Forest Nature Reserve Research Articles

Ein beliebter Alleskönner steht unter Druck (Essay)

Pressures on a multi-talented and beloved habitat (essay) Animal and plant species in forest habitats are less threatened than those in other habitats. That is to be welcomed, but is no reason to rest on our laurels in self-satisfaction. This forest success story can be explained by the strict forest protection which exists in Switzerland. This model, which has been a success for over 100 years, is under greater and greater pressure. Some politicians and interest groups want to open the forest to residential development. For Pro Natura, a relaxation of forest protection on the Swiss Plateau is out of the question. The same harmful processes which have been responsible for the dramatic loss of agricultural land would be imported to the forest. The fact is that the increase in total Swiss forest area is entirely limited to the mountainous regions, and does not concern the Plateau. It is important, from an ecological and economic point of view, to use some parts of the forest in a sustainable way. However, it is also essential that other parts of the forest are allowed to follow their natural processes. Pro Natura recommends that 10% of the Swiss forest area should be forest nature reserves by 2030, and 8% special forest reserves. A fifth of the forest area can safely be devoted to conservation of biodiversity, while four fifths can be managed according to sustainability criteria.

Civil Society and Land Use Policy in Uganda: The Mabira Forest Case

Over the past few years, the Ugandan government has repeatedly initiated proceedings to clear one-fourth of the Mabira natural forest reserve in central Uganda and give the land to a sugar company controlled by a transnational business conglomerate. Each time the government took steps to execute the Mabira project, civil society groups organised large-scale protests that pressurised the government into shelving its plans. The Save Mabira Forest campaign has been widely cited as an example of how sustained protests by civil society groups serve as a corrective of democratic deficits in decision-making processes pertaining to the commons and as a deterrent to profit-driven business schemes hatched in collusion with carefree or corrupt bureaucrats and politicians. However, an in-depth analysis of the campaign suggests that ecological and social justice concerns are mixed up with identity politics and exclusionist agendas. Examining the complex web of interactions between state, big business and civil society in Uganda, this paper sheds light on the multi-layered and often ambiguous role played by non-governmental organisations in post-conflict societies of sub-Saharan Africa.

Do conservation measures in forest work? A comparison of three area-based conservation tools for wood-living species in boreal forests

Loss of natural forests and decline in forest biodiversity has led to several policy initiatives in recent years. Despite this, the importance of smaller set-asides vs forest reserves for conservation measures is poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the importance of three different area-based conservation measures commonly used in north-European forests; retention patches, woodland key habitats and forest nature reserves. We did this for two contrasting ecological systems; fungi in late-decay spruce logs and beetles in early-decay aspen snags.Eight replicated sites for each of the three conservation measures were investigated in a total of four boreal forest landscapes in south-Norway. Fungi were surveyed on existent late-decay spruce logs in two landscapes, and beetles trapped on experimentally added aspen dead-wood units in three landscapes. Richness and species composition were analyzed separately for specialist and generalist species.We found larger differences in species composition between conservation measures for old-growth fungi specialists than generalists, although species richness patterns were less clear. The main contrast was found between nature reserves and retention patches. On the other hand, specialist beetles associated with early-decay aspen showed no difference between set-asides. The assemblage of aspen generalist beetles tended to be richest in the woodland key habitats and showed clear differences between the conservation measures. There was considerable variation in response to conservation measures between landscapes, related to quality of the set-asides.Species specialized to an ephemeral, early-decay system were able to utilize such substrates in all of the conservation measures, while the smaller and more modified set-asides could not cater for the specialists dependent on stable, late-decay systems. Species with broader habitat demands in general responded to all conservation measures. We conclude that retention patches, woodland key habitats and forest reserves fill complementary functions for wood-living species in boreal forest and should all be part of future forest conservation strategies.

The injuries on tortoise shells as a depository of past human impact

The spur-thighed tortoise Testudo graeca has a wide distribution encompassing southern Europe and the Middle East through to northern Africa. The populations at the northern limit of T. graeca’s range in the province of Dobrogea (Romania) are sparsely distributed across the entire area, with higher densities found in the hilly forested areas. Although strictly protected, the spur-thighed tortoise was and continues to be impacted by human activities. This study investigated the presence and characteristics of scars from past injuries on their shells. We studied three populations from protected areas, situated along a north–south gradient of approximately 150 km: Măcin Mountains National Park (northernmost limit of T. graeca’s range), Cetatea Histria, located within the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, in the central part of the region, and the Dumbrăveni Forest Natural Reserve in the south. All three populations had individuals with scars from past injuries on their shells. The highest numbers of injured tortoises were in Dumbrăveni Forest (35.78%) and Măcin Mountains (35%) while the population from Cetatea Histria (11.26%) was less affected. Carapace injury frequency was higher in the Măcin Mountains whilst the Dumbrăveni Forest population had a higher frequency of plastron injuries. Human-caused injuries were observed mainly in the anterior and dorsal zones of the carapace and the anterior zone of the plastron. Natural injuries were located on the posterior zone of the carapace, mainly on marginal scutes. Our study showed that the scars of turtle shells proved to be an excellent depository of past and recent human impacts and may offer insights for better conservation and management strategies.

Impact of Human Recreational Disturbances on the Distribution of Avifauna in the Sinhararja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s protected areas are increasingly becoming prime tourism destinations for bothinternational and domestic tourists. Ironically, most nature-based tourism activities areconcentrated on few well-known National Parks and Forest Reserves in the country. As aresult, these sites are continuously subjected to increased visitor pressure. Conservationistsfrequently cite human recreational disturbances of wildlife as one of the key issues inbiodiversity conservation, especially in protected areas open for public visitation. Behaviourof birds has been found to be often influenced by human recreational activities; yet scientificevidences to assess the degree of this threat are limited in literature, especially in the SriLankan context.This study investigated the effects of human recreational disturbances on the distribution of39 species of birds along a highly visited nature trail in Sinhararja World Heritage Forest, SriLanka, from May to November, 2013. The study employed eighteen 25 m fixed-radius pointcounts laid perpendicular to the nature trail (six counts along the nature trail, and six countseach100m and 200 m perpendicular to the trail). Each point count was visited at least 18times during the study period at different times of the day. Point counts recorded 37 breedingresident species of which 17 were endemic, while there were two migrant species. Humanrecreational disturbances were defined in terms of visitor group size (visual disturbance) andtheir relative noise level (noise disturbance). Accordingly, four disturbance levels (no humandisturbance, low human disturbance, medium human disturbance and high humandisturbance) were derived using a two-step clustering procedure. The relationship betweendisturbance levels and abundance of birds was statistically testedResults revealed a significant negative correlation between visitor numbers and abundance ofbirds in point counts on the trail (Spearman's rho = -0.20, p=0.045), and a significantpositive correlation between the same variables in plots 200m away from the trail at 0.05significance level (Spearman's rho = 0.19, p=0.049). This in general, suggests a possibleavoidance of edge habitats by birds at the human presence and flushing into the forest.Regardless of the disturbance type, mean number of birds recorded was highest in plots onthe trail (mean =14.20 ± SD or SE 1.98) followed by plots 200 m away from the trail (mean=10.11± SD or SE 2.00). Null hypothesis of “bird counts at various distances from the trailare independent of disturbance levels” was tested using Chi-square test for each species. Outof 22 species with sufficient data available for analysis, Ashy-headed laughing thrush(Garrulax cinereifrons) found to shift away from the trail as disturbance levels increased (χ2-=6.41, p=0.041). For the most species recorded in the study, non-significance for Chi-squaretest suggests that these species may have become habituated to low-intensity and predictablehuman recreational disturbances.

Activity of β-Amylase in Some Fungi Strains Isolated from Forest Soil in South-Western Nigeria

Aims: The aim of this study was to isolate fungi species from Omo natural forest soil in Ogun State of Nigeria and study the amylases from the fungi species which are digestive enzymes that hydrolyze glycosidic bonds in starch to glucose, maltose, maltotriose and dextrin; and in particular determine the activities of β-amylase from the forest soil. Study Design: Nine different species of fungi were isolated from the Omo natural forest reserve soil (Gonatobotrrys simplex, Aspergillus niger, Spiromyces minutus, Aspergillus flavus, Articulospora inflata, Botrytis cenera, Penicillium italicum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus). Four species of the fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillum italicum) exhibited amylolytic activities maximally were obtained and screened for the production of beta-amylase (1,4-α-D-glucan maltohydrolase) for five days in liquid medium using 2% starch as carbon source. All the strains of fungi produced β-amylase optimally within the first 24 hours with progressive decreased production as the days gone by. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, between February 2010 and March 2011. Methodology: We isolated many fungi species from forest reserve soil, four species Original Research Article British Biotechnology Journal, 4(1): 1-9, 2014 2 (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigantus and Penicillum itallicum) were identified and assayed for β-amylase activity. Results: All the organisms produced β-amylase activity favorably at 40oC; all were observed to be thermally stable at between 30oC and 40oC with optimal pH in alkaline medium between pH 7.00 and 9.00. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study however showed that all the fungi strains are promising sources of β-amylase for potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries and for biotechnological and industrial applications.

On-Farm Evaluation of Trichoderma asperellum on the Suppression of Phytophthora megakarya Causing Pod Rot of Theobromae cacao in Nigeria

Aims: The study examines the inclusion of biological control hitherto neglected, as part of the IPM strategies in a farmer participatory approach. Study Design: The experimental plots were set up within a completely randomized block experimental design with 3 replicates. Place and Duration of Study: The field trials were carried out in 2009 at Iloro-Idanre, Owode, Khalime and Bendeghe communities in the South -West and South - South of Nigeria. Methodology: The bio-control agents used ( Trichoderma ) was isolated from the leaves of cacao tree and natural forest reserve soils in Ibadan, Nigeria, the culture was stored and maintained in sterile distilled water on small plugs of modified potato dextrose agar. Five Treatments: Funguran OH, Trichoderma , Funguran OH (1) + + Trichoderma (5) times, Funguran OH (2) + Trichoderma (4) and Sterile distilled water were applied. Disease incidence ratings were taken after the each application till the end of the trial. Data were taken on number of pod and cherelles production, while number of damaged and Phytophthora pod rot were taken as total pod loss on each tree in each plot. Results: The pod productions in all the treatments differ significantly from the untreated

CLUE-S 模型在长白山自然保护区外围规划中的应用

受自然保护区旅游业快速发展影响，长白山自然保护区外围土地利用变化加剧。因此，对区域土地利用布局进行科学规划具有十分重要的意义。以长白山自然保护区外围30 km区域为研究对象，探讨了CLUE-S模型在小尺度土地利用规划中的应用。在分析研究区1991-2007年土地利用变化的驱动力基础上，根据区域规划预案，模拟2020土地利用布局。利用模拟结果划定空间管制区和乡镇布局，并与现有规划进行了对比。结果表明，基于CLUE-S 模型的土地规划明显抑制了区域景观破碎化进程，减弱了人为活动对景观的影响，该方法可以为长白山区域土地利用规划提供有力的技术手段和科学支撑。;Ecological tourism frequently serves as an important tool for economic development in areas adjacent to forest and other types of nature reserves. The infrastructure for ecological tourism is usually constructed in the area immediately surrounding the reserve in accordance with relevant reserve regulations. This will clearly affect the local ecosystem. The study of land use changes surrounding nature reserves may provide guidance and a scientific basis for reasonable and effective land-use planning in these areas. Simulation models can be a scientific and effective tool in understanding and predicting changes in spatial patterns of land use over time, providing precise scenarios for changes in spatial patterns that can be used in regional land use planning. CLUE-S is one such model widely used in the study of land use change, and is particularly effective in simulating shifting patterns of land use in small scale areas. The Changbai Mountain Biosphere Reserve (CMBR) is an important forest nature reserve in Northeastern China. In recent years, extensive land-use and land-cover change, triggered by rapid development of tourism and the expansion of townships, has occurred in the area surrounding the CMBR. Among previous research on landscape changes in the CMBR, relatively little attention has been given to the scientific planning of land use. Focusing on the area consisting of all land within 30 km of the CMBR, this study explored the application of CLUE-S in land use planning on a small scale. Utilizing Landsat TM data from 1991 and 2007, and referring to master and regional planning documents for Changbai Mountain, a multiple of 600×600 grids was used to calculate the area of each land use type. The spatial scale was 600m and the time of simulation was set as 2020. The driving forces of land use change were analyzed by logistic regression. Using the model to simulate the evolution of land use changes, it was tested with a Kappa index of 0.949. The landscape for the area in 2020 was then simulated, and a land use plan was provided according to the urban planning scenario in the study area. The simulated landscape in 2020 showed that 16488 hm2 of cultivated land and forest is projected to be converted to developed land, which extended to the area around the current site. We delimited the control zones, arrangement pattern and development direction of townships based on CLUE-S simulation results. Analysis of the landscape pattern showed that the land use plan based on the simulation results for 2020 using the CLUE-S model had less patches and higher landscape shape index than the landscape pattern during 1991-2007. This indicates that the land use plan of the CLUE-S model restrained the process of landscape fragmentation and reduced human-induced disturbances. Compared to the existing plan, the land use plan of the CLUE-S model took the surrounding area as a whole and chose the maximum probability of alternative areas according to the demand for developed land. It also had a smaller number of new towns and developed land area, which contributed relieving stresses on the environment. The CLUE-S model appears to be a powerful, scientifically-based technical means to support in land use planning efforts on a small scale.

Species Responses to Edaphic Heterogeneity in Semi-Deciduous Forests from the Congo Basin

Coexistence of species in tropical forests remains an open debate in community ecology. Two main substrates, sandy and clay soils, exist in sites harboring semi-deciduous forests in the central Congo Basin. The way this edaphic heterogeneity affects species occurrences and abundances was investigated. Sampling plots were established on each of the soils in Yoko, a natural forest reserve located in the surrounding of Kisangani (eastern D.R. Congo). Results showed that species react in different ways according to the considered soil. Some species appear to be “edaphic specialists” by their exclusive occurrence or preference towards a given soil. This is the case for species like Scorodophloeus zenkeri, Cynometra hankei, Prioria balsamiferum on sandy soils whereas Alstonia boonei, Antiaris toxicaria, etc. prefer clay substrates. Many others expressed no preference at all. We computed species accumulation curves and tested for the local diversity (Fisher alpha index) among soils. Communities on clay soils appear to be rich and more diversified.

Eichenrückgang in Schweizer Naturwaldreservaten

Oak decline in Swiss natural forest reserves Knowledge on the natural potential of oaks (Quercus spp.) in Switzerland is important for both nature conservation and adaptation to climate change. To assess this natural potential, we analysed tree ring and inventory data collected in Swiss natural forest reserves. Influences of monthly climate variables on oak growth were determined by response functions, whereas generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to identify the influence of climate and site variables on oak mortality. Oak growth was most strongly limited by summer precipitation. Oak mortality reached values between 0% and 25% per year for the individual inventory period; it decreased with tree diameter and increased with stand basal area and mean precipitation during the inventory period. Because stand basal area has continuously increased since the first inventory, the oak proportion decreased in most reserves. In increasingly dense stands, oaks were outcompeted by more shade-tolerant species such as beech. For the investigated sites, a gain of relative competitiveness of oaks in the course of ongoing climate change was not evident. Regarding the preservation of oak proportions in managed forests, protection measures should therefore still be combined with targeted interventions for reducing the competitive pressure.

Clay minerals in the stream floodplain soils in undisturbed landscapes of the Southern Taiga (with the soil of the state central forest nature and biosphere reserve as an example)

An X-ray diffraction technique was used to study the composition of clay material from floodplain soddy- and mucky gley soils formed in the valleys of small streams in the reserve. The content of nonexpandable minerals was higher and the labile mineral content was lower in the fine fractions of the floodplain soils than in similar fractions of upland soils found in adjacent positions. Two types of disordered mixed-layered not found in upland soils-namely, illite-chlorites and chlorite-vermiculites with a variable proportion of individual layeres-were detected in the clay material. Both types of mixed-layer minerals are supposed to originate from stony fragments containing phyllosilicates of supergenic or post-magmatic origin.

Estimation of above ground biomass of forest trees using dbh as a single parameter

Forests in Sri Lanka contribute to the mitigation of climate change through sequestrating a net amountof carhon dioxide and also maintaining carbon stock as biomass. Total tree biomass comprised ofabove ground and below ground biomass of trees. This paper presents a methodology developed toestimate individual tre-e above ground biomass using allometric relationships. The advantage of thismethod is that the above ground biomass per unit area can be determined by estimating these valuesfor different species separately within that area. The present study was conducted in Yagirala Natural Forest Reserve situated in Kalutara District, low country wet zone of Sri Lanka. In this study, theabove ground biomass of different species available in that forest were predicted using the diameterat breast height (dbh).45 tree species were identified in the forest and models were separately developed for each species.For each species, 3 classes were established using the size, i.e., small, medium, and large. For class 1and 2 trees, the main stem and the average size branch were divided into sections and for eachsection end diameters and length were measured. The volume of each section was estimated usingSmal ian's formula. The total branch volume was estimated by multiplying the average branch volumeby number of branches. Then a volume and biomass relationship was estimated for each species bymeasuring the biomass of a known volume.The leaf biomass in the crown was estimated by measuring that in I m''of crown volume. Then it wasconverted to the entire crown via crown volume. Finally above ground tree biomass was calculatedby adding branch and crown biomass to stem biomass.Then allometric relationships were developed to predict the above ground biomass of each of 45species separately using dbh. A strong relationship was found between total tree biomass and dbh ofall species with R2 values over 95%. Tn order to test further improvement of the models, total heightwas added as the second explanatory variable. However, it did not improve the R~ and for mostspecies height became non-significant. Therefore the finally selected basic model structure was logbiomass = a + b log dbh. The model parameters however, indicated different values for a and b forthe different species, varying a from -1.71 (Mastixia tetranda) to - 0.73 (Xylopia parvifolia) and bfrom 2.01 (Putranjiva zeylanica) to 3.29 (Syzygium cordifolium).

Occurrence of dark septate endophytes in Nothofagus seedlings from Patagonia, Argentina

Temperate forests of southern Argentina and Chile cover a wide latitudinal and altitudinal range on both sides of the Andes, with Nothofagus species being one of the main tree species. Most of the larger remnants are protected within the limits of national parks and forest reserves. However, some of these are invaded by exotic conifers such as Pseudotsuga menziesii. In order to better understand the mycorrhizal condition within the Nothofagus–P. menziesii interaction, transects were established at six study sites along the effective recruitment area. Three treatments were established: Nothofagus forest without P. menziesii invasion (Forest), Nothofagus–P. menziesii matrix (Interface) and P. menziesii plantation lacking Nothofagus specimens (Plantation). A 2 kg mixed soil sample was taken at each treatment site and kept in brand-new plastic bags. A soil bioassay with Nothofagus seedlings acting as baits was set to evaluate the mycorrhizal inoculum potential and soil-fungi composition at each sampling treatment. Forty percent of the evaluated seedlings were found to be colonised by dark septate endophytes (DSE) fungi. Ectomycorrhizal colonisation percentage was significantly higher in plants growing in Forest soils (mean = 57.77%) when compared with Interface (mean = 42.53%) and Plantation (mean = 44.65%). The high incidence of DSE in young roots of Nothofagus seedlings in this study supports the hypothesis that DSE might be pioneering colonisers of young tree seedlings in secondary successional environments. For future interventions in the forest, either with productive or protective intentions, it should be taken into account the incidence of these fungi, which may have an important positive role in Nothofagus forest post-invasion recovery.

Fuel-wood energy properties of Prosopis juliflora and Prosopis pallida grown in Baringo District, Kenya

Kenya depends on fuel-wood for cooking and heating in most households. Over 80% of both rural and urban households in the country use fuel wood for cooking. These Prosopis plant species provide excellent fuel wood. These plants were introduced in the arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya in the early 1970s as a source of woodfuel and also for the rehabilitation of degraded lands. Prosopis is a prolific seeder and has invasiveness behaviour that results in a number of social, ecological and economic concerns to the local communities, and challenges to development partners. Now with the Kenyan Forest Policy 2005 which proposes strategies and actions to enhance sustainable and efficient production of wood-fuel, Prosopis species is a suitable candidate. The Kenya Forest Service is now issuing permits allowing charcoal burning of Prosopis species in an effort to manage and curb uncontrolled spread. There is a national ban on charcoal making from unsustainable wood sources which include the woodlands and natural forest reserves. The aim of this project was to determine the energy values from Prosopis fuel-wood. The moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, carbon content and calorific values were determined from Prosopis fuel-wood plants. The calorific values for Prosopis juliflora and Prosopis pallida wood are 4.952 and 4.862 Kcal respectively. The calorific values for P. juliflora and P. pallida charcoal are 7.854 and 7.797 Kcal, respectively.

Diversity of digger wasps in Kasnak Oak Forest Nature Reserve, Isparta, Turkey, with records of eight species new to Turkey (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae, Crabronidae and Ampulicidae)

Three stations selected for altitude and habitat types within the Kasnak Oak Forest Nature Reserve (Isparta, Turkey) were studied comparatively for species composition, richness and abundance of the Hymenoptera families Ampulicidae, Crabronidae, and Sphecidae. A total of 56 species was recorded, 1 from the family Ampulicidae, 43 from the family Crabronidae and 12 from the family Sphecidae. 8 species are new records for Turkey.

Impact de la structure spatiale de Strombosia scheffleri Engl. et Xymalos monospora (Harv.) Baill. sur la régénération naturelle et la coexistence des espèces arborescentes dans la réserve naturelle forestière de Bururi, Burundi

Dans le but d'analyser l'influence de la structure spatiale sur le fonctionnement écologique des écosystèmes forestiers, une étude sur la distribution spatiale, la régénération naturelle et la coexistence des principales espèces arborescentes a été menée dans la réserve naturelle forestière de Bururi au Burundi. Cette aire protégée constitue la partie la plus méridionale du système de forêts de la crête Congo-Nil. La présente étude cherche à tester l'hypothèse selon laquelle la structure spatiale agrégée d'une espèce arborescente aurait un impact sur la régénération naturelle et la coexistence avec des espèces arborescentes du même habitat. Deux méthodes, l'une basée sur la distance au plus proche voisin et l'autre sur la variation du nombre d'individus de l'espèce dans les placettes échantillonnées, ont été appliquées pour déterminer le type de distribution spatiale des espèces arborescentes. Leur régénération naturelle a été évaluée sur la base de la distribution de leurs diamètres. L'analyse de la distribution spatiale a montré que Strombosia scheffleri et Xymalos monospora sont caractérisées par une distribution spatiale agrégée. La présente étude a ensuite mis en évidence l'impact négatif de la distribution agrégée de S. scheffleri et X. monospora sur la régénération naturelle de Entandrophragma excelsum et Prunus africana, deux espèces menacées de disparition au Burundi. Ainsi, la dominance locale d'une espèce arborescente peut réduire la diversité comme le stipule l'hypothèse d'échappement.

Change and fragmentation trends of Zhanjiang mangrove forests in southern China using multi-temporal Landsat imagery (1977–2010)

Mangrove forests, which are found in saline coastal environments around the tropical and subtropical latitudes, are among the most productive terrestrial ecosystems in the world and provide valuable ecological and societal goods and services. The objective of this work was to characterize the spatio-temporal changes in mangrove distribution and fragmentation patterns in the Zhanjiang National Mangrove Forest Nature Reserve, Guangdong province of Southern China, from 1977 through 2010. In addition, a major goal was to assess the socio-economic drivers contributing to the chronic changes taking place within and around the mangrove reserve. Land use and land cover data sets were generated for the reserve for multiple years via unsupervised classification using Landsat time series images. Mangrove fragmentation patterns were then assessed with a fragmentation model. Results revealed that the mangrove spatial extent decreased sharply during the period from 1977 to 1991 due to deforestation caused by diverse development programs, particularly shrimp farming. Afterwards, there was a continuous increase in mangrove extent from 1991 to 2010 due to afforestation and conservation efforts. The mangrove fragmentation trends depicted by the fragmentation model had a high degree of correlation with the observed areal changes. Additionally, the recorded dynamics of the local biodiversity (mainly birds) were consistent with the mangrove ecosystem fragmentation trends over time, and different fragmentation components, including interior, perforated and edge, had distinct impacts on the local mangrove-dependent biodiversity. The most effective way to protect and expand the current mangroves include the following: (1) establishment of mangrove natural reserves, (2) forceful implementation of regulations, (3) establishment of educational programs related to mangrove management, (4) deepening international exchanges and cooperation and (5) increasing the transparency of the project implementation process. Together such management measures will lead towards responsible and sustainable utilization of the mangrove ecosystems.

Population trends of Rosalia alpina (L.) in Switzerland: a lasting turnaround?

Many species that depend on old trees and dead wood are suffering from habitat losses and intensive forest management. For the conspicuous cerambycid beetle Rosalia alpina, a relative sampling analysis combined with a distribution model showed a population decrease in Switzerland between 1900 and World War II. This negative trend can be ascribed to the abandonment of traditional management such as wooded pasture and to the expansion of high forest promoted by modern forestry. Since that period, the population of R. alpina, has been increasing and each single relict population of this species was maintained. These positive population trend can be explained by less intensive forest management and a shift from fuel-wood production to timber wood. Today, many more old beech trees and much more dead wood remain in Swiss forests than 50 years ago. Consequently, the habitat conditions necessary for the development of the Rosalia longicorn have improved, especially on steep terrain in colline and submontane regions. However, it is still uncertain whether current population sizes can guarantee the survival of this species in the long term, especially as fuel-wood production is expected to become more intensive in Switzerland in future decades. The conservation of this species requires, therefore, the establishment of natural forest reserves and dead wood islands or the restoration of wooded pastures with scattered habitat trees. The Rosalia longicorn could then act as an umbrella species for other species that depend on old trees and dead wood.

Traditional land use of the boreal forest landscape: Examples from Lierne, Nord-Trøndelag, Norway

Nature conservation in Norway is based on the idea that wilderness and forest nature reserves should be left to develop naturally. Several studies show that forests have been influenced by human activities to a large extent. The article documents former land use practices in a boreal forest landscape in Nordli, Central Norway, and discussed the ecological consequences with respect to conservation. Traditionally, outfield resources were utilized for haymaking, pollarding, coppicing, grazing, and summer farming. Fodder harvesting methods were closely related to ecological conditions and the production level in the boreal forest landscape. Systematic burning to improve the forest pastures was a natural part of the traditional farming system. The forests were still utilized for grazing as late as 1973. In the ‘man-influenced’ landscape in Nordli, two boreal forest areas are protected due both to their wilderness character and the presence of native forest species. However, these nature reserves are parts of an extensively utilized forest landscape, where also human footprints are found. It is concluded that to ensure successful conservation of the biodiversity of these and other such forests, former land use practices should be documented, and management schemes should be developed on the basis of the acquired knowledge.

Secondary forest floristic composition, structure, and spatial pattern in subtropical China

Secondary evergreen broadleaved forests are precious remnants for biodiversity conservation and templates for sustainable management of natural forests in subtropical China. Floristic composition, size structure, and spatial pattern of dominant tree species have been investigated for a subtropical secondary evergreen broadleaved forest in the Huitong Yingzuijie National Forest Reserve, Hunan, China. The location of all trees greater than 4 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH) were mapped within a 0.96-ha plot in which species, DBH, and total tree height were recorded. Ripley's K(t) function was used to analyze spatial patterns and associations. The secondary forest consisted of 74 tree species and 1,596 stems per hectare. A reverse-J shaped DBH classes distribution was observed for all stems and trees of later seral species whereas trees of earlier successional species were distributed irregularly. Significant aggregated spatial patterns were observed for all trees within the forest and for conspecific trees of each dominant species. This result, and a repulsive spatial pattern for interspecific trees of Choerospondias axillaries and Cyclobalanopsis glauca against other dominant tree species, support segregation hypothesis. Contributions of seed dispersal, topographic heterogeneity, and competition to spatial patterns of conspecific trees vary depending on tree species. Attractive spatial pattern among interspecific trees of Liquidambar fortunei, Liquidambar formosana, and Pinus massoniana reflects stochastic colonization of pioneer tree species and a facilitation relationship. Although deciduous species are long-lived and persist over long successional processes, they will eventually be replaced by late seral evergreen species within the secondary forest if no disturbance events occur.