Forest futures: biopolitics, purity, and extinction in Europe’s last ‘pristine’ forest

Author(s):  
Olga Cielemęcka
Keyword(s):  
2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 448-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia E Maloney ◽  
David M Rizzo

We determined the incidence of pathogens and insects across mixed-conifer stands in the Sierra San Pedro Martir (SSPM) of northern Baja, Mexico, to assess the role of pests in a pristine forest ecosystem. We also determined the spatial distribution of the two most common pests, mistletoe, Phoradendron pauciflorum Torrey, and the fir engraver, Scolytus ventralis LeConte, of white fir (Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl.) across a 25-ha grid to assess spread and what host and pest variables were related. In these open parklike stands the mean tree density was 160 trees/ha, of which 58% were trees >20 cm diameter at breast height (DBH). In these low-density, mixed-aged stands we found that mixed-conifer species were well represented with no one species being completely dominant. Percent cumulative mortality for the SSPM was 12.7%, ranging from 2 to 24%, with the greatest amount of mortality occurring in the larger size classes, trees [Formula: see text]50 cm DBH. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that 78% of the mortality we observed was explained by pathogens and bark beetles (r2 = 0.78, P = 0.0001, F = 84). Mean pest incidence for Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf. in A. Murray), white fir, and sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana Dougl.) was 21, 88, and 2%, respectively. We found a number of relationships among host and pest variables, as well as a pathogen– insect interaction, and across the SSPM we found that nonhost species may be interfering in certain host–pest interactions. Spatial patterns from the 25-ha grid survey revealed that both P. pauciflorum and S. ventralis incidence were widespread. Phoradendron pauciflorum showed no spatial structure across the 25 ha but S. ventralis showed some degree of spatial structuring across the survey area. We also found that mistletoe severity was negatively correlated with regeneration of white fir. In pristine forests, pathogens and insects influence mortality and regeneration success, affecting stand structure and composition.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Renner ◽  
Eduardo Périco ◽  
Göran Sahlén

Abstract A survey of Odonata was carried out in the National Forest FLONA - SFP, Northeastern region of the Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. This conservation unit is mainly covered by Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (MOF), a subtype of Atlantic Forest biome, being also areas covered in planted Pinus, planted Araucaria and open fields. Our sampling efforts were conducted in thirty aquatic environments inside this reserve during the period between January 2014 and November 2014. The sampling sites were selected randomly, comprehending lakes, bogs, small streams and river sections, all inserted in the four vegetation types occurring in the reserve. Fortysix species of Odonata were collected and grouped into 23 genera and seven families. The dominant families were Coenagrionidae (32%), Libellulidae (32%), Aeshnidae (12%), and, Calopterygidae and Lestidae (9%). As expected, the findings revealed the presence of a highly diverse Odonate assemblage, mainly represented by generalist species in the most human disturbed sectors (Pinus and Open fields) and some specialist species in the pristine forest. Two species were registered for the first time in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Libellula herculea Karsch, 1889 (Libellulidae) and Heteragrion luizfelipei Machado, 2006 (Heteragrionidae).


2007 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keshab Shrestha

Lying at western corner of the Kathmandu city, the Swoyambhu hillock (1403.76m) represents a surviving pristine forest in the metropolitan capital of Nepal. Once an extension of Jamaca (2096m) with luxuriant sub-tropical forest is now invaded by dense human population and other developmental activities. This hillock is still rich with a total plant species of 319. Of them, 65 are trees, 43 shrubs, 194 herbs and 17 climbers. Northern slope of the hillock is rich in tree species with scattered patches of under-growing bushes and ferns, whereas southern, western and eastern slopes are much disturbed with exotic species of plants, creating challenges to the norms of the heritage standard. Domination by Pinus roxburghii (chire pine) and Eucalyptus, Jacaranda and Callistemon, etc are altering the indigenous nature of the hillock. And also the forested hillock has been randomly utilized for refreshment, yoga, ayurbedic remedy and food. Due to growing constructions and exploitations, the forested hillock is now facing a threat to maintain its pristine ecosystem. <i>Nepal Journal of Science and Technology</i> Vol. 7, 2006


1998 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 579-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonis Chatzinotas ◽  
Ruth-Anne Sandaa ◽  
Wilhelm Schönhuber ◽  
Rudolf Amann ◽  
Frida Lise Daae ◽  
...  

Science ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 301 (5640) ◽  
pp. 1710-1714 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Heckenberger
Keyword(s):  

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 645-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Dohm ◽  
Inara R. Leal ◽  
Marcello Tabarelli ◽  
Sebastian T. Meyer ◽  
Rainer Wirth

Habitat fragmentation is gradually altering tropical forests all around the globe (Wright 2005), as human populations convert large blocks of pristine forest habitats into permanently fragmented or human-modified landscapes (Tabarelli et al. 2004). Fragmentation processes apparently create opportunities for small sets of species, which proliferate across modified landscapes, while others are driven to extinction or remain as minimal populations (Tabarelli et al. 2010). This ‘winners vs. losers paradigm’ (sensu McKinney & Lockwood 1999) probably describes one of the most conspicuous rearrangements of tropical biotas in response to human disturbances (in addition to biomass collapse), with unanticipated consequences for ecosystem functioning and long-term biodiversity persistence (Lôbo et al. 2011). Despite such appeal, the ecological identity of proliferating organisms and the mechanisms underlying their high abundance levels remains poorly appreciated.


2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 503-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.V. Rizzo ◽  
P. Artaxo ◽  
T. Karl ◽  
A.B. Guenther ◽  
J. Greenberg

1999 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter G. Ryan ◽  
Carlos Bento ◽  
Callan Cohen ◽  
John Graham ◽  
Vincent Parker ◽  
...  

SummaryWe report the current status of birds at the Namuli Massif, northern Mozambique. Despite being the only known locality for the Namuli Apalis Apalis lynesi and the nominate race of the Dapplethroat Arcanator orostruthus, the mountain is very little known ornithologically. Prior to our survey it had only been visited by an ornithologist in 1932, when Jack Vincent collected in the area for three weeks. During our week-long survey in November-December 1998 we recorded 130 bird species from the Namuli area, including all three globally threatened species reported by Vincent (Thyolo Alethe Alethe choloensis, Dapplethroat and Namuli Apalis). The higher-elevation (>1,500 m) forests are still largely intact, but most of those at lower elevations have been cleared for agriculture. The alethe and apalis are common, occurring in remnant forest patches and secondary scrub as well as pristine forest from 1,160 to 2,000 m. The Dapplethroat is restricted to large, intact forests above 1,500 m, but also is fairly common (up to 2–3 singing males per hectare; greater densities than recorded elsewhere). Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica was recorded for the first time in Mozambique, and was suspected of breeding at 1,400 m. We estimate that some 1,300 ha of pristine forest remains on the main massif between Gurue and Mount Namuli, but this area is being reduced by burning and “subsistence” logging. Approximately 7,000 people currently live in the area east of the main forest. Grazing by goats and pigs on the montane grasslands surrounding the forests is another problem, but the gravest threat is posed by improved road access to the area, which could open the forests to commercial logging. In addition to being the sole locality known for the Namuli Apalis and the nominate race of Dapplethroat, the Namuli forests probably support the largest single populations of Thyolo Alethe and the well-marked belcheri race of Green Barbet. These populations make Namuli arguably the most critical Important Bird Area for Mozambique, and the remaining forests have a high priority for conservation action.


Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4858 (4) ◽  
pp. 451-506
Author(s):  
ANTHONY JOHN CORNEL ◽  
MARIE PAUL AUDREY MAYI ◽  
CYRIL KOWO ◽  
DAVID FONCHA ◽  
ESACK ANDONGMA ◽  
...  

Species of Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) belonging to the subgenus Culiciomyia were collected in partially logged areas and in surrounding pristine forest (Talangaye Forest) in the Nguti Subdivision in the South-West Region of Cameroon. Mosquitoes were collected mainly by sweep netting through forest floor vegetation. Morphological species identification of African Culiciomyia relies almost exclusively on the structure of the male genitalia and the shapes of comb scales on the maxillary palpi of males. Other features of males and the habitus of females are largely indistinguishable between the species of this subgenus. In total, seven currently described species and three new species were collected in the forest. The males of the three new species are described and named as Culex apicopilosus Cornel & Mayi, sp. n., Culex lanzaroi Cornel & Mayi, sp. n. and Culex pseudosubaequalis Cornel & Mayi, sp. n. More detailed descriptions of males of the other currently known species that were collected in the Talangaye Forest and pictorial keys to the males of all Afrotropical species of Culiciomyia, including the new species, are provided. 


2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 830-849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mireille Desponts ◽  
Geneviève Brunet ◽  
Louis Bélanger ◽  
Mathieu Bouchard

The objective of this project was to assess the importance of pristine forests in maintaining the botanical biodiversity of the humid boreal balsam fir forest of eastern Canada. The study was based on a comparative analysis of silviculturally mature second-growth stands and pristine forest stands at two stages of development (senescent and old growth) in the Gaspé Peninsula. The structure and composition of the stands was described, and the abundance of structural attributes evaluated. The communities of nonvascular plant species (mosses, liverworts), lichens, and saprophytic fungi were compared. The study demonstrated that the pristine forest landscape studied was composed largely of old-growth and senescent stands. Old-growth forests are differentiated by their irregular structure. The results regarding nonvascular plant species, lichens, and saprophytic fungi show higher species diversity in old-growth forests, corresponding to higher habitat diversity. Species assemblages were comparable between the pristine forests, but different from those of second-growth stands. Rare species are found more frequently in the old-growth forests. The results indicate that the old-growth balsam fir stands of the Gaspé Peninsula constitute critical habitats for maintaining a large number of species threatened by the gradual disappearance of primeval stands.Key words: forest management, biodiversity, old-growth forest, humid boreal fir forest, nonvascular plants.


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