Regeneration Status Of Tree Species Research Articles

Population Structure and Regeneration Status of Tree Species in Eastern Himalaya, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal

The study provides information on the tree diversity, stand structure, and regeneration pattern of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Tree diversity and its relation to habitat have been explored using 88 plots with dimensions of 50 × 20 m. A survey of 8.8 ha of the study area was conducted during the fieldwork. Plants with a circumference of 30 cm and above were enumerated as trees, while plants with a circumference between 30–10 cm were considered juveniles (saplings and seedlings). A total of 1677 tree individuals belonging to 67 genera of 43 families were recorded. Five species - Shorea robusta, Schima wallichii, Acer oblongum, Magnolia pterocarpa and Ficus benghalensis contributed to the maximum stand density and species richness. The total stand density per hectare was recorded as 2160 individuals/ha, with a total basal area of 8.86 m²/ha. The regeneration status has been evaluated as ‘Good’, with 4336 regenerating individuals/ha recorded during the study. Diversity indices were calculated: Shannon-Weiner index was 3.607, Simpson dominance index was 0.937, Margalef index was 11.45, and evenness was 0.428.

Diversity and regeneration status of tree species in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand, India

We assessed tree species diversity and regeneration status in the Binsar wildlife sanctuary, Uttarakhand. Six major forest sites were selected for sampling ranging from 1600-2400m asl in north and south aspects. In each forest stand a 100 x 100m plot was laid and trees, saplings and seedlings were recorded following standard ecological methods.The overall tree density ranged from 663 to 1066 individuals ha-1 among the identified forest communities and total basal area from 40.24-71.20 m2 ha-1. Good regeneration was observed in higher altitudinal community.

Woody Species Composition, Structure, and Diversity of Dindin Natural Forest, South East of Ethiopia

Information on species composition, structure, and diversity is essential to introduce and select different management activities to improve the forest productivity. Accordingly, species composition, structure, diversity, and regeneration status of trees were assessed in the Dindin natural forest. In this forest, trees or shrubs having ≥2.5 cm diameter at breast height and height >1.5 m were identified and measured in 35 quadrats of 20 m × 20 m. Regeneration status was assessed in 5 m × 5 m subplots that were laid within each main plot to sample seedling and sapling. Woody species diversity, density, basal area, and importance value index were calculated. To prioritize conservation efforts, the study utilized factors such as the importance value index, seedling and sapling densities, and population structure. A total of 42 woody tree species representing 30 families were recorded in the forest. The diversity and evenness of woody species in the Dindin forest were 2.66 and 0.70, respectively. Woody species density was 1403 individual ha−1, and the total basal area was 35.54 m2ha−1. About 480 seedlings per hectare were recorded in the Dindin forest. The research yielded practical insights into the dominance, population structure, importance value, and regeneration status of tree species. The analysis of population structure indicates that certain dominant species are experiencing inadequate regeneration. In addition, multiple nondominant shrubs and tree species within the forest are also at risk of extinction due to insufficient regeneration. Therefore, these important findings play a crucial role in the formulation and implementation of effective strategies to restore and rehabilitate the studied forest.

A Comparative Study on Community Structure and Regeneration Status of Tree Species in Urban Forests of Delhi, India

‘New Delhi’ capital of India is under immense pressure to sustain increasing population and to cope up with urbanization. It has urban forests or ridges, which aids the Delhi’s healthy lifestyle by balancing ecosystem. To assess the forest health the species composition, density, basal area, IVI, diversity indices, regeneration status of tree species were evaluated. Three sites namely Kamla Nehru Ridge (KR), Central Ridge (CR) and Southern Ridge (SR) were selected. A total of 51 tree species belonging to 21 families were reported. Species richness varied for trees (20-37), saplings (5-20) and seedlings (5-11). Densities ranged between (517-1043 Individuals/ha) for trees, saplings (133-470 Individuals/ha) and seedlings (53-273 Individuals/ha) respectively. Species diversity ranged between for trees (2.3-3.3), saplings (1.4-2.2) and seedlings (1.5-2.1). Total basal area varied from 4.87 to 22.94 m2/ha (trees), 0.26 to 0.49 m2/ha (saplings) and 0.17 to 0.02 m2/ha (seedlings). Maximum species (20-70%) showed ‘no’ regeneration whereas, (30- 50%) showed ‘poor’ regeneration and only Acacia leucocephala showed ‘fair’ regeneration in SR. It was observed that Prosopis juliflora was the dominant species in all three sites; it is an exotic species which hinders the understory growth. All over regeneration status of Delhi’s urban forest was found ‘poor’, which is a matter of concern. For balance environment and for proper inflow of ecosystem services provided by urban forest to sustain healthy lifestyle in city, it is necessary to implement proper strategies for conservation and maintenance of these forests.

Tree diversity and regeneration status in the different forest types of Kotla watershed (Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India)

The present study aimed to assess the diversity and regeneration status of tree species in different forest types viz., Pinus forest (PF), Pinus-Oak mixed forest (POF) and Deodar forest (DF) of Kotla watershed (Barkot, Uttakashi, Uttarakhand). The data were collected through quadrat method and analyzed quantitatively. A total of 28 tree species, belonging to 21 families were recorded in the sampling area (3 forests 10 plots in each plot size 400 m2). Fagaceae, Pinaceae, Ericaceae, Fabaceae and Juglandaceae were the major families (in terms of number of species). The species-area curves (SACs) of PF and DF reached an asymptote while it predicted more species (din not reach asymptote) in case of POF. The resulted values of different diversity indices (i.e., Dominance, Simpson, Shannon, Evenness, Margalef, and Equitability) revealed that the POF was most diverse (in tree diversity) followed by PF and DF. The ranked species abundance (RSA) curve of POF was log normal type but geometric series type for PF and DF. The density-diameter curves (d-d curves) was reverse J-shaped for POF while in case of PF and DF, the higher densities were observed for middle DBH classes in comparison to lowest and highest DBH classes. The overall regeneration status of the forests in the area was fair (25.8% tree, 18.6% saplings and 55.6% seedlings). The present study provides a deeper understanding of tree diversity pattern and regeneration status from a pocket of IHR.

Tree regeneration characteristics in limestone forests of the Cat Ba National Park, Vietnam

BackgroundThe ability of overstory tree species to regenerate successfully is important for the preservation of tree species diversity and its associated flora and fauna. This study investigated forest regeneration dynamics in the Cat Ba National Park, a biodiversity hotspot in Vietnam. Data was collected from 90 sample plots (500 m2) and 450 sub-sample plots (25 m2) in regional limestone forests. We evaluated the regeneration status of tree species by developing five ratios relating overstory and regeneration richness and diversity. By examining the effect of environmental factors on these ratios, we aimed to identify the main drivers for maintaining tree species diversity or for potential diversity gaps between the regeneration and the overstory layer. Our results can help to increase the understanding of regeneration patterns in tropical forests of Southeast Asia and to develop successful conservation strategies.ResultsWe found 97 tree species in the regeneration layer compared to 136 species in the overstory layer. The average regeneration density was 3764 ± 1601 per ha. Around 70% of the overstory tree species generated offspring. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, only 36% of threatened tree species were found in the regeneration layer. A principal component analysis provided evidence that the regeneration of tree species was slightly negatively correlated to terrain factors (percentage of rock surface, slope) and soil properties (cation exchange capacity, pH, humus content, soil moisture, soil depth). Contrary to our expectations, traces of human impact and the prevailing light conditions (total site factor, gap fraction, openness, indirect site factor, direct site factor) had no influence on regeneration density and composition, probably due to the small gradient in light availability.ConclusionWe conclude that the tree species richness in Cat Ba National Park appears to be declining at present. We suggest similar investigations in other biodiversity hotspots to learn whether the observed trend is a global phenomenon. In any case, a conservation strategy for the threatened tree species in the Cat Ba National Park needs to be developed if tree species diversity is to be maintained.

Tree diversity, distribution and regeneration in major forest types along an extensive elevational gradient in Indian Himalaya: Implications for sustainable forest management

Elevation plays a pivotal role in determining the diversity and distribution of biodiversity in mountainous landscapes, and therefore macroecological assessment of forest tree vegetation is crucial for developing scientifically-informed forest policy and management. In this study, we investigated the diversity, distribution pattern and regeneration status of tree species growing in major forest types in Jammu and Kashmir – a region located in Indian Himalaya. We carried out stratified random sampling of tree vegetation in the 12 major forest types selected along an extensive elevational gradient (350–3450 masl) in the study area. We recorded 36 forest tree species taxonomically distributed among 33 genera and 21 families, with Pinaceae as the most dominant family. Along the elevational gradient, tree species richness was greater in the low-altitude forest types dominated by broad-leaved trees and showed a declining trend with few or a single species in the forest types at high-altitudes. Based on the distribution pattern of tree species within the forest types, four distinct forest communities were recognised in the study area. In terms of elevational range size, Pinus roxburghii showed widest distribution occurring from 450 to 1650 masl, almost reaching to the Quercus incana distribution limit in Jammu. The tree regeneration status, based on seedling/tree ratio, revealed higher values for the Shiwalik Chir-Pine (650–1150 masl), Lower Western Himalayan-Banj oak (1200–1850 masl), and Fir forest types (2150–3150 masl). Across the forest types, we recorded an average sapling/tree ratio of 3.5 ± 0.89, tree density of 238 Nha−1, and basal area of 29.11 m2 ha−1. Among all the tree species, Abies pindrow showed highest regeneration performance and co-occurring well with other tree species at higher elevations (2150–3150 masl). We observed a significant positive correlation between adult tree density with those of seedling and sapling density. By making available an empirical assessment of diversity and distribution of forest tree species, and more importantly their current regeneration status, our findings will facilitate better monitoring and management of the forest ecosystems in this Himalayan region. Our study can help in developing sustainable management strategies for the existing ecologically-healthy forest areas in the region. Also, the findings will guide the ecosystem restoration of the degraded forest landscapes in the study area and provide useful insights for forest management in similar mountainous landscapes elsewhere.

Tree population structure, diversity, regeneration status, and potential disturbances in Abu Gadaf natural reserved forest, Sudan

Forests and forest trees have continuously been supporting human beings through the provision of food and food-associated materials, fodder and foraging sites for their livestock, and medicinal materials, as well as multiple ecological services. However, unbalanced utilization of these resources and the biotic and abiotic disturbances interrupt their sustainability and ecological functions. We studied the tree population structure, diversity, and regeneration status of tree species in the Abu Gadaf Natural Reserved Forest in 46 sample plots of 20 m x 50 m (1000 m2) distributed systematically throughout the reserve over a year. The study findings showed that highland sites have higher tree species richness (47 species) compared to lowland sites (31 species) and the highest contributors are Combretaceae (21.3%) and Fabaceae (19.2%) families. Moreover, seedlings in highland sites are twice that of lowlands, with a significant difference between the two sites (F1,46 = 138.4, p < 0.001). The same trend has been observed for saplings and adult trees (F1,46 = 143.2, p < 0.01; F1,46 = 126.7, p < 0.01, respectively). Likewise, all dendrometric parameters and diversity indices demonstrated significant differences between the sites across the reserve with lower values in the lowland sites and vigorous regeneration in the highland sites (T = 33.7, P < 0.001; T = 22.3, P = 0.001; T = 27.9, P = 0.042, respectively). The study concludes that over browsing by livestock and intensive illegal tree logging in the lowland sites have severely affected the tree population composition, which might consequently disturb the regeneration process and seedlings recruitment. A conservation action plan is urgently needed to protect vulnerable species, especially those with low importance value index.

COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND REGENERATION STATUS OF TREE SPECIES IN KYONGNOSLA ALPINE SANCTUARY, EASTERN HIMALAYA, INDIA

Habitat destruction, over exploitation, monoculture are major reasons for loss of primary forests in Himalaya. Tree population, composition and diversity particularly in the temperate Himalaya play a key role in the maintenance of many ecosystem services and natural biogeochemical cycles. The present study explores composition and regeneration status of tree species in a temperate mixed forest in Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, East Sikkim, India. Two sites at an elevation range of 2800–3800 m were selected and 20 plots of 20 m × 20 m for trees, 80 plots of 5 m × 5 m for saplings, and 160 plots of 1 m × 1 m for seedlings were sampled to study the regeneration status. A total of 17 tree species belonging to 9 genera and 8 families were recorded of which Rhododendron was the most dominant genus with maximum number of species. All the phytosociological attributes, such as relative density, abundance and important value index were calculated. The average species richness of adult trees and saplings was 13.5± 0.7 and for seedlings it was 12.5 ± 0.07. The mean density of seedlings was 3609.77 ± 494.39 individuals ha-1, for saplings 1540 ± 113.13 individuals ha-1 and of mature trees 548.75 ± 8.83 individuals ha-1. Total basal area cover ranged from 36.61 to 40.35 m2 ha-1 for trees, from 1.54 to 1.71 m2 ha-1 for saplings. Fair regeneration was observed in 64.72% of total species; good regeneration observed in 17.64% species, 11.76% species exhibited poor regeneration while 5.88% showed no regeneration.

COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND REGENERATION STATUS OF TREE SPECIES IN KYONGNOSLA ALPINE SANCTUARY, EASTERN HIMALAYA, INDIA

Habitat destruction, over exploitation, monoculture are major reasons for loss of primary forests in Himalaya. Tree population, composition and diversity particularly in the temperate Himalaya play a key role in the maintenance of many ecosystem services and natural biogeochemical cycles. The present study explores composition and regeneration status of tree species in a temperate mixed forest in Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, East Sikkim, India. Two sites at an elevation range of 2800–3800 m were selected and 20 plots of 20 m × 20 m for trees, 80 plots of 5 m × 5 m for saplings, and 160 plots of 1 m × 1 m for seedlings were sampled to study the regeneration status. A total of 17 tree species belonging to 9 genera and 8 families were recorded of which Rhododendron was the most dominant genus with maximum number of species. All the phytosociological attributes, such as relative density, abundance and important value index were calculated. The average species richness of adult trees and saplings was 13.5± 0.7 and for seedlings it was 12.5 ± 0.07. The mean density of seedlings was 3609.77 ± 494.39 individuals/ ha, for saplings 1540 ± 113.13 individuals/ha and of mature trees 548.75 ± 8.83 individuals/ha. Total basal area cover ranged from 36.61 to 40.35 m2/ha for trees, from 1.54 to 1.71 m2/ha for saplings. Fair regeneration was observed in 64.72% of total species; good regeneration observed in 17.64% species, 11.76 % species exhibited poor regeneration while 5.88% showed no regeneration. Density-diameter distribution exhibited decrease in tree densities towards higher DBH classes. The study not only provides reliable information on the ecosystem’s health of the sanctuary but also will help in understanding the complexity of the ecosystem function and an approach to conservation of biota.

Population Structure and Regeneration Status of Woody Species in Kenech Forest, Southwest Ethiopia

Understanding the structural pattern and regeneration status of tree species is an important measure taken to assess the vegetation dynamics and their destruction factors species as well as management history and ecology of the forest. This study was conducted with the objective to assess the species diversity, structure, and regeneration status of woody species in Kenech natural forest, Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling method was employed as a sampling design for the collection of vegetation data. Accordingly, 40 plots of 20 m × 20 m were laid at every 100 m along four parallel transect lines following altitudinal gradient. Any woody species of trees and shrubs with the diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥2.5 cm was measured at 1.5 m from the ground. In each sample plots, all woody species seedling, sapling, and mature woody species were counted and recorded. A total of 80 plant species categorized into 67 genera and 28 families were recorded and identified, for description and analysis of vegetation structure. Structural analysis of the Kenech natural forest revealed a density of 840 stems/ha and a total basal area of 56.8 m2/ha. About 80.36% of the individuals are found in the first two classes (2.5–10 and 10–20 cm). The general pattern of DBH class distribution of woody species in the study area revealed an inverted J shape indicating the presence of a high density of trees in the lower DBH class than in the higher. The most dominant tree species relatively with the highest importance values recorded in the area were Pouteria adolfi-friedericii, Podocarpus falcatus, Celtis africana, Mimusops kummel, Pyschotria orophila, and Olea capensis subsp. macrocarpa. Forty-two species (64.61%) were represented by both seedling and sapling class, whereas 9 species (13.84%) were not regenerating.

Phytosociology and Regeneration Status in Different Permanent Preservation Plots across Different Forest Types in Madhya Pradesh, Central India

Tropical forests are a global biodiversity centre providing enormous ecosystem services to the humankind. The present study was undertaken to examine and analyze the phytosociology and regeneration status of tree species in 39 permanent preservation plots spread across 22 different forest sub-types in Madhya Pradesh, India. A total of 975 quadrats were laid with a sampling intensity of 2.42% of the total area under study. 109 tree species were recorded. Density range varied from 516 individuals/hectare (ind/ha) in southern tropical dry deciduous forests to 3,412 ind/ha in dry grassland forests. Most of the forest sub-types showed log normal distribution owing to relatively high species richness, diversity and evenness, but a low dominance. Out of 62,228 live stems recorded, 68.52% were poles followed by saplings (26.39%), young trees (5.01%) and mature trees (0.08%). The result also showed high seedling density in each forest sub-type ranging from 1,040 ind/ha to 51,124 ind/ha, indicating a healthy population of mature reproducing adults. The diameter distribution in all the forest sub-types showed negative slope and followed the classic inverse J-shaped curve frequently observed in natural forests. Most of the forest sub-types in these preservation plots are regenerating successfully owing to the absolute protection given to the studied sites. It is recommended to study carbon sequestration in these permanent preservation plots over a time, which will inform climate policymakers about the true potential of Indian tropical forests as carbon sink.

Population structure and regeneration status of tree species in old growth Abies pindrow dominant forest: A case study from western Himalaya, India

To understand regeneration dynamics and population structure of tree species in west Himalayan conifer forests, we investigated phytosociological data from an old growth Abies pindrow dominant forest (2200–3000 m amsl) of Sainj valley in Himachal Pradesh, India. A total of 20 quadrats (size 400 m2) were established following random stratified method to gather tree data. Four sapling quadrats (size 25 m2) and eight seedling quadrats (size 1 m2) were nested within each tree quadrat to inspect the regeneration status of tree species. This study resulted in documentation of 18 tree species (belonging to 15 genera and 12 families) from the sampled area (400 m2× 20 quadrats). Abies pindrow with importance value index (IVI) 39.06% and Aesculus indica (IVI 19.90%) revealed as dominant tree species while other associated species showed low IVI (< 9%) comparatively. Out of the total, only for 4 tree species showed ‘good’ regeneration status, 5 species ‘fair’ and 5 species ‘poor’ regeneration status while 4 species recorded at mature stage (without seedlings) only hence showed ‘nil’ regeneration status. In general, mature tree individuals contribute 3.20%, saplings 2.19% and seedlings 94.61% in the total density (ind. ha−1) which indicates poor seedling survival rate in the studied forest. Consequently, it can be predicted from the results that the existing tree community may change into another community in upcoming future in terms of population structure, dominance and richness. The regeneration failure for greatest forest forming species is a matter of concern for the studied and other west Himalayan forests. Therefore, further study on seedling survival and development of proper management strategies are needed for maintenance and sustainability of the Himalayan forests.

Diversity, community characteristics and regeneration status of tree species in Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary: an Indo-Burmese Hotspot—Tripura, North East India

The present investigation is carried out to analyze the tree diversity, community characteristics, and regeneration status of tree species of Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary of Tripura, NE India. The random quadrate sampling method was followed to find the regeneration status and to reveal the health of the forest in terms of diversity indices. The result bared 44 tree species under 27 families in the study area. Tree density of the sanctuary was recorded as 599 tree/hectare and the total tree basal area was found as 44.77 m2/hectare. Maximum species showed fair regeneration (47.73%) status. Some important tree species showed no regeneration. Biodiversity indices value showed enormous tree diversity of Rowa WLS despite its small area. The results of this study may help in better management of the Wildlife Sanctuary.

Phytosociology and Regeneration Status in Different Permanent Preservation Plots across Different Forest Types in Madhya Pradesh, Central India

Tropical forests are a global biodiversity centre providing enormous ecosystem services to the humankind. The present study was undertaken to examine and analyze the phytosociology and regeneration status of tree species in 39 permanent preservation plots spread across 22 different forest sub-types in Madhya Pradesh, India. A total of 975 quadrats were laid with a sampling intensity of 2.42% of the total area under study. 109 tree species were recorded. Density range varied from 516 individuals/hectare (ind/ha) in southern tropical dry deciduous forests to 3,412 ind/ha in dry grassland forests. Most of the forest sub-types showed log normal distribution owing to relatively high species richness, diversity and evenness, but a low dominance. Out of 62,228 live stems recorded, 68.52% were poles followed by saplings (26.39%), young trees (5.01%) and mature trees (0.08%). The result also showed high seedling density in each forest sub-type ranging from 1,040 ind/ha to 51,124 ind/ha, indicating a healthy population of mature reproducing adults. The diameter distribution in all the forest sub-types showed negative slope and followed the classic inverse J-shaped curve frequently observed in natural forests. Most of the forest sub-types in these preservation plots are regenerating successfully owing to the absolute protection given to the studied sites. It is recommended to study carbon sequestration in these permanent preservation plots over a time, which will inform climate policymakers about the true potential of Indian tropical forests as carbon sink.

Stand structure and regeneration status of tree species in four major forest types along an altitudinal gradient in Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Stand structure and regeneration status of tree species in four major forest types along an altitudinal gradient in Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Prospect of natural regeneration of tree species in Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary of Chattogram, Bangladesh

Natural regeneration of tree species is the major means of understanding the restoration potentiality of a secondary forest. Natural regeneration of a forest is a tool for measuring the health of the forest ecosystem. Natural regeneration status of tree species in Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary (HWS) in Chittagong North Forest Division, Bangladesh was assessed laying 75 systematic quadrats of 4m×4m in size. A total of 90 regenerating tree species belonging to 34 families was identified from the HWS. Euphorbiaceae family possessed maximum regenerating tree species (14 species) followed by Mimosaceae (7), Lauraceae and Meliaceae (6 species each), and Moraceae (5 species). The overall seedling density was 7,083 per ha where Ficus hispida showed the highest number of seedlings (792 per ha) followed by Quercus sp. (475), Ficus religiosa (408), Lithocarpus elegans (375) and Lepisanthes rubiginosa (367). The number of Ficus hispida seedlings per ha was higher due to high coppicing ability. Lepisanthes rubiginosa attained maximum IVI (27.59) followed by Ficus hispida (21.18) and Quercus oxyodon (13.32). The seedlings of Aegle marmelos, Lithocarpus sp., Flacourtia jangomas, Albizia odoratissima, Acronychia padunculata, Chaetocarpus castanicarpus, Maesa paniculata, Crypteronia paniculata, Streblus asper and Mussaenda roxburghii were also found common in the study area. The findings will create baseline information of regenerating tree species, composition, diversity and population structure which can be used for monitoring future changes as well as taking policy decisions for the management of this Wildlife Sanctuary.&#x0D; J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2019, 5(2): 1-12

A comparative study of tree community structure and natural regeneration status in Bontang urban forest and conservation forest of the LNG Industrial Plant Area, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Sudrajat S, Dwiputro M. 2019. A comparative study of tree community structure and natural regeneration status in Bontang urban forest and conservation forest of the LNG Industrial Plant Area, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2841-2847. The objective of this study was to describe and compare the community structure and natural regeneration status of tree species in urban forests within industrial estates. This study was conducted in two types of forests, Bontang urban forests within industrial area and conservation forests in the Industrial buffer zone area. At each forest location, a transect was made, and along the transect, a plot of size 20 x 20 meters was made with a distance between plots of 100 meters. In each plot, several subplots were made with size of 5m x 5m for sapling level, and 2m x 2m for seedling level. The results of this study showed that in urban forest areas there were 32 tree-level species, 21 sapling species and 15 seedling species, belonging of 49 genera and 39 families. The number of species, species richness, species diversity, evenness of sapling and tree-level species was more in urban forests than in conservation forest, and the condition was vice versa for seedling level. The value of species dominance index in conservation forest was greater than urban forest, and conversely, the value of individual density/ha for tree-level was 562.50 individuals/ha, sapling level was 7,933 ind./Ha and for seeding level 80,625 ind./ha. Of the 53 urban forest species, 28 species (52.83%) were in no regeneration category, 3 species (5.66%) were in poor regeneration category, and 22 species (41.50%) were in the new species category. In contrast, among 76 species of the conservation forests, 8 species (10.52%) showed good regeneration status, 13 species (17.10%) showed poor status and 55 species (72.36%) showed no regeneration status. From the results, it can be concluded that the Bontang urban forest in the industrial area shows no regeneration status and the emergence of new species. In the context of conservation, it is recommended to implement special silvicultural techniques to maintain the biodiversity of this urban forest.

Response of understory vegetation, tree regeneration, and soil quality to manipulated stand density in a Pinus massoniana plantation

Tree density affects species diversity in forest plantations. Understory species diversity, tree regeneration, and soil physicochemical characteristics were assessed under three planting densities of Pinus massoniana in Taizishan Mountains, Hubei, China. There was a higher degree of shrub and herb species diversity in lower density stands. Total species richness was higher for herbs (n = 42) than for shrubs (n = 30) but the two groups exhibited a similar pattern with greater species richness at lower stand density. Changes in community structure and composition were more frequent in high density stands. Community structure in low and medium density stands was more similar to one another than to high stand densities for both herbs and shrubs. The regeneration status of tree species was more abundant in low and medium density stands. Low and medium density stands had significantly more favorable chemical properties such as soil organic matter, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and nitrogen, as well as on physical soil properties such as non-capillary pores and minimum water holding capacity. Lower planting density was beneficial with regard to natural regeneration, plant species diversity, and soil quality. Reducing tree density of existing high-density P. massoniana plantations can promote both understory plant species diversity and tree regeneration to sustain forest ecosystem services.

Anthropogenic disturbances alter community structure in the forests of Kashmir Himalaya

Both natural and anthropogenic disturbances are key drivers of forest dynamics that alter species composition and diversity, which in turn determine the successional trajectory of the forests. The present study aimed to investigate the community composition, population structure and regeneration status of tree species in relation to anthropogenic disturbances in temperate pure coniferous forests of Kashmir Himalaya. Comparable forest sites with varying degree of disturbance were selected and the regeneration status of the tree species was determined by measuring the population size of seedlings and saplings. The seedling, sapling and tree density were significantly greater in the less disturbed (LD) sites as compared to the highly disturbed sites (HD). Moreover, the LD sites showed highest frequency of lower tree girth classes, resulting in the formation of an inverse J-shaped curve, while as the HD sites showed unimodal distribution with maximum number of individuals in higher girth classes. Such a shift in forest structure from inverse J-shaped to unimodal distribution alters the niche space and facilitates the colonization of non-resident oak species (Quercus baloot, Q. incana), which otherwise are component of relatively low-altitude mixed temperate forests of the region. The results of the present study provide baseline ecological indicators in characterizing and quantifying the human-driven changes in forest composition and structure; and can help in developing scientifically-informed policy tools for the effective management and ecological restoration of human-modified forest landscapes in this Himalayan region.