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The study considers the issues of introduction and reintroduction of the Red Book species of checker tree in the system of decorative gardening, forest protection, and forest ecosystems. That is why the purpose of the study was to monitor the green corridors of rural and urban ecosystems of the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine, to investigate and select the best forms of checker tree in terms of morphological characteristics and physiological properties for promising areas of distribution and conservation in the form of pure and mixed plantings. The following methods were used in the research: route, field, biometric, laboratory, comparative analysis, mathematical and statistical. New forms of checker tree were introduced, studied in in situ and ex situ conditions, and selected for the prospects of their further introduction and reintroduction into the ecological network of Ukraine and conservation to activate trophic, phoric, and other types of biotic interactions in a single territorial ecosystem. Sparsely distributed biotypes of Torminalis glaberrima (Gand.) Sennikov & Kurtto f. Intermedia Kossetz were found in the zone of green corridors of rural and urban ecosystems of the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. Some specimens of these biotypes were identified as valuable material for introduction into the system of fruit and ornamental gardening, including parks and monuments of landscape art, as well as natural monuments, protected tracts, sanctuaries and reserves of pure and mixed plantings, alleys, forest reclamation strips, etc. It was established that the elements of originality of the selected forms of checker tree - Eva, Podolianochka and Slavka - are the specificity of the crown shape, which determines the level of productivity, small and medium growth force, normal reaction to pruning (which affects the size and yield of fruits), high degree of flowering (60-80%), increased fruit size (diameter of more than 2 cm), increased fruit weight (1.8-2.1 g), increased number of fruits on the stem (≥20 units), a pleasant and harmonious taste of fruits, high quality of fruits, lack of periodicity in fruiting in nature and in culture, high xenogamy (69-75%), high yield of fruits from the plant, increased winter hardiness (7.5 pt.), high drought resistance (8 pt.) and resistance to pests, including pear leaf blister mite (7-9 pt.). The findings can be used in the future to replenish pure and mixed plantings in the ecological network of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this work is to describe the structure and conservation status of the forest of Prosopis flexuosa and Prosopis chilensis around Huaco and in the adjacent basin of the Bermejo River (department of Jáchal, San Juan). Currently, this genus has changed its name to Neltuma. To this end, baseline information for the conservation and sustainable management of these little-studied native forests was generated from an inventory that took into account dasonomic parameters such as conservation status and tree form. This information is linked to a forest typology based on satellite image classifications. The results are expressed in a proposed classification of four native forest types for this locality and its surroundings. This classification includes, in addition to the characteristics of the area covered by native forest, the identification of the different uses and disturbances that have impacted it in recent decades. Finally, different management and land-use planning proposals for these forests in northern San Juan are preliminarily discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall are expected to have negative e%ects on ecosystem services causing significant shrinkage or shift in forest distributions particularly in the Mediterranean basin. In this study, we aimed to determine the distribution of Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica Manetti), modeling the current and potential future distributions in Morocco with Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) approach. Modeling was performed using all bioclimatic variables that show a significant relationship to the current distribution of Atlas cedar and that were specifically preferred in the literature by several similar studies. Prediction of warmer future scenarios showed that populations in the potential area would decrease by 21% for RCP 4.5 (2050), by 23% for RCP 4.5 (2070), by 35% for RCP 8.5 (2050), and 41% for RCP 8.5 (2070) and that there would be an impact in all ranges including the Cedar Biosphere Reserve in Morocco. Similarly, the Atlas cedar would lose its isolated-marginal populations in its southern and western extents. The results underline the importance of a genetic conservation program for cedar populations in Morocco. Otherwise, gene pools seem to turn extinct due to climate change. Furthermore, this study is intended to provide a starting point for continuous monitoring of Atlas cedars distributions while observing its climatic migration. Species distribution modeling generates valuable information for conservation management strategies for this endemic, rare, and threatened relict tree species. The results can be used to identify high-priority areas for Atlas cedar restoration and conservation against the expected impact of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests are the potential source for managing carbon sequestration and balancing universal carbon equilibrium between sources and sinks. In view of the importance of biomass, this study makes an attempt to estimate temporal and spatial carbon stock of Godebie National Park, Ethiopia, using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro radiometer (MODIS), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and the field inventory data through geospatial techniques. A model was developed for establishing the relationship between forest carbon, EVI, and NDVI in the selected study site. The correlation value between estimated carbon stock with EVI were found as 0.69, while with NDVI, the values were obtained as 0.87 respectively. The regression model of measured biomass with NDVI and EVI was developed for the data obtained during the period 2020-2021. The R² values obtained were 0.81 for the regression model between estimated carbon stock and EVI, and 0.77 for the regression model between NDVI and estimated carbon stock. The results indicate that the methodology adopted in this study can help in selecting best fit model for analyzing relationship between carbon stock and NDVI/EVI and for estimating biomass and carbon stock using allometric equation at various spatial scales. The produced output map and allometric equation revealed carbon stock distribution of 5.88 t/ha up to 900 t/ha, with an average value of 406.67. Generally, the approaches used on this study can be used by the forest planners, policy makers, and government officials for conservation and protection of the forest ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Affem Boussou community forest (AFC) abounds in important biological resources. This study, which contributes to its better management, examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of the vegetation and its ecological and structural characteristics to propose a zoning plan for said forest. The analysis of the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use in the AFC from Google Earth images of 2015, 2018, and 2021 revealed a regressive trend of formations: crops and fallows (−33.98%), dense dry forests (−7.92%), gallery forests (−3.46%), plantations (−100%), grassy savannahs, and meadows (−18.84%), except for tree/shrub savannahs (484.23%). The floristic inventory identified 163 species divided into 129 genera and 55 families. Fabaceae (14.02%), and Combretaceae (10.55%) are the most represented families. Anogeissus leiocarpa (5.19%) and Vitellaria paradoxa (4.72%) are the most frequent species. We note the dominance of individuals of small diameters. The regeneration potential of the AFC is 64 feet/ha due to 21 feet/ha of suckers, 29 feet/ha of seedlings, and 14 feet/ha of shoots. As a zoning plan, the AFC was subdivided into four zones: the agroforestry zone (18.80%), the sustainable production forest zone (42.22%), the buffer zone (11%), and the biological conservation zone (28%). These results constitute a scientific basis for testing ecological indicators of the sustainable management of community forests in Togo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The English colonial plan of converting Jamaica into a settler colony was challenged by the Maroons who established communities in the interior of the island. Living in the forests at the edge of the expanding plantation system, Maroons were feared by aspiring white settlercolonists. The zone where the plantation and white settlements met the Maroon de-facto territory became a frontier zone, where race, belonging, and freedom were contested. The Maroons inspired Black revolt and dreams of freedom, but after signing treaties ending their war against the English in the mid-18th century, the Maroons became dreaded by non-Maroon Blacks in Jamaica. Fear of the Maroons had productive and protective effects on the physical environment; the conservation of much of Jamaica's interior was one of these effects. The paper uses colonial era admissions of this fear as openings for showing how Jamaican conservation was shaped by the Maroons as spatial actors. The paper proposes conceptualizing the afforesting outcomes of marronage as arboreal side-effects, geographical and ecological consequences that are denied in foremost accounts of colonial forest conservation. The paper illustrates the importance of considering Black spatial thought, race and the geographic imaginary (Black Geographies) alongside the connections between antiblackness, the exploitation of nature, and the imperatives of ecological justice (Black ecologies). Reading Maroon practices and histories through and as Black geographies, the paper argues for a subaltern environmental history of Jamaica that affirms Black spatial agency and epistemologies. Consequently, the paper helps clarify marronage as a material-ecological as well as social-political process that is always shaped by the morphology of power and the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethiopia is endowed with diverse forest resources. Amhara National Regional State, one of the administrative regions in Ethiopia, has diverse ecology and is endowed with diversified flora and fauna. Forest resources in the region provide various uses and services to the local community. But the forest resources of the region have faced huge devastation due to high human and livestock pressure. As a response, efforts have been made to conserve and develop the forest resources of the region. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information about the current status and trend of forest resources in the region. This review provides the current status and trend of forest resources in the region based on a literature search from different sources. The review showed that the overall forest resource of the region decreased over time, despite the expansion of plantation forests. Most of the natural forest resources of the region disappeared and remnants are found in church compounds and other forest conservation areas. Plantation forests in the region are dominated by exotic tree species, majorly Eucalyptus. Most important non-timber forest products have been neglected, and modern forest development interventions are lacking. This review paper is indispensable for decision-makers, academicians, development, and research institutions to direct their focus toward developing technologies and information for the sustainable development of the forest resources in the region. Appropriate forest management and utilization practices have to be implemented for the sustainability of the forest resources in the region. Since the forest resource in the region is under dynamic change, regularly updating and providing information on its current status is imperative for timely and proper decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest ecosystems provide livelihood opportunities such as medicines, fuelwood, timber, cash income and a reliable supply of groundwater. However, encroachment of forests by human settlement adjacent to conservation areas is associated with overharvesting of forest resources and uncontrolled livestock grazing leading to the destruction and disappearance of useful plant species in forest ecosystems which can significantly affect both biodiversity integrity and ecological functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the distribution, conservation status, and effects of threats on the relative abundance of Warburgia ugandensis in Katimok Forest Reserve, Baringo County in Kenya. Data collection was done using transect lines and quadrat methods. The data on the relative abundance of Warburgia ugandensis and indicators of threat were collected from quadrats and sub-quadrats located at 50 m, 350 m and 650 m from the forest edge. In addition, other measures of tree growth such as diameter at breast height (DBH) and heights of mature trees in the study blocks were made. One-way ANOVA was used to analyse the relative abundance of Warburgia ugandensis, indicators of threat and growth parameters. Pearson correlation results revealed a significant relationship between debarked and mature Warburgia ugandensis (r = 0.95; df=2, P=0.019), grazing intensities, and number of seedlings/saplings (r = 0.96; df=2, P=0.017) and other indicators of threats (stumps, defoliated leaves, broken twigs/branches) and the abundance of Warburgia ugandensis (r = 0.97; df=2, p=0.015). Therefore, there is an urgent need to map out the distribution of Warburgia ugandensis in the whole country to know where it is abundant in order to draw a national conservation and management plan for the tree species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylepis is the dominant genus of the high Andean forest vegetation and they have a crucial ecological role. However, these forests are highly endangered and many of their biological aspects are still unknown. In this context, a series of questions were formulated with the aim that their resolution would contribute to a better understanding of Polylepis'dynamics and biological diversity, as well as improve their conservation efforts. Twenty one speakers from the V International Congress of Conservation and Ecology of Polylepis forests participated in the formulation of 67 questions related to these forests. Comments and additional information were received via email and google doc spreadsheet, open to the participants. Afterwards, two workshops were organized with the researchers to formulate, discuss, analyze and define the final list, narrowing down to a total of 40 questions. The questions were categorized into 6 different topics: Taxonomy, Ecology and Biogeography, Genetics, Conservation, Ethnobiology and Climate Change. We hope these questions will be considered as a priority for new research agendas and to define joint efforts for Polylepis forest conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Common Trees of Mozambique" is a book review written by Harold W. Keller in the Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. The book, written by Tracey Parker, provides descriptions and illustrations of 153 genera and 53 families of trees found in Mozambique. The species names are given in both English and Portuguese, and the book includes information on distribution, habitat, uses, and notes for each taxon. While the book may have limited use outside of Mozambique, it includes a glossary, bibliography, index of local names, and general index to enhance its value. The author, Dr. Parker, is an experienced forester with expertise in dendrology and forest ecology and conservation. [Extracted from the article]

This paper highlights the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of drone applications in forestry. Drones have revolutionized various forest operations, and their role in mapping, monitoring, and inventory procedures is explored comprehensively. Leveraging advanced imaging technologies and data processing techniques, drones enable real-time tracking of changes in forested landscapes, facilitating effective monitoring of threats such as fire outbreaks and pest infestations. They expedite forest inventory by swiftly surveying large areas, providing precise data on tree species identification, size estimation, and health assessment, thus supporting informed decision-making and sustainable forest management practices. Moreover, drones contribute to tree planting, pruning, and harvesting, while monitoring reforestation efforts in real-time. Wildlife monitoring is also enhanced, aiding in the identification of conservation concerns and informing targeted conservation strategies. Drones offer a safer and more efficient alternative in search and rescue operations within dense forests, reducing response time and improving outcomes. Additionally, drones equipped with thermal cameras enable early detection of wildfires, enabling timely response, mitigation, and preservation efforts. The integration of AI and drones holds immense potential for enhancing forestry practices and contributing to sustainable land management. In the future explainable AI (XAI) improves trust and safety by providing transparency in decision-making, aiding in liability issues, and enabling precise operations. XAI facilitates better environmental monitoring and impact analysis, contributing to efficient forest management and preservation efforts. If a drone's AI can explain its actions, it will be easier to understand why it chose a particular path or action, which could inform safety procedures and improvements. • Overview on the current state of the art on how drones can improve smart forestry. • Discussion on challenges and limitations impeding the utilization in real-world. • Insight into the machine learning methods currently used in smart forestry. • Concluding that drones can benefit forestry in a multi-dimensional way. • Drones beneath tree canopies is an open challenge is rarely tackled in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees in the upper canopy contribute disproportionately to forest ecosystem productivity. The large, canopy-emergent Bertholletia excelsa also supports a multimillion-dollar commodity crop (Brazil nut), harvested almost exclusively from Amazonian forests. B. excelsa fruit production, however is extremely variable within populations and years, destabilizing local harvester livelihoods and the extractive economy. To understand this variability, data were collected in Acre, Brazil over 10 years at two sites with similar climate and forest types, but different fruit production levels, despite their proximity (~ 30 km). One site consistently produced more fruit, showed less individual- and population-level variability, and had significantly higher soil P and K levels. The strongest predictor of fruit production was crown area. Elevation and sapwood area also significantly impacted fruit production, but effects differed by site. While number of wet days and dry season vapor pressure prior to flowering were significant production predictors, no climatic variables completely captured annual observed variation. Trees on the site with higher available P and K produced nearly three times more fruits, and appeared more resilient to prolonged drought and drier atmospheric conditions. Management activities, such as targeted fertilization, may shield income-dependent harvesters from expected climate changes and production swings, ultimately contributing to conservation of old growth forests where this species thrives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest area has dramatically increased since the beginning or middle of the 19th century in European countries. At least half of the forests present today have grown on formerly cultivated lands, pastures or heathlands. However, net forest expansion largely masks a slow but irretrievable erosion of ancient forests. Meanwhile, forest resource harvesting (biomass, litter) has fundamentally changed during the last two centuries, moving from intensive biomass removal to increased growing stocks in different European countries. This article reviews the current knowledge on the long‐term legacies of past land use and forest management practices and their effects on the functions, diversity and composition of understory vegetation of current forest ecosystems. First, we define the concepts of forest continuity and ancient forest. Then, based on the French case, we present the advances in historical sources, which make it possible to better reconstruct the change in land use and forest management practices over the last two hundred years. We review how understory plant communities and their traits respond to forest continuity and to different types of former agricultural uses, both at local and landscape scales. We then address three important issues for conservation and management: the conservation value of ancient forests, the impact of forest management on the ecological integrity of ancient forests, and the under‐explored legacies of former forest management practices on soil and understory vegetation. Lastly, we propose five main fronts for future research efforts: (a) explore all types of cartographic, written sources and environmental markers; (b) develop modelling approaches to understand how past land use shapes plant communities; (c) better define the conservation value of ancient forests in conservation and management policies; (d) investigate how drivers of global change interact with forest management and land use legacies and (e) explore land use legacies in mountain and Mediterranean socio‐ecological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights from the article: Effects of temperature on vegetation have been plen- Tween vegetation activity and temperature varies with stud- Precipitation limits vegetation growth in warmer periods. NDVI dataset compatible with MODIS and SPOT vegetation NDVI.

The island of New Guinea hosts the third largest expanse of tropical rainforest on the planet. Papua New Guinea—comprising the eastern half of the island—plans to nearly double its national road network (from 8,700 to 15,000 km) over the next three years, to spur economic growth. We assessed these plans using fine-scale biophysical and environmental data. We identified numerous environmental and socioeconomic risks associated with these projects, including the dissection of 54 critical biodiversity habitats and diminished forest connectivity across large expanses of the island. Key habitats of globally endangered species including Goodfellow’s tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus goodfellowi), Matchie’s tree kangaroo (D. matschiei), and several birds of paradise would also be bisected by roads and opened up to logging, hunting, and habitat conversion. Many planned roads would traverse rainforests and carbon-rich peatlands, contradicting Papua New Guinea’s international commitments to promote low-carbon development and forest conservation for climate-change mitigation. Planned roads would also create new deforestation hotspots via rapid expansion of logging, mining, and oil-palm plantations. Our study suggests that several planned road segments in steep and high-rainfall terrain would be extremely expensive in terms of construction and maintenance costs. This would create unanticipated economic challenges and public debt. The net environmental, social, and economic risks of several planned projects—such as the Epo-Kikori link, Madang-Baiyer link, Wau-Malalaua link, and some other planned projects in the Western and East Sepik Provinces—could easily outstrip their overall benefits. Such projects should be reconsidered under broader environmental, economic, and social grounds, rather than short-term economic considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Studies of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity in beech forest understories lack. • Elevation and stand maturity played a major role in shaping multifaceted plant diversity. • Different species-pool, thus biogeography, may influence diversity patterns. • Multifaceted approaches should be incorporated into biodiversity monitoring plans. Studies addressing multiple aspects of biodiversity simultaneously (i.e., multifaceted approaches) can quantify plant diversity-environment links comprehensively - this is because of the multidimensional nature of plant diversity. However, multifaceted studies are scant in forests. Here, we examined taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity patterns in 19 beech forest understory plots in two areas belonging to a biodiversity monitoring plan in Tuscany, Italy. We performed linear mixed effect models to quantify the influence of elevation (proxy for macroclimate), aspect (affecting microclimate), and basal area (related to microclimate and stand maturity) on diversity facets of vascular plants. Elevation played a major role in shaping diversity: high-elevation plots were less rich in species and had a reduced functional diversity of storage organs that may promote cold-tolerance. Conversely, the diversity of flowering phenology increased with elevation, thus low-elevation vegetation converged functionally towards a common, short blooming period. This strategy may be advantageous for understory plants in the deciduous beech forests experiencing longer growing seasons, hence more extended canopy closure at lower elevations. Basal area negatively affected foliar and multiple traits functional diversity which may be associated with highly selective and competitive environment for light capture in closed canopy, mature stands. Slope aspect did not exert any significant effect on diversity facets, neither did interactions among predictors. Overall, these results confirm the usefulness of implementing multifaceted approaches to i) better understand the influence of environmental drivers on different aspects of plant diversity, and ii) inform the biodiversity monitoring plan that is in place in the study forests by systematically including functional diversity instead of taxonomic metrics only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of different types of land tenure in areas with high biodiversity and threats of deforestation remains poorly understood. We apply rigorous quasi-experimental methods and detailed geospatial data to assess the role of tenure regimes—communally held lands (specifically, ejidos), private property, and their impact on the effectiveness of protected areas, in reducing forest loss in a biodiversity hotspot- the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. We find evidence that, while protected areas are effective on average, their impact depends on the underlying type of tenure regime and forest, proxied by biomass levels and biome. Protecting communally held land may reduce deforestation, specifically the loss of medium- and high-biomass forests, compared to forests under private property regimes. Our results have important policy implications for the conservation and climate change mitigation efforts on the Yucatan. However, the high variance in forest loss rates among ejidos indicates that other characteristics of ejidos may be central to understanding community-based forest conservation opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Guinean forests of West Africa (GFWA) region is of highest conservation value in Africa and worldwide. The aims of this review are to systematically identify and collate studies focusing on the environment in the region. We found that, after Google Scholar search, in over 112,000 results for 17 disciplines, three countries (Nigeria, Cameroon and Togo) were subjected to much more investigations than the other countries. Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone were the least studied countries, and overall there was a significant West to East increasing trend for all seven considered disciplines (Ecology, Zoology, Botany, Conservation biology, Pollution, Climate change and Ecological economy) in terms of number of results. Within 'Ecology' 'macroecology and biodiversity' was the most studied subdiscipline. Baseline taxonomic studies in 'Zoology' and 'Botany' received little interest, particularly in 2006–2016. For 'Conservation biology', studies focusing on 'protected areas' were more numerous than for any other subsector, followed by 'biodiversity surveys'. Our analysis revealed that there were significantly more studies focusing on forests than on mangrove areas. Our results pointed out that, there is an urgent need for more rigorous taxonomical and fine-scale distribution studies of organisms across the whole region, not only for the traditionally overlooked groups (e.g. invertebrates). It is also stressed that studies of macropatterns in conservation biology research for the region should be performed by more reliable data at the more local scale, given the misuse that has been done by general studies of these limited/biased data for inferring patterns. Long-term longitudinal studies on biodiversity patterns of important forest sites and population biology of selected populations are urgently needed, as these have been almost entirely neglected to date. Crucial issues are still to be solved: for instance, it remains fully unresolved whether wildlife can best be protected through the promotion of human economic development or through integral conservation of important biodiversity areas. Highlights • West African forests are among the most biodiverse habitats on earth. • Most studies were done in three countries (Nigeria, Cameroon and Togo). • There was significant West to East increasing trend for all seven disciplines. • Forests received more attention than mangroves by scientists. • Future directions for research in the region are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the world's remaining tropical forests have been affected by either selective logging, understorey fires, fragmentation or are regrowing in areas that were previously deforested. Despite the ubiquity of these human‐modified forests, we have a limited knowledge of their potential to recover key traits linked to ecosystem processes and consequent services.Here we present data from 31,095 trees and saplings distributed across 121 plots of undisturbed and disturbed primary forests as well as secondary forests in the eastern Amazon. We examined the post‐disturbance recovery trajectory of an important plant functional trait, wood density. We tested whether human‐modified Amazonian forests are experiencing a rapid or a slow, or even impeded, recovery of this trait, which is associated with the provision of a fundamental ecosystem service—carbon storage.As expected, we found that the plot‐level wood density of trees and saplings in disturbed primary and secondary forests was significantly lower than in undisturbed forests. However, there was no significant difference in the average wood density of saplings between disturbed primary and secondary forests, possibly indicating a process of secondarization. We also found evidence that the recovery of wood density in human‐modified forests is being severely disrupted due to edge effects (in the case of disturbed primary forests) and high liana densities (in the case of both disturbed primary and secondary forests). Surprisingly, these two factors were more important predictors of wood density recovery than the time elapsed since the disturbance event.Synthesis. Plant communities in human‐modified Amazonian forests appear to not be recovering a key functional property—wood density, which in turn may affect their ability to store carbon in the future. If the aim of conservation programs in tropical forests is to maintain existing rates of ecosystem functions, processes and services, then they must concentrate efforts on avoiding anthropogenic disturbance in areas of currently undisturbed forests. It is also vital to prevent further disturbance in human‐modified forests to avoid disrupting even more their recovery. Plant communities in human‐modified Amazonian forests appear to not be recovering a key functional property—wood density, which in turn may affect their ability to store carbon in the future. If the aim of conservation programs in tropical forests is to maintain existing rates of ecosystem functions, processes and services, then they must concentrate efforts on avoiding anthropogenic disturbance in areas of currently undisturbed forests. It is also vital to prevent further disturbance in human‐modified forests to avoid disrupting even more their recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to test whether contributions of individual species (SCBD) and contributions of single sites (LCBD) to overall beta diversity can be predicted by species metrics and species characteristics and also by community metrics and ecological variables, respectively. Location: A mainland‐island landscape in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest domain. Methods: Dung beetles were sampled along 100 sampling units within four large forest fragments. We partitioned beta diversity into SCBD and LCBD aiming to explore their relationships to species and site characteristics, respectively. We then used a combination of multivariate methods and beta regression analyses to examine patterns in SCBD and LCBD. The occupancy, total abundance, niche position, niche breadth and biological traits of species were used as predictor variables for SCBD values. Community metrics, environmental and spatial variables, and temporal patterns in the beta diversity components of turnover and nestedness were used as predictor variables for LCDB values. Results: We found that SCBD was strongly related to various species characteristics, such as occupancy, abundance and niche position, but was not related to biological traits of species and niche breadth. In particular, occupancy and its quadratic term showed a very strong unimodal relationship with SCBD, suggesting that intermediate species in terms of site occupancy contribute most to beta diversity. LCBD was mostly explained by variation in species richness, with a negative relationship being detected. Litter height and large‐scale spatial variables were also important in explaining variation in LCBD. Main conclusions: SCBD and LCBD were highly predictably related to species occupancy and species richness, respectively. Environmental conditions and large‐scale spatial variables also correlated with LCBD values. Understanding the determinants of SCBD and LCBD may thus hold a key to various general ecological, bioassessment and conservation issues. Protecting sites with high LCBD values may be a suitable approach to practical biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Forest fragmentation alters the composition, structure and function of ecosystems and affects ecological processes that are fundamental for the provision of ecosystem services where functional diversity is sensitive to its effects. Analyzing the functional responses of the plant community to fragmentation can provide new approaches to its conservation and management.Objectives: We analyzed whether the functional diversity of woody individuals associated with aboveground biomass (AGB) in a high Andean forest in Colombia is affected by fragmentation.Methods: Based on three fragmentation categories identified using landscape metrics, we selected ten forest fragments. Multitrait and monotrait functional diversity indexes (foliar and wood) weighted by aboveground biomass were calculated in plots of 0.1 ha in each fragment. Analysis of variance was performed, and simple linear regressions were quantified to identify the relationships between functional diversity and fragmentation.Results: The category of large fragments had a higher average AGB than did the medium and small fragments. Fragmentation had effects on the variance of some foliar and stem traits but not on functional dominance. For the multitraits indexes, the edge contrast was negatively related with functional dispersion.Conclusions: The categories analyzed have similar responses in terms of functionality associated with AGB. We highlight the importance of small fragments in the maintenance of plant functional diversity and as reservoirs of AGB. We underline that small fragments are important to consider in the development of conservation and connectivity strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Mature forests have structural habitat features that can take hundreds of years to develop, and large reserves alone are unlikely to ensure conservation of the species that rely on these features. This paper outlines a proposed new approach to managing mature forest features, the ‘mature habitat management approach’, in areas outside of reserves. The objective was to maintain a network of current and future mature forest habitat distributed across the landscape. The approach is designed to complement the existing reserve network and management actions and is tenure‐blind. Spatial information on the availability of mature forest habitat at the local (1‐km radius) and landscape (5‐km radius) scales is used for decisions on retention within a 1‐km radius of a harvest area, to reach the minimum target of 20% and 30% retention of mature forest at the local and landscape spatial scales, respectively. We believe this approach could contribute to meeting the conservation needs of many species that require mature forest features for refuge and breeding in Tasmania and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Forestry Review is the property of Commonwealth Forestry Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of International Forestry Review is the property of Commonwealth Forestry Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There has been an increasing interest in fodder trees and their potential to help the rural poor. However, few studies have addressed the ecological impacts of fodder tree harvesting. We investigated the species harvested and the techniques used, and the effects of fodder harvesting on (1) species’ populations and (2) forest carbon stocks in three montane forests in Kenya. Focus-group discussions were organized in 36 villages to determine which species were harvested and with which techniques. Field observations were made on vegetation plots: stem diameter, tree height, species and extent of harvest were recorded. Carbon stocks were calculated using an allometric equation with (1) observed height of harvested trees, and (2) potential height estimated with a power model, and results were compared. Eight tree species were commonly harvested for fodder using different techniques (some branches, main stem, most branches except stem apex). Fodder harvesting (together with other uses for some species) negatively affected one species populations (Olea europaea), it did not negatively affect four (Drypetes gerrardii, Gymnosporia heterophylla, Pavetta gardeniifolia, Xymalos monospora), and more information is needed for three species (Olea capensis, Prunus africana, Rinorea convallarioides). Fodder harvesting did not significantly reduce forest carbon stocks, suggesting that local communities could continue using these fodder trees if a carbon project is established. Among the fodder species studied, X. monospora could be used in reforestation programs, as it has multiple uses and can withstand severe pruning. Although our study is only a snapshot, it is a baseline which can be used to monitor changes in fodder harvesting and its impacts related to increasing droughts in northern Kenya and increasing human populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the recovery and dynamics of living tree above-ground biomass (AGB) after selective logging in an Amazonian terra firme forest managed by a private company. The forest consisted of 24 blocks (including one set aside for conservation) selectively logged in different years on a managed schedule. Trees ≥10 cm in diameter at breast height (dbh) were surveyed in 2006 in 192 0.25-ha plots, in 2010 in 119 plots, and in 2012-2013 in 54 plots. A logistic growth model factoring in logging dynamics and mean AGB of a block in these years was established. Referencing the mean AGB of the unlogged forest, the model indicated that the logged forest would take on average 14 years to regain its preharvest AGB after selective logging at 1.9 trees ha-1 (dbh > 50 cm). In 2010 and 2012-2013, the AGB increased significantly for small and large trees (10-20 cm and >60 cm dbh, respectively) in the logged forest. In contrast, it decreased significantly for medium-sized trees (30-50 cm dbh) in the unlogged forest. Comparisons with the previous studies mainly conducted in the other regions of Amazon suggested that the estimated AGB recovery period with moderate logging intensity was almost appropriate and likely acceptable to forest managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest ecosystems provide benefits to people locally and globally. Sustainable management of forest resources is required to ensure continued supply of these benefits, but complex social-ecological processes are often a constraint to the design of such forest management strategies. In this study, we developed a model of adaptive forest zonation to facilitate forest ecosystem management. We employed the ecosystem services concept and a land-use change model to identify potential areas for conservation and for economic use in the Kapuas Protected Forest Management Unit in Indonesia. Local people actively participated in this study to jointly define management zones and stakeholders’ associated rights and responsibilities. Our results show that a stakeholder agreement facilitated the reduction of threats to forest ecosystems and increased local awareness of the need for forest ecosystem conservation. Compared to current forest zonation, we show that the availability of an economic development zone in adaptive forest zonation could potentially increase ecosystem benefits for local communities by about 40% through rattan and jelutong collection and agroforestry rubber and jelutong production. Although our results are specific for the Kapuas District, the methodology of adaptive forest zonation can be applied more generally. We recommend our methods be included in guidelines for zonation and management plans to help improve sustainable forest management practices of all forest management units in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Human activity is known to greatly influence species occurrences. In forest ecosystems, biodiversity is often believed to be influenced by two habitat characteristics: (1) forest continuity, related to a minimum length of time in a wooded state since a threshold date; and (2) stand maturity, related to the availability of late‐developmental‐forest attributes. In a context of ongoing global biodiversity loss, qualifying the effect of past and present human activity on forest ecosystems while taking into account variations in abiotic factors is of primary importance for conservation. Location: Temperate mountain forests in the Northern Alps. Method: Based upon a sampling design crossing forest continuity (ancient vs. Recent) and stand maturity (mature vs. overmature), and while controlling for the effect of two major environmental factors, soil and climate, we explored the individual response of saproxylic beetle, springtail, herbaceous plant and epiphytic macrolichen species to past and present human activity. Results: Forest continuity influenced the occurrence of relatively few species, indicating that past land use had almost no legacy effect on the species occurring in the study forests today. In contrast, stand maturity had an overall positive effect on species occurrences. However, our results showed that species occurrences were more obviously influenced by abiotic conditions. Indeed, beyond the effect of continuity and maturity factors, the probability of presence of numerous species was best explained by climate and soil. Main conclusions: Overall, we show that species occurrence was more influenced by stand maturity than by forest continuity, but also that site‐specific characteristics were of great importance in explaining the probability of presence for numerous species. In the ecological context of alpine forests, these findings emphasize the need to better control for climatic and edaphic conditions in order to (1) improve accuracy in predicting species occurrence and (2) better design areas of conservation interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of silviculture has major implications for forest health, stocking levels, and landowners' long-term economic interests, yet little information exists about what treatments are applied across the landscape. We developed a classification tree that uses objective inventory data to classify harvests into one of twelve harvest types, based on pre- and post-harvest stocking levels, size distribution, and tree quality. Results indicate that exploitative treatments like commercial clearcutting and high-grading may be more common than is desirable, while some "classic" silvicultural techniques, like silvicultural clearcuts and seed tree harvesting, are comparatively rare. The distribution of treatments varies across New York and New England, and bears little resemblance to the historical distribution of natural disturbances. Furthermore, pre- and post-harvest species compositions show a tendency in some treatments to preferentially remove valuable species. Results suggest further efforts are needed to bring harvesting practice in line with the latest silvicultural and ecological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of forest management in mitigating climate change is a central concern for the Canadian province of British Columbia. The successful implementation of forest management activities to achieve climate change mitigation in British Columbia will be strongly influenced by public support or opposition. While we now have increasingly clear ideas of the management opportunities associated with forest mitigation and some insight into public support for climate change mitigation in the context of sustainable forest management, very little is known with respect to the levels and basis of public support for potential forest management strategies to mitigate climate change. This paper, by describing the results of a web-based survey, documents levels of public support for the implementation of eight forest carbon mitigation strategies in British Columbia’s forest sector, and examines and quantifies the influence of the factors that shape this support. Overall, respondents ascribed a high level of importance to forest carbon mitigation and supported all of the eight proposed strategies, indicating that the British Columbia public is inclined to consider alternative practices in managing forests and wood products to mitigate climate change. That said, we found differences in levels of support for the mitigation strategies. In general, we found greater levels of support for a rehabilitation strategy (e.g. reforestation of unproductive forest land), and to a lesser extent for conservation strategies (e.g. old growth conservation, reduced harvest) over enhanced forest management strategies (e.g. improved harvesting and silvicultural techniques). We also highlighted multiple variables within the British Columbia population that appear to play a role in predicting levels of support for conservation and/or enhanced forest management strategies, including environmental values, risk perception, trust in groups of actors, prioritized objectives of forest management and socio-demographic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossils entombed in amber are a unique resource for reconstructing forest ecosystems, and resolving relationships of modern taxa. Such fossils are famous for their perfect, life-like appearance. However, preservation quality is vast with many sites showing only cuticular preservation, or no fossils. The taphonomic processes that control this range are largely unknown; as such, we know little about potential bias in this important record. Here we employ actualistic experiments, using, fruit flies and modern tree resin to determine whether resin type, gut microbiota, and dehydration prior to entombment affects decay. We used solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME GC-MS) to confirm distinct tree resin chemistry; gut microbiota of flies was modified using antibiotics and categorized though sequencing. Decay was assessed using phase contrast synchrotron tomography. Resin type demonstrates a significant control on decay rate. The composition of the gut microbiota was also influential, with minor changes in composition affecting decay rate. Dehydration prior to entombment, contrary to expectations, enhanced decay. Our analyses show that there is potential significant bias in the amber fossil record, especially between sites with different resin types where ecological completeness and preservational fidelity are likely affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustained management efforts by private landowners are crucial for the long-term success of private land natural resource conservation and related environmental benefits. Landowner outreach is a primary means of recruiting private landowners into voluntary conservation incentive programs, and could also help sustain conservation behaviors through time. However, evaluation of outreach targeting landowners during or after participation in natural resource conservation incentive programs is lacking. We assessed two methods of landowner outreach associated with a Natural Resources Conservation Service incentive program targeting effective management of early successional forest habitat on private land in the Appalachians and Upper Great Lakes regions of the United States. While early successional forest habitat benefits many wildlife species, the program target species were the Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) and American Woodcock (Scolopax minor). After habitat management through the program occurred, biological technicians monitored wildlife and vegetation on enrolled properties and results were communicated to landowners in mailed packets. Our research focused on whether landowner interactions with technicians or receipt of result mailings could influence landowner post-program management intentions and management-related cognitions (e.g., agency trust, perceptions of outcomes). We conducted a telephone survey with landowners from January to May 2017, and analyzed survey data using quantitative group comparisons and qualitative coding methods. Landowners that accompanied biological technicians on monitoring site visits had higher agency trust and more positive perceptions of program outcomes. Result mailings did not improve landowner perceptions of program outcomes or agency trust, but did provide benefits such as increased landowner knowledge about birds. Neither outreach method was associated with more positive landowner post-program management intentions. Our findings underline the importance and potential of direct interactions between conservation biologists and landowners. These two forms of non-traditional outreach administered by biologists could be a worthwhile component of future conservation program evaluations on private lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European mountain forests are unique ecosystems, and they harbour specific saproxylic beetle fauna, including relict species such as the longhorn beetle Ropalopus ungaricus (Herbst, 1784). This endangered species is endemic to European mountain forests and is considered to be monophagous on living sycamore trees (Acer pseudoplatanus L.). Insufficient knowledge of the species ecology limits its effective conservation. Hence, to investigate its habitat requirements, 175 sycamore trees (87 occupied and 88 unoccupied by the species) were surveyed in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts. and Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts. in northern Moravia (Czech Republic) in 2016. The species strongly preferred trees with reduced vitality, including variously damaged trees. The species was also documented to be much more abundant on sun-exposed trees, and the parts of the trunk mantle (south- and east-facing quarters) with the warmest microclimates were preferred. Surprisingly, trunk diameter seems to be an unimportant characteristic for this species (the diameters of occupied trees varied between 5 and 72 cm). In conclusion, R. ungaricus is a specialised species whose survival depends upon a continuous supply of sun-exposed declining and damaged sycamores in mountain forests. Based on the results of the present study, we suggest concrete conservation measures to support the species, and these will benefit other saproxylic species associated with the same habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how changes to habitat characteristics affect behaviors is necessary to integrate biodiversity goals with land management. Managed forests are a significant landscape component in the southern United States and provide opportunities for conservation alongside production of wood products. We investigated behavioral responses of rodents to differences in understory habitat characteristics from intercropping switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ), a native biofuel feedstock, in intensively managed loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ) stands. Previous research indicated that planting switchgrass increased rodent population abundance but reduced recruitment and community diversity. To understand potential mechanisms underlying our previous results, we measured behaviors of individual cotton rats ( Sigmodon hispidus ), a grassland specialist, to planted switchgrass. We hypothesized that female territory size, foraging activity, overlap with other adult females, and reproduction indices would differ among treatments (switchgrass monocrop, intercropped switchgrass, and control plots) due to variation in grass abundance and vertical vegetation cover. We conducted live-trapping, radio telemetry, and foraging activity surveys on cotton rats during summers of 2013–2015. We found no treatment effect on territory size, but foraging activity was 2 times higher in monocrop than control plots. We also found a positive relationship between female spatial overlap and percentage of grass in control plots and evidence for higher reproductive indices in control than monocrop plots. Our results suggest that cotton rats in monocrop plots exhibited unexpected behaviors, and monocrop plots may serve as population sinks with low rodent diversity. Overall, results from this replicated experiment suggested that intercropping provides adequate food and cover to maintain rodent populations and produce forest products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation and management of species-at-risk requires periodically collecting information about their distributions and abundances. A comprehensive monitoring plan should, in addition to monitoring the population itself, also assess the status of habitat elements that are key factors in species survival. Places where animals seek safe and secure places to rest are such key habitat elements. We used previously published models to predict resting habitat for fishers ( Pekania pennanti ) throughout much of their range in California. Unique to this work is that the two models (northwestern California and southern Sierra Nevada) were developed using, as predictors, variables directly from a national plot-based forest inventory program called Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA). Using these models, relative resting habitat suitability can be estimated at each geographically relevant plot in the FIA system every time the plot is resampled. We applied these predictive models to data collected at 3 time periods over an approximately 20 year period to evaluate the trend in predicted fisher resting habitat. None of the 8 national forests, 4 in the northwestern California region and 4 in the southern Sierra Nevada region – nor either of these 2 regions as a whole – exhibited trends in predicted resting habitat suitability that were significantly increasing or decreasing. Predicted resting habitat suitability tended to be lower on private land than public land, in both regions. As expected, plots that were disturbed by fire exhibited a decrease in resting habitat suitability but, surprisingly, the few plots within harvest unit boundaries had indistinguishable values before and approximately 7 years after the harvest. Using FIA data for future assessments of habitat value will avoid the significant cost incurred when the data need to be collected repeatedly using different data and a field protocol that may vary. We anticipate that the FIA program will continue to be the preeminent plot-based vegetation survey in the United States, and the data to run the resting habitat models will be available every 10 years. Moreover, access to routinely updated plot-based data provides the only way we can envision sampling something as fine-scaled as resting habitat over thousands of square miles of potentially suitable habitat. We hope our example encourages others to parlay the FIA data into a predictive model of fine-scale habitat features that is relevant to other species. Demonstrating the utility of our models should also encourage managers to use the predictions to evaluate the status of fisher habitat in California. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest conservation and REDD+ projects invest millions of dollars each year to reduce local communities’ dependence on forests and prevent forest loss and degradation. However, to date, there is limited evidence on whether these investments are effective at delivering conservation outcomes. We explored the relationships between 600+ small-scale conservation and development investments that occurred from 2007 to 2014 and conservation outcomes (deforestation rates and fire detections) within Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor in Madagascar using linear fixed effects panel regressions. We derived annual changes in forest cover and fires from satellite remote sensing. We found a statistically significant correlation between presence of any investment and reduced deforestation rates in 2010 and 2011 –years with accelerated deforestation elsewhere in the study area. This result indicated investments abated deforestation rates during times of political instability and lack of governance following a 2009 coup in Madagascar. We also found a statistically significant relationship between presence of any investment and reduced fire detections in the study area, suggesting investments had an impact on reducing burning of forest for agriculture. For both outcomes (i.e., deforestation rates and fire detections), we found that more dollars invested led to greater conservation outcomes (i.e. fewer fires or less deforestation), particularly when funding was sustained for one to two years. Our findings suggest that conservation and development investments can reduce deforestation and fire incidence, but also highlight the many challenges and complexities in assessing relationships between investments and conservation outcomes in a dynamic landscape and a volatile political context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study maps distribution and spatial congruence between Above-Ground Biomass (AGB) and species richness of IUCN listed conservation-dependent and endemic avian fauna in Palawan, Philippines. Grey Level Co-Occurrence Texture Matrices (GLCMs) extracted from Landsat and ALOS-PALSAR were used in conjunction with local field data to model and map local-scale field AGB using the Random Forest algorithm (r = 0.92 and RMSE = 31.33 Mg·ha-1). A support vector regression (SVR) model was used to identify the factors influencing variation in avian species richness at a 1km scale. AGB is one of the most important determinants of avian species richness for the study area. Topographic factors and anthropogenic factors such as distance from the roads were also found to strongly influence avian species richness. Hotspots of high AGB and high species richness concentration were mapped using hotspot analysis and the overlaps between areas of high AGB and avian species richness was calculated. Results show that the overlaps between areas of high AGB with high IUCN red listed avian species richness and endemic avian species richness were fairly limited at 13% and 8% at the 1-km scale. The overlap between 1) low AGB and low IUCN richness, and 2) low AGB and low endemic avian species richness was higher at 36% and 12% respectively. The enhanced capacity to spatially map the correlation between AGB and avian species richness distribution will further assist the conservation and protection of forest areas and threatened avian species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New forests are expanding around the world. In many regions, regrowth rates are surpassing deforestation rates, resulting in "forest transitions," or net gains in forest cover. Typically measured only in terms of aggregate"'forest cover" change, these new forests are ecologically distinct from each other and from those originally cleared. We ask, what are the ecological attributes, goods, and services we might expect from different pathways of forest recovery? To address this question, we proposed a typology of forest transitions that reflects both their social drivers and ecological outcomes: tree plantation, spontaneous regeneration, and agroforestry transitions. Using case studies, we illustrate how the ecological outcomes of each transition type differ and change over time. We mapped the global distribution of forest-transition types to identify global epicenters of each, and found that spontaneous transitions are most common globally, especially in Latin America; agroforestry transitions predominate in Europe and Central America; and plantation transitions occur in parts of Europe and Asia. We proposed a conceptual framework to understand and compare the ecological services arising from different types of forest transitions over time: forest ecosystem-service transition curves. This framework illustrates that carbon sequestration tends to be comparatively lower in agroforestry transitions, and biodiversity recovery is lower in industrial plantations. Spontaneously regenerating forests tend to have relatively high biodiversity and biomass but provide fewer provisioning and economically valuable services. This framework captures the dynamism that we observe in forest transitions, thus illustrating that different social drivers produce different types of ecosystem-service transitions, and that as secondary forests grow, these services will change over time at rates that differ among transition types. Ultimately, this framework can guide future research, describe actual and potential changes in ecosystem services associated with different types of transitions, and promote management plans that incorporate forest cover changes with the services and benefits they provide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]