dissimilarity in species composition related to month and field location. This difference was explained by fluctuation in the identity and relative abundance of the most abundant species. Together, our study advances foundational knowledge of wild bee community dynamics and species identity in blueberry fields which will help inform and prioritize conservation practices.

Understanding the impacts of ecological compensation policy on rural livelihoods: Insights from forest communities of China.

Balancing the forest protection with local economic development is a pressing challenge and a key focus of current environmental policies. Ecological compensation programs (ECPs) are often employed in natural-resource dependent communities to address this dilemma. However, the impacts of ECP on local livelihoods remain controversial, and the mechanisms driving these outcomes are not fully understood. We investigate the impacts of an ECP on the livelihoods of rural residents, drawing on survey data collected from forest communities in Zhejiang, China. Using the propensity score matching (PSM) method to address potential self-selection bias, our findings reveal that ECP has significant and positive impacts on local livelihoods. This improvement is primarily attributed to increased income from forestry and gardening, alongside greater livelihood diversification. While non-agricultural livelihoods are increasingly important, agriculture remains a vital source of household's income. Additionally, the benefits of ECP are disproportionately enjoyed by wealthier and younger residents as well as those who are not left behind, suggesting a potential exacerbation of inequality among household groups. In light of these findings, we recommend implementing tailored financial assistance, enhancing training opportunities, and creating specialized employment roles for vulnerable groups, thereby supporting their livelihood transitions, advancing social equality and fostering the sustainable conservation of forest ecosystems.

The Community Forestry Enterprise in Mexico: Driving Unit for Sustainable Community Forestry Development

The economic globalization process represents a challenge for Community Forestry Enterprises (CFE) in Mexico, as a key unit for improving sustainable community forestry development. The study was conducted to assess the impact of economic globalization on sustainable community forestry and, specifically, on sustainable community forest enterprises, and to identify strategic mechanisms and policy actions to support their development. The study was carried out in the states of Durango, Chihuahua, Jalisco, and Michoacán—the most important forest-producing states in Mexico, contributing nearly 70% of the national timber production. The main variables analyzed were: current situation, marketing, flexibility and capability, economic diversity, competitiveness, social well-being, and income generation. As a result, an integrated model was developed to promote the empowerment and competitiveness of the Ejidos and Communities and, specifically, community forestry enterprises. This holistic model aims to advance CFE development toward improved competitiveness in the context of globalization. Additionally, the study produced a forest business plan for trading the forest products of the Asociación Regional de Silvicultores Baja Tarahumara, A.C. in Chihuahua State. Multidimensional strategies were also defined for the application of this business plan, advancing development and competitiveness. A key strategy was the establishment of a Rural Production Society to support the implementation of the forest business plan and improve productivity processes within the CFE of the Asociación Regional de Silvicultores. This holistic participatory model is the first of its kind and, therefore, differs from traditional approaches. It provides a framework for promoting a regional development policy tailored to the needs of local communities. The model is flexible and versatile, allowing replication in diverse geographical areas and socio-cultural and economic environments.

Empowering climate resilience: A people-centered exploration of Thailand's greenhouse gas emissions trading and sustainable environmental development through climate risk management in community forests.

The imperative of addressing climate change has accentuated the pivotal role of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and harnessing the potential of community forests. This study meticulously explores the governance structures and mechanisms underpinning greenhouse gas emissions trading within community forests, aimed at curbing carbon emissions, and enhancing adaptive capacities in Thailand. With a central focus on cultivating enduring climate resilience, this research delves into the interplay of community perspectives with greenhouse gas emissions trading mechanisms, while also dissecting the genesis of sustainable strategies in the Thai context. Additionally, it rigorously assesses the determinants shaping community resilience and their responses to climatic fluctuations, contextualized within the framework of greenhouse gas emissions trading mechanisms. Employing a quantitative approach, data was gathered from 383 participants through a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using statistical techniques including paired t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regressions. The study underscores the profound significance of each facet of carbon emissions reduction in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with personal norms emerging as a potent driver in carbon trading. By unraveling these intricacies, the findings enrich our comprehension of the pivotal role community forests play in nurturing sustainable climate resilience, offering invaluable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to shape effective strategies for carbon mitigation and adaptive action.

The level of dependency on direct benefits from Community Forestry (HKm) in Mattirowalie, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi

Abstract The level of dependency on direct benefits from forest products, especially for communities living near the forest, continues to increase due to population growth. This situation poses challenges, as the rising village population may lead to conflicts of interest and resource use that surpasses the area’s carrying capacity. To mitigate these conflicts, the government initiated a social forestry program known as Community Forestry (HKm). One such program is implemented in Mattirowalie, Barru Regency. This study aims to calculate the total income and evaluate the level of community dependency on the Community Forestry program in Mattirowalie Village, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi. Data collected were analyzed using income analysis (production costs, revenue, and income), contribution analysis, and dependency level analysis. Results show that the average income earned by farmers is IDR 65,853,090 per year, with a relatively low community dependency level of 25%. This low dependency is attributed to the focus solely on direct economic benefits, excluding significant contributions from invaluable forest ecosystem services.

Cultural adaptation process of six stigma assessment scales among Kannada speaking population in South India

Abstract For several years stigma researchers in India have relied on Western instruments or semi-structured stigma scales in their studies. However, these scales have not been rigorously translated and adapted to the local cultural framework. In the current study, we describe the cultural adaptation of six stigma scales with the purpose of using it in the native language (Kannada) based on translation steps of forward translation, expert review and synthesis, cultural equivalence, back translation and cognitive interview processes. Several items were modified in the target language at each stage of the cultural adaptation process as mentioned in the above steps across all scales. Cultural explanations for the same have been provided. Concepts such as “community forest” and “baby sitting" was replaced with equivalent native synonyms. We introduced native cultural and family values such as “joint family system” and modified the item of housing concept in one of the tools. The concept of “privacy” in the Indian rural context was observed to be familial than individual-based and modification of corresponding items according to the native context of “privacy”. Finally, items from each scale were modified but retained without affecting the meaning and the core construct.

Woody species diversity, structure and community distribution along environmental gradients of Seqela Dry Afromontane forest in Northwestern Ethiopia.

Dry evergreen Afromontane forests are severely threatened due to the expansion of agriculture and overgrazing by livestock. The objective of this study was to investigate the composition of woody species, structure, regeneration status and plant communities in Seqela forest, as well as the relationship between plant community types and environmental variables. Systematic sampling was used to collect vegetation and environmental data from 52 (20 m x 20 m) (400 m2) plots. Density, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), basal area, frequency, and importance value index (IVI) of woody species were computed to characterize the vegetation structure of the forest. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) with R software were used to identify plant communities and analyse the relationship between plant community types and environmental variables, respectively. A total of 68 woody plant species belonging to 63 genera and 44 families were identified. The Shannon diversity index and evenness values of the study area were 2.12 and 0.92, respectively. The total basal area and density of woody species were 27.4 m2 ha-1 and 1079.3 individual ha-1, respectively. The most frequent woody species in the Seqela forest included Albizia gummifera (51.92%), Croton macrostachyus (44.23%), Olinia rochetiana and Teclea nobilis (36.54%). Additionally, the most dominant species, as indicated by their importance value index (IVI), were Erythrina brucei (IVI = 11.24), Prunus africana (IVI=8.68), and Croton macrostachyus (IVI=7.38). Four plant community types were identified: Albizia gummifera - Ekebergia capensis, Prunus africana - Croton macrostachyus, Vachellia abyssinica - Dombeya torrida and Schefflera abyssinica - Teclea nobilis. The CCA results showed that the variation of species distribution and plant community formation were significantly (P < 0.05) related to altitude, organic matter, aspect, slope and soil available phosphorus. The regeneration status assessment of the forest revealed a good regeneration status, which was linked to diverse and abundant seed bank in the soil can ensure a continuous supply of seeds for regeneration; therefore, it is recommended to implement periodic soil seed bank assessments to monitor seed diversity and abundance and inform targeted conservation actions.

Environmental drivers of herbaceous plant diversity in the understory community of a warm-temperate forest

Environmental drivers of herbaceous plant diversity in the understory community of a warm-temperate forest

Partial recovery of primary rainforest bird communities in Amazonian secondary forests

Partial recovery of primary rainforest bird communities in Amazonian secondary forests