Fruit traits of tree species in lower montane rainforest at Doi Suthep–Pui, northern Thailand

Fruits are a major food resource for wildlifes and have evolved different traits which attract specific frugivores and facilitate seed dispersal. This study examines the quantity of the frequency of fruit tree species, distribution amongst fruit traits and estimates the potential availability of the fruit resource for frugivores in a 16-ha permanent forest plot at Doi Suthep–Pui, Thailand. The similarity amongst traits for fleshy fruited species was explored using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Fleshy fruited species comprised 122 of 208 tree species >2 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) recorded in the permanent plot. Amongst fleshy fruited species, small fruits (length <20 mm) were most common (63.16% of species) while large fruits were rare (4.1%). Black was the most common fruit colour (43.4%). Principal Component Analysis of fruit traits explained 57% of total variance on the first three axes, and allowed identification of three species groups. Litsea martabanica and Persea gamblei are the greatest density and represented the major PCA group; black, small-sized and thin husk indehiscent fruits. These fruiting trees scattered throughout the permanent plot and were of good regeneration status. Indicating fleshy fruit can be a food resource for frugivores especially small-sized fruit. Furthermore, large-fruited species such as Madhuca floribunda is low density but important to preserve for food resource of large frugivores. This finding is very important not only for forest protection policy but also for wildlife conservation as food resources.

Dynamics of vegetation structure and composition within early regeneration forest in the Danau Bangko Protected Area, Jambi, Indonesia

An analysis of the growth dynamics of a 1-ha (100 m x 100 m) permanent plot was carried out in the Danau Bangko Protected Area (DBPA) in March 2020. DBPA is part of the industrial plantation forest concession of PT Rimba Hutani Mas (PT RHM) in Jambi Province. The study aims to determine the dynamics of vegetation structure and composition between 2018 and 2020 in early regeneration forest. All trees tagged in 2018 were remeasured in 2020. Trees that had not been tagged previously but were 10 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH) were identified as a new recruit and tagged with a new number. Observations and data analysis were carried out on three stages of growth phases, namely in the tree phase ( 10 cm DBH), sapling phase (10 cm DBH), and seedling phase (height 1.5 m). The results showed that the number of species, genera, and families within the tree and sapling phases were high, but were low in the seedling phase. The dominant species in the tree phase in 2018, Alseodaphne bancana, had been replaced by Archidendron bubalinum in 2020, whereas the dominant species in the sapling phase (Rothmania sp.) and seedling phase (Aporusa microsphaera) remained the same from 2018 to 2020 . Mortality rates in all growth phases (tree, sapling and seedling) together is 4.67%. Recruitment into the tree phase from 2018 to 2020 was 2.67%, consisting of eight species, eight genera, and seven families. Within one hectare permanent plot, all members of each tree species were distributed randomly. The vertical structure of the forest area is dominated by stratum C (4-20 m height). The results of hypothesis testing for each phase (tree, sapling, seedling) were different, however overall the results showed that the plot structure and composition had changed. Studi dinamika hutan dilakukan di Kawasan Lindung Danau Bangko (KLDB) pada Maret 2020 dengan menggunakan pendekatan plot permanen seluas satu hektar (100 m x 100 m). KLDB merupakan bagian dari konsesi hutan tanaman industri PT Rimba Hutani Mas (PT RHM) di Provinsi Jambi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dinamika struktur dan komposisi vegetasi antara pengukuran tahun 2018 dan 2020, khususnya pada areal dengan tutupan Belukar Tua (BT). Diameter semua pohon yang telah diberi tanda nomor pada tahun 2018 diukur kembali. Pohon yang belum diberi tanda sebelumnya tetapi diameternya 10 cm setinggi dada (DBH) ditetapkan sebagai rekrutmen baru dan diberi tanda dengan nomor baru. Pengamatan dan analisis data dilakukan terhadap tiga tahap tahap pertumbuhan, yaitu tingkat pohon (10 cm DBH), tingkat pancang (10 cm DBH), dan tingkat semai (tinggi 1,5 m). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa jumlah spesies, jumlah marga, dan jumlah famili pada tingkat pohon dan pancang tinggi, sedangkan pada tingkat semai rendah. Jenis dominan pada tingkat pohon pada tahun 2018 adalah Alseodaphne bancana telah digantikan oleh Archidendron bubalinum pada tahun 2020, sedangkan pada tingkat pancang (Rothmania sp) dan tingkat semai (Aporusa microsphaera) merupakan jenis yang dominan baik pada tahun 2018 maupun pada tahun 2020. Angka kematian pada semua tahapan pertumbuhan bervariasi dengan rata-rata 4,67%. Rekrutmen di tingkat pohon 2,67% yang terdiri dari 8 spesies, 8 marga, dan 7 famili. Secara keseluruhan, semua spesies tersebar secara acak. Tinggi tajuk pohon didominasi oleh stratum C (tinggi 4 m - 20 m). Hasil pengujian hipotesis pada setiap tingkatan (pohon, pancang, semai) berbeda, namun hasil penggabungan semua data menunjukkan bahwa telah terjadi dinamika.

Understorey to canopy vertebrate fauna of a lowland evergreen forest in Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, Philippines

We examined the vertical stratification of forest wildlife, from the ground up to the canopy layer, within a 2-hectare permanent plot of lowland evergreen rainforest on the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve. Our aim was to determine the species richness of the different forest layers and evaluate their ecosystem services. Understorey, sub-canopy and canopy sampling were conducted during July 2016, March to April 2017 and February to March 2018, respectively. We were able to record a total of 68 species, consisting of 11 amphibians, 15 reptiles, 25 birds and 17 mammals. Increasing species richness with increasing vertical stratification was observed for both reptiles and mammals. For birds, the peak richness was observed in the sub-canopy and then decreased in the canopy. A decreasing trend was observed with amphibians wherein the peak species richness was observed in the understorey. Increasing vertical stratification influenced vertical habitat use and species richness. For the similarity index, the same pattern was observed for all species groups. Highest similarity was observed between the sub-canopy and the canopy and the least similarity was observed between the understorey and canopy. These results indicate that the understorey and the canopy host different species groups, thus, sampling of the understorey alone, often done in biodiversity surveys, may lead to the underestimation of species richness in an area.

Temporal variation in the population of bulbuls (Family Pycnonotidae) in lower montane forest, Northern Thailand

Ponpituk Y, Siri S, Safoowong M, Suksavate W, Marod D, Duengkae P. 2020. Temporal variation in the population of bulbuls (Family Pycnonotidae) in lower montane forest, Northern Thailand. Biodiversitas 21: 3644-3649. Temporal variations in the population of bulbuls (Family Pycnonotidae) were studied over the course of four years in a 16-ha lower montane permanent plot, Northern Thailand. This study aimed to determine the relationship of the temporal variation of forest gaps with the population size of the bulbul, which plays a crucial role in seed dispersal and insect control in tropical forest ecosystems. This long-term monitoring study in a permanent plot was conducted monthly from January 2016 through October 2019. Data were collected using the mist-netting method for the capture-recapture protocol with individual bird banding. A total of 33,120 traps hour for 46 months,180 traps hour per day and 720 traps hour per month were recorded. The banding of a total of 94 individual bulbuls resulted in their classification into 5 species, consisting of Puff-throated Bulbul (Alophoixus pallidus), Mountain Bulbul (Ixos mcclellandii), Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus flaviventris), Ashy Bulbul (Hemixos flavala) and Flavescent Bulbul (Iole virescens). The annual average density of bulbul for four years tended to decrease, but the difference was not significant. The highest average population occurred in 2016 and the lowest in 2018 with the changes being attributable to forest gap. Over time, monthly detection of bulbuls decreased gradually under closed canopy conditions, while in forest gaps, bird detection remained constant. As gap conditions so did detection probabilities. Our findings suggest that natural forest gaps can play an essential role as a temporal inhibitor to the rapid bird population decrease in the lower montane forest. This study will be useful for bird conservation and in balancing ecosystems for sustainability and providing interest in conservation initiatives requiring spatially explicit estimates of density.

DINÂMICA DE SERAPILHEIRA EM UMA ÁREA DE FLORESTA DE TERRA FIRME, AMAZÔNIA OCIDENTAL

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a produção e decomposição de serapilheira em uma área de floresta primária de terra firme na Reserva Biológica do Jaru. Para tanto, foi implantada uma parcela permanente de 1 hectare, onde foram demarcadas 25 subparcelas com 20 x 20 m cada. Para a coleta de serapilheira, instalou-se 25 coletores de PVC (1 em cada centro da subparcela), medindo 0,25 m², a 1 metro do solo, com malha de nylon de 1 mm. Para estimar o estoque de serapilheira, utilizou-se 25 coletores de madeira, medindo 0,25 m², com malha de nylon de 1 mm, dispostos no solo de cada subparcela. As coletas da pesquisa foram realizadas quinzenalmente, entre os meses de outubro de 2016 a setembro de 2017, e a serapilheira triada nas frações: folha, galho, material reprodutivo e miscelânea. No laboratório, os materiais amostrados foram secos em estufa à 80 ºC e pesados em balança de precisão centesimal, sendo que a decomposição de serapilheira foi estimada através da relação entre produção e estoque. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, a produção de serapilheira total foi de 14,13 Mg ha-1 e as frações seguiram o padrão: folhamiscelâneagalhomaterial reprodutivo. As maiores produções aconteceram na estação seca e a taxa de decomposição foi 1,37, indicando que a atividade microbiana na área de estudo é acelerada.Palavras-chave: dinâmica sazonal; nutrição de plantas; ecologia florestal; decomposição. LITTER DYNAMICS IN A FOREST AREA OF GROUND FIRM, WESTERN AMAZON ABSTRACT:The objective of this study was to evaluate the litter production and decomposition in an area of primary upland forest in the Jaru Biological Reserve. For that, a permanent plot of 1 hectare was implanted, where 25 subplots with 20 x 20 m each were demarcated. For the collection of litter, 25 PVC collectors were installed (1 in each center of the subplot), measuring 0.25 m², 1 meter from the ground, with 1 mm nylon mesh. To estimate the litter stock, 25 wood collectors, measuring 0.25 m², with 1 mm nylon mesh, were used, arranged in the soil of each subplot. The collections of the research were carried out fortnightly, between the months of October 2016 and September 2017, and the litter is sorted in the fractions: leaf, branch, reproductive material and miscellaneous. In the laboratory, the sampled materials were dried in an oven at 80 ºC and weighed on a centesimal precision scale, and the litter decomposition was estimated through the relationship between production and stock. According to the results obtained, the total litter production was 14.13 Mg ha-1 and the fractions followed the pattern: leafmiscellaneousbranchreproductive material. The highest yields occurred in the dry season and the decomposition rate was 1.37, indicating that the microbial activity in the study area is accelerated.Keyword: seasonal dynamics; plant nutrition; forest ecology; decomposition.

The Diversity and Diameter Growth Rate of Sprouting-Type Tree in Bukit Pinang-Pinang Forest Permanent Plots

The process of forest regeneration can take place within a certain period of time. Sprouting is a form of strategy for in adapting to its environment for success in regenerating. The Research on the diversity and diameter growth rate of sprouting-type tree in Bukit Pinang-pinang forest permanent plots, West Sumatra was carried out from October 2012 to December 2016 in the forest of Bukit Pinang-Pinang, West Sumatra and Herbarium Department of Biology, Universitas Andalas, Padang. This research was conducted using a survey method by census. The parameters analyzed were plant species composition, Morishita Index, Mann-Whitney test, Regression and Correlation test as well as RDGR (Relative Diameter of Growth Rate). The result of experiment was found 40 species of trees sprouting type in forest permanent plot Bukit Pinang-Pinang. The pattern of sprouting type trees distribution in the study locations was found to have a clustered, random and uniform pattern. Relative Diameter Growth Rate (RDGR) of 40 sprouting types of trees in the Bukit Pinang-Pinang forest permanent plots ranged from 0.003 cm/cm/year to 0.0288 cm/cm/year. Altitude did not affect RDGR of an individual tree sprouting type for 31 years

Stand dynamics and topographic setting influence changes in live tree biomass over a 34-year permanent plot record in a subalpine forest in the Colorado Front Range

Climate-induced increases in tree mortality are reported for many forests worldwide. Understanding the potential effects on carbon pools requires long-term monitoring of changes in forest biomass. We measured aboveground biomass (AGB) of living trees over a 34-year period (1982–2016) in permanent plots with varying stand ages, species compositions, and topographic settings in a subalpine forest in the Colorado Front Range. Stand-level and species-level AGB varied spatially and temporally in relation to stand age, successional processes, and site moisture classification. Young (ca. 122 years) postfire stands composed of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson) had lower mean AGB than older (>250 years) mixed-species stands. Mesic stands had higher AGB than xeric or hydric stands of similar age. At the level of individual species, significant shifts in AGB among species were primarily explained by successional replacement of shade-intolerant pines by shade-tolerant Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.). The permanent plot network recorded significant shifts in species dominance and tree densities between 1982 and 2016, reflecting successional patterns developing over several centuries and the effects of recent localized windthrow, insects, and pathogens. Despite increases in tree mortality, there was a general pattern of increasing AGB across the forest.

Long-term monitoring of Green-winged Orchid (Anacamptis morio) at Upwood Meadows NNR, Huntingdonshire

The results of monitoring a population of Anacamptis morio over a 40-year period (1978-2017) in a permanent plot at Upwood Meadows NNR, Huntingdonshire, are presented. Flowering and vegetative plants were recorded each year, with individuals relocated using phenomarkers and triangulation. The majority of plants flowered for over half of their lifespan, the average lifespan of an individual plant was almost 10 years, and the known maximum lifespan above-ground for an individual was at least 36 years. The average age of the cohort became much younger over the course of the study, with potential reasons given including extreme old age, a lack of recruitment, and climate.