Forest Communities Research Articles

Occurrence records and taxonomic voucher specimens for study of wild bee communities in early seral forests generated by wildfire, post-fire salvage logging, and intensive forest management in southwest Oregon

Early seral forests regenerating after stand-replacing disturbance events can provide important habitat for populations of wild bees, an important group of pollinating insects. However, variability in the abundance and diversity of wild bee communities across different types of early seral forests is poorly understood, and can inform pollinator conservation efforts and sustainable forest management practices. In this study, we compared wild bee assemblages from early seral forests regenerating from three widespread stand-replacing disturbances across a gradient in stand ages in the Klamath Ecoregion of southwest Oregon using blue vane traps. Here, we present occurrence data for each bee specimen observed in the study, including voucher specimens deposited to the Oregon State Arthropod Collection.

Occurrence records and taxonomic voucher specimens for study of wild bee communities in early seral forests generated by wildfire, post-fire salvage logging, and intensive forest management in southwest Oregon

Early seral forests regenerating after stand-replacing disturbance events can provide important habitat for populations of wild bees, an important group of pollinating insects. However, variability in the abundance and diversity of wild bee communities across different types of early seral forests is poorly understood, and can inform pollinator conservation efforts and sustainable forest management practices. In this study, we compared wild bee assemblages from early seral forests regenerating from three widespread stand-replacing disturbances across a gradient in stand ages in the Klamath Ecoregion of southwest Oregon using blue vane traps. Here, we present occurrence data for each bee specimen observed in the study, including voucher specimens deposited to the Oregon State Arthropod Collection.

ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES AND SUSTAINABILITY OF FOREST RESOURCES: CASE OF COMMUNITY FORESTS IN SIGLE/CENTRAL-WEST, BURKINA-FASO

orest ecosystems from Burkina Faso are suffering from natural and anthropogenic disturbances that threaten their sustainability. This study aims to investigate human practices that pose a threat to the sustainability of community forests in the community of Siglé, in the Centre-West region of Burkina Faso. A mixed method (quantitative and qualitative), that consisted to survey questionnaires, interviews and field observations was employed. Ten practices that threaten the sustainability of forest resources were observed. The pFractices that pose the greatest threat to the forests were: i) Harvesting of fruits; ii) forest fires, expansion of the cultivation area and grazing, with average scores ranging from 2.59 to 3.5 on the Likert scale. These activities need to be regulated by the community authorities for the harmonious development of forest spaces in the municipality.

POTENSI TALAS BENENG (Xanthosoma undipes) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PRODUKTIVITAS HUTAN RAKYAT DI CIAMIS, JAWA BARAT

The productivity of community forests is still low when measured on an annual average. It is caused by exploitation that still relies on wood products. Therefore, developing agricultural commodities with high economic value could be a solution to increasing the productivity of community forests. This research aimed to analyse the potential of taro beneng to increase the productivity of community forests and how much land has the potential for its development. We conducted surveys and interviews with two key informants (head of the beneng-taro farming group in Sukamaju Village and Kutawaringin Village, Ciamis Regency) and literature studies from various sources on the internet. A spatial analysis was conducted to calculate the potential land area for developing beneng taro in community forests. The results of this study showed that beneng taro has the potential to be developed in community forest land because it is shade-tolerant, easy to cultivate, has a high production of tubers and leaves, and has export opportunities. The total area of land that has the potential for developing taro beneng in Ciamis Regency reaches 35,260.05 ha, consisting of categories from moderately suitable to highly suitable, spread across 26 sub-districts.

Does a whole plant conservation gradient exist within a subtropical broadleaved evergreen forest?

The coordination between leaf and root traits is crucial for plants to synchronize their strategies for acquiring and utilizing above- and belowground resources. Nevertheless, the generality of a whole plant conservation gradient is still controversial. Such testing has been conducted mainly among communities at large spatial scales, and thus evidence is lacking within communities. This is noteworthy because factors that influence leaf and root trait variation differ across scales. Here, we measured pairs of analogous leaf and first-order root traits, including morphological (leaf thickness (LT) and root diameter (RD), leaf mass per unit area (LMA) and specific root length (SRL), and leaf and root tissue density (LTD and RTD)) and chemical traits (carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentrations in leaf and root tissues), on the same plants from 60 woody species within a subtropical broad-leaved evergreen forest. The trade-off patterns in and correlations between leaf and root traits were examined using (phylogenetic) principal component analysis and correlation analysis. Our results revealed two dominant dimensions of leaf trait variation, the leaf economics spectrum (LES) and the LT-LTD trade-off axis. Variations in root traits were mainly accounted for by a two-dimensional root economics space (RES) (i.e., root conservation gradient (RTD-RN) and root collaboration gradient (RD-SRL)). The LES and root conservation gradient were correlated and could be integrated into one whole plant conservation gradient, independent of the root collaboration gradient and the leaf LT-LTD trade-off dimension. Leaf and root N concentrations correlated positively, independent of phylogeny, whereas analogous leaf and root morphological traits varied independently of each other. These results support the existence of a whole plant conservation gradient, but also highlight a complex integration of multiple above- and belowground adaptive strategies of plants within a forest community, which offer new insight into ecological trade-offs, species coexistence and community assembly in the forest ecosystem.

Effects of Pittosporum undulatum Vent. invasion on forest diversity and structure in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Invasive alien species are considered the second largest cause of biodiversity loss in the world. Pittosporum undulatum Vent., is a native species to Australia and was introduced to Brazil, currently being considered invasive in several regions. Here we analysed the floral and structural composition of forest fragments with varying degress of biological invasion by P. undulatum and assess the relationship between its presence and community diversity. A phytosociological survey was conducted in disturbed and reference forests within two forest fragments in Southern Brazil, assessing tree species diversity, structural and environmental variables between communities across all ontogenetic stages. We recorded 7554 individuals from 35 botanical families and 87 species at all ontogenetic stages, including adults, saplings, and seedlings. P. undulatum showed the highest importance in the adult and sapling stages. The presence of P. undulatum in the forest community is not affecting the richness and diversity of the fragments when the communities were analysed separately (as disturbed and reference forests), but we may see their effect when all forests were analysed together in different ontogenetic stages. In addition, there was a reduction in basal area with advancing successional stages, contrary to typical patterns found in mature forests. The presence of P. undulatum in the reference forest suggests that this species is invading older, more established forests.

МОНИТОРИНГ БИОРАЗНООБРАЗИЯ ЕЛЬНИКОВ ЕВРОПЕЙСКОЙ ЧАСТИ РОССИИ ПОСЛЕ ПРИРОДНЫХ И АНТРОПОГЕННЫХ «КАТАСТРОФ»

We analyzed the main trends of the change in the species richness of plant communities after catastrophic natural (catastrophicwindthrow, fires, large bark beetle outbreaks) and anthropogenic (clear felling) disturbances. The main factor determining the increase in species richness was the intensity of ecosystem disturbance after ca- tastrophes. The greatest disturbance was caused by clear-cut logging, when all timber was removed from the felling area by tractors. Fires also could totally destroy stands and all components of the forest ecosystem. Large- scale wind damage affected only the trees of the upper layer, while all other components of the plant communities were slightly damaged. The bark beetle outbreaks cause the death only of upper layer spruce trees, while the whole forest ecosystem remains unchanged. The degree of disturbance of stands, undergrowth, herb-dwarf scrubs layer, moss cover, litter and soil during the dieback of spruce forests as a result of ‘catastrophes’ determines the degree of vegetation recovery in disturbed areas. We studied the spruce forest in the zone of coniferous-broadleaved forests of the Moscow region, affected by an outbreak of typograph bark beetle.Dynamics of understory plant species richness was fundamentally different after stand salvage logging following beetle outbreaks and in unlogged standswith preserved deadwood. Monitor- ing observations of plant communities during 10 years on permanent sample plots revealed the main feature of the plant species succession after clear felling. For the first six years succession passed through the herb and the shrub stages with a sharp increase in species and structural diversity of plant communities. Only in the forest stage the species composition characteristic of the forest was restored. In the deadwood stand the forest communities was preserved and no differences in the dynamics of species richness of the original undisturbed forest were detected. Only dominance of species in the stand and herb-shrub layer changed. If man don't clear cut dead and wind- damaged areas of spruce forests, it will result in development of mixed forests with increased resistance to pests and forest diseases. Monocultures of spruce forests may be replaced by mixed forests, increasing the diversity of forests.

Decadal riparian forest evolution beside a regulated lake: a case study in the Swiss lowlands

AbstractThe consequences of lake level regulation on riparian forests have been little investigated in Europe, although they shelter a wide variety of habitats and species and are threatened in most European countries. This study therefore aims to improve our understanding of the past and future dynamics of wetland forests in Central Europe. Historical plant surveys (conducted around 1980) were compared with more recent surveys (2020) at the same locations in the Grande Cariçaie reserves, along the Lake Neuchâtel (Switzerland), regulated since 1962. The inventories were clustered into plant communities, and floristic diversities were compared. Changes in environmental conditions were evaluated using ecological indicator values. The species composition in tree and shrub layers was compared to predict the potential future evolution of these forests. Four types of forest communities have been identified and denoted as the Alnus glutinosa, A. incana, Fraxinus excelsior and Pinus sylvestris groups. Over the course of 40 years, some sites shifted between communities, particularly from the wet A. incana group to the drier F. excelsior group. We noticed a loss of hygrophilous and heliophilous species. Moreover, the regeneration of the dominant tree species is very low in the A. glutinosa and F. excelsior groups, and even absent in the P. sylvestris group. The riparian forests on the shores of the regulated lake are losing their characteristics, with significant changes in species composition. Over 40 years, the conditions have become drier, the canopy density has increased, and the understorey has suffered from shadier conditions, resulting in a loss of diversity at the landscape scale. The drier conditions are probably mainly following the lake regulation (lower variations of water level), but increasing evapotranspiration due to climate change cannot be excluded.

A comparison of odonate communities in primary and secondary cloud forest at Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde, Costa Rica

A comparison of odonate communities in primary and secondary cloud forest at Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Conservation challenges of Burkitu Community forest, Gasera District, Bale Robe, Ethiopia

Aims:The study focused on the difficulties facing the Burkitu community forest in Southeast Ethiopia's Gasera District Bale Zone in terms of conservation. The Burkitu Community Forest got its name because the land is owned by a legally recognized group of individuals known as Burkitu. The woodland is 18.62 hectares in size and borders Ganda-Wotechimo and Gasera 01 on both sides. Materials & Methods: Questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were used to gather data. SPSS statistical software was used to evaluate the observed and collected data and produced frequency and percentage charts. Findings:Burkitu Community Forest faces numerous conservation issues, such as poor governance, deforestation, unclear boundaries, low local community awareness, and strained relationships between community forest members and local officials. Conclusion:Financial assistance, raising local community awareness, drawing clear boundaries, maintaining unity between community forest members and the leader, and limiting the leader's lack of commitment are all crucial control measures to protect Burkitu community forest.

Phylogenetic Relationships Plays a More Important Role than Environmental Factors in Influencing Leaf Si and Ca Stoichiometry Along the Elevation Gradient in a Chinese Subtropical Forest

Silicon (Si) and calcium (Ca), as elements abundant in the Earth’s crust, are closely related to plant growth and stress resistance and have similar roles. Understanding the stoichiometry of Si and Ca can provide more insight into the mechanical and stress resistance of plants, as well as their preferences for the absorption and use of Si and Ca. Here, we measured the content of Si and Ca in the leaves of the dominant tree species located in the Mount Wuyi National Park, with an elevation ranging from 800 m to 1700 m, in an attempt to reveal changes in the Si and Ca content and ratio in the leaves along the altitude, as well as their possible relationships with environmental factors and phylogeny. The results indicated that the leaf Si and the leaf Si/Ca decreased, while the leaf Ca increased significantly with the increase in elevation. Changes in environmental factors induced by variations in elevation affected the silicon and calcium stoichiometry characteristics of the leaves, either directly or indirectly. Specifically, the mean annual precipitation, soil available silicon, soil organic matter, and soil bulk density accounted for most of the variations in leaf silicon and calcium. The leaf silicon and calcium stoichiometry was phylogenetically conservative, suggesting more similar characteristics among closely related tree species. Structural equation modeling and variation partitioning indicated that phylogeny might be more important than environmental factors in influencing leaf Si and Ca stoichiometry. Additionally, the shared effects of environmental factors and taxonomic levels indicated changes in the forest community, and the differential responses of different functional types due to elevation variation also affected the altitudinal patterns of leaf Si and Ca stoichiometry.

Interspecific Association and Environmental Interpretation of Dominant Species in Shrub Layer of Pinus massoniana Community on Chinese Islands.

Understanding the factors driving species coexistence and competition in the shrub layer of semi-natural forests is crucial for effective forest management and conservation. However, there is limited knowledge about the interspecific associations of the main species in the shrub layer of Pinus massoniana communities in the semi-natural forest of Sandu Gulf, Ningde, Fujian Province, China. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of the abiotic environment on plant communities within the semi-natural forest of P. massoniana on the islands of Sandu Gulf. By exploring these interspecific associations, we sought to provide a more accurate understanding of the causes and processes of species coexistence and competition. The ultimate goal of this project was to offer a reference basis for optimizing the shrub layer structure in P. massoniana (plantation) forests. We found that (1) Heptapleurum heptaphyllum was the most dominant species in the shrub layer, while Smilax china demonstrated the broadest range of environmental adaptability and correspondingly broader niche than other species. (2) Our analysis revealed a predominance of positive associations among the dominant species in the shrub layer. However, the overall association was not significant, with relatively small positive and negative associations between species pairs. The significant test rate was low, and the NRI exhibited a non-significant aggregation. These findings suggest that the plant community in the shrub layer has not yet reached its most stable stage. (3) We also observed that the distribution of dominant species in the shrub layer was primarily affected by factors such as total potassium, pH, available potassium, and light (canopy density). (4) Soil pH value decreased gradually as sampling points moved inward away from the coastline, and island isolation, temperature, and precipitation indirectly affected the species' importance in the shrub layer. Considering the intense competition among the understory species, it is crucial for conservation efforts to prioritize species pairs with reduced ecological niche overlap or significant positive associations. This approach will effectively reduce competition and contribute to the maintenance of stability in the shrub layer. This study provides a theoretical basis for environmental and vegetation restoration, optimizing the species composition of island plantation forests, rationalizing plant composition, and implementing effective operation and management practices for local P. massoniana forests.

Morphometric variability of specimens in Ground Beetle (Carabidae) communities in agrarian landscape forests and protected areas

The change in the morphometric variable of ground beetles as well as in their volume (ellipsoidal biovol-ume) indicates the state of the biotope (unstable, stable), which is affected by anthropogenic activity such as forestry, agriculture and urbanisation. Between the years 2020 and 2022, we conducted research in flood-plain forests, which were located in agriculturally used land and in the important European territory of Du-najské Luhy Protected Landscape Area. Using the pitfall traps method, we recorded 1319 individuals be-longing to 29 species of ground beetles in six study areas representing two types of habitats (willow-poplar floodplain forest and regenerated poplar forest). We confirmed the largest average Ellipsoid Biovolume (EV) in the species Carabus coriaceus L. (2936 mm3), Carabus scheidleri Panzer (1427 mm3), Carabus vio-laceus L. (943 mm3), Carabus granulatus L. (366 mm3), Cychrus caraboides (L.) (336 mm3), Pterostichus niger (Schaller) (254 mm3), Harpalus rufipes (DeGeer) (123 mm3). The redundancy analysis confirmed the predominance of apterous and brachypterous species of ground beetles in forest stands in the Dunajské Luhy PLA (important European territory). These groups of Carabidae point to the ecological stability of bio-topes, because they inhabit habitats where they have optimum food. On the contrary, we confirmed the pre-dominance of macropterous species in forest biotopes in agrarian landscape conditions, which points to bi-otopes cyclically disturbed by anthropogenic activity. We recorded larger individuals in groups of apterous and brachypterous species in forest stands in the conditions of the Dunajské Luhy PLA. Larger macropter-ous individuals were recorded in forest stands in agrarian landscape conditions. In order to preserve forest habitats of European importance, it is necessary to know the ecological interactions between the ecosystem and ground beetles.

Tree community, vegetation structure and aboveground carbon storage in Atlantic tropical forests of Cameroon

Tree community, vegetation structure and aboveground carbon storage in Atlantic tropical forests of Cameroon

Forest plant indicator values for moisture reflect atmospheric vapour pressure deficit rather than soil water content.

Soil moisture shapes ecological patterns and processes, but it is difficult to continuously measure soil moisture variability across the landscape. To overcome these limitations, soil moisture is often bioindicated using community-weighted means of the Ellenberg indicator values of vascular plant species. However, the ecology and distribution of plant species reflect soil water supply as well as atmospheric water demand. Therefore, we hypothesized that Ellenberg moisture values can also reflect atmospheric water demand expressed as a vapour pressure deficit (VPD). To test this hypothesis, we disentangled the relationships among soil water content, atmospheric vapour pressure deficit, and Ellenberg moisture values in the understory plant communities of temperate broadleaved forests in central Europe. Ellenberg moisture values reflected atmospheric VPD rather than soil water content consistently across local, landscape, and regional spatial scales, regardless of vegetation plot size, depth as well as method of soil moisture measurement. Using in situ microclimate measurements, we discovered that forest plant indicator values for moisture reflect an atmospheric VPD rather than soil water content. Many ecological patterns and processes correlated with Ellenberg moisture values and previously attributed to soil water supply are thus more likely driven by atmospheric water demand.

Soil properties and microbial evolution during cropping system conversion: Insights from a 105-year study in southern China

Understanding the mechanisms by which soil environments and microbial communities evolve in response to long-term changes in cropping systems is essential for the development of effective ecological conservation and restoration strategies. In this study, variations of soil characteristics and the succession of microbial community assemblages and functions were investigated in southern Chinese deciduous forests and adjacent converted tea plantations at different ages (20, 40, 60, and 105 years). The results revealed significant alterations in soil properties and the emergence of distinct diversity patterns and assembly mechanisms for bacterial and fungal communities over the century-long succession period. Bacterial α-diversity exhibited a declining trend throughout succession, while fungal α-diversity experienced a rebound in the later stages. Null model analysis indicated that stochastic processes primarily drove the assembly of the bacterial community in both forests and tea plantations, whereas fungal community assembly gradually shifted from stochastic dominance to deterministic dominance. The strength of interactions between bacterial taxa in tea plantations decreased over time, but the topological properties of fungal networks were restored in tea plantations aged 60 and 105 years. The functional groups of bacteria associated with carbon cycling and saprotrophic fungi significantly increased after tea cultivation, which was closely linked to the proliferation of r-strategists stimulated by sufficient nutrients in tea plantations. It is noteworthy that in addition to typical environmental variables such as nutrients and pH, soil polyphenols in tea plantations also have a profound effect on the composition and assembly processes of bacterial and fungal communities. These findings advance the current understanding of how long-term cropping system changes affect soil microbial community assembly and functionality, and highlight the distinct strategies by which bacteria and fungi respond to cropping system change.

Forest local community perception on sengon pest and disease and forest soil properties

Abstract Banten Forest Management Unit (FMU) is undertaking an effort to develop sengon (Falcataria falcata) as a wood-producing commodity alongside teak, acacia, and mahagony. Local farmers carrying out sengon propagation assist in this development effort. Improper practices of propagating and cultivating sengon and the need for more public knowledge regarding pests and diseases that attack sengon raise questions regarding the public’s perception of cultivation techniques and control of plant pests and diseases. Training on sengon cultivation and introducing pests and diseases on sengon plants was held on 25 November 2023 at the Cigembor Wood Collecion Place (WCP), inten Jaya Village, Lebak, Banten. In total, 30 participants who were members of a forest local community (LMDH) at Perum Perhutani FMU Banten attended this activity. The training method involves presentations and direct practice in the field. The results of the pre- and post-test evaluation showed an increase of 25% in knowledge of pests and diseases in sengon plants and 10% in knowledge of sengon cultivation. The test results also showed that 8 out of 10 participants could differentiate between forest pests and diseases. Furthermore, 10 out of 10 participants knew the harvest age for sengon. In general, this training increased the participants’ knowledge and experience in cultivating sengon and identifying pests and diseases in sengon plants.

Assessing Agroforestry Impact on Household Income: A Study of the Bu’u Bei Community Forest (HKm) in Tina Bani Village, Ende, Indonesia

Agroforestry systems play a critical role in supporting livelihoods across East Nusa Tenggara, including in the Bu'u Bei Community Forest (HKm) in Tina Bani Village, Ende District, Ende Regency, Indonesia. This study investigates agroforestry patterns and evaluates their contribution to household income among the 47 HKm member households, surveyed through a census in April and May 2024. Employing both descriptive and quantitative analyses, our research reveals that the agrisilviculture system, characterised by a random mixed planting pattern, dominates agroforestry practices in the village. Path dependency, rooted in long-standing traditions, significantly shapes these practices. Agroforestry contributed significantly to household income in 2023, accounting for 98.87% of total income. However, poor infrastructure, particularly damaged roads, limits market access and reduces the economic potential of these systems. The study emphasises the need for integrated land management approaches that address infrastructure deficits while strengthening the resilience of agroforestry systems. This research provides critical insights into the socio-economic and environmental roles of agroforestry, offering a valuable reference for policymakers and stakeholders committed to promoting sustainable forest management and rural development in Indonesia.

ASSESSMENT OF CHARCOAL PRODUCTION IN MORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined charcoal production in the Moro Local Government Area. Four communities (Asumo, Korede, Abuilide, and Jebba) were selected based on the information gathered from the Charcoal Dealers Association in the State. Twenty-five questionnaires were administered in each community. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that among 402 tree species identified for the production of charcoal in the study area, Anogeissus leiocarpus had the highest percentage of 16.10 followed by Detarium microcarpum (8.90%) and Diospyros mespiliformis (7.90%). The results of the chi-square analysis further revealed there is a significant relationship between the secondary occupation of the respondents and the reasons for charcoal production/business, there is also a significant relationship between the education level and primary occupation of the respondents with the choice of tree species not used for charcoal production at 0.05 level of significance. Since most of the producers depend on either community forests and/or marginal land as their source of wood, it is therefore recommended that charcoal producers through their association and other stakeholders invest in private woodlot plantations to ensure the sustainability of the business as other alternative sources of fuel are too expensive, especially for the lower and middle-class household in the area.

Assessment and correction of representational bias in phytoliths from modern soil in the Dongting Lake Basin, China

Understanding how well topsoil phytoliths represent their aboveground plant communities, and then correcting for any representational bias, is the basis for the accurate phytolith-based reconstruction of past vegetation. We evaluated the representational bias in topsoil phytoliths at 39 sampling sites in forest, shrub, and herb communities in the Dongting Lake Basin, China. We compared the types, concentrations, and percentages of topsoil phytoliths and corresponding plant community phytoliths within the same plant community and quantified the relationships. We observed significant representational biases. Combined with the representation indices of phytoliths, we quantitatively defined the vegetation representativeness of different phytolith types in the topsoil samples. We defined four categories of representation: Associated types, Over-represented types, Under-represented types, and “Special” types. We observed differences in the vegetation representativeness of different topsoil phytolith types, and the same phytolith type also showed significant differences in vegetation representativeness between different plant communities. Additionally, using the preservation index (R-value), we corrected the representational bias of topsoil phytoliths between the different plant communities. After validation, we found that the corrected topsoil phytoliths more accurately represented quantitative changes in the aboveground plant communities. Therefore, the preservation index (R value) is an effective means of correcting the representational bias of topsoil phytoliths, and it can provide the basis for more accurate phytolith-based reconstructions of past vegetation.