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Regeneration Status and Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge for Cloud Forest Ecosystem Restoration in Ecuador. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The importance of forests for biodiversity conservation has been well recognized by the global community; as a result, conservation efforts have increased over the past two decades. In Ecuador, the lack of integrated information for defining and assessing the status of local ecosystems is a major challenge for designing conservation and restoration plans. Thus, the objectives of this study were (1) to examine the regeneration status of cloud forest remnants, some of which had experienced past human disturbance events, (2) to explore a local rural community’s traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) relevant for restoration and (3) to investigate the integration between TEK and ecological science-based approaches. A survey of regeneration status was conducted in four remnants of cloud forests (n = 16) in Cosanga, Napo Province, in the Andes of northeastern Ecuador. The species of young trees (0.5–5 m height) were identified over 0.16 ha. In-depth interviews of individuals from local communities (n = 48) were conducted to identify socio-ecologically important native species. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.001) in species richness and the stem density of seedlings and saplings in gaps. The stem density of Chusquea sp., a bamboo species, explained 63% of the variation in species richness and 48% of the variation in the abundance of seedlings and saplings between plots. Informants cited 32 socio-ecologically important species, of which 26 species were cited as sources of food and habitats for wildlife. The ranking of species based on a relative importance index and a cultural value index—taking into account both the spread of knowledge among local informants and the multiplicity of uses—revealed that Hyeromina duquei, Citharexylum montanum, Eugenia crassimarginata and Sapium contortum were traditionally the most valuable species for both humans and wildlife. Informants also recommended 27 species for future planting, of which 19 species were amongst the rarest species in the regeneration survey. In conclusion, the results demonstrate a synergy between TEK and ecological science-based approaches (regeneration survey) to natural ecosystem research. Thus, traditional ecological knowledge can provide insights into ecosystem–plant–animal interaction, and to identify native species useful for both humans and wildlife for forest restoration projects to reconnect isolated cloud forest fragments.
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Christmann T, Menor IO. A synthesis and future research directions for tropical mountain ecosystem restoration. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23948. [PMID: 34907235 PMCID: PMC8671388 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03205-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Many tropical mountain ecosystems (TME) are severely disturbed, requiring ecological restoration to recover biodiversity and ecosystem functions. However, the extent of restoration efforts across TMEs is not known due to the lack of syntheses on ecological restoration research. Here, based on a systematic review, we identify geographical and thematic research gaps, compare restoration interventions, and consolidate enabling factors and barriers of restoration success. We find that restoration research outside Latin-America, in non-forested ecosystems, and on socio-ecological questions is scarce. For most restoration interventions success is mixed and generally limited by dispersal and microhabitat conditions. Finally, we propose five directions for future research on tropical mountain restoration in the UN decade of restoration, ranging from scaling up restoration across mountain ranges, investigating restoration in mountain grasslands, to incorporating socio-economic and technological dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Christmann
- School of Geography and the Environment, Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK. .,Worcester College, 1 Walton Street, Oxford, OX12HB, UK.
| | - Imma Oliveras Menor
- School of Geography and the Environment, Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK
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Structure, composition and carbon stocks of woody plant community in assisted and unassisted ecological succession in a Tamaulipan thornscrub, Mexico. REVISTA CHILENA DE HISTORIA NATURAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s40693-021-00102-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Ecological restoration is a process that helps the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed. The success of restoration actions depend on the understanding of the processes, mechanisms and factors that guide vegetation dynamics. The restoration of plant communities can be made by unassisted (passive restoration, where the community recover by itself) and assisted (active restoration) ecological succession. It is imperative to know the scope of both types of activities to guide future restoration actions by evaluating the properties and functioning of the intervened communities.
Methods
Variance analysis of the carbon (C) stocks, basal area, canopy area, Shannon–Weaver index values, specific richness and abundance of three Tamaulipan thornscrub communities (assisted natural succession area, unassisted natural succession area and control area) was performed. Furthermore, a similarity analysis between the sampling areas using the floristic composition (abundance) was performed.
Results
In total, 11 families, 17 genera and 20 species of vascular plants were registered. The richness of species and abundance ranked as follows per area: assisted ecological natural succession > control > unassisted ecological natural succession. The species composition between sampling areas showed a low number of common species between plant communities.
Conclusions
The values of species richness, diversity, abundance, basal area, and canopy area of the assisted natural succession vegetal community was statistical similar to the control plan community. The values of C stocks showed that assisted ecological succession could recover not only structure and composition attributes but also this key ecosystem property.
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The effects of afforestation tree species mixing on soil organic carbon stock, nutrients accumulation, and understory vegetation diversity on reclaimed coastal lands in Eastern China. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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Helmer EH, Gerson EA, Baggett LS, Bird BJ, Ruzycki TS, Voggesser SM. Neotropical cloud forests and páramo to contract and dry from declines in cloud immersion and frost. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213155. [PMID: 30995232 PMCID: PMC6469753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Clouds persistently engulf many tropical mountains at elevations cool enough for clouds to form, creating isolated areas with frequent fog and mist. Under these isolated conditions, thousands of unique species have evolved in what are known as tropical montane cloud forests (TMCF) and páramo. Páramo comprises a set of alpine ecosystems that occur above TMCF from about 11° N to 9° S along the Americas continental divide. TMCF occur on all continents and island chains with tropical climates and mountains and are increasingly threatened by climate and land-use change. Climate change could impact a primary feature distinguishing these ecosystems, cloud immersion. But where and in what direction cloud immersion of TMCF and páramo will change with climate are fundamental unknowns. Prior studies at a few TMCF sites suggest that cloud immersion will increase in some places while declining in others. Other unknowns include the extent of deforestation in protected and unprotected cloud forest climatic zones, and deforestation extent compared with projected climate change. Here we use a new empirical approach combining relative humidity, frost, and novel application of maximum watershed elevation to project change in TMCF and páramo for Representative greenhouse gas emissions Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5. Results suggest that in <25–45 yr, 70–86% of páramo will dry or be subject to tree invasion, and cloud immersion declines will shrink or dry 57–80% of Neotropical TMCF, including 100% of TMCF across Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, much of Northern South America, and parts of Southeast Brazil. These estimates rise to 86% of Neotropical TMCF and 98% of páramo in <45–65 yr if greenhouse gas emissions continue rising throughout the 21st century. We also find that TMCF zones are largely forested, but some of the most deforested areas will undergo the least climate change. We project that cloud immersion will increase for only about 1% of all TMCF and in only a few places. Declines in cloud immersion dominate TMCF change across the Neotropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. H. Helmer
- International Institute of Tropical Forestry, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - E. A. Gerson
- Ecological Research Support, Houghton, Michigan, United States of America
| | - L. Scott Baggett
- Rocky Mountain Research Station, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Benjamin J. Bird
- Rocky Mountain Research Station, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Thomas S. Ruzycki
- Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Shannon M. Voggesser
- Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
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Maxwell SL, Reside A, Trezise J, McAlpine CA, Watson JEM. Retention and restoration priorities for climate adaptation in a multi-use landscape. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Mugwedi LF, Ray-Mukherjee J, Roy KE, Egoh BN, Pouzols FM, Douwes E, Boon R, O’Donoghue S, Slotow R, Di Minin E, Moilanen A, Rouget M. Restoration planning for climate change mitigation and adaptation in the city of Durban, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIODIVERSITY SCIENCE, ECOSYSTEM SERVICES & MANAGEMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21513732.2018.1483967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lutendo F. Mugwedi
- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa
| | | | - Kathryn E. Roy
- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa
- Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Benis N. Egoh
- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa
- Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Errol Douwes
- Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, South Africa
| | - Richard Boon
- Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, South Africa
| | - Sean O’Donoghue
- Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, South Africa
| | - Rob Slotow
- Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College, London, UK
| | - Enrico Di Minin
- Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Atte Moilanen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mathieu Rouget
- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa
- CIRAD, UMR PVBMT, La Réunion, France
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Wilson SJ, Rhemtulla JM. Small montane cloud forest fragments are important for conserving tree diversity in the Ecuadorian Andes. Biotropica 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jane Wilson
- School of Natural Resources and Environment; University of Michigan; 440 Church St Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA
| | - Jeanine M. Rhemtulla
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences; University of British Columbia; 2424 Main Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
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César RG, Moreno VS, Coletta GD, Chazdon RL, Ferraz SFB, de Almeida DRA, Brancalion PHS. Early ecological outcomes of natural regeneration and tree plantations for restoring agricultural landscapes. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2018; 28:373-384. [PMID: 29171902 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mixed tree plantings and natural regeneration are the main restoration approaches for recovering tropical forests worldwide. Despite substantial differences in implementation costs between these methods, little is known regarding how they differ in terms of ecological outcomes, which is key information for guiding decision making and cost-effective restoration planning. Here, we compared the early ecological outcomes of natural regeneration and tree plantations for restoring the Brazilian Atlantic Forest in agricultural landscapes. We assessed and compared vegetation structure and composition in young (7-20 yr old) mixed tree plantings (PL), second-growth tropical forests established on former pastures (SGp), on former Eucalyptus spp. plantations (SGe), and in old-growth reference forests (Ref). We sampled trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) 1-5 cm (saplings) and trees at DBH > 5 cm (trees) in a total of 32 20 × 45 m plots established in these landscapes. Overall, the ecological outcomes of natural regeneration and restoration plantations were markedly different. SGe forests showed higher abundance of large (DBH > 20 cm) nonnative species, of which 98% were resprouting Eucalyptus trees, than SGp and PL, and higher total aboveground biomass; however, aboveground biomass of native species was higher in PL than in SGe. PL forests had lower abundance of native saplings and lianas than both naturally established second-growth forests, and lower proportion of animal dispersed saplings than SGe, probably due to higher isolation from native forest remnants. Rarefied species richness of trees was lower in SGp, intermediate in SGe and Ref and higher in PL, whereas rarefied species richness of saplings was higher in SG than in Ref. Species composition differed considerably among regeneration types. Although these forests are inevitably bound to specific landscape contexts and may present varying outcomes as they develop through longer time frames, the ecological particularities of forests established through different restoration approaches indicate that naturally established forests may not show similar outcomes to mixed tree plantings. The results of this study underscore the importance that restoration decisions need to be based on more robust expectations of outcomes that allow for a better analysis of the cost-effectiveness of different restoration approaches before scaling-up forest restoration in the tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo G César
- Department of Forest Sciences, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Pádua Dias Avenida 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Vanessa S Moreno
- Department of Forest Sciences, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Pádua Dias Avenida 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Gabriel D Coletta
- Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz - Barão Geraldo, Campinas, SP, 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Robin L Chazdon
- Department of Forest Sciences, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Pádua Dias Avenida 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13400-970, Brazil
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269-3043, USA
| | - Silvio F B Ferraz
- Department of Forest Sciences, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Pádua Dias Avenida 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Danilo R A de Almeida
- Department of Forest Sciences, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Pádua Dias Avenida 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Pedro H S Brancalion
- Department of Forest Sciences, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Pádua Dias Avenida 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13400-970, Brazil
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10
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Yelenik SG. Linking dominant Hawaiian tree species to understory development in recovering pastures via impacts on soils and litter. Restor Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie G. Yelenik
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center; Crater Rim Drive Hawai‘i National Park HI 96718 U.S.A
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