Forest Conservation Measures Research Articles

English

Ethiopia is one of the biodiversity reach areas in the world. A study was conducted at Amoro Forest to determine the woody species composition, vegetation and population structure. Vegetation data were collected from 36 plots (900 m2) systematically laid along transects. A hierarchical cluster analysis with R software was used to identify plant communities. Structural analysis of the forest was performed based on frequency, density, DBH, basal area and importance value indices (IVI) of woody species. A total of 57 woody species belonging to 38 families were encountered, consisting of 19 tree (33.33%), 31 (54.38%) shrubs, and 7(4.37%) liana species. The vegetation of the forest was classified into four plant communities namely, Calpurnia aurea-Vernonia myriantha, Vernonia myriantha-Euphorbia abyssinica, Laggera tomentosa-Solanecio gigas, Allophyllus abyssinicus-Bersama abyssinica based on cluster analysis. The total basal area and density of woody plants were 18.5 m2/h and 2860.49 stems/h respectively. The DBH distribution showed a reverse “J” shaped curve, meaning that there is active regeneration and recruitment in the forest. Four representative woody plant population structures were identified, that is, inverted J, Gauss I, Gauss II and J- shaped patterns. There is high anthropogenic effect and high dependence of the local community in Amoro Forest so that forest conservation and restoration measures should be required. Key words: Ethiopia, Amoro Forest, vegetation communities, anthropogenic activities and population structure.

Floristic diversity and composition of the Biteyu forest in the Gurage mountain chain (Ethiopia): implications for forest conservation

The Afromontane forests of Ethiopia have been under a serious degradation threat. Assessment of floristic diversity and species composition in Biteyu forest of Gurage mountain chain in the central Ethiopia was conducted to examine the pattern of forest structure. Thirty plots of 30 m × 30 m were used to record the vegetation and environmental data using systematic sampling technique. The local name, plant scientific names, DBH, height, species abundance and percentage canopy cover of plant species were recorded. Shannon diversity index and Sorensen’s coefficients was used for comparison among communities and similar forests in the country. Threats to the forest biodiversity in Biteyu were determined by counting cattle interference and wood stumps as disturbance indicators. Relative Euclidean Distance measures by using Ward’s method (linkage) was applied for cluster analysis. Environmental variables were also recorded in each plot. Woody species population structure, basal area and importance value index were analyzed using spreadsheet programs. Data on species distribution and environmental variables in the forest were analyzed by canonical correspondence analysis. A total of 190 species in 154 genera under 73 families were identified. Twenty species were found to be endemic taxa to the Flora Area. Only three plant community types were identified from the cluster analysis due to the high human influence. The Sorensen’s coefficient showed the resemblance of the Biteyu forest with other Dry Evergreen Afromontane forests in the country. Moreover, altitude and slope strongly affect the species composition and structure of Biteyu forest. Given the high anthropogenic influence, high endemism, high dependence of the local community on the forest resources, forest conservation and restoration measures should be done by stakeholders.

Fourteen years of anthropization dynamics in the Uapaca bojeri Baill. forest of Madagascar

Anthropization of forest landscapes is a major threat to ecosystems and biodiversity. To gather comprehensive information on anthropization dynamics in forest landscapes, fine-scale surveys of deforestation are required, coupled with detailed analysis of both spatial transformation processes and forest patch geometry. We conducted such a comprehensive study in a monospecific Uapaca bojeri (Baill.) forest of Madagascar, between 1999 and 2013. A diachronic set of four maps was produced and deforestation rates were calculated. Spatial transformation processes were described using Bogaert et al. (2004) typology. Forest patch geometry was monitored using largest patch index, mean patch size, and squared mean patch size to describe patch size dynamics, mean shape index and area weighted mean shape index to describe patch compactness, and fractal dimension analysis to describe patch outline complexity. For fractal dimension analysis, an innovative segmented regression model (Muggeo 2008) was used to separately quantify fractal dimensions for multiple ranges of patch sizes. Our results showed a growing anthropization of the U. bojeri forest landscape in the area, through a strong yet decelerating deforestation (from − 59.5% year−1 between 1999 and 2005 to − 2.84% year−1 between 2009 and 2013), clear forest fragmentation, and a subtle yet growing-in-scale simplification of patch geometry for small forest patches. Deforestation was artisanal in nature and, in 2013, large patches were withdrawing to less accessible topographic features. Our results forecast a medium-term loss of resilience of the U. bojeri forest in the area, if no direct forest conservation measures are taken.

Wood Extraction Among the Households of Zege Peninsula, Northern Ethiopia

The dependence of smallholder farmers on forest resources for their sustenance and livelihoods is a major driver of deforestation and degradation of forest resources in tropical countries. Understanding the socio-economic drivers that aggravate the extraction and overexploitation of forest products is vital for designing effective forest conservation and restoration measures. This particularly holds with regard to the importance of two fundamentally opposing motivations of smallholder forest exploitation, which we label “wood extraction for need” vs. “wood extraction for greed”. This study was conducted at Zege peninsula in Northern Ethiopia to investigate the factors affecting the extraction and marketing of wood from the peninsula's primary dry Afromontane forest by smallholders. Data was collected using household survey, focus groups discussions and key informant interviews. Data analysis employed the Heckman two-steps econometric model. The predominant involvement of vulnerable households in forest exploitation suggests that wood extraction was driven by need and mainly served sustenance and safety net functions. In addition, we also found evidence of greed-driven forest exploitation. As a consequence of selective rule enforcement and nepotism, the forest enforcement committee was not effective in safeguarding the forest, there by contributing to increased wood extraction and marketing by community members for income generation. This suggests that, in order to protect the forest, interventions are needed that aim at creating alternative income opportunities for smallholders through improved production of non-timber forest products, enhanced market access and the provision of locally adapted technologies; as well as at increasing the integrity of law enforcement.

Conservación forestal en el Istmo: problemas principales y necesidades

The classical concepts of conservation of natural resources are revised and a new definition, in keeping with the actual needs of Central America as a developing region, is proposed. The terms of preservation or natural history as synonyms of conservation are antagonistic; the latter should necessarily be considered as a dynamic and eminently economic concept. The ecological, educational, conceptual, institutional and economic problems that affect forestry resources in Central America are analyzed. Special emphasis is placed on incorporation or creation of new concepts in forestry that can be used in these countries toward better forest conservation measures. Finally, solutions to these problems, based on the planning, institutional and social approaches, are proposed.

Biotic homogenization of herb layer composition between two contrasting beech forest communities on limestone over 50 years

AbstractQuestionsHow do vegetation changes in a limestone beech forest community on dry and nutrient‐poor slopes differ from changes in a community on moist and nutrient‐rich soils over the past 50 yr? Have temporal changes led to a further differentiation between communities?LocationAncient, beech‐dominated forest region on limestone in central Germany.MethodsWe compared vegetation relevés sampled between 1955 and 1960 and resurveyed between 2009 and 2012 on quasi‐permanent plots in the Carici‐Fagetum primuletosum (n = 26) on dry, nutrient‐poor and sun‐exposed slopes, and in the Hordelymo‐Fagetum allietosum (n = 25) on nutrient‐rich plateau sites with mesic soils in spring. We concentrated on changes in species richness, vegetation structure and vegetation composition, identified winner and loser species and calculated pair‐wise dissimilarity indices within and between communities to test for differentiation or homogenization over time.ResultsOur results show a more pronounced change in community composition in the Carici‐Fagetum primuletosum within 50 yr compared to the Hordelymo‐Fagetum allietosum. Despite no significant increase in total canopy cover, shade‐tolerant, mesophilous, nutrient‐demanding species expanded, whereas light‐demanding, drought‐tolerant, oligotrophic, often Red List species decreased. Changes in the Hordelymo‐Fagetum allietosum were more random. Overall, vegetation dynamics led to a homogenization between the two contrasting communities caused by a loss of specialized species from the Carici‐Fagetum community and a gain in generalist species in both communities.ConclusionThe drastic changes in the Carici‐Fagetum community indicate the higher susceptibility of marginal sites – that often have a high conservation value – to local environmental changes. In particular, N deposition and the abandonment of former (more traditional) forest management, such as coppice‐with‐standards and wood pasture, are responsible for this development. On the other hand, the increasing temperatures from climate change are not sufficient to secure the survival of the once frequent thermophilous species. Therefore, adequate forest management and conservation measures, such as the removal of competitive or exotic tree species or the re‐establishment of coppice‐with‐standards management, are necessary to counteract the on‐going biotic homogenization of beech forest communities and should focus on marginal sites.

Spatial Bayesian belief networks as a planning decision tool for mapping ecosystem services trade-offs on forested landscapes

An integrated methodology, based on linking Bayesian belief networks (BBN) with GIS, is proposed for combining available evidence to help forest managers evaluate implications and trade-offs between forest production and conservation measures to preserve biodiversity in forested habitats. A Bayesian belief network is a probabilistic graphical model that represents variables and their dependencies through specifying probabilistic relationships. In spatially explicit decision problems where it is difficult to choose appropriate combinations of interventions, the proposed integration of a BBN with GIS helped to facilitate shared understanding of the human–landscape relationships, while fostering collective management that can be incorporated into landscape planning processes. Trades-offs become more and more relevant in these landscape contexts where the participation of many and varied stakeholder groups is indispensable. With these challenges in mind, our integrated approach incorporates GIS-based data with expert knowledge to consider two different land use interests – biodiversity value for conservation and timber production potential – with the focus on a complex mountain landscape in the French Alps. The spatial models produced provided different alternatives of suitable sites that can be used by policy makers in order to support conservation priorities while addressing management options. The approach provided provide a common reasoning language among different experts from different backgrounds while helped to identify spatially explicit conflictive areas

Experimental tests of tropical forest conservation measures

We conducted framed field experiments (FFEs) with local forest users in Tanzania. The harvest decisions are well below the individually optimal ones, suggesting significant non-pecuniary motivations. The participants display more pro-social behaviour than similar studies have shown, indicating that the forest specific framing influences participants’ behaviour. We tested three different conservation treatments: command and control (CAC), payment for environmental services (PES) and community forest management (CFM). CFM is as efficient as CAC in increasing pro-social forest use, despite not directly affecting the pecuniary gain. PES – as designed here – is the least effective treatment, but the results might be parameter sensitive. Women use forests more intensively than men, but are also more responsive to the treatments. The behavioural validity of the experiment is supported by strong correlation between behaviour in the experiment and in stated real life, while treatment validity cannot be tested directly. FFEs should become a supplement to traditional impact assessments (IA) of conservation policies, as it avoids many challenges that traditional IA methods face.

Management of Nothofagus genetic resources: Definition of genetic zones based on a combination of nuclear and chloroplast marker data

Development of appropriate forest conservation and management measures for a given tree species includes the identification of distinct genetically homogeneous units across its overall distribution range, which depends on the availability of knowledge on genetic, morphological and adaptive variation. This has important implications for germplasm transfer within and between areas, for example in reforestation or restoration activities. Genetic zones are defined as genetically more or less homogeneous regions within which propagation material can be transferred with relative certainty not to cause changes at the genetic structure level. The main goal of this study was to define genetic zones for Nothofagus nervosa and Nothofagus obliqua within their Argentinean natural distribution range. A total of 823 individuals belonging to 24 populations (14 of N. nervosa and 10 of N. obliqua, μ=34±5) were genotyped by means of seven nuclear microsatellite markers. The geographic clustering encountered through the application of a Bayesian approach was analyzed in combination with additional information on diversity parameters, chloroplast DNA and isozymes. For assembling the maps showing the distribution of clusters, we averaged cluster membership values of trees in each grid cell. To visualize geographical patterns in nSRR richness and the distribution of different clusters of both species, we carried out grid-based spatial analyses using 30s grid cells (∼1km at the equator) as the unit of analyses. We distinguished five genetic zones for N. nervosa and three for N. obliqua, consistent with the management history of the species, and displaying a certain level of geographic congruence. Higher allelic richness values were found in the surroundings of areas identified as potential glacial refugia, which suggest that the distribution pattern of allelic richness is closely associated with the glacial history of the species within the region. We expect this information to constitute a valuable tool for the identification of seed transfer zones, and to guide recruitment and plantation activities in the context of domestication programs of both species in Argentina. For assisted migration programs under progressive climate change the identification of these zones together with knowledge concerning hotspots at genetic diversity level should constitute an input for planning the activities.

Influence of sampling effort on saproxylic beetle diversity assessment: implications for insect monitoring studies in European temperate forests

Abstract Saproxylic beetle diversity monitoring provides a tool for estimating the efficiency of forest conservation measures. Flight interception traps are commonly employed to monitor beetle assemblages, although little explicit knowledge of the efficiency of this trapping method is available. The present study investigated how slight changes in sampling effort can influence species richness and species composition of assemblages in data sets from standard window‐flight traps. At both trap and plot levels, an additional year or an additional trap provided a 50% increase in the number of species detected (a 75% increase for rare species) and resulted in a different estimated composition of the assemblages. Adding 2 or 3 years of sampling gave twice as many species and resulted in assemblages that were 50% dissimilar. Increases in the detection of species and the dissimilarity of assemblages were similarly affected along a gradient of forest conditions, suggesting that changes in sampling effort were not affected by forest condition. At the forest level, year or trap replication provided smaller increases in species richness (31% and 25%, respectively). Within sites, distance measures in species composition between traps did not differ significantly when based on 1 or 2 years of data. Using two traps per plot compared with one trap influenced comparisons between stand types, based on species richness, in 25% of the cases. Species detection was similarly increased by either year replication or trap replication. The results of the present study highlight the significant role played by finescale patterns of habitat structure and inter‐annual variation with respect to determining catch size and assemblages of saproxylic species.

Welchen Beitrag leisten private Organisationen für den Naturschutz im Wald?

How do non-governmental organizations contribute to forest nature conservation measures? Since the beginning of the 20th century non-governmental organizations are involved in forest nature conservation. They do this by raising public awareness, through political relationship, environmental education and specific conservation measures in the forest. Only the conservation measures are subject of this text. The aims of these measures include research, raising public awareness, support of forest management, allowing natural forest development, conservation of rare and endangered species and forest communities, support of species richness and preservation of traditional forest management systems. Non-governmental organizations contribute only on a small percentage of the surface to forest conservation measures. But they have an effect on and pave the way for conservation measures of public forest owners and the cantons.

The History of Sika Deer Problem and Forest Conservation Measures in the Tanzawa Mountains, Kanagawa Prefecture

The History of Sika Deer Problem and Forest Conservation Measures in the Tanzawa Mountains, Kanagawa Prefecture

Landscape-level Forest Ecosystem Conservation on Changbai Mountain, China and North Korea (DPRK)

Changbai Mountain, the highest mountain in the east of the Eurasian Continent, is covered with a wide range of distinct altitudinal vegetation types featuring the Earth's richest biodiversity in the cool temperate zone. However, some development trends on Changbai Mountain urgently require the launching of innovative policies and actions for sustainable forest conservation on Changbai Mountain. This paper provides an overview of forest conservation issues in the area: it summarizes the ecological significance of forest vegetation on Changbai Mountain, reviews historic forest utilization and protection in the region, and discusses forest conservation measures that exist on Changbai Mountain. The paper also describes specific civilization-based economic developments, including deforestation, logging, non-wood product collection, and tourism, which threaten forest sustainability inside and around protected areas on Changbai Mountain. We propose that forest ecosystem management should be implemented outside the designated protected areas and human pressure should be reduced inside nature reserves on Changbai Mountain. Landscape and ecosystem approaches should be used to promote forest conservation at the mountain level. In addition, China and North Korea (DPRK) need to engage in multiscale, multidisciplinary, and multistakeholder transboundary conservation efforts.

Tracking Forest Change and Development Using Low-Cost Remote Sensing Imagery and GIS Integration

Abstract Conversion of forestland to other uses is occurring in Maine as growing human populations and desire for second homes are exerting development pressures on privately owned forestland. This study was performed to assess forest cover change and conversion to developed uses in a 636,000-hastudy area in Maine. A three-date time series (2000, 2002, and 2006) of Landsat Thematic Mapper data was analyzed to detect forest cover losses, and overall mapping accuracy was determined to be 91%. Forest cover losses (percentage per year) were aggregated for 81 townships and reported foreach time sequence. Rates of forest cover loss differ among townships and for the same township in different time periods. Visual interpretation of forestland conversion using high-resolution images for a subsample of 24 townships showed that 305 of 4,716 harvested forest hectares (6.47%)was converted to developed uses. The study demonstrates the practical use of low-cost remote-sensing imagery and routine interpretation methods for accurate tracking of forest change and quantification of land use conversion. The methods are adaptable to other states to assist decisionmakersin assessing regional and local land use and planning forest conservation measures.

熊沢蕃山の環境保全論が岡山藩における山林保護政策に与えた影響について

This study discusses KUMAZAWA Banzan (1619-1691), a representative thinker in the Edo Period in Japan , and reviews what influences his philosophy of environmental conservation had on the forest conservation policy in Okayama Domain to redefine him as an environmental thinker. As a result of reviewing the philosophy of environmental conservation in his representative works, Shugi washo, Shugi qaisho, and Daigaku wakumon, and the past records of the forest conservation measures in Okayama Domain, it has become clear that it was a pioneering case of applying his philosophy to public policies and achieving conservational effects. It is required of modern environmental philosophies not to remain merely academic but to promote social change. Banzan's philosophy is an early example of philosopher's social contribution. It is hoped that this article points out the necessity to review the philosophies in Edo Period from the aspect of environmental philosophies and study them further.

Forced and Forest Labor Regimes in Colonial Madagascar, 1926-1936

This article centers on labor in Madagascar and the ways in which colonial labor regimes have shaped forest conservation efforts. During the interwar period, the French colonial state launched two initiatives: it reinvigorated forest conservation measures and it conscripted male youths for public works. I analyze the effects on Malagasy subjects of the state's two-pronged effort to valorize Malagasy labor through compulsory road and rail works and to valorize Malagasy forests through conservation and commodification. I argue that these initiatives sent contradictory messages to Malagasy people about the proper land-labor relationship. One entailed a combative relationship to land, rock, and trees, while the other stressed the protection of forests. State officials maintained the contradictions of their “civilizing mission” by conceptually and administratively separating public works from forest conservation, or labor from the preservation of nature. However,in light of their physical relationship to the land and the organization of their labor relations in compulsory work camps and in the forest service,young men from eastern Malagasy villages have not conceptually distinguished these colonial practices in the same manner.

Econometric analysis of forest conservation: the Finnish experience

This paper examines the dynamic effects of forest conservation measures. Both short-term and long-term impacts on timber markets are studied using a Finnish example. Forest conservation is interpreted as an exogenous negative shock in the standing timber growth owned by private forest owners, and its effects are retrieved through an impulse response analysis based on a dynamic demand–supply and timber stock model. The results show that timber markets are influenced by forest conservation. The conservation of forest assets reduces traded quantities and increases timber prices. These effects are of the same relative magnitude, thus leaving the annual timber-selling income of private forest owners unchanged. The results suggest that some of the negative short-run impacts of conservation on commercial timber stock will be compensated in the long run by intensified use of the remaining stock. This may to some extent reduce the ecological usefulness of the conservation policies. While the timber markets converge in the long run towards a new post-conservation state the short-term interruptions suggest that caution should be used in establishing set-asides in privately owned forestland.

Endemic butterflies on Grande Comore: habitat preferences and conservation priorities

The island of Grande Comore (Comoro Islands, western Indian Ocean) has an endemic butterfly fauna threatened by rapid habitat change. Transect counts were used to assess the abundance and species richness of butterflies in different habitats, and along an elevational gradient. Species richness of non-endemic butterflies was highest in low elevation, man-modified habitats. In contrast, most endemic butterflies were confined to forest habitats, which only remain above 500m elevation. Richness and abundance of endemic butterflies were highest at the lower elevational limits of the remaining forest. Controlling for elevation, the richness of endemic butterflies was highest in mature forest where the gross structure of the forest remained intact, lower in scrubby secondary forest, and lowest in pioneer forest on old lava flows. The survival of the majority of the endemic butterflies may depend on forest conservation measures in the rapidly diminishing areas of mature forest at mid elevations.

Romancing Colonial Forestry: The Discourse of 'Forestry as Progress' in British Burma

Recent research in political ecology highlights the central role played by the colonial state in tropical forest management, but little attention has been given as yet to the discursive representation of that role. This paper thus investigates the ways in which colonial foresters represented their work through books, articles and official reports. Using colonial Burma as a case study, the key elements of a discourse of 'forestry as progress' are delineated. In emphasizing the pre-eminence of teak extraction, forest revenue and forest conservation measures, however, colonial foresters failed to address in their writing other themes which would have called into question the 'progressive' image of colonial forestry. By way of illustration, the neglected dimension of political conflict between colonizer and colonized over forest management is briefly reviewed. Both the illegal 'everyday resistance' of peasants and the legal political opposition of Burmese politicians underscored that the colonial discourse of forestry as progress - in part or in whole was unacceptable to the vast majority of the Burmese population. Yet the attractiveness of this discourse to states in the tropics persists even today as foresters continue to extoll the 'non-political' commercialized nature of contemporary forestry as part of a broader attempt to counter growing popular opposition to state forest control.

Coercive conservation, defensive reaction, and the commons tragedy in Northeast Thailand

This essay reconsiders privatization and nationalization as solutions to the degradation of open-access resources, “the tragedy of the commons”. Examining the case of recent forest conservation measures in Northeast Thailand, it underscores the fact that enclosures managed by a Leviathan-like state will not guarantee conservation. This is because states, like individuals, seek economic gains from the resources they control and because coercive conservation policies engender local resistance and resource vandalism. The essay suggests that, as an alternative to privatization and nationalization, local people should be encouraged to organize community resource management. For this to happen, it is necessary for local people to recognize common-pool resources as a common good, and for the state to give official support to community resource management.