Bamboo Distribution Research Articles

Stability or breakdown under climate change? A key group of woody bamboos will find suitable areas in its richness center

Bamboos play an important role in forest dynamics, but management strategies are needed to avoid monodominance. Understanding how climate change would influence the geographic distribution of bamboos could provide management tools for habitat conservation, as well as prevent the expansion of this group. We investigated the distribution patterns of Merostachys species that are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, under current and future climate scenarios. We obtained occurrence records based on field collection, herbaria data and online databases. We used the Maxent algorithm to model potential distribution. Future scenarios considered the IPCC forecasted climate for 2070. Our models showed that a reduction in suitable areas for Merostachys species will likely occur, but the existence of suitable areas under climate changes in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest indicates climatic stability in some areas of occurrence of these species in their richness center. Since the fact that in places with local dominance of woody bamboos there is a decrease in the diversity of other plant species, the occurrence of Merostachys throughout the suitable areas may represent risks to biodiversity conservation. Investigations of the synergistic effects of climate change and the local dominance of woody bamboos are required. Therefore, management measures may be very important to control the occurrence of woody bamboos in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, mainly in climatically stable areas.

气候变化对邛崃山系大熊猫主食竹和栖息地分布的影响

气候变化对邛崃山系大熊猫主食竹和栖息地分布的影响

The global distribution of bamboos: assessing correlates of introduction and invasion.

There is a long history of species being moved around the world by humans. These introduced species can provide substantial benefits, but they can also have undesirable consequences. We explore the importance of human activities on the processes of species dissemination and potential invasions using the grass subfamily Bambusoideae ("bamboos"), a group that contains taxa that are widely utilised and that are often perceived as weedy. We (1) compiled an inventory of bamboo species and their current distributions; (2) determined which species have been introduced and become invasive outside their native ranges; and (3) explored correlates of introduction and invasion. Distribution data were collated from Kew's GrassBase, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and other online herbarium information sources. Our list comprised 1662 species in 121 genera, of which 232 (14%) have been introduced beyond their native ranges. Twelve species were found to be invasive. A non-random selection of bamboos have been introduced and become invasive. Asiatic species in particular have been widely introduced. There was a clear over-representation of introduced species in the genera Bambusa and Phyllostachys which also contain most of the listed invasive species. The introduction of species also correlated with certain traits: taxa with larger culm dimensions were significantly more likely to have been moved to new areas; and those with many cultivars had a higher rate of dissemination and invasion. It is difficult to determine whether the patterns of introduction and invasion are due simply to differences in propagule pressure, or whether humans have deliberately selected inherently invasive taxa. In general, we suggest that human usage is a stronger driver of introductions and invasions in bamboos than in other taxa that have been well studied. It is likely that as bamboos are used more widely, the number and impact of invasions will increase unless environmental risks are carefully managed.

Bamboo Classification Using WorldView-2 Imagery of Giant Panda Habitat in a Large Shaded Area in Wolong, Sichuan Province, China.

This study explores the ability of WorldView-2 (WV-2) imagery for bamboo mapping in a mountainous region in Sichuan Province, China. A large area of this place is covered by shadows in the image, and only a few sampled points derived were useful. In order to identify bamboos based on sparse training data, the sample size was expanded according to the reflectance of multispectral bands selected using the principal component analysis (PCA). Then, class separability based on the training data was calculated using a feature space optimization method to select the features for classification. Four regular object-based classification methods were applied based on both sets of training data. The results show that the k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) method produced the greatest accuracy. A geostatistically-weighted k-NN classifier, accounting for the spatial correlation between classes, was then applied to further increase the accuracy. It achieved 82.65% and 93.10% of the producer’s and user’s accuracies respectively for the bamboo class. The canopy densities were estimated to explain the result. This study demonstrates that the WV-2 image can be used to identify small patches of understory bamboos given limited known samples, and the resulting bamboo distribution facilitates the assessments of the habitats of giant pandas.

Tracking bamboo dynamics in Zhejiang, China, using time-series of Landsat data from 1990 to 2014

ABSTRACTBamboo is an important vegetation type and provides a number of critical ecosystem services. Reliable and consistent information on bamboo distribution is required to better estimate its effect on climate change mitigation and socio-economic development. However, such information is rare over a large spatial area. In this study, we evaluate the contribution of different features in the identification of bamboo stands and determine a more discriminative set of features. We propose a bamboo mapping system including feature extraction and feature selection and derive the long-term trends of bamboo distribution in Zhejiang Province, China, using time-series of Landsat data from 1990 to 2014, with an increment of 5 years (1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2014). The resultant maps of bamboo in the six epochs were evaluated using independent validation samples. The overall accuracies (OAs) of all six epochs range from 85.9% to 90.7%. We found that bamboo distribution in Zhejiang substantially increased from 1990 to 2014, particularly during the 2000s. Based on the produced maps, the area of bamboo in this region increased from 5363 ± 490 km2 in 1990 to 11671 ± 653 km2 in 2014, which is consistent with the National Forest Resource Inventory (NFRI) data. Our study demonstrates the capability of time-series of Landsat data for continuous monitoring of bamboo at a large spatial scale.

Tracking bamboo dynamics in Zhejiang, China, using time-series of Landsat data from 1990 to 2014

Bamboo is an important vegetation type and provides a number of critical ecosystem services. Reliable and consistent information on bamboo distribution is required to better estimate its effect on ...

Analysis of the hollow structure with functionally gradient materials of moso bamboo

Bamboo is a fiber-reinforced bio-composite with superior structural behavior. The hollow structure as well as the gradient distribution of bamboo fiber is the embodiment of the superior bamboo construction. To validate this, tensile tests were performed on bamboo test specimens. The volume fractions of bamboo fiber and parenchymatous ground tissue along the radius of the culm wall were scanned and calculated. The elastic moduli of bamboo fiber and parenchymatous ground tissue were estimated, according to the linear equations obtained by regression analysis. With the equivalent volume, a numerical hollow model and solid model were built to make comparative analysis on their mechanical behavior. For the purpose of verifying the advantage of fiber gradient distribution, models, which were composed of fiber and parenchymatous ground tissue with different fiber distributions, were built for comparative analysis. Results show that under the condition of using the same material, the hollow structure as well as fiber gradient distribution of bamboo possess excellent mechanical performance of bamboo structure.

Density distribution profile for internodes and nodes of Phyllostachys edulis (Moso bamboo) by computer tomography scanning

This study aims to quantify the density distribution, and specify the density distribution difference between internodes and nodes parts of Phyllostachys edulis (Moso Bamboo) in the radial, tangential and longitudinal directions. Due to the anatomical complexity of Moso bamboo, the measurement methods of bulk density are insufficient. In this work, Computed Tomography (CT) scanning has been selected to quantify the density distribution of Moso bamboo. Major findings from both anatomical analysis and CT scanning quantifications are that the Moso bamboo density of the internodes parts and the nodes parts reduce from the external surface to the internal surface of the culm wall in the radial direction. In the longitudinal direction, the internode parts of the Moso bamboo have relatively uniform density. Significant density fluctuation variations occur at the nodes parts of the Moso bamboo. The different proportions of the vascular bundles tissues and the parenchyma ground tissues dominate the density variation of the Moso bamboo in the radial direction. In the longitudinal direction, relatively uniform density of the internodes parts of the Moso bamboo is attributed to the straight vascular bundles. The significant density variation in the node parts is caused by the irregular intertwined vascular bundles.

Population structure of two bamboo species in relation to topographical units in the Republic of Benin (West Africa): implications for sustainable management

A study was carried out in two phytodistricts (Ouémé-valley and Plateau) to assess the population structure of two bamboo species (Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro and Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl. in two topographical units: plateau and wetlands. In each phytodistrict, bamboo stands were randomly selected in each topographical unit for inventory using a 0.25-ha square plot. Structural parameters of bamboos were computed and compared using a Wilcoxon rank test. Spatial distribution of the two bamboos was also assessed using the method of neighbourhood density in relation to a focal point. The observed culm diameter distribution was established for each stand and adjusted to the two-parameter Weibull distribution. Oxytenanthera abyssinica showed the highest culm and clump density values in both wetlands and plateau whereas B. vulgaris showed greater values of mean diameter and dominant height whatever the habitat. Diameter structures of bamboo stands showed a right asymmetric distribution and bamboo spatial distribution was highly aggregative, especially in wetlands. No significant difference in mean relative neighbourhood density between species was noted. However, a significant difference was observed between wetlands and plateau (p < 0.001) indicating strong influence of the topographical units on the relative neighbourhood density of bamboo species. All of these findings are determinants in designing suitable management strategies for bamboo populations in Benin, particularly with the increasing demand to build fish-traps and shelter in the traditional fishing systems “Acadja”.

Exploitation de bambous (Sinarundinaria alpina (K. Schum.) C.S. Chao & Renvoize), cause des conflits entre le Parc National de Kahuzi-Biega et la population environnante: stratégie de conservation et de résolution de conflit

Sinarundinaria alpina is a species of mountain bamboo which is a source of various conflicts between the managers of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) and surrounding communities. This mountainous species is threatened by these communities to meet their need for various uses. Six permanent plots of 3 hectares were set between 2000–3000 metres above sea level and floristic inventories were made. In addition, information related to anthropogenic threats related to bamboo exploitation was recorded. All data were analysed using quantitative statistical parameters. Results suggest the existence of 196 species in these six permanent plots of the group Bamboo. The position of this Sinarundinaria alpina vegetation in the dynamic rainforest recovery dynamics is confirmed by the presence of trees and tree-nurseries of these trees. Fifty-three species, 27% of the plants observed, including Sinarundinaria alpina seedlings, contribute to the daily feeding of great apes, mainly Grauer’s Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri). This forest appears to be one of their critical habitats. The decrease in the area covered by bamboos is due primarily to anthropogenic activities but also some natural hazards (expansion of Sericostachys scandens, natural fading of Bamboo and attacks by beetles). Following these findings, conservation strategies were proposed. Several strengths were noted, including multiplication of bamboo nurseries and distribution of seedlings to local communities. This can be seen as a strong development of this sector in the future. This study is a preliminary assessment for further investigation.

Phylogenetic variation of phytolith carbon sequestration in bamboos.

Phytoliths, the amorphous silica deposited in plant tissues, can occlude organic carbon (phytolith-occluded carbon, PhytOC) during their formation and play a significant role in the global carbon balance. This study explored phylogenetic variation of phytolith carbon sequestration in bamboos. The phytolith content in bamboo varied substantially from 4.28% to 16.42%, with the highest content in Sasa and the lowest in Chimonobambusa, Indocalamus and Acidosasa. The mean PhytOC production flux and rate in China's bamboo forests were 62.83 kg CO2 ha−1 y−1 and 4.5 × 108 kg CO2 y−1, respectively. This implies that 1.4 × 109 kg CO2 would be sequestered in world's bamboo phytoliths because the global bamboo distribution area is about three to four times higher than China's bamboo. Therefore, both increasing the bamboo area and selecting high phytolith-content bamboo species would increase the sequestration of atmospheric CO2 within bamboo phytoliths.

DIVERSITY OF BAMBOOS AROUND SPRINGS IN MALANG EAST JAVA

Bamboos have important roles to people in the villages area. They are planted and used by the people for making houses, food, buckets, fences, ropes, fuels, musical instruments and plaits. The root distribution of Bamboos is large and fibrous, also the growth of their new clumps is ascendant so the Bamboos has good potency for water and soil conservation on river banks, around the springs, hillsides and scarps. The survey to invent the bamboos growing around the springs was conducted in Singosari, Lawang, Karangploso, Dau and Lowokwaru Malang East Java in May 2009. &nbsp; The Bamboos invented at 0-100 m from the springs. The results Showed that there were four Bamboos founded around the springs namely&nbsp;Bambusa blumeana,Dendrocalamus asper, Gigantochloa atter&nbsp;and&nbsp;Gigantochloa apus. Dendrocalamus asper&nbsp;was the most dominant species founded around the springs with relative frequency, relative density and important value index is 45.83 ; 58.49 and 104.32 respectively.

Large-Culmed Bamboos in Madagascar: Distribution and Field Identification of the Primary Food Sources of the Critically Endangered Greater Bamboo LemurProlemur simus

The greater bamboo lemur Prolemur simus is a Critically Endangered lemur endemic to eastern Madagascar. Wild P. simus populations have diets dominated by bamboo (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), particularly large-culmed species of two endemic genera, Cathariostachys and Valiha, but also of an endemic Arundinaria and the pantropical Bambusa vulgaris. A good understanding of the distribution and biology of large-culmed bamboos would, therefore, be a major help in understanding the factors influencing the distribution and conservation requirements of P. simus. During four years of research within the context of a collaborative programme aimed at conserving P. simus, we undertook surveys at 47 low-, mid- and high-elevation sites in eastern Madagascar between November 2008 and September 2012, covering a distance of over 1000 km from Makira in the north to Midongy in the south. We provide and illustrate characteristics helpful in the field identification, at least to generic level, of the large-culmed woody bamboos we encountered. The most frequently encountered non-endemic large-culmed bamboo was Bambusa vulgaris, with both the green and the yellow forms commonly planted in or near rivers, towns and villages. We made 1,343 georeferenced records of endemic, large-culmed bamboos, recording Cathariostachys from Makira to Midongy, Valiha diffusa from Makira to the southern parts of the COFAV, and Arundinaria from Zahamena to the COFAV. Valiha diffusa was recorded only at low elevations (9-576 m), and Arundinaria only at high elevations (1018-1667 m), while Cathariostachys was distributed across a wide range of elevations, from 53 to 1471 m, although most records were between 600 and 1,260 m. Valiha diffusa had the most variable culm diameters, ranging from 1.7 to 9.5 cm. Cathariostachys had the largest mean culm diameter of the endemic large-culmed bamboos (6.1 cm), and Arundinaria the smallest (4.0 cm). Culm diameters of Bambusa vulgaris were larger than those of the endemic bamboos, with a mean of 9.58. Cathariostachys had thinner mean culms at lowland compared to higher elevation sites. The revised distribution map we provide for Cathariostachys appears to correspond well to the potential current distribution of P. simus based on recent direct sightings, indirect feeding signs and unconfirmed local knowledge. Cathari- ostachys does not, however, currently occur throughout the historic range of P. simus. Valiha does occur at one P. simus subfossil site outside the current range, and therefore may have been the primary food source for the species there. Further research into the historical distribution of large-culmed bamboos in Madagascar would be very helpful in establishing how eventual changes in bamboo distributions over time may have affected changes in P. simus distribution.

Microphysical environmental factors affecting the local distribution of dwarf bamboo (Sasa palmata) in a cool-temperate deciduous broadleaf forest in Japan

Dwarf bamboos are major understory plants in subalpine and temperate forests of Japan. Several microphysical factors are known to influence their coarse-scale distribution, including slope angle, convexity, and proportion of gravel on the soil surface (hereafter gravel cover), but the effects of these factors on local variations in distribution are unclear. To elucidate these effects we examined relationships between local variations in Sasa palmata distribution and the 3 mentioned microphysical environmental factors within a 20- × 20-m plot divided into 0.5- × 0.5-m quadrats in a cool-temperate deciduous broadleaf forest, applying intrinsic conditional autoregressive models at 3 spatial resolutions (0.5 × 0.5 m, 1.0 × 1.0 m, and 2.0 × 2.0 m). The models show that the 3 microphysical factors, known to affect the distribution of S. palmata at coarser scales, also affect its distribution at fine scales. Slope angle and gravel cover had negative effects, while convexity had positive effects on its abundance. However, the strength of their effects depended on the spatial resolution: convexity had the strongest effects at 2-m scale, while slope angle and gravel cover had stronger effects at the finer scales. These findings provide indications of scale-dependent effects of environmental factors that may contribute both to fundamental understanding of forest dynamics and to efforts to enhance the regeneration and conservation of target species.

Distribution and utilization of bamboos in the midwestern and the far-western regions of Nepal

The distribution and utilization of bamboo species in the mid-western and the far-western regions were recorded using various methods including Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, field visits and specimen collection. Of the eleven genera of bamboo recorded from the regions, most of the species were found to be of indigenous types. In the mid-western region, 48 bamboo species were recorded: 18 identified at species level and 11 at genera level. However, 19 species could not be identified, although their local names were recorded. Similarly, in the far-western region, 31 species were recorded: 10 were identified at species as well as genera levels. In this region too, 11 species could not be identified, only local names were recorded. Greater diversity of bamboos exists in the hills than in the Terai belt of the regions studied. High Mountain districts such as Jumla, Dolpa, and Darchula contain considerably less quantity of large diameter sized bamboos (bans) than small sized diameter bamboos (nigalo). Although, in these regions, 18 uses of bamboo were noted, many species are mostly used for weaving. The development of bamboo resources in the regions can help reduce poverty, generate employment and sustain rural livelihoods. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i1.9059 Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 2011; 13-24

Effects of dwarf bamboo, Fargesia nitida (Mitford) Keng f. ex Yi, on bark stripping by ungulates in a subalpine Abies faxoniana Rehder &amp; E. H. Wilson forest, southwest China

Incidence and intensity of bark stripping of trees by ungulates was investigated at no bamboo (Fargesia nitida (Mitford) Keng f. ex Yi) (B-) site and understory bamboo dominant (B+) site of a subalpine Abies faxoniana Rehder & E. H. Wilson forest, southwest China. The percentage of damaged trees in B-site was higher than in B+ site. Bark stripping obviously occurred more frequently on Abies faxoniana compared to other tree species. Appearance of stripped bark and dead stems of the trees in different size-classes of A. faxoniana strongly depended on the density of dwarf bamboo at the site, and also on the size and bark structure of the trees, with highest damage rates occurring on the smaller DBH classes (10–40 cm) in B-site. The bark stripping intensity of A. faxoniana decreased significantly with higher density and coverage of F. nitida around damaged trees. Therefore, there is an indirect negative effect of the distribution of dwarf bamboo, F. nitida, on bark stripping of tree species. We suggest the indirect effects of dwarf bamboo species should be taken into account while considering the succession and regeneration of natural forests.

Transformation and Products Distribution of Moso Bamboo and Derived Components During Pyrolysis

Transformation and products distribution of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) and its derived components during pyrolysis were investigated by thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG-FTIR) and analytical pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) techniques. The pyrolysis of moso bamboo was generally an integrated result of the decomposition of its several derived components by examining the degradation process parameters and pyrolysis kinetics. The main peaks of the infrared (IR) spectrum for gases released at the highest intensity were assigned to be CO2, CO, CH4, H2O, acids, aldehydes, aromatics, ethers, and alcohols. Pyrolysis temperature played an important role in the products distribution of moso bamboo by affecting the products' yield and secondary cracking of heavy compounds. 500 °C was an inflection point for product release during moso bamboo pyrolysis. Further cracking of aromatic compounds and furans into lighter products was observed with increasing pyrolysis temperature.

Historical fire and bamboo dynamics in western Amazonia

AbstractAimTo determine if recurrent fire accounts for bamboo‐dominated forests that cover about 180,000 km2 of western Amazonia.LocationWestern Amazonia, including Los Amigos and Cocha Cashu, Peru, and Acre, Brazil.MethodsWe identified bamboo (B+) and closed‐canopy forests (B−) using a combination of MODIS imagery, Landsat TM imagery and field surveys. Local‐scale and landscape‐scale patterns of historical bamboo dynamics were analysed by collecting soil cores from B+ and B− sites across three regions. Soil charcoal within cores was used to document previous fire, and phytoliths were employed to reconstruct vegetational patterns through time.ResultsFire occurred in B+ and B− sites with approximately equal frequencies in each region sampled. Between regions, fire signals were most prevalent at Los Amigos, with Cocha Cashu and Acre sites typically containing only trace amounts of charcoal. Vegetational state remained constant through time in both B+ and B− forests of Cocha Cashu and Acre. The persistence of bamboo through time is less clear at Los Amigos, with bamboo presence changing both spatially and temporally.Main conclusionsFire does not appear to be the driving mechanism behind current bamboo distributions, although it may facilitate bamboo invasion. Once established in an area, bamboo persistently dominates the vegetation structure over historical time‐scales at some sites (Cocha Cashu and Acre), but not at others (Los Amigos), which is likely to be a function of patch origin. Increasing human activity, including fire and deforestation, combined with predicted Amazonian drought, may allow bamboo to expand from its current distribution and replace typical Amazonian closed‐canopy forests. These structural changes in the forests have important implications for carbon storage, as Amazonian forests are currently the largest terrestrial carbon sink in the world.

Effect of isoprene emissions from major forests on ozone formation in the city of Shanghai, China

Abstract. Ambient surface level concentrations of isoprene (C5H8) were measured in the major forest regions located south of Shanghai, China. Because there is a large coverage of broad-leaved trees in this region, high concentrations of isoprene were measured, ranging from 1 to 6 ppbv. A regional dynamical/chemical model (WRF-Chem) is applied for studying the effect of such high concentrations of isoprene on the ozone production in the city of Shanghai. The evaluation of the model shows that the calculated isoprene concentrations agree with the measured concentrations when the measured isoprene concentrations are lower than 3 ppb, but underestimate the measurements when the measured values are higher than 3 ppb. Isoprene was underestimated only at sampling sites near large bamboo plantations, a high isoprene source, indicating the need to include geospatially resolved bamboo distributions in the biogenic emission model. The assessment of the impact of isoprene on ozone formation suggests that the concentrations of peroxy radicals (RO2) are significantly enhanced due to the oxidation of isoprene, with a maximum of 30 ppt. However, the enhancement of RO2 is confined to the forested regions. Because the concentrations of NOx were low in the forest regions, the ozone production due to the oxidation of isoprene (C5H8 + OH → → RO2 + NO → → O3) is low (less than 2–3 ppb h−1). The calculation further suggests that the oxidation of isoprene leads to the enhancement of carbonyls (such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde) in the regions downwind of the forests, due to continuous oxidation of isoprene in the forest air. As a result, the concentrations of HO2 radical are enhanced, resulting from the photo-disassociation of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Because the enhancement of HO2 radical occurs in regions downwind of the forests, the enhancement of ozone production (6–8 ppb h−1) is higher than in the forest region, causing by higher anthropogenic emissions of NOx. This study suggests that the biogenic emissions in the major forests to the south of Shanghai have important impacts on the levels of ozone in the city, mainly due to the carbonyls produced by the continuous oxidation of isoprene in the forest air.

Experimental Investigation of the Mixed-Mode Crack Expanding in Bamboo

Bamboo is a typical natural graded material, from the inner layer to the middle layer, and then to the outer layer. The elastic modulus is increasing gradually. The cracks grown on the inner layer and outer layer have different effects on the intensity. In this paper, the influence of the gradient distribution on the fracture behavior of the mixed-mode I and П cracks located in different layers is studied. The displacement measurement of bamboo specimens on asymmetric loading using digital speckle correlation method (DSCM) is performed and the crack tip opening displacement (COD), the stress intensity factor can be obtained. The results show that the COD of the crack in the outer layer is less than that of the crack in the inner layer, the stress intensity factor in the outer layer is greater than that of the crack in the inner layer, that means the property of the gradient distribution of bamboo has the protecting function for the static crack in the inner layer.