Suitable Native Species Research Articles

Bombax ceiba is a Good Native Tree Species for Performing Reforestation to Restore Highly Degraded Tropical Forests in Hainan Island, China

Reforestation is an effective way to alleviate deforestation and its negative impacts on ecosystem services. It is widely recognized that the most key step for reforestation is using suitable native species, but selecting suitable native tree species is much more complex and challenging than the selection of non-native tree species that have been widely used for reforestation. Here, we quantify whether the native tree species (Bombax ceiba) can be suitable for performing reforestation to restore a 0.2 km2 highly degraded tropical monsoon forest in Baopoling Mountain (BPL), Sanya, China, due to 20 years of limestone mining for cement production. We found that stomatal closure helped Bombax ceiba develop higher drought stress tolerance than the most dominant native tree species (Bridelia tomentosa) in an undisturbed tropical rainforest in BPL, thereby better adapting well to drought stress in the dry season. These characteristics in turn facilitated it to have high survival rate (92% ± 4%) and fast growth rate, after three years of monoculture in BPL. Thus, Bombax ceiba is very suitable for performing reforestation to recover highly degraded tropical forests in Hainan Island, China.

What is the most suitable native bee species from the Neotropical region to be proposed as model-organism for toxicity tests during the larval phase?

Currently, Brazil has a full framework for pesticide risk assessment established for Apis mellifera, based on the North American approach. However, the use of Apis mellifera as model-organism as a surrogate for Brazilian native species of stingless bees has been questioned. Assessments on other stages of development than adult individual are essential. Our study aimed to standardize in vitro larval rearing method for the stingless bee species Scaptotrigona postica and Tetragonisca angustula, comparing the results to those obtained for M. scutellaris (previously described), for proposing the most suitable one for using in toxicological larval tests. We used the most efficient method for determining the toxicity of dimethoate on S. postica larvae. We presented the first comparative approach of responses to in vitro larval rearing methods among native bee species from Neotropical region, for use in risk assessment. Our results showed that S. postica was the most suitable native species to be proposed as model-organism. In addition, our results are also very useful for a ring test to validate the method, in accordance to OECD.

Prospects for the use of the Crimean flora resources in the floriculture

In the course of a long-term bioecological study, 24 native species of the Crimean flora were marked out. These species deserve more attention as they have many ornamental features and can be used in landscape designing. Of the 24 native species, 11 are at risk of extinction and are listed in the Conservation List and two are endemic to Crimea. Plant introduction is one of the conservation strategies that is used for such species. The main types of appropriate landscape designs for Crimean parks were identified, and the suitable native species of Crimean flora were subsequently selected for the designed projects. The study areas include wild Crimean flora species as well as species cultivated in Nikita Botanical Garden. The selected plants were the main source of winter-resistant as well as drought-resistant species. Moreover, the diversity of natural forms of four species with various morphological and biological characteristics were evaluated, which is of great interest for further hybridization programs.

Rehabilitation of Coastal Habitat: A Vital Management Tool for Protecting Biodiversity and Livelihood against Climatic and Non-Climatic Factors

Coral reefs and seagrasses are important for biodiversity and liveli­hood but they are fast degrading owing to climatic and non-climatic factors. The impacts of climate change since 1998 and the effects of non-climatic factors, mainly destructive fishing practices, mining, pollution, and coastal development, have altered the community structure and health of corals and seagrasses. Low-tech and low-cost transplantation techniques have been successfully standard­ized and implemented in the Gulf of Mannar, southeast India. A coral rehabilita­tion technique, perfected in 2002, comprising selection of site, identification of suitable native species, precision in fragmentation, choosing fragment size, fix­ing positions, and effective monitoring protocols, resulted in good growth and a survival of 80.1%. The average annual growth was 13.5 cm in fast-growing branching corals and 1.8 cm in massive corals. There was also considerable in­crease in coral cover, recruit density, and population size of fish and associated macrofauna. Likewise, a rehabilitation program for seagrass was started in 2008. Seagrass shoots in the rehabilitated areas showed a good survival rate of 85.04% with increased biodiversity. Rehabilitation of degraded coral and seagrass areas is a viable management practice for the restoration of the ecosys­tem services like fishery, coastal protection, and tourism as well as enhancing ecosystem resilience.

Community participation and ecological criteria for selecting species and restoring natural capital with native species in the Sahel

Combining community needs and preferences with dryland plant expertise in order to select suitable native species for large‐scale natural capital restoration is the approach that has been successful in the Sahel as part of Africa's Great Green Wall program. In order to increase plant diversity and restore degraded land, we investigated four cross‐border regions of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all located in dryland ecosystems of the Sahel. In 120 beneficiary village communities, with a total population of over 50,000 farmers, including 51% women, participatory diagnostic meetings were conducted, leading to the selection of 193 plant species, most of which were mainly used for food, medicine, fodder, and fuel. Of these, 170 were native and considered suitable for enriching and restoring those village lands. The most environmentally well‐adapted and economically relevant species were prioritized, quality seeds were collected, and nursery seedlings produced under technical supervision of villages. From 2013 to 2015, 55 woody and herbaceous species were planted to initiate restoration of 2,235 ha of degraded land. On average, 60% of seedlings survived and grew well in the field after three rainy seasons. Due to its multiple uses, including gum arabic production, Acacia senegal was preferred by local people in most cases, accounting for 30% of seedlings planted. Such promising results, in an effort to restore degraded land for and with the help of thousands of farmers, could not have been achieved without the combination of scientific plant expertise and efficient rural capacity development, underpinned by high levels of community engagement.

Choosing species for reforestation in diverse forest communities: social preference versus ecological suitability

Choosing species for reforestation programs or community forestry in species‐rich tropical rainforest ecosystems is a complex task. Reforestation objectives, social preferences, and ecological attributes must be balanced to achieve landscape restoration, timber production, or community forestry objectives. Here we develop a method to make better species choices for reforestation programs with native species when limited silvicultural information is available. We conducted community surveys to determine social preference of tree species and inferred their ecological suitability for open‐field plantations from growth rates and frequency in forest plots at different successional stages. Several species, for which silvicultural data was available, were correctly classified as promising or unsuitable for open‐field reforestation. Notably, we found a strong negative correlation between ecological suitability indicators and socioeconomic preference ranks. Only a single outlier species ranked very high in both categories. This result highlights the difficulty of finding suitable native species for community forestry and offers an explanation why reforestation efforts with native species often fail. We concluded that the approach should be a useful first screening of species‐rich forest communities for potential reforestation species. Our results also support the view that species‐rich tropical rainforests are not an easily renewable natural resource in a sense that secondary forests will not provide an equivalent resource value to local communities.

Managing conflicts arising from fisheries enhancements based on non-native fishes in southern Africa.

Southern Africa has a long history of non-native fish introductions for the enhancement of recreational and commercial fisheries, due to a perceived lack of suitable native species. This has resulted in some important inland fisheries being based on non-native fishes. Regionally, these introductions are predominantly not benign, and non-native fishes are considered one of the main threats to aquatic biodiversity because they affect native biota through predation, competition, habitat alteration, disease transfer and hybridization. To achieve national policy objectives of economic development, food security and poverty eradication, countries are increasingly looking towards inland fisheries as vehicles for development. As a result, conflicts have developed between economic and conservation objectives. In South Africa, as is the case for other invasive biota, the control and management of non-native fishes is included in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. Implementation measures include import and movement controls and, more recently, non-native fish eradication in conservation priority areas. Management actions are, however, complicated because many non-native fishes are important components in recreational and subsistence fisheries that contribute towards regional economies and food security. In other southern African countries, little attention has focussed on issues and management of non-native fishes, and this is cause for concern. This paper provides an overview of introductions, impacts and fisheries in southern Africa with emphasis on existing and evolving legislation, conflicts, implementation strategies and the sometimes innovative approaches that have been used to prioritize conservation areas and manage non-native fishes.

Plant trait analysis delivers an extensive list of potential green roof species for Mediterranean France

Green roofs are increasingly popular in urban areas of NW Europe and North America. However, greening roofs still needs incentives particularly in countries with a Mediterranean climate. Although green roof benefits such as cooling capacity and storm water retention would be even more pronounced in this challenging climate with hot and dry summers, vegetation stress on extensive green roofs will be enhanced, causing low performance if the same species as in the temperate regions of NW Europe and North America are used. In order to support further development and application of green roofs in the Mediterranean climate, new insights on suitable native species is an essential step. Using the habitat template concept, specifically taking into account drought adaptation and self-regulation, we developed a screening procedure using both functional plant traits and utilitarian aspects. Plant traits of two species lists (one resulting from an extensive vegetation study and another one covering the successful plant species of extensive green roofs in NW Europe) were analyzed. The results were incorporated into a hierarchical multi-criteria screening tool. This tool can encourage further experimental trials and inspire and guide the green roof industry toward the most appropriate species for extensive green roof design. As an example, the key was illustrated on a subset of plant species from Mediterranean southern France, which identified 34 newly potential green roof species. Interestingly, 35% of these species were annuals, a promising life form that has until now rarely been considered for extensive green roofs.

Factors influencing establishment by direct seeding of indigenous tree species in typical plantations and shrubland in South China

Seed limitation of desired indigenous species has constrained the succession of established plantations from an early successional stage, to more natural forests in South China. Because of its low cost and time-saving advantages, direct seeding has been considered a useful method in forest regeneration. To improve our understanding of whether and how direct seeding can lead to the establishment of indigenous tree species, we carried out an experiment in four typical plantations (eucalyptus, mixed-native, mixed-legume, mixed-conifer) and a shrubland in South China. We also tested the effect of understory vegetation and litter removal on seedling establishment and growth. Seeds of three indigenous tree species (Castanopsis chinensis, Cryptocarya chinensis, and Psychotria rubra) were sown with understory vegetation and litter either retained or removed. Seedling emergence, survival, and growth were recorded for 21 months. We found that conditions that favored seedling emergence often differed from those that favored seedling survival. While the removal of understory vegetation and litter did not influence the final seedling establishments for all the three introduced species, growth of Psychotria rubra was influenced at several sites. Seed mass was positively correlated with seedling emergence and subsequent growth. The large-seeded Castanopsis chinensis showed higher emergence and growth than the intermediate-seeded Cryptocarya chinensis or the small-seeded Psychotria rubra. Seedlings of Castanopsis chinensis grew better in plant communities with high understory light penetration and high soil exchangeable potassium. Growth of P. rubra seedlings decreased significantly with soil hydrolyzed nitrogen. In conclusion, direct seeding can be useful for the establishment of indigenous tree species into plantations and shrubland. Optimizing early seedling establishment and growth will require the selection of suitable native species for improving seedling establishment in different plantations. Additionally, understory vegetation and litter and fertilizer should be properly managed to enhance the establishment of certain indigenous tree species.

Native Species for Roadslope Revegetation: Selection, Validation, and Cost Effectiveness

Native species arise as an alternative to improve the poor success of traditional hydroseeding with commercial species in degraded areas. The objectives of this study were to (1) establish a procedure to select suitable native species for roadslope revegetation, (2) validate the procedure by means of field sowing experiments, and (3) assess cost effectiveness of the use of native species in hydroseeding as regards commercial ones. Vegetation surveys were performed in semiarid roadslopes of East Spain and species success evaluated according to abundance and frequency. A list of potentially suitable species for revegetation was produced and a subset of species selected and hydroseeded to check their suitability in hydroseeding. Cost effectiveness of the use of native species was estimated. Results support the suitability of the procedure for the selection of native species. Vegetation cover produced by the hydroseeded mixture of native species was high (between 43 and 70% throughout the 4 years) and was 4–20 times higher than the cover produced by a standard commercial seed mixture. The price of the selected seed mixture was 30 times that of the commercial one, but the cost of relevant ecological advantages provided by the use of native species was only twice that of the commercial species on the basis of cost effectiveness assessment. Practical consequences for restorers, policymakers, and practitioners are discussed, and the use of native species is encouraged to improve revegetation success of roadslopes and similar slope types especially in semiarid and arid environments.

Establishment and early growth of introduced indigenous tree species in typical plantations and shrubland in South China

Unsuccessful colonization by indigenous tree species into established plantations has retarded the succession of artificial plantations to more natural, secondary forests in South China. To understand how to improve colonization by seedlings of indigenous species, we determined how performance of indigenous seedlings is affected by seedling species (the shade-intolerant Castanopsis chinensis, the moderately shade-intolerant Michelia chapensis, and the shade-tolerant Psychotria rubra), the site into which the seedlings were transplanted (a mixed-legume plantation, a eucalyptus plantation, a mixed-native plantation, a mixed-conifer plantation, and a shrubland), and site preparation (removal or retention of understory vegetation and litter). Seedling survival and growth were generally increased by removal of understory vegetation and litter. C. chinensis and M. chapensis grew better in the mixed-legume and mixed-conifer plantations, while P. rubra grew better in mixed-native and mixed-conifer plantations. Responses of the transplanted seedlings to environmental factors were species specific. The effects of light on seedling survival and growth were correlated with the shade tolerance of the species. Soil moisture was important; it was positively correlated with survival but negatively correlated with growth of C. chinensis seedlings. Growth of C. chinensis and M. chapensis was positively correlated with soil potassium, while growth of P. rubra was positively correlated with soil organic matter but negatively correlated with soil hydrolyzed nitrogen. These findings suggest that we should select suitable native species under the different plantations before improvement of plantations. Light and soil moisture are most important environmental factors for the selection of species specific. Site preparation and fertilizer are needed during the improvement of those plantations.

Vegetation–site relationships of roadside plant communities in West Virginia, USA

Summary In mountainous regions, road construction is accompanied by large‐scale physical disturbance associated with cut and fill operations that drastically alter the landscape. Cut operations remove soil and rock from the hillside above the proposed road, while soil and rock are deposited on the down‐slope area in fill operations. The resultant roadsides are highly disturbed habitats characterized by plant communities maintained at an early successional stage. They are often planted with non‐native species and frequently provide vectors for the introduction and spread of invasive species. Public transportation managers need to balance the rapid revegetation of roadsides with the goal of maximizing use of native species and minimizing the introduction of non‐native species. This study examined vegetation–site relationships along 13 major four‐lane highways in West Virginia, USA, using analysis of variance, multiresponse permutation procedures and indicator species analysis. Mean soil nutrient values showed some differences with respect to highway, but fewer when highway positions were compared. Similarly, when highway position was considered, there were no significant differences in mean plant species richness, evenness or diversity. Results of multiresponse permutation procedures suggested that different highways may be characterized by distinct vegetation assemblages. This hypothesis was supported by indicator species analysis: 54 species showed a statistically significant (P < 0·05) affinity to one highway over all others. More than half of these were classified as non‐native and exotic invasive species. When highway position was considered, no significant differences in community composition were found, and indicator species analysis found only 25 species that exhibited a significant affinity to one type of position. Of these, only eight were exotic. Of the 33 most abundant herbaceous species, 11 showed a significant relationship between cover and distance from pavement. For all but one, average cover declined in a linear fashion with increasing distance. Synthesis and applications. Despite extensive topographic disturbance associated with highway construction, the resultant vegetative communities do not differ with respect to type of construction or resultant landform. This suggests that highway agencies can manage roadside vegetation using similar, standard techniques. Roadsides are optimal growing sites for exotic invasive species that out‐compete native vegetation. Management goals should therefore include techniques for limiting the establishment of these species, and substitution of non‐native species planted for erosion control with suitable native species.

Growth equations and rotation ages of ten native tree species in mixed and pure plantations in the humid neotropics

Ten percent of the world’s forest consists of plantations, yet these plantations supply 37% of the world’s timber. While plantations proliferate, local communities are looking for suitable native species to cultivate in plantations. This paper is a component of a larger project—trying to restore degraded areas with native plantations in ways that would financially benefit the surrounding communities. Growth equations have been constructed for ten native tree species, using 12 years of growth data from research plots in La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. Interpolative growth equations for Terminalia amazonia (J. Gmell) Exell., Virola koschnyi Warb., Dipteryx panamensis (Pittier) Record & Mell, and Hieronyma alchorneoides Allemao were constructed. A maximum sustained yield approach was used to determine the other six species’ rotation age and the merchantable volume produced per hectare at time of harvest. In single-species plantations, Jacaranda copaia (Aubl.) D. Don., Vochysia guatemalensis Donn. Sm., and Vochysia ferruginea Mart. were the most productive species and, thus, are the recommended plantation species for the humid lowlands of Costa Rica. The data for this experiment suggest J. copaia has an ideal rotation age of 6.5 years, at which time the yield will be 255 m 3/ha. V. guatemalensis has a rotation age of 13.5 years producing 417 m 3/ha, and V. ferruginea has a rotation age of 13.3 years producing 363 m 3/ha. J. copaia and V. guatemalensis grew significantly faster in mixed plantations than in pure plantations. A mixed-species plantation comprised of J. copaia, V. guatemalensis, and Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess produces 21% more total volume of merchantable timber than a pure plantation of J. copaia, which grows the fastest of the three species. Restoring abandoned agricultural sites with V. guatemalensis will yield the most timber to landowners after one rotation.

Durchsetzungs- und Reproduktionsstrategien bei Trifolium pallescens Schreb. und Trifolium thalii Vill.: II. Untersuchungen zur Populationsbiologie

Population studies of two closely related alpine Trifolium species were made. The species prefer distinct habitats and reproduce only by seeds: Trifolium pallescens grows on alpine screes, often in morainic areas; Trifolium thalii is predominantly found in subalpine-alpine pastures. This contrast in habitat behaviour was compared with the behaviour of the species along their altitudinal distribution. Comparison of reproductive behaviour of the two species investigated shows distinct habitat-controlled differences: Trifolium thalii, a plant of more competitor-influenced habitats, has patterns of a K-strategist. Trifolium pallescens, in contrast, shows characteristics of an invasive pioneer species such as less developed vegetative structures, higher seed production, higher seed-bank reserves, smaller seeds and higher rates of seedling mortality (r-selected). The different strategies have decisive influence on the altitudinal distribution of the species. The upper altitudinal limit of distribution of the two species is not primarily attributed to smaller chances of seedling establishment, but to decreasing seed production with increasing altitude. For both species the lower altitudinal limit obviously is determined by habitat preferences: for Trifolium pallescens increasing seedling mortality, caused by increase parching of soils during the growing season with decreasing altitude, is the limiting factor. For Trifolium thalii the role of more competitive species, especially Trifolium repens, a plant of pasture communities of the lowlands, is discussed. Studies in reproduction behaviour and growth forms of alpine species supply basic data for the choice of suitable native species for the revegetation of alpine localities, depleted of vegetation by human influence. The results of this study are discussed in relation to the suitability of these species for high altitude revegetation. The importance of seed banks for revegetation is emphasized.