scholarly journals Secondary seed removal in a degraded forest habitat in Madagascar

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula M. A. Fiedler ◽  
Alice De Lapparent ◽  
Jeremie Razafitsalama ◽  
Justin Sanamo ◽  
Kim J. E. Steffens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Seed Predation ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Forest Restoration ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Degraded Forest ◽  
Seed Removal ◽  
Forest Habitat ◽  
Removal Experiments

AbstractForest restoration is a prime goal within the 2021–2030 UN “Decade of Ecosystem Resoration”. As part of these activities, natural regeneration has to be promoted for biological as well as for economic reasons. For this, the processes of seed dispersal, seed predation and germination have to be understood in the original as well as in degraded vegetation formations. We used seed removal experiments to assess post-dispersal processes that influence recruitment along a gradient of forest degradation in Madagascar analyzing seeds of three animal dispersed tree species. The percentage of seeds consumed or dispersed, declined from forest (28.6%) to degraded forest (17.2%) to savanna (10.8%). Only three out of 1080 seeds were cached and remained intact during the 14-day experiment. All three seeds were cached in the forest habitat and none in the degraded forest and savanna. The low percentage of seeds removed may be due to the lack of endemic rodents caching seeds, as only introduced rats were recorded in the area. The species-poor fauna of potential secondary seed dispersers of the region and especially in the degraded areas might represent an obstacle for diverse regeneration in degraded regions of Madagascar.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of two treatments to promote tree regeneration: implications for forest restoration in the Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (S1) ◽  
pp. S103-S114
Author(s):  
Luis Acosta-Vargas ◽  
Adriana E. Rovere ◽  
Jorge Camacho-Sandoval
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Forest Restoration ◽  
National Park ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Tree Regeneration ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Seed Dispersion

Introduction: Isla del Coco is the only island in the Eastern Tropical Pacific with humid tropical forests; 296 plant species are reported, of them, 22% are endemic. Their ecology is poorly understood. Deforestation and the introduction of rats, feral pigs and white-tailed deer are the primary agents of forest degradation. After more than 120 years, the deforested areas have never recovered the native forest. Objective: To analyse if the deforested area keeps its resilience, we evaluated the natural regeneration and ecological processes associated. Methods: From August 2016 to June 2018, we conducted a restoration experiment consisting of a randomized complete blocks design including vegetation cutting, vegetation uprooting and controls as treatments. Plots were protected with an exclusion fence to avoid herbivores. Results: There were no differences between plant cutting and uprooting in stimulating natural regeneration. We only recorded the seedlings of two tree species, 35 individuals of Cecropia pittieri and three of Sacoglottis holdridgei, both endemic. Their regeneration established during the first 15 months mainly. At the end of the experiment, the structure and composition of the vegetation changed from bushes dominated by Entada gigas (28%) and Clidemia strigillosa (12%) to grasses dominated by Paspalum conjugatum (39%). Entada gigas has a high recolonizing potential with a growing rate of 1.6±0.2m/month. Conclusions: As filters for restoration we determined herbivores, which pose a strong negative impact in the development of the forest; the exhausted seed bank of tree species and scarce or null seed dispersion.

scholarly journals Seed germination and removal of Michelia champaca L. (Magnoliaceae) in eucalypt stands: the influence of the aril

2004 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovano Candiani ◽  
Mauro Galetti ◽  
Victor Jose Mendes Cardoso
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
White Light ◽  
Seed Predation ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Seed Removal ◽  
Controlled Conditions ◽  
Removal Experiments ◽  
Michelia Champaca

We tested the influence of the aril on seed germination in controlled conditions and on the removal of M. champaca seeds in natural environment. Germination assays were kept at 25 ± 2 °C under continuous white light. Removal experiments were carried out in three "old" (39 to 62-years old) and three "new" (15-years old) eucalypt stands in Horto Florestal Navarro de Andrade, Rio Claro, SP. The results show that the aril inhibits the germination and the seeds exhibit a positively photoblastic reaction. We found higher seed removal in old eucalypt stands than the new ones, probably due to the higher density of rodents in the old stands. In the new stands, we found higher seed removal of arillated seeds by ants. Ants are important to remove the aril of seeds dropped by birds, not only enhancing seed germination but also preventing seed predation by rodents.

scholarly journals Inventory of native and mother trees in Key Biodiversity Areas of Cebu Island, Philippines for species selection in local reforestation programs

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgardo P. Lillo ◽  
ARCHIEBALD B. MALAKI ◽  
STEVE MICHAEL T. ALCAZAR ◽  
RAAMAH ROSALES ◽  
BERNARDO R. REDOBLADO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Forest Restoration ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Species Selection ◽  
Adult Trees ◽  
Native Tree ◽  
Native Tree Species ◽  
Planting Materials

Abstract. Lillo EP, Malaki AB, Alcazar SMT, Rosales R, Redoblado BR, Diaz JLB, Pantinople EM, Buot Jr. IE. 2021. Inventory of native and mother trees in Key Biodiversity Areas of Cebu Island, Philippines for species selection in local reforestation programs. Biodiversitas 22: 4740-4749. Forest restoration is the counterforce of deforestation and forest degradation. Yet, despite promoting natural recovery after forest harvest, afforestation and reforestation efforts, tropical forest ecosystems still experience a poor ratio of forest loss to forest gain. The study assessed the native tree species and potential mother trees in different Cebu Island Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) as well as their distribution and habitat preferences which can be used in local reforestation programs. A vegetation survey was conducted in three KBAs in Cebu Island, namely Nug-as forest, Mount Lantoy and Mount Capayas to inventory all native species. Assessment based on the phenotypic characteristics of adult trees was also conducted for indicating mother trees. This study in Cebu Island KBAs recorded a total of 292 species, categorized into 125 families and 203 genera, which can be classified into native trees (210), vines and lianas (18), shrub (37), and herbs (27). Out of the 292 species, 214 were recorded in Nug-as forest, 172 in Mount Lantoy, and 145 in Mount Capayas. Of the 210 native tree species, Nug-as forest had 145 species, Mount Lantoy 131 species, and Mount Capayas 109 species. A total of 241 mother trees were identified in the three KBAs, corresponding to 77 species in which Nug-as forest had 143 trees correspond to 52 species, Mount Lantoy had 68 trees correspond to 29 species, and Mount Capayas had 31 trees correspond to 6 species. Such native tree species are recommended for reforestation programs as planting materials that could reduce the risks of failure due to its high adaptability to the environment.

Dispersal of Aglaia spectabilis, a large-seeded tree species in a moist evergreen forest in Thailand

2004 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shumpei Kitamura ◽  
Shunsuke Suzuki ◽  
Takakazu Yumoto ◽  
Pilai Poonswad ◽  
Phitaya Chuailua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Predation ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
National Park ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Seed Removal ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Seed Predator ◽  
Khao Yai National Park ◽  
Frugivore Assemblages

We investigated the seed dispersal of Aglaia spectabilis, a large-seeded tree species in a moist evergreen forest of Khao Yai National Park in Thailand. Although one-to-one relationships between frugivores and plants are very unlikely, large-seeded plants having to rely on few large frugivores and therefore on limited disperser assemblages, might be vulnerable to extinction. We assessed both the frugivore assemblages foraging on arillate seeds of Aglaia spectabilis and dispersing them and the seed predator assemblages, thereby covering dispersal as well as the post-dispersal aspects such as seed predation. Our results showed that frugivores dispersing seeds were a rather limited set of four hornbill and one pigeon species, whereas two squirrel species were not dispersers, but dropped the seeds on the ground. Three mammal species were identified as seed predators on the forest floor. Heavy seed predation by mammals together with high seed removal rates, short visiting times and regurgitation of intact seeds by mainly hornbills lead us to the conclusion that hornbills show high effectiveness in dispersal of this tree species.

scholarly journals SURVIVAL AND NATURAL REGENERATION OF FOREST ESSENCES CULTIVATED IN ALTERED AREAS THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AFTER PLANTING

FLORESTA ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 168
Author(s):  
Harley Araújo da Silva ◽  
Thiago Augusto Da Cunha ◽  
Veronica Telma Da Rocha Passos
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Forest Restoration ◽  
Mangifera Indica ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
The State ◽  
High Survival ◽  
Syzygium Cumini ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Survival Status

The evaluation of the survival and natural regeneration of tree species in a 35-year-old plantation was carried out to identify the species established in the area, aiming at their recommendation in forest restoration plantations in the State of Acre. In the 1980s, 138 forest species were planted in two experimental units (EU), of 1.38 ha each, in the Zoobotanical Park (ZP) of the Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco campus. The main activities carried out in the area, prior to planting, were agriculture and cattle raising.  Survival status was measured through a census of all individuals planted at the time, who were still alive. In addition, all regenerating individuals from planted species were surveyed in the effective planting area of the experimental units. At the time of evaluation, living individuals of 41 and 46 species were found in experimental units 1 (EU-1) and 2 (EU-2), respectively. The species Syagrus sancona, Talisia esculenta, Acacia polyphylla, Couepia bracteosa, Mangifera indica, Syzygium cumini and Copaifera multijuga showed survival rates above 90% in at least one of the experimental units. Only Syagrus sancona and Handroanthus serratifolius presented high survival rates in both experimental. Regenerating individuals of the species Aspidosperma vargasii, Couepia bracteosa, Euterpe precatoria, Handroanthus serratifolius, Oenocarpus mapora, Onychopetalum periquino and Stryphnodendron pulcherrimum were found in the two EU.

scholarly journals Soil Seed Banks of Tree Species from Natural Forests, Restoration Sites, and Abandoned Areas in Chiang Mai, Thailand

2021 ◽  
pp. 167-180
Author(s):  
Patsavipich Rungrojtrakool ◽  
Pimonrat Tiansawat ◽  
Arunothai Jampeetong ◽  
Dia Panitnard Shannon ◽  
Sutthathorn Chairuangsri
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Seed Banks ◽  
Seed Density ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Chiang Mai ◽  
Soil Seed Banks ◽  
Standing Vegetation

Soil seed banks have been used for investigation of natural regeneration of forests. In this study, we compared seed density and species composition of soil seed banks of trees among natural forests, restored forests of different ages, and abandoned agricultural land. The soil seed banks were collected from a natural forest (NF), 12-year-old and 17-year-old restoration sites (RF12y and RF17y), and 17-year-old abandoned site (AA) at Ban Mae Sa Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand. A seedling emergence technique was used to assess seed density and species of emerged seedlings was identified. We found 5-8 tree species at each site. Seed densities in the study areas ranged from 43 to 298 seeds/m2. The seed density of RF12y was significantly higher than that of both NF and AA but not significantly different than RF17y (p < 0.01). Although there was no significant relationship between the restoration ages and the seed densities of the soil seed banks, the species composition of standing vegetation was related to the seed bank species. Sorensen’s similarities between the species composition of the soil seed banks and the existing trees in each area were between 0 and 13.79%, suggesting seed dispersal of both within and across study sites. Eight out of fourteen species in the soil seed banks were dispersed into restoration sites without standing vegetation of those species. Seven of those were animal-dispersed species. The selected native trees, framework species, attracted small seed dispersers into the study areas, especially at the restoration sites. This finding suggests that active forest restoration improved natural regeneration in restoration sites as well as neighboring areas via seed dispersal.

scholarly journals Seedling Recruitment of Native Tree Species in Active Restoration Forest

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 243
Author(s):  
Yingluck Ratanapongsai
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Forest Restoration ◽  
Seedling Recruitment ◽  
P Value ◽  
Forest Conversion ◽  
Forest Habitat ◽  
Native Tree ◽  
Framework Species ◽  
Native Tree Species ◽  
Seedling Community

Since 1970’s, large are of deforestation and forest conversion to agriculture in the northern mountains of Thailand grew concern of environmental impact. Forest restoration became an important strategy to rapidly increase forest habitat in a wide-scale in Thailand. The Framework Species (FWS) technique is an active forest restoration that has been developed to restored forest habitat and ecosystem on former-agriculture land in the northern Thailand. After planting 20-30 framework species, the method then relies on incoming native tree species to sustain forest succession. However, there has been little known about the recruitment of native tree species and factors limiting the recruitment in this area. The study compared recruit native tree species in the seedling community of the FWS restoration and nearby seed source to assess how many of those are recruit or absent from the community. The factor of seed-dispersed agents and seed sized was investigated as the possible limited factors of the recruitment and compared among 3 restoration periods (at age 6, 10, and 14 years). The result reveals half of native species were absent from the seedling community across all 3 restoration ages. Seed available was a major limitation for the recruitment of native tree species. Big-seeded species had higher chance to be limited than small-seeded species to recruit in the restoration site (p-value = 0.0249 by the Tukey test). whilst seed-dispersed agents were not limited (p-values=0.420 by Chi square). The FWS forests efficiently facilitated seedlings of native tree species to recruit at the similar recruitment rates across all 3 ages of restoration. However, the technique was still limited in regard of seed available. Species of less common or rarer might need to be included for the FWS plantation in the future to enhance species diversity and better outcome of the restoration.

scholarly journals Frugivore loss limits recruitment of large-seeded trees

2011 ◽  
Vol 278 (1723) ◽  
pp. 3345-3354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra M. Wotton ◽  
Dave Kelly
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Plant Regeneration ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Seed Predation ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Fruit Pulp ◽  
Synergistic Interactions ◽  
Local Plant ◽  
Pulp Removal

Although global declines in frugivores may disrupt seed dispersal mutualisms and inhibit plant recruitment, quantifying the likely reduction in plant regeneration has been difficult and rarely attempted. We use a manipulative factorial experiment to quantify dependence of recruitment on dispersal (i.e. fruit pulp removal and movement of seed away from parental area) in two large-seeded New Zealand tree species. Complete dispersal failure would cause a 66 to 81 per cent reduction in recruitment to the 2-year-old seedling stage, and synergistic interactions with introduced mammalian seed and seedling predators increase the reduction to 92 to 94 per cent. Dispersal failure reduced regeneration through effects on seed predation, germination and (especially) seedling survival, including distance- and density-dependent (Janzen–Connell) effects. Dispersal of both species is currently largely dependent on a single frugivore, and many fruits today remain uneaten. Present-day levels of frugivore loss and mammal seed and seedling predators result in 57 to 84 per cent fewer seedlings after 2 years. Our study demonstrates the importance of seed dispersal for local plant population persistence, and validates concerns about the community consequences of frugivore declines.

Removal of seeds of Carapa procera (Meliaceae) by rodents and their fate in rainforest in French Guiana

1996 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 751-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre-Michel Forget
Keyword(s):  
Seed Predation ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
French Guiana ◽  
Removal Rate ◽  
Seed Removal ◽  
Seed Fate ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Adult Trees ◽  
Carapa Procera ◽  
Monthly Variations

ABSTRACTExperiments were performed to investigate monthly variations in seed fate of Carapa procera (Meliaceae), a rodent-dispersed subcanopy tree species in French Guiana. A total of 600 thread-marked seeds were placed on the ground in mature forest under 20 adult trees during different months (March, April and May 1991) of the species' fruiting season. In 1991 the seed crop reached 1536 seeds in the study area, with a majority of seeds being produced in March and May. On average, seed removal rate steadily increased from March (23%) to May (96%). Of the seeds removed, the proportion eached almost doubled between March (28%)-April (25%) and May (48%), whereas the proportion eaten (gnawed) steadily declined between March (43%) and May (9%). Approximately 75–100% seed removal was therefore associated with intense scatterhoarding and low seed predation, especially in May. Greater seed dispersal rates occurred during the late wet season when fruit diversity decreased but when overall fruit biomass peaked because of fruiting occurrence of large-seeded species. The seasonal hoarding behaviour of rodents is discussed.

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