Trees, Forests and People最新文献

{"title":"Influence of wildfires severity on tree composition and structure in Aberdare Afromontane forest ranges, Kenya","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100695","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100695","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wildfires strongly impacts on the forest ecosystems, with poorly understood consequences on the composition, diversity and structure within Afromontane forests of Eastern Africa. The impacts of wildfire on vegetation were investigated one year after the fire occurrence season. The burn severity was evaluated using Sentinel-2 satellite derived spectral index known as dNBR (difference Normalized Burn Ratio). This was used to delineate wildfire into low and high severity classes. We investigated the effects of wildfires using 36 plots of 15 m radius distributed in high and low burn severities while others were laid in unburnt areas. Our findings indicated that tree height, basal area and density were significantly different along severity classes (<em>p</em> = 0.003, <em>p</em>=0.007 and <em>p</em>&lt;0.000 respectively). However, diameter at breast Height (DBH) was not significant along severity classes (<em>p</em>=0.185). The most ecologically important species based on Important Value Index (IVI) within the fire affected areas were <em>Juniperus procera, Nuxia congesta, Olea europaea</em> subsp. <em>cuspidata, Protea kilimandscharicum</em> and <em>Scurtia myrtina</em>. Among the five dominant tree species, the density of <em>Protea kilimandscharicum</em> and <em>Olea europaea</em> subsp. <em>cuspidata</em> were significant along the fire severities (<em>p</em>&lt;0.05). Interaction of vegetation zones and wildfire severity indicated that only height was significant (<em>p= 0.000</em>) while all the other tree variables and species diversity index were not significant; DBH (<em>p=0.053</em>), basal area (<em>p=0.606</em>), tree density (<em>p=0.389</em>), Shannon diversity index (<em>p=0.843</em>), Simpson dominance index (<em>p=0.490</em>) and Pielou's evenness index (<em>p=0.248</em>). Whereas this study was on a short-term post-fire effects on vegetation, it has shown remarkable findings which can guide restoration and management of fire affected landscapes. The study recommends evaluation of long-term regeneration and recovery to guide integrated fire management within Afromontane Forest Ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142358520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elemental profile of Ipê species to support timber tracing in Amazon Rainforest","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100689","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100689","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate identification of geographical origin and species of wood is crucial for endorsing laws to combat illegal trade. Here, the multi-element profile of Ipê species of economic interest in Brazil was investigated by neutron activation analysis (NAA). Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Eu, Fe, K, La, Na, Rb, <em>Sc</em>, Sm, Sr and Zn were determined in the heartwood and sapwood tissues. The Random Forest algorithm identified Sr, Ba, Sm, La, Ce and Br as the most important elements for discriminating species. The analyses revealed significant differences between species and wood tissues, indicating that multi-element profile has great potential as a forensic tool. The establishment of comprehensive reference databases that cover large geographical areas and take into account the natural variability between species is fundamental to achieving this goal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142358010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unraveling the mystery: Decoding seed characteristics and germination challenges in Terminalia chebula Retz","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100692","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100692","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Terminalia chebula,</em> is a worldwide used ethnomedicinal plant. It is a rich source of hydrolyzable tannins such as chebulic acid, chebulagic acid, gallic acid, corrilagin and alkaloids which are extensively utilized in the development of non-toxic therapeutic herbal drugs. However, natural regeneration is hampered by low seed germination rates and long germination periods in habitat and ecological conditions. The morphological characteristics of seeds such as a hard seed coat, fleshy mesocarp, stony endocarp, and underdeveloped embryo coupled with the phenolics present in the fruit contribute significantly to poor germination of the seeds. Furthermore, seed germination varies depending on seed size, weight and maturity, reflecting the interaction of these factors in the germination process. In addition, edaphic factors such as altitude and temperature play a crucial part in the natural regeneration process. In the past few years, there has been a growing interest in <em>T. chebula</em> based medicines to cure most human heart-related issues, especially to cure Alzheimer's disease. This leads to huge demand for the fruit of <em>T. chebula</em>. Understanding these intricate relationships enhances insights into the mechanisms that govern seed germination and the overall dynamics of natural regeneration. Thus, the review emphasizes the morphological characteristics of fruits, the characteristics of seeds, the causes for poor seed germination, seed dormancy and methods to improve seed germination in <em>T. chebula</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142324199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The linkage between forests and household food security: Empirical evidence from Shinyanga Region, Tanzania","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100685","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100685","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Many rural forest dependents are still poor and exposed to food insecurity. Hence, this paper aims to study the linkage between forests and household food security by analysing factors that determine participation in forest activities and by examining differences between participants and non-participants in respect of the food-security outcome. The study was conducted in rural areas of the Shinyanga Region in Tanzania using cross-sectional data on a sample of 303 rural households. Marginal effects predicted that distance to the forest concerned, illness or death of a household member, and off-farm activities determined participation in forest activities. Propensity score matching revealed that those who participated in forest activities were less food secure than non-participants with comparable characteristics were, which supports the contention that rural forest dependents are prone to food insecurity. Government policy should, therefore, aim at enhancing alternative sources of income as well as food storage facilities and food production for rural households.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324001924/pdfft?md5=6b7aa5478c74cc9ad3d7ea84ce410191&pid=1-s2.0-S2666719324001924-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142271200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"West Virginia forest landowners’ preferences for forest carbon offset programs","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100683","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100683","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Several carbon offset programs allow West Virginia (WV) forest landowners to manage their forests to mitigate climate change and promote forest sustainability while providing an opportunity to earn extra income through carbon offset credits. While this market has grown rapidly, accessibility issues for small family forest owners remain. This study examines WV forest landowners’ insights and understanding of forest carbon offset programs and program preferences through an online survey of WV's Managed Timberland Program participants. Results showed that 97 % of respondents find it important to keep their land forested and 41 % think that carbon offset programs will help keep their land forested. However, the majority have no knowledge of carbon offset programs (55 %) nor an understanding the credit generation process (60 %). An econometric model was estimated to examine the influence of program attributes to landowners’ decision to enroll in a carbon offset program. Survey results suggest that landowners will more likely participate in carbon offset programs that require shorter time commitment (1–5 years), pay higher revenues, allow harvest or limited harvest restrictions, and do not charge an early withdrawal penalty. For example, a $1 increase in revenue payment raises the probability of enrolling in a carbon offset program by 1.2 %. However, extending the time commitment from 1 to 5 years to 40 years or 100 years decreases the probability of enrollment by 10.3 % and 17.4 %, respectively. Additionally, prohibiting harvest and imposing an early withdrawal penalty decrease the probability of enrollment by 18.1 % and 9.5 %, respectively. Landowners expressed greater willingness to enroll if they believe it is important to keep their land forested, they have familiarity and knowledge of the carbon offset market, and they believe carbon offset programs will help keep their land forested. Age, educational level, and length of ownership were also found to be significant factors in influencing landowner participation in forest carbon offset programs. Lastly, a welfare estimate, or landowners’ willingness-to-accept (WTA), was estimated for each of the program attributes. Surveyed landowners’ WTA payment for a carbon program was $22/ha/year or $37/ha/year greater if program duration increased from 1 to 5 years to 40 years or 100 years, respectively. In addition, landowners’ WTA payment was $39/ha/year greater if a “no harvest” requirement is implemented and $19/ha/year more if a penalty for early withdrawal is imposed. This study shows how factors like duration, payment, harvest restrictions, and withdrawal penalties influence landowner enrollment in carbon offset programs. By examining the preferences and decision-making processes of forest owners, this research fills a critical gap in the literature by providing insights into the drivers of program participation. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how to design more effective ","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324001900/pdfft?md5=dfe59df98e7dea3a95a52571ba978397&pid=1-s2.0-S2666719324001900-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142271201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The political ecology of wildfire: Media and the politics of blame in the Evros wildfires in Greece","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100682","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100682","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Wildfires are not only natural disasters but also political events. Media plays an important role in the power-laden process of meaning-making and responsibility-assigning that can significantly shape how societies understand and response to wildfires. To shed light on the role of media in the political ecology of wildfire, we conducted a framing analysis of 241 news articles on the Evros wildfires in Greece. We discovered five narratives of blame: migrant activities, government mismanagement, climate change, arson, and war. We argued that the politics of blame in the Greek context is deeply intertwined with the rise of national populism and xenophobic attitudes as a response to the European refugee crisis. This is evidenced by a dominant narrative that blamed transnational migrants as culprits. The blame politics of wildfires in Greece is also shaped by the political economy of the media that enhances state control over media narratives.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324001894/pdfft?md5=bd5966ca94b928f81ca378d47f960de4&pid=1-s2.0-S2666719324001894-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142238786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of urbanization impacts in Tegucigalpa urban greenness via normalized difference vegetation index","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100680","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100680","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Urban vegetation is essential to develop sustainable, habitable, and healthy cities. Urbanization in large cities may be detrimental to urban vegetation when urban planning is scarce. Tegucigalpa, Honduras's capital city, had an atypical 8-year period of intensive urbanization, which may have modified urban vegetation. Excessive tree removal and reduced urban greenness reports became abundant in local media. This paper aimed to determine if urbanization indeed modified Tegucigalpa's urban greenness to a detrimental level. A Landsat-8 imagery survey was conducted to assess Tegucigalpa's urban vegetation dynamics via the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for the 2013–2021 dry and rainy seasons. The results revealed a stable trend for the dry seasons NDVI remaining in constant proximity to 0.11 while increasing steadily to around 0.17 during the rainy seasons due to precipitation watering vegetation. Negligible fluctuations (&lt;0.1) occurred throughout the study period, suggesting urbanization most likely did not shrink urban vegetation to the extreme extent stated by Honduran media. The NDVI provided a scientific basis for assessing Tegucigalpa's vegetation changes, preventing potential environmental conflicts. Although most researchers have reported that urbanization decreases NDVI in large cities, others found that urbanization does not always produce vegetation degradation and suggested that climatic variables are significant factors determining vegetation growth. Nevertheless, the steadily low NDVI in Tegucigalpa suggests the absence of sustainable urban planning to increase urban vegetation. Urban trees are central to sustainable urban planning; therefore, afforestation policies should be considered by Tegucigalpa's government and policymakers.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324001870/pdfft?md5=71e238a0d764ab7c70074e1f4ca97e6b&pid=1-s2.0-S2666719324001870-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142271199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Open conversations: Finding ways to improve communication between family forest landowners and consulting foresters","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100681","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100681","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Alabama is comprised of 23 million acres of forestland, of which family forest landowners (FFLs) own 56 % of that acreage. Therefore, FFLs are vital to maintaining the quality and diversity of Alabama's forests. However, FFLs possess varying attitudes towards management, value their land for different reasons, and have differing management objectives. In addition, FFLs are comprised of diverse backgrounds, own vastly different acreages, and fall within differing income brackets, all of which have been shown to affect management usage. This research aims to assess consulting foresters and FFLs in Alabama to learn why FFLs are hesitant to use consulting foresters for land management. It also aims to educate FFLs and consulting foresters in Alabama on better communicating their needs, services, and benefits. To study these two groups, a set of interviews and two surveys were used to collect perceptions, experiences, and needs. While consulting foresters are willing to work with smaller acreage, there are still constraints preventing management, and cost was mentioned by both groups. Still, FFLs are interested in consulting foresters' services, but many do not actively market FFLs. As a result, FFLs are unaware of the different types of forestry professionals, causing competition for consulting foresters who must be registered. Both consulting foresters and FFLs need to become more active in organizations, and consulting foresters need to adopt newer marketing techniques, while FFLs should seek more educational opportunities and opportunities to interact with consulting foresters directly.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324001882/pdfft?md5=e823f32200a2496ef8046cb8e3fb3773&pid=1-s2.0-S2666719324001882-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142271202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring botanical varieties in alpine landscape of Himalayas: A study of vegetation and species composition in Madhmaheshwar Valley, Western Himalaya, India","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100672","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100672","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Alpine meadows emerged as the hallmark vegetation type, embodying the essence of botanical richness. In this research endeavor, the focus was on exploring the intricate tapestry of alpine flora nestled within the Madhmaheshwar Valley, spanning elevations ranging from 3200 to 4950 meters above sea level. This comprehensive study yielded a trove of botanical insights, documenting an impressive assemblage of 462 distinct plant species. These species were carefully cataloged across 237 genera, encompassing a rich diversity represented by 61 distinct families. In the study area, the family Asteraceae was the dominant family with 58 species and 30 genera followed by Rosaceae with 33 species and 16 genera, and Ranunculaceae with 27 species across 15 genera. Among the genera <em>Carex</em> L., with 10 species, was the dominant, followed by <em>Saxifraga</em> Tourn. ex L.<em>, Gentiana</em> Tourn. ex L.<em>, Pedicularis</em> L., and <em>Primula</em> L. followed closely behind with nine species each. Additionally, <em>Rhodiola</em> L.<em>, Bistorta</em> (L.) Scop.<em>,</em> and <em>Epilobium</em> Dill. ex L. displayed their vitality with seven species each. The study used meticulous research methodology to categorize forest types based on floral diversity and altitude distribution. Rigorous verification processes ensured the reliability of findings, with specimens identified using up-to-date references and cross-referenced with authentic herbarium samples. Fieldwork occurred between early May and late October, aligning with seasonal accessibility due to heavy snowfall the rest of the year. Alpine meadows and scrubs dominated the study area, highlighting their resilience. Alpine plants showcased various adaptive morphologies, such as cushion-forming and mat-forming structures, with thick cuticles defending against desiccation. Despite harsh conditions, these plants displayed modified structures enabling growth and blossoming. Many were highly specialized, emphasizing unique adaptations to their habitats.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324001791/pdfft?md5=d644a5e0bb5239968d9f982d41ffe521&pid=1-s2.0-S2666719324001791-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142271198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pine woodland fire dynamics mirror industrial history at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia, USA","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100676","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100676","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Fire is an important biophysical process in pine (<em>Pinus</em>) and mixed pine-oak (<em>Quercus</em>) forests and woodlands across the Central Appalachian Mountains. Decades of fire exclusion, however, particularly on public lands, have resulted in a well-documented homogenization of species composition and forest structure. Our objective was to inform management and restoration efforts by expanding on previous dendroecological research at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and adjacent Babcock State Park in southern West Virginia. Specifically, we assessed pine woodland fire activity in the context of local industrial history, land management, and regional drought. Samples cut from 110 fire-scarred pine trees, distributed across four sites, were used to develop a fire-scar record that spans the period 1842–2010; however, sample depth diminishes rapidly before the 1860s. Fires occurred frequently and extensively in the early–mid 20th century, coinciding with peak coal production and population density. Eleven major fires, or years when at least two trees and 25 % of samples recorded a fire scar at an individual site, were documented in the tree-ring record, but none occurred during the federal land management era (1978–present). Synchronous fire events recorded at two or more sites were associated with drier than average September–May (‘dormant season’) climate conditions. Our results indicate that, since the late 19th century, fire activity in pine woodlands at the New River Gorge has been driven primarily by human ignitions associated with industrial activities, and that periods of drought have amplified landscape-scale fire occurrence. Land managers should consider these historical fire patterns when developing restoration strategies that may include prescribed fire, thinning treatments, and managed wildfires.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324001833/pdfft?md5=6b5e6cdebaac6a4820d3dc88dcf70773&pid=1-s2.0-S2666719324001833-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142238784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}