Extensive Forest Research Articles

Determination of Total Flavonoid Content from Extract and Fractions of Mangrove Leaves (Rhizopora mucronata)

Indonesia is an archipelagic country with a very wide coastal area. Lombok Island has a coastal area with quite extensive mangrove forest areas. Rhizopora mucronata was the most dominant species found in the region. The Rhizopora mucronata species was a plant from the Rhizoporaceae family reported to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity. These biological activities were caused by the presence of secondary metabolite compounds in R. mucronata, one of which is flavonoids. Research regarding the flavonoid content of R. mucronata leaves has not been explored. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the total flavonoid content in extracts and fractions of R. mucronata leaves using the spectrophotometric UV-Vis method. R. mucronata mangrove leaves simplicia were extracted using the sonication method using 96% ethanol solvent, then fractionated using the liquid-liquid extraction method with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. The percentage yield of 96% ethanol extract, water fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and n-hexane fraction respectively were 42.33%; 43.147%; 40.49%; 9.74%; and 32.49%. The TLC test showed the presence of flavonoid compounds detected in the extract and fractions which were marked with blue spots. The total flavonoid contents in the 96% ethanol extract, water fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and n-hexane fraction were respectively (12,980; 14,160; 23,880; and 25,350) mg Quercetin equivalent/gram sample (mg QE/ g). The total flavonoid content of the extract and fractions of R. mucronata leaves were analyzed using the One-way ANOVA test method. The total flavonoid content in the n-hexane fraction and ethyl acetate fraction was significantly higher than the 96% ethanol extract and water fraction. The total flavonoid content of R. mucronata leaves was relatively high, which contributes to several of its biological activities.

The Role of Ngos in Localizing UN-REDD+ In Sulawesi Tengah, Indonesia

This study explores the role of national and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in localizing the UNREDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) norm in Sulawesi Tengah, Indonesia. UN-REDD+ aims to mitigate climate change by promoting sustainable forest management in developing countries. Sulawesi Tengah was selected as a pilot province due to its extensive forest cover and relatively undisturbed deforestation activities. However, despite international support, the initiative encountered resistance from local communities, influenced by national and local NGOs. This research examines the complex interactions among international, national, and local NGOs by applying Acharya's norm localization theory. While international NGOs provided technical expertise, local NGOs significantly shaped the community perspective. These local NGOs raised concerns about the potential exploitation of forests and disruption to indigenous cultural values, fuelling opposition to the program. Consequently, the localization failed, and UN-REDD+ was discontinued in Sulawesi Tengah in 2012. The findings highlight the importance of considering local actors and their concerns in global environmental governance. Local NGOs, closely connected to communities, played a decisive role in rejecting the program, underscoring it, and addressing local values and governance issues.

Global potential for natural regeneration in deforested tropical regions.

Extensive forest restoration is a key strategy to meet nature-based sustainable development goals and provide multiple social and environmental benefits1. Yet achieving forest restoration at scale requires cost-effective methods2. Tree planting in degraded landscapes is a popular but costly forest restoration method that often results in less biodiverse forests when compared to natural regeneration techniques under similar conditions3. Here we assess the current spatial distribution of pantropical natural forest (from 2000 to 2016) and use this to present a model of the potential for natural regeneration across tropical forested countries and biomes at a spatial resolution of 30 m. We estimate that an area of 215 million hectares-an area greater than the entire country of Mexico-has potential for natural forest regeneration, representing an above-ground carbon sequestration potential of 23.4 Gt C (range, 21.1-25.7 Gt) over 30 years. Five countries (Brazil, Indonesia, China, Mexico and Colombia) account for 52% of this estimated potential, showcasing the need for targeting restoration initiatives that leverage natural regeneration potential. Our results facilitate broader equitable decision-making processes that capitalize on the widespread opportunity for natural regeneration to help achieve national and global environmental agendas.

Economic Assessment of Hydrologic Ecosystem Services in Morocco’s Protected Areas: A Case Study of Ifrane National Park

This study delves into the complex interplay between land use dynamics, hydrological services, and intangible benefits within the context of Ifrane National Park (INP) in Morocco. Due to its extensive mountain forests and numerous wetlands, INP is a crucial contributor to the nation’s water supply and a vital source of hydrological ecosystem services (HES). However, climate change and evolving land use patterns have led to diminishing water resources and the desiccation of certain wetlands. This research used the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs software (InVEST 3.10.2) for HES quantification and environmental economics approach for monetization to comprehend how HES values respond to challenges posed by urbanization, intensive agriculture, and other land use alterations. This work underscores INP’s role as a significant “water tower”, emphasizing the evolution of its services amidst challenges. Our findings reveal an annual decrease in HES economic value by USD 4000. This economic assessment serves as a compelling tool to enlighten decision-makers and park users about the imperative need to preserve natural ecosystems and use water resources judiciously. It advocates for investments in conservation and restoration within protected areas to sustain these vital services.

Geochemical fractionation of trace elements in ostreid and gastropod shells: A potential proxy for heavy metal pollution in Ghana’s coastal environment

The content of trace elements from Crassostrea tulipa (Ostreidae, Bivalvia) from four localities (Pra Estuary, Densu Estuary, Kpone Beach, and Anyanui Creek) along the coast of Ghana has been used as a bioindicator of environmental pollution. The lowest values of heavy metals correspond to the Crassostrea shells from Densu Estuary and Anyanui Creek, whereas the highest contents are recorded in the shells from Pra Estuary and Kpone Beach. Densu Estuary and Anyanui Creek are located in areas not affected by major industries, and only Densu is located in a densely urbanized setting. Crassostrea shells from Densu Estuary are only enriched in Ni. However, the Total Organic Carbon content of the sediments of the Densu Estuary indicates anthropogenic organic pollution not evidenced by the composition of Crassostrea shells. The Crassostrea shells from the Pra Estuary show enrichment in most of the analysed trace elements (Li, Be, V, Cu, Cr, Zn, Ga, Y, Sn, Pb, U, Th, ∑REE, and As) compared with other studied sites. This enrichment is related to heavy metals influx to the Pra River by the mining activities, extensive forest clearance, and loss of soil minerals. The Crassostrea shells from Kpone Beach present comparatively high content of some trace elements (Be, Ba, Cu, Zn, Nb, Pb, and REE). The metal pollutants are related to the input of the Heavy Industrial Area of Tema (located around 3.5 km west of Kpone Beach) and urban effluences from the Greater Accra Region. The high content of Ba, Cu, Zn, and Pb in Crassostrea is directly related to high phytoplankton productivity (mainly for diatoms) linked to the input of trace metals transferred into the marine food webs. In addition, some analyses of gastropod shells from Kpone Beach indicate that Cerithium and Nerita are more sensitive to accumulating Ni and As than Crassostrea. The values of trace metals from the Crassostrea shells of the Densu Estuary and Anyanui Creek are comparatively low. Considering the role of Crassostrea shells as bioindicators for heavy metals pollution, the less polluted localities are Anyanui Creek and Densu Estuary, whereas Pra Estuary and Kpone Beach are affected by anthropic activities such as mining, urban effluents, and industry.

Predicting the drivers of Bothrops snakebite incidence across Brazil: A Spatial Analysis

Snakebite envenoming poses a significant public health challenge on a global basis, affecting millions of people annually and leading to complications that may result in fatalities. Brazil stands as one of the countries most impacted by snakebite envenoming, with snakes of the Bothrops genus being responsible for most bites. The current study aimed to identify the determinants of Bothrops snakebite incidence across different regions of Brazil. An ecological study was conducted using municipality-aggregated data, with snakebite incidence as the dependent variable. The study period comprised the years 2015–2021. We constructed Species Distribution Models (SDMs) for Bothrops species, and information was collected on precipitation, runoff, maximum and minimum temperatures, native forest, historical forest loss, agriculture, and pasture in each Brazilian municipality. These data were employed to assess the association between snakebite incidence and biotic, climatic, and landscape factors. The data were analyzed using Generalized Least Squares (GLS) regression. The SDMs demonstrated good performance. The average annual snakebite incidence during the study period ranged from zero to 428.89 per 100,000 inhabitants, depending on the municipality. Higher incidence rates were concentrated primarily in municipalities in the northern region of the country. In this study, we found that nationwide, areas with extensive native forests and those that have historically experienced significant loss of forest cover exhibited higher snakebite incidence rates. Additionally, areas with higher temperatures and precipitation levels, as well as greater climatic suitability for the species B. jararaca, showed significantly higher snakebite incidence rates in the South and Southeast of Brazil, respectively. These associations may be linked to increased snake abundance and active behavior, as well as to engagement in activities favoring human-snake contact in these areas. The findings of this study can contribute to the improvement of prevention and control strategies for this public health issue in Brazil.

Ips typographus vision system: a comprehensive study.

Aggressive bark beetle species such as the Eurasian spruce bark beetle Ips typographus play a fundamental role in forest ecosystems but can also lead to extensive forest mortality and massive economic damage during outbreaks. Currently I. typographus' eyes, visual perception of the world and recognition of specific targets like host plants are understudied topics. Studying its visual sense can open the way to novel efficient monitoring and management methods, particularly important in avoiding the switch from an endemic to an epidemic condition. In addition, the integration of visual cues in trapping systems may offer new opportunities for surveillance. Vision in I. typographus was investigated by means of morphological analysis, electroretinography (ERG), molecular analysis of opsin genes and behavioural tests. ERG has revealed that the compound eyes contain two classes of photoreceptors, maximally sensitive to UV and green at 370 and 530nm, respectively. The result was further supported by the identification of two relevant opsin genes. Finally, the innate wavelength sensitivity was tested in a Y-maze. Ips typographus consistently preferred UV over non-UV (VIS) light, irrespective of their intensity ratios, but preferred high over low intensity VIS light, consistent with a UV-VIS dichromatic visual system. Overall, the results may open the way to better understand the navigation pattern in tree canopies and the host selection processes of this ecologically and economically important beetle species.

Habitat Suitability Assessment for Two Burrowing Rodents on the Island of Lesvos: A Niche-Based Approach.

We conducted a habitat suitability assessment for two burrowing rodents, Anatolian or Nehring's blind mole rat (Nannospalax xanthodon) and Harting's vole (Microtus hartingi), on the island of Lesvos using a niche-based approach. We collected data on the presence of the two species across the island and selected several environmental variables, including land cover, geology, and habitat topography, to assess their influence on habitat suitability. We used the Maxent species distribution modelling algorithm to predict suitable habitats. The results showed that both species preferred habitats with low slopes and specific geological substrates, i.e., alluvial deposits and volcanic rocks. M. hartingi showed a preference for open habitats such as saltmarshes and non-irrigated arable land, while N. xanthodon preferred non-irrigated arable land, pastures, and discontinuous urban fabric. The model predicted a wider area of suitable habitats for Microtus hartingi compared to N. xanthodon. Interestingly, the two species are absent from the southeastern part of the island despite our model predicting high suitability; this indicates that a natural barrier of hilly terrain, extensive pine forests, and limestone rock formations may exist that impedes dispersal. Our study provides valuable insights into the habitat preferences of these two burrowing rodents on the island of Lesvos, which can inform biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management strategies.

Multi-Scenario Simulation of Land-Use/Land-Cover Changes and Carbon Storage Prediction Coupled with the SD-PLUS-InVEST Model: A Case Study of the Tuojiang River Basin, China

Land-use and land-cover changes (LUCCs) significantly impact carbon sequestration by modifying the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems. This study utilized GIS and remote sensing techniques to forecast future LUCC patterns and their influence on regional carbon budgets, which is essential for sustainable development. We devised a coupled system dynamics (SD) model integrated with a patch-generating land-use simulation (PLUS) model to simulate LUCCs under diverse future scenarios using multisource environmental data. Additionally, the InVEST model was employed to quantify carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems. By establishing three scenarios—ecological priority (EP), highly urbanized (HU), and coordinated development (CD)—this study’s aim was to predict the LUCC patterns and carbon storage distribution of the Tuojiang River Basin (TRB), China, up to 2035. The results showed that (1) from 2000 to 2020, significant LUCCs occurred in the TRB, primarily involving the conversion of cultivated land into construction areas and forestland; (2) LUCCs had a substantial impact on carbon storage in the TRB, with the EP scenario demonstrating the highest carbon storage by 2035 due to extensive forest expansion, while the HU scenario indicated a decline in carbon storage associated with rapid urbanization; and (3) the mountainous regions of the TRB, dominated by forestland, consistently exhibited higher carbon storage, whereas the Chengdu Plain region in the upper basin displayed the lowest. In conclusion, we recommend prioritizing the CD scenario in future development strategies to balance economic growth with ecological protection while simultaneously enhancing carbon storage. Our findings offer valuable insights to shape future LUCC policies in the Tuojiang River Basin, underscoring the adaptability of the coupled model approach to a wide range of geographic scales and contexts.

Landscape structures and stand attributes jointly regulate forest productivity

Forest productivity is a crucial integrator of ecosystem functions and services. Although the effects of landscape structure on species richness and stand structure have been extensively studied, how landscape structures affect forest productivity and their interactions with stand‐level attributes, especially in the context of considerable land use change, remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of landscape structures (fragmentation, complexity, and heterogeneity) and their interactions with stand‐level attributes on forest productivity in the conterminous United States across three spatial scales (1–3 km), using an extensive forest inventory dataset from the national forest inventories (NFI) plots. Our results revealed that all landscape indices around selected forest plots significantly increased from 2006 to 2016. Across three scales, forest productivity and stand‐level attributes (number of trees, tree species richness, and structural diversity) exhibited unimodal relationships with landscape fragmentation and complexity, while generally showed positive correlations with landscape heterogeneity. The interactions between landscape structures and stand attributes enhanced the explanatory power of forest productivity. Landscape complexity directly or indirectly reduced forest productivity by decreasing the number of trees and tree species richness, whereas landscape fragmentation and heterogeneity had the opposite effects. Furthermore, landscape heterogeneity and stand age had relatively stronger total effects (the sum of direct and indirect effects) on forest productivity, and their strength increased modestly with spatial scales. However, tree species richness consistently had the lowest total effects. Our study elucidates the complex driving mechanisms of landscape patterns on forest productivity across spatial scales, providing a deeper understanding of ecosystem complexity and responses to accelerating land use changes.

Niche-dependent forest and savanna fragmentation in Tropical South America during the Last Glacial Maximum

The refugia hypothesis, often used to explain Amazonia’s high biodiversity, initially received ample support but has garnered increasing criticism over time. Palynological, phylogenetic, and vegetation model reconstruction studies have been invoked to support the opposing arguments of extensive fragmentation versus a stable Amazonian Forest during Pleistocene glacial maxima. Here, we test the past existence of forest fragments and savanna connectivity by bias-correcting vegetation distributions from a Dynamic Vegetation Model (DVM) driven by paleoclimate simulations for South America during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). We find evidence for fragmented forests akin to refugia with extensive tropical humid forests to the west and forest islands in central/southern Amazonia. Drier ecosystems of Northern Llanos, Caatinga and Cerrado may have merged into continuous savanna/grasslands that dominated the continent. However, our reconstructions suggest taller, dense woodland/tropical savanna vegetation and areas of similar bioclimate connected disparate forest fragments across Amazonia. This ecotonal biome may have acted as a corridor for generalist forest and savanna species, creating connectivity that allows for range expansion during glacial periods. Simultaneously, it could have served as a barrier for specialists, inducing diversification through the formation of ‘semi-refugia’.

Modelling and Mapping of Aboveground Carbon of Oluwa Forest Reserve Using LandSat 8 TM and Forest Inventory Data

This research was carried out within the Oluwa Forest Reserve to evaluate and forecast its capacity for aboveground carbon sequestration using data from the Landsat Thematic Mapper. The Oluwa Forest Reserve, situated in Ondo State, Nigeria, is renowned for its abundant biodiversity and vast expanse. Assessing the forest's aboveground biomass and carbon traditionally involves intricate and expensive processes necessitating the expertise of diverse professionals and specialized equipment. Hence, this study investigated the utilization of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technology, employing Landsat bands to calculate spectral indices and construct linear models for predicting the aboveground carbon sequestration potential of the tropical rainforest ecosystem within the Oluwa Forest Reserve. The measured aboveground carbon from sample plots, alongside the estimated spectral indices, was utilized to simulate the distribution of aboveground carbon across the Oluwa Forest Reserve. A positive linear correlation was identified between the observed data and the estimated spectral indices. Consequently, linear models were developed, and the most suitable model was determined through statistical analysis. The average aboveground carbon estimated from the sample plots was 150.70 tons per hectare (t/ha), closely aligning with the predicted value of 149.80 t/ha. Statistical analysis yielded a coefficient of determination of 94% and a Root Mean Square Error of 6.38E-16. These results indicate that the selected model accurately predicts the distribution of aboveground carbon within the Oluwa Forest Reserve. This study underscores the importance of spectral data, GIS, and RS in the efficient modelling and mapping of aboveground carbon in extensive forest ecosystems.

A new neoceratopsian (Ornithischia, Ceratopsia) from the Lower Cretaceous Ohyamashimo Formation (Albian), southwestern Japan

AbstractThe herbivorous dinosaur clade Ceratopsia flourished in the northern hemisphere during the Late Jurassic to Late Cretaceous. Previous palaeobiogeographic studies have suggested that their initial diversification occurred in Asia, with early‐branching neoceratopsians extending their geographical range to North America sometime during the Barremian to Albian. However, the specific timing and mode of their dispersal from Asia to North America remains unknown. Here we describe a new, early‐branching neoceratopsian, Sasayamagnomus saegusai gen. et sp. nov., from the Albian Ohyamashimo Formation in southwestern Japan, representing the easternmost fossil record of ceratopsians in Asia. Sasayamagnomus exhibits three diagnostic features in the jugal, squamosal and coracoid, respectively, and also has a unique combination of characters in the lacrimal. Our phylogenetic analysis indicates that Sasayamagnomus forms a clade with Aquilops americanus, one of the earliest neoceratopsians from North America, followed by the sister taxon Auroraceratops rugosus from China. The present time‐calibrated phylogenetic tree indicates that the immigration of neoceratopsians from Asia to North America occurred during the latest Aptian or early Albian, refining the previously suggested timeframe. This aligns with fragmentary neoceratopsian fossil records from the Lower Cretaceous of North America and the initial formation of the Bering land bridge. Furthermore, the simultaneous occurrence of global warming (which enabled the development of extensive forests in the Arctic region) and the emergence of the Bering land bridge during the Aptian–Albian, probably played a crucial role in facilitating the immigration of neoceratopsians from Asia to North America.

Foraging Habitat Availability and the Non-Fish Diet Composition of the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) at Two Spatial Scales.

Habitat structure on foraging ground is one of the crucial factors determining diet diversity in colonially breeding avian predators. Quantifying the habitat and diet composition at different spatial scales (regional and local inter-colonial) can help provide understanding of the drivers of diet composition. In this study, we examined the composition of the non-fish diet of an opportunistic predator, the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), based on pellets. We compared pellets from 21 colonies in two different regions of Poland that differing in composition of foraging habitats. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to analyze the relationship between diet and habitat compositions in a 20 km radius around these colonies. Significant inter-regional and inter-colony differences in Grey Heron diet and habitat composition were detected in foraging areas. However, some prey were present in the diet only from one of the regions. Around the heronries with a predominance of farmland habitats, the European water vole (Arvicola amphibius) and terrestrial invertebrates were present in relatively low frequencies, and the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) was present in high frequencies. Voles (Microtus sp.) were more frequent in colonies with prevalence of non-irrigated arable land around the colony, in contrast to the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), which was less common in heronries with a higher contribution of this habitat type. Remains of aquatic invertebrates were less abundant in colonies surrounded by extensive forests. The results of our research indicate the opportunistic character of the non-fish part of the diet of the Grey Heron adapted to the local foraging habitat and prey availability.

Black carbon and particulate matter concentrations amid central Chile's extreme wildfires

The increase in the frequency and severity of global wildfires has been largely influenced by climate change and land use changes. From February 2 to 6, 2024, central Chile experienced its most devastating wildland-urban interface wildfire in history, severely impacting the Valparaíso region. This catastrophic event, which led to extensive forest destruction, the loss of thousands of homes, and over a hundred human fatalities, directly impacted the area surrounding the campus of Federico Santa María Technical University. In that period, an air quality monitoring campaign was set up on the campus to measure black carbon (BC) and particulate matter (PM) during the wildfire season. The monitoring station was located directly within the smoke plume, allowing for the collection of unprecedented air quality data. Extremely high concentrations of BC at 880 nm were reported during the wildfires, with a daily mean (±σ) of 14.83 ± 19.52 μg m−3. Peak concentrations measured at 880 nm and 375 nm reached 812.89 μg m−3 and 1561.24 μg m−3, respectively. The maximum daily mean BC concentrations at these wavelengths were 55 and 99 times higher, respectively, compared to the pre-event period. The mean Ångström absorbing coefficient during the event was 1.66, indicating biomass burning as the primary BC source, while the maximum BC/PM2.5 ratio (at 375 nm) reached 57 %. From February 2 to 5, 2024, PM concentrations exceeded the Chilean air quality standard by 82 % and 198 % for coarse and fine particles, respectively. These levels are 4.7 and 6.0 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommendations. These elevated concentrations persisted for up to three days after the fire was extinguished.This study provides unique evidence of the rapid deterioration of regional air quality during a wildfire event using in situ measurements, serving as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of a warming climate.

Damaging thunderstorms in Finland in June 2021

AbstractThunderstorms are common in Finland, however, high‐impact damaging cases do not occur every summer. On 21–23 June 2021, three damaging thunderstorms, named Ahti, Paula and Aatu, occurred in Finland. We provide an overview of the thunderstorms and their environment and impacts. The thunderstorms led to heavy rain, hail, intense lightning and, most notably, extensive forest damage due to strong surface wind gusts.

An updated bird checklist for Banke National Park and Buffer Zone, Nepal

A seven-day bird survey Banke National Park and Buffer Zone (BaNPBZ) was carried out in March 2024, followed by a desk study extracting records from eBird and Annual Waterbird counts. These records were used to compile an updated checklist for BaNPBZ. A total of 276 bird species has been recorded up to 6 April 2024 including 23 additional species found in the March 2024 survey and another 16 species located in the desk study. In 2016 BaNPBZ was assessed as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) based largely on the results of two surveys in 2012 and 2016, using globally threatened species and characteristic biome species criteria. Eight globally threatened species have been recorded so far including one species, great slaty woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus which has significant populations in BaNPBZ, so still fulfilling the globally threatened criterion for an IBA. BaNPBZ has extensive forests in the Indo-Malayan tropical dry zone biome. It supports 69 per cent of species characteristic of this biome which have been recorded in Nepal, a larger number than found previously, so strengthening the justification of BaNPBZ as an IBA using the characteristic biome species criterion. Water shortage was identified by park staff as a major threat to wildlife. Access to the national park was limited in the March 2024 survey by the lack of a 4-wheel drive vehicle. However, the buffer zone was much easier to cover and was found to include high-quality tropical broadleaved forest and riverine habitats. Only lower altitudes up to 200 m were covered. Further bird surveys in all seasons, covering all habitats and the full altitudinal range of the park from 153-1247 m should produce many more bird species and are highly recommended.

Extensive Inter-Korean Forest Cooperation: Analyzing the Driving Factors in 2018

Extensive Inter-Korean Forest Cooperation: Analyzing the Driving Factors in 2018

Amazon forest biogeography predicts resilience and vulnerability to drought.

Amazonia contains the most extensive tropical forests on Earth, but Amazon carbon sinks of atmospheric CO2 are declining, as deforestation and climate-change-associated droughts1-4 threaten to push these forests past a tipping point towards collapse5-8. Forests exhibit complex drought responses, indicating both resilience (photosynthetic greening) and vulnerability (browning and tree mortality), that are difficult to explain by climate variation alone9-17. Here we combine remotely sensed photosynthetic indices with ground-measured tree demography to identify mechanisms underlying drought resilience/vulnerability in different intact forest ecotopes18,19 (defined by water-table depth, soil fertility and texture, and vegetation characteristics). In higher-fertility southern Amazonia, drought response was structured by water-table depth, with resilient greening in shallow-water-table forests (where greater water availability heightened response to excess sunlight), contrasting with vulnerability (browning and excess tree mortality) over deeper water tables. Notably, the resilience of shallow-water-table forest weakened as drought lengthened. By contrast, lower-fertility northern Amazonia, with slower-growing but hardier trees (or, alternatively, tall forests, with deep-rooted water access), supported more-drought-resilient forests independent of water-table depth. This functional biogeography of drought response provides a framework for conservation decisions and improved predictions of heterogeneous forest responses to future climate changes, warning that Amazonia's most productive forests are also at greatest risk, and that longer/more frequent droughts are undermining multiple ecohydrological strategies and capacities for Amazon forest resilience.

DINAMIKA HARIAN PLANKTON DI TELUK PANGPANG BLOK JATI PAPAK TAMAN NASIOAL ALAS PURWO

National Park Alas purwo is one the conservation areas have a fairly extensive mangrove forest and one of them is the area Bay Pangpang Blok Jati Papak. Mangrove forest have many functions that many marine organisms that occupy the regions one of the region one of which is plankton. Plankton are organisms that are generally relatively small size and its movement depends on the direction of water flow. Plankton are organisms that are generally relatively small size and its movement depends on the direction of water flow. This study aims to determine the abundance and dynamics of plankton daily in at Bay Pangpang Block Jati Papak Nasional Park Alas Purwo. This study was conducted in May-June, 2016. The method used in this research is purposive sampling to determine the point where the (station), and sampling performed every 2 hours over a period of 24 hours. Abiotic parameters include measurements temperature, pH and light penetration. The research found that 13 spec Nitzchia sp, Oedogonium sp, Vaucheria sp, Eretmocaris, Dracia moluska, Amfipod, Micracia, Glaucothoe peroni, Candacia truncata, Candacia curta, Subbeucalamus crassus, Candacia bradi dan Undinula vulgaris. The highest abundanc species of phytoplankton that Nitzchia sp, while the highest abundance of zooplankton that is Candacia truncata species. The highest dynamics of plankton occurs at the time of sampling 07.00 dean in the number of species found are 7 to fotoplankton species and 16 species of zooplankton.