scholarly journals Population structure and regeneration of Himalayan endemic Larix species in three high-altitude valleys in Nepal Himalaya

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Kumar Dhamala ◽  
Prakash Chandra Aryal ◽  
Madan Krishna Suwal ◽  
Sijar Bhatta ◽  
Dinesh Raj Bhuju
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Graphical Representation ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Diameter Distribution ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Nepal Himalaya ◽  
Regeneration Status ◽  
Management Interventions

Abstract Background The Himalayan forests are of great importance to sustain the nature and community resource demands. These forests are facing pressures both from anthropogenic activities and ongoing global climatic changes. Poor natural regeneration has been considered a major problem in mountainous forests. To understand the population structure and regeneration status of Larix (Larix griffithiana and Larix himalaica), we conducted systematic vegetation surveys in three high-altitude valleys namely Ghunsa (Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, KCA), Langtang (Langtang National Park, LNP), and Tsum (Manaslu Conservation Area, MCA) in Nepal Himalaya. The average values of diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and sapling height were compared for three sites and two species using Kruskal-Wallis test. Population structure was assessed in terms of proportion of seedlings, saplings, and trees. Regeneration was analyzed using graphical representation of frequencies of seedlings, saplings, and trees in histograms. Results The results showed that the population structure of Larix in terms of the proportion of seedling, sapling, and tree varied greatly in the three study areas. KCA had the highest record of seedling, sapling, and tree compared to other two sites. Seedlings were the least among three forms and many plots were without seedlings. We found no seedling in MCA study plots. The plot level average DBH variation among sites was significant (Kruskal-Wallis χ2 = 7.813, df = 2, p = 0.02) as was between species (Kruskal-Wallis χ2 = 5.9829, df = 1, p = 0.014). Similarly, the variation in average tree height was significant (Kruskal-Wallis χ2 = 134.23, df = 2, p < 0.001) among sites as well as between species (Kruskal-Wallis χ2 = 128.01, df = 1, p < 0.001). All the sites showed reverse J-shaped curve but more pronounced for KCA and MCA. In comparing the two species, Larix griffithiana has clear reverse J-shaped diameter distribution but not Larix himalaica. Conclusion The varied responses of Larix manifested through regeneration status from spatially distinct areas show that regeneration limitations might be more pronounced in the future. In all the three studied valleys, regeneration of Larix is found to be problematic and specifically for Larix griffithiana in MCA and Larix himalaica in LNP. To address the issues of disturbances, especially serious in LNP, management interventions are recommended to sustain the unique Himalayan endemic conifer.

scholarly journals Floristic Diversity, Population Structure, Regeneration Status and Socio-Economic Importance of Fach Forest, South Gondar, Northwestern Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haileab Zegeye
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Sacred Places ◽  
Regeneration Status ◽  
Management Interventions

Abstract Background: The remaining natural forests of Ethiopia are only small patches mostly confined to inaccessible areas and sacred places. Fach forest is one of the remnant dry evergreen Afromontane forests (DAFs) in northwestern Ethiopia. There is lack of information on the vegetation ecology of the forest. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the floristic composition and diversity, population structure, regeneration status and socio-economic importance of Fach forest, and the anthropogenic factors affecting it.Methods: Vegetation data were collected from a total of 34 plots, measuring 20 m × 20 m (400 m2) each and established along line transects approximately at 100 m intervals. A general survey consisting of field observations, key-informant interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was used to collect socio-economic data. Results: A total of 230 vascular plant species belonging to 183 genera and 76 families were recorded from the study area, of which 45 (19.57%) were trees, 62 (26.97%) trees/shrubs, 37 (16.09%) shrubs, 13 (5.65%) woody climbers, 10 (4.35%) herbaceous climbers, and 63 (27.39%) herbs. The family with the highest number of species was Fabaceae (28 species, 12.17% of all species), followed by Asteraceae (18 species, 7.83%), Poaceae (13 species, 5.65%), and Acanthaceae and Euphorbiaceae (9 species each). The Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness values of woody species were 3.53 and 0.72, and the total density and basal area 4938.24 individuals ha-1 and 19.17 m2 ha-1, respectively. The species with the highest Importance Value Index (IVI) value was Combretum molle (25.26%), followed by Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (21.19%), Dodonaea angustifolia (17.80%), and Calpurnia aurea (15.05%). The local communities were highly dependent on the forest for fuelwood, construction material, charcoal, timber and farm implements, as well as food (edible fruits), medicines, fodder, and bee forage. Fach forest is a protected area and contains sacred places, but at present it is dwindling mainly due to livestock grazing/browsing, tree cutting for various purposes, farmland expansion, rural settlements expansion, urbanization, fire incidences, and exotic species plantations at the expense of the natural forest, as well as soil erosion and climate change.Conclusions: Fach forest possesses high plant diversity and endemism. Woody species having low IVI values and poor regeneration status (as indicated by the Diameter at Breast Height [DBH] class distributions) need high priority for conservation. Fach forest has been maintained to the present-day through the combined indigenous (sacred grove) and modern (protected area system) conservation methods, but is now under increasing human pressure. Therefore, effective conservation and management interventions are urgently needed to ensure the long-term maintenance of the forest ecosystem, and benefit the local communities through sustainable utilization of the forest.

scholarly journals Altitudinal variation in plant community, population structure and carbon stock of Quercus semecarpifolia Sm. forest in Kumaun Himalaya

2022 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-146
Author(s):  
A. Fartyal ◽  
◽  
K. Khatri ◽  
K. Bargali ◽  
S.S. Bargali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Plant Community ◽  
Carbon Stock ◽  
Forest Stand ◽  
Altitudinal Variation ◽  
Regeneration Status ◽  
Tree Layer ◽  
Quercus Semecarpifolia

Aim: To study the impact of altitudinal variation on plant community composition, structure, dispersion and regeneration status of Quercus semecarpifolia forest in Kumaun Himalaya. Methodology: Along the altitudinal gradient, the forest stands between 2400 and 2610 m asl were selected at low, mid and high altitude. The phyto-sociological analysis was carried by laying ten quadrats of 10m × 10m at each site. Soil samples were collected with the help of soil corer from two depths. Various ecological indices and population structure were investigated for each forest stand and regeneration status of forest was predicted by the population size of seedlings, saplings and trees. Tree biomass was estimated using allomatric equations and carbon stock was determined by multiplying biomass of species to factor 0.475. Results: With increasing altitude the number of tree species decreased and the shrub species richness increased, while herb species showed a unimodel pattern. Q. semecarpifolia was the dominant tree species at all the three sites with the IVI values of 220.14, 255.22 and 286.23 at LA, MA and HA, respectively. A complete absence of Q. semecarpifolia seedlings indicated no regeneration in low and high altitude stands while low proportion of seedlings in mid altitude forest stand indicated poor regeneration. Soil was acidic (pH 5.66-5.86), with higher silt content and showed decreasing pattern in physico-chemical properties with increasing altitude. The biomass of tree layer ranged from 871.49 to 1050.17 t ha-1. The tree layer carbon stock was maximum in high altitude forest (498.84 t ha-1) which was largely contributed by bole, stump roots and branches. Interpretation: Variation in species richness, distribution pattern and regeneration potential is related to site characteristics governed by altitude and require various efforts to conserve and protect these forests to check ecosystem imbalance.

scholarly journals Stand Structure, Regeneration Status and Distribution Patterns of Six Important Tree Species along Altitudinal Gradients at the Kilum-Ijim Forest Reserve, Cameroon

2020 ◽  
pp. 41-57
Author(s):  
Franklin Bantar Nworo ◽  
Njoh Roland Ndah ◽  
Egbe Enow Andrew
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Elevation Gradient ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Altitudinal Gradients ◽  
Regeneration Status

Tropical montane forests are considered to be one of the most species diverse ecosystems. These areas pose specific edaphic and environmental characteristics which enable these areas to harbour wide varieties of organisms. Some of these organisms are threatened and others are endemic to the area. The quest for food and other resources has resulted to indiscriminate exploitation of these montane forest. This study aimed to investigate the stand structure, distribution patterns and regeneration status of six tree species (Nuxia congesta, Pittosporum mannii, Podocarpu slatifolius, Prunus africana, Schefflera abyssinica and Syzygium guineense) along altitudinal gradients in the Kilum-Ijim Forest Reserve, Cameroon. A total of six study plots of one hectare (100 x100 m) each were laid across a 120 m elevation gradient. Two plots were established at each altitudinal gradient with elevations 2377 m, 2437 m and 2497 m. Measurements were taken for tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH 1.3 m) for the tree and poles. The digital Vernier callipers were used to measure collar diameters of seedlings and saplings. The highest tree density of 385 stems/ha was recorded for N. congesta at altitude 2497 m while the least was 20 stems/ha for S. abyssinica at altitude 2377m. The highest seedling density was 1563 stems/ha recorded for P. mannii at altitude 2377m and the least was noted for S. abyssinica at all the three altitudinal gradients.  Nuxia congesta had the highest basal area of 8809.23m2/ha at altitude 2437 m and the least of 74.82m2/ha for P. latifolius at altitude 2437 m.  The highest IVI occurred in N. congesta (131.91) was recorded at altitude 2377 m and the least (24.91) occurred in P. latifolius at altitude 2437 m. The spatial distributions of studied tree species were generally clumped and irregular. The regenerations of species were generally poor, though fair regenerations were noticed for N. congesta and P. mannii. The results showed that the six tree species were highly disturbed by anthropogenic activities. It is therefore imperative to develop and implement effective conservation measures to sustain the biodiversity of this reserve.

scholarly journals Deriving Tree Size Distributions of Tropical Forests from Lidar

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
Franziska Taubert ◽  
Rico Fischer ◽  
Nikolai Knapp ◽  
Andreas Huth
Keyword(s):  
Size Distribution ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Diameter Distribution ◽  
Forest Inventories ◽  
Allometric Relations ◽  
Lidar Measurements ◽  
Derived Data

Remote sensing is an important tool to monitor forests to rapidly detect changes due to global change and other threats. Here, we present a novel methodology to infer the tree size distribution from light detection and ranging (lidar) measurements. Our approach is based on a theoretical leaf–tree matrix derived from allometric relations of trees. Using the leaf–tree matrix, we compute the tree size distribution that fit to the observed leaf area density profile via lidar. To validate our approach, we analyzed the stem diameter distribution of a tropical forest in Panama and compared lidar-derived data with data from forest inventories at different spatial scales (0.04 ha to 50 ha). Our estimates had a high accuracy at scales above 1 ha (1 ha: root mean square error (RMSE) 67.6 trees ha−1/normalized RMSE 18.8%/R² 0.76; 50 ha: 22.8 trees ha−1/6.2%/0.89). Estimates for smaller scales (1-ha to 0.04-ha) were reliably for forests with low height, dense canopy or low tree height heterogeneity. Estimates for the basal area were accurate at the 1-ha scale (RMSE 4.7 tree ha−1, bias 0.8 m² ha−1) but less accurate at smaller scales. Our methodology, further tested at additional sites, provides a useful approach to determine the tree size distribution of forests by integrating information on tree allometries.

scholarly journals COMPARISON ON VEGETATION COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF EXCLOSURES VS. OPEN GRAZING LANDS IN NORTHERN ETHIOPIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 70-99
Author(s):  
Samson Shimelse Jemaneh
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Regeneration Status ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
Grazing Lands

This study was conducted with the objectives of study investigates, compare, and try to describe the floristic composition and structure of the vegetation of exclosures and open grazing lands. A stratified preferential sampling design technique with flexible systematic model was used for data collection. Data on vegetation and environmental parameters were gathered from 120 quadrants (90 from restorations or exclosures of different ages and 30 from adjacent open grazing lands), of 20 m x 20 m (400 m2) size. Species richness and the presence or absence of herbaceous plants were recorded like soil samples in a 2 m x 2 m (4 m2) subplot inside each main quadrant from five points, one at each corner and one at the center.  A total of 142 plant species belonging to 118 genera and 52 families were identified. All exclosures displayed higher plant species richness, diversity, and aboveground standing biomass compared to the adjacent open grazing lands. Consideration of edaphic (e.g. soil total nitrogen, available phosphorus, CEC, exchangeable bases, soil pH and soil texture) and site (e.g. Stoniness, Grazing) variables will help to optimize the selection of areas for the establishment of future exclosures. Moreover, our study suggests that with time exclosures may increasingly obtain an important role as refugees and species pool similar to church forests and should be protected and managed in a sustainable manner. However, economic and social impacts of exclosures should be included in feasibility studies before establishing exclosures in the future.  Altitude, Grazing and some soil parameters like Mg were the major environmental factors in the division of the vegetation into plant community types. The result of the frequency distribution of woody species showed a high proportion of small-sized individuals in the lower diameter classes indicating good recruitment potential of the forest patches and the rare occurrence of large individuals. Such trend was probably caused by past disturbance of the original vegetation resulting in a succession of secondary vegetation. In addition, the analysis of species population structure indicated that some tree species had abnormal population structure with no or few individuals at lower size classes. Moreover, assessment of regeneration status on the basis of age classes indicated that significant proportion of woody species were represented by few or no seedlings, entailing that they were under threat. Substantial numbers of forest species were found to have irregular population structure and are in reduced regeneration status. To prevent local extinction of these species, present efforts of nursery establishment and plantation of indigenous species in the exclosures should be strengthened and extended.

scholarly journals Pikas and People: Human-Pika (Ochotona) interaction in the Himalaya of Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Narayan Koju ◽  
Mukesh Kumar Chalise ◽  
Randall C Kyes
Keyword(s):  
Traditional Medicine ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Anthropogenic Pollution ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Collective Data ◽  
Local Residents ◽  
Folk Stories ◽  
The Himalaya

Abstract. Koju NP, Chalise MK, Kyes RC. 2021. Pikas and People: Human-Pika (Ochotona) interaction in the Himalaya of Nepal. Biodiversitas 22: 5085-5091. This study examined human-pika (Ochotona) interaction in two protected areas of Nepal: Lamtang National Park (LNP) and Api Nampa Conservation Area (ACNA). We conducted the study between 2012 and 2017 and employed a combination of three qualitative sampling methods: observation of behavior (both humans and pikas), practices, and rituals of the local residents, pilgrims, tourists, and Yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinesis) collectors; collection of folk stories; and focus group discussions with local residents to investigate the nature of human-pika interaction. Based on the collective data, three general themes relating to human-pika interaction emerged: 1) the perception of pikas as a respected entity; 2) effects of anthropogenic pollution on pikas, and 3) pikas as a traditional medicine. In LNP, the pika was respected as symbol of the Buddhist monk ‘Lama’. In contrast, at ANCA, the dried meat of pika was used by local people for traditional medicine. At both locations, there is an increasing human presence resulting in increased anthropogenic pollution. This, in turn, may present a potential risk to the pikas over the long term. Further investigation is needed to address the effects of anthropogenic activities on the pika and to ensure the health and viability of the pika population.

scholarly journals Nest characteristics and populations of Tapanuli Orangutans in the conflict areas, Batangtoru Landscape, North Sumatra, Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanda Kuswanda ◽  
R. HAMDANI HARAHAP ◽  
HADI S. ALIKODRA ◽  
ROBERT SIBARANI
Keyword(s):  
Tree Height ◽  
Buffer Zone ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Buffer Zones ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Durio Zibethinus ◽  
Canopy Area ◽  
Cash Compensation ◽  
Production Forests

Abstract. Kuswanda W, Harahap RH, Alikodra JS, Sibarani R. 2020. Nest characteristics and populations of Tapanuli orangutans in Batangtoru Landscape, South Tapanuli District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 3398-3406. Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) has been threatened to extinction due to conflicts with humans. Information on the orangutan characteristics in conflict areas at the Batangtoru Landscape is needed. Our research aimed to analyze the characteristics of nests, nest trees, and estimation of orangutan populations in conservation forests and buffer zones to develop conflict mitigation strategies in the Batangtoru Landscape, South Tapanuli District. A line transect method was used to count orangutan nests on 49 transects, starting from June 2019 to January 2020. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, frequency tables, Spearman correlation (rho), and the equation by (van Schaick et al. 1995). Tapanuli orangutans make nests at the height of 14.01 meters (90% CI = 13.37-14.67 meters), and most use the main stem as nest support. Tree nests of 35 species (17 families) were identified, with the highest frequency in (Durio zibethinus Murray), especially in the buffer zone. Correlation between nest tree diameter, tree height, and canopy area was significant (p <0.01, n = 83). The estimated orangutan populations in conflict areas were 155 individuals (95% CI = 121-187), and the highest was found in Dolok Sibualbuali Nature Reserve buffer zones. Mitigation strategy of human-orangutan conflict that needs to be realized is the non-cash compensation guaranteeing the community does not disturb orangutans on their land. The compensation forms can be the provision of seedlings and fertilizer for plants, agricultural machinery, knowledge to land management, and orangutan ecotourism development. Nest and feed trees enrichment can be carried out in production forests bordering with conservation area.

scholarly journals Extreme pregnancy: maternal physical activity at Everest Base Camp

2018 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 580-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margie H. Davenport ◽  
Craig D. Steinback ◽  
Kennedy J. Borle ◽  
Brittany A. Matenchuk ◽  
Emily R. Vanden Berg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High Altitude ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Sleep Behavior ◽  
Nepal Himalaya ◽  
Neonatal Complications ◽  
Base Camp ◽  
High Altitude Natives

High-altitude natives employ numerous physiological strategies to survive and reproduce. However, the concomitant influence of altitude and physical activity during pregnancy has not been studied above 3,700 m. We report a case of physical activity, sleep behavior, and physiological measurements on a 28-yr-old third-trimester pregnant native highlander (Sherpa) during ascent from 3,440 m to Everest Base Camp (~5,300 m) over 8 days in the Nepal Himalaya and again ~10 mo postpartum during a similar ascent profile. The participant engaged in 250–300 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day during ascent to altitude while pregnant, with similar volumes of moderate to vigorous physical activity while postpartum. There were no apparent maternal, fetal, or neonatal complications related to the superimposition of the large volumes of physical activity at altitude. This report demonstrates a rare description of physical activity and ascent to high altitude during pregnancy and points to novel questions regarding the superimposition of pregnancy, altitude, and physical activity in high-altitude natives.

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