Trees, Forests and People最新文献

{"title":"Toward successful implementation of agroforestry-based community forests in Myanmar: Incorporating farmers’ perceptions through an ecosystem services approach","authors":"Su Mon San ,&nbsp;Navneet Kumar ,&nbsp;Lisa Biber-Freudenberger ,&nbsp;Christine B. Schmitt","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101272","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101272","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Agroforestry is a popular reforestation approach in agriculture-forest landscapes due to its focus on diverse ecosystem services. In Myanmar, agroforestry-based community forests (ACFs) have been implemented since 2013 to reforest areas encroached upon by agriculture in state forests. This study aimed to improve ACF implementation by analyzing farmers’ perceptions of the contributions of ecosystem services, including provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services, to their livelihoods. We surveyed 291 households by using a questionnaire including closed and open-ended questions, and conducted forest inventories across 42 sample plots. The methods for analyzing social data included descriptive statistics, partial proportional odds model, and qualitative co-occurrence analysis. With regard to forest data, we analyzed species composition, above-ground biomass, and canopy cover. Farmers perceived provisioning ecosystem services as the most important, followed by regulating services. Socioeconomic factors significantly shaped these perceptions: education, particularly at secondary and higher levels, positively influenced the perceived importance of regulating services, whereas household income negatively influenced the perceived importance of cultural services. In contrast, larger landholdings were linked to greater perceived importance of cultural services. Despite the high perceived importance of provisioning services, the actual contribution of ACFs to provisioning services and their economic potential remained low, highlighting the need to enhance these ecosystem functions. We discuss options for improving provisioning services as well as other ecosystem services based on farmers’ needs and values. Among these options is the incorporation of fast-growing native tree species that can generate both short- and long-term income through timber and non-timber forest products. Overall, this study demonstrates that applying the ecosystem services framework to assess farmers’ perceptions and the current contributions of ACFs provides valuable insights into their limited socio-economic benefits and their ecological role in supporting environmental stability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101272"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147850247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use patterns and population dynamics of Boscia salicifolia Oliv. in Boussouma, Burkina Faso: implications for sustainable conservation","authors":"Sibiri Jean Claude Ramdé ,&nbsp;Larba Hubert Balima ,&nbsp;Moussa Ganamé ,&nbsp;Philippe Bayen ,&nbsp;Adjima Thiombiano","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101273","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101273","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leafy vegetables play a vital role in food and nutritional security across sub-Saharan Africa, but increasing human pressures threaten their sustainability. This study investigated the ethnobotanical uses, population dynamics, and conservation needs of <em>Boscia salicifolia</em> Oliv. in Boussouma, Burkina Faso. Ethnobotanical data were collected from 140 informants, stratified by gender, age, and education, using semi-structured questionnaires to document plant uses, perceived threats, and conservation strategies. Vegetation surveys were conducted in 31 plots across protected areas (17 plots, 900 m²) and agroforestry systems (14 plots, 2500 m²), with all individuals measured for basal diameter, diameter at breast height, total height, and pruning intensity. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to test the effects of sociodemographic characteristics on plant use and perceived benefits, while Fisher’s exact tests were used to examine associations with perceived population trends. Population structure was analyzed through diameter-class distributions, supplemented by slope, permutation index, and consecutive class quotients. Leaves were the most exploited organ (Index Value of Organs = 72.3%), primarily for food. Most informants (75%) reported a population decline due to drought, low regeneration, and intensive exploitation. Vegetation data revealed higher tree densities in protected areas, but consistently low juvenile abundance and high pruning intensity across land-use types (69.9 ± 27.6%–71.9 ± 32.2%). Diameter-class distributions showed unimodal structures dominated by medium-sized individuals, indicating limited recruitment. These findings highlight the dietary and medicinal importance of this species while underscoring threats from intensive pruning and poor regeneration. Conservation measures such as assisted natural regeneration, reforestation, and community awareness programs are recommended to promote species recovery and sustainable use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101273"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147798048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understory plant diversity and plantation traits mediate the effects of arthropod diversity on herbivory rates in African mahogany plantations","authors":"Bienvenu Houehanou ,&nbsp;Orou G. Gaoue","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101249","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101249","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forest plantations and agricultural land use are gradually replacing natural forests. Biodiversity conservation in the Anthropocene must include the diversity of species in these novel ecosystems and human-modified landscapes. Evaluating the role of forest plantations as potential biodiversity refuges requires understanding how these plantations influence species interactions and processes that shape species coexistence. We used structural equation modeling to investigate the mediating role of understory plant diversity in African mahogany plantations on the effect of plantation traits (size, age, isolation) on arthropod diversity and plant herbivory rates. We found lower herbivory rates in larger plantations but no direct effect of plantation age and isolation on herbivory rates. However, we found indirect effects of plantation traits on understory plant herbivory rates, mediated by effects on plant species richness and its influence on phylogenetic diversity. Plantation age, size, and isolation indirectly reduced herbivory rates by increasing species richness. Phylogenetic diversity was positively associated with species richness and thus was also directly negatively associated with herbivory rates. Altogether, our findings underscore the importance of considering plantation traits and their spatial context in managing biodiversity and ecosystem services in human-modified tropical ecosystems. The biotic processes demonstrated in the understory communities of forest plantations are similar to those found in native forests. Given the ecological effects of plantation traits on species interactions in the understory, the efficient design of a network of forest plantations for biodiversity conservation needs to prioritize larger plantations with the expectation of a time-dependent increase in their ecological value.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101249"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147798049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The contributions of bamboo to value chain stakeholder’s livelihoods in Cameroon","authors":"Rene Kaam ,&nbsp;Verina Ingram","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cameroon has an estimated 1.2 million hectares of bamboo but current information on the economic and ecological impacts of its trade is lacking, but important given policy developments. This study evaluates the contribution of bamboo to the livelihoods of collectors, processor-traders, and consumers, and assesses the sustainability of its value chain. Guided by a social-ecological systems and value chain framework, 252 semi-structured interviews and nine focus group discussions were conducted in total of 36 locations with harvesters, processor-traders, and consumers. Key findings are that bamboo continues to be harvested unsustainably, mainly from national forest lands, with cultivated sources and plantations playing a marginal role. Processing remains basic, with informal trade predominating on the roadside (33%) and markets (6%). Bamboo contributes 3448,632 FCFA (39%) to annual household incomes for processor-traders and is of secondary importance for collectors, providing 757,596 FCFA (26%) annually. Value-adding remains low, although consumers generally like bamboo products, rating them competitively, as affordable and durable but not high-quality. Social-ecological factors, including the nature of the resource system, governance, characteristics of users in the chain, and their interactions contribute to the overexploitation of bamboo resources. These findings suggest research, conservation, development and policy interventions are needed to improve governance: developing and enforcing a dedicated bamboo policy, improved resource management through knowledge and capacity building, promoting higher-value bamboo products to increase value and incomes, cultivating bamboo, particularly on degraded land to support restoration and carbon trading, could ensure long-term socio-economic and ecological sustainability of the chain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101264"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147798051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Domestic credit to the private sector, institutional quality and tropical deforestation: A panel data analysis of 24 African countries","authors":"Joseph Kwasi Asafo ,&nbsp;Ametus Kuuwill ,&nbsp;Jude Ndzifon Kimengsi ,&nbsp;Benedict Afful Jr","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101274","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101274","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Existing studies have extensively linked deforestation in Africa to foreign direct investment, suggesting that foreign financial flows drive deforestation in Africa. However, the impact of domestic financial flows, mediated by institutions, on deforestation in Africa remains a critical gap in the literature. This undermines forest sustainability efforts and risks intensifying episodic climate vulnerabilities on the African continent if not robustly examined. We bridge this policy and academic gap by analyzing panel data from 24 African countries between 2000 and 2022 using fixed and random effects econometric models. The analysis revealed that domestic credit to the private sector significantly accelerates deforestation. This suggests that expansionary financial policies without conditions for forest sustainability could intensify deforestation in Africa. However, the impact of institutional quality on deforestation presents mixed effects. While government effectiveness reduces forest loss, other indicators, such as political stability, voice and accountability, control of corruption, and the rule of law, are paradoxically associated with increased deforestation in Africa. Based on these findings, the study proposes a \"Green Domestic Credit\" model that links financial expansion with forest safeguards, including support for climate-smart agriculture. The study highlights the importance of reassessing African-specific financial expansionary policies and environmental sustainability for promoting inclusive growth. Future research should investigate the interplay between domestic credit and foreign direct investment to deepen our understanding of global capital flows and their environmental implications in Africa and other tropical regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101274"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147798050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The functions of urban forests in eliminating pollution and improving human comfort index along the urban-rural transect","authors":"Shenghua Luan ,&nbsp;Wei Liu ,&nbsp;Kunshui Luo ,&nbsp;Qi Zhu ,&nbsp;Suqin Yu ,&nbsp;Qiong Wang ,&nbsp;Hua Yang ,&nbsp;Linqi Liu ,&nbsp;Guiwu Zou","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101284","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101284","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urbanization-induced air quality deterioration has triggered a series of problems. Fortunately, urban forests are an effective solution to these problems. However, the differential capacity of various forest types to purify air pollutants and modulate human comfort remains inadequately quantified along the urban-rural transect. Thus, this study quantified the spatiotemporal heterogeneity in forest-mediated mitigation of air pollutants and modulation of human comfort along the urban-rural transect by field measurement. The results revealed that the capability of urban forests to mitigate pollution and enhance human comfort depended collectively on their position on the transect, season, and forest type. Along the urban-rural transect in Nanchang, the atmosphere purification capacity decreased sequentially from suburban to exurban to urban core regions. Seasonally, purification capacity was lowest during summer. Regarding forest types, coniferous forests were the primary source of negative air ions in urban areas, effectively improving air quality in both suburban and exurban regions. In contrast, evergreen broadleaf forests were particularly effective at enhancing urban air quality and thermal comfort. These context-dependent results suggest: (1) Increasing broad-leaved forest coverage in densely populated urban cores to prioritize urban heat island (UHI) mitigation; (2) Prioritizing coniferous forests in industrially active suburban areas for targeted air pollution; and (3) Focusing on expanding mixed-species forests in exurban regions to maintain the ecological advantage of high negative air ion concentrations. These findings provide empirical evidence for optimizing urban forest configurations through strategic spatiotemporal zoning and conifer-broadleaf ratio adjustments to maximize air quality regulation services. It should be noted that extrapolation of the above results should be done with special caution, especially outside the subtropical monsoon zone.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101284"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147798052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Age and cohort effects jointly shape growth patterns in birch (Betula spp.) across Norway","authors":"M. Vergarechea ,&nbsp;C. Antón-Fernández ,&nbsp;J.U. Jepsen ,&nbsp;O.P.L. Vindstad ,&nbsp;N. Cattaneo ,&nbsp;J.J. Camarero ,&nbsp;R. Astrup","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101290","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101290","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forest age structure plays a central role in determining carbon storage, biodiversity, and long-term ecosystem resilience. In Norway, birch species (<em>Betula pendula</em> and <em>Betula pubescens</em>) dominate large areas of boreal forest, yet large-scale patterns of their age distribution and growth dynamics remain poorly quantified. Using increment core data from 2818 trees sampled across the Norwegian National Forest Inventory, spanning five vegetation zones (58–71°N) and a broad productivity gradient, we analyzed the drivers of birch age structure and growth variation across age classes and historical cohorts.</div><div>Intermediate-aged trees (35–80 years) dominated most regions, whereas older individuals were scarce, particularly on productive sites, reflecting the combined effects of forest management and the life-history strategy of fast-growing pioneer species. When compared at equivalent biological ages, younger trees consistently showed higher basal area increment (BAI) than older trees, with differences strongest during early development and on productive sites. Cohort analyses showed a pronounced long-term increase in juvenile growth: mean BAI during the first ten years after reaching breast height increased steadily across successive cohorts over the past 150 years. This increase became more pronounced after ∼1960 and was consistent across vegetation zones and site productivity classes. Although sampling and survivor bias cannot be fully excluded, the consistency across environmental gradients points to broad-scale changes in early growth dynamics of birch forests in Norway. These results underscore the importance of considering both age structure and cohort-related variation when interpreting forest dynamics and planning future management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101290"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147850246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biomass and carbon quantification in Teak (Tectona grandis) forests: a global systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Muhammad Abdul Qirom ,&nbsp;Ris Hadi Purwanto ,&nbsp;Haruni Krisnawati ,&nbsp;Wahyu Catur Adinugroho ,&nbsp;Budi Mulyana ,&nbsp;Freddy Jontara Hutapea","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101276","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101276","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Teak (<em>Tectona grandis</em>) is a highly valuable tropical hardwood species that provides substantial economic returns and important ecological functions, including carbon (C) sequestration benefits. Accurate estimation of C stocks in teak forests is critical for climate change mitigation. Yet, current assessments are constrained by methodological inconsistencies and the widespread use of generalized parameters, such as biomass expansion factor (BEF), C conversion factor (CCF), and root-to-shoot ratio (RSR). Here, we systematically reviewed 111 publications and conducted a meta-analysis of 59 studies to develop a global synthesis of teak-specific biomass and C accounting parameters. The compiled dataset is geographically uneven, with most studies originating from Asia and comparatively limited data from Africa and Latin America. Our results revealed that stems account for the majority of total tree biomass (66.9 %), followed by branches (16.6 %), roots (12.8 %), and foliage (≤ 3.7 %), indicating predominant C allocation in long-lived woody components. The pooled mean BEF was 1.66, and the mean RSR was 0.23. Mean C concentrations were 48.9 % in stem biomass, 44.2 % in understorey vegetation, and 42.8 % in litter. However, heterogeneity was consistently high across studies, indicating substantial variability associated with differences in site conditions, stand characteristics, and methodological approaches. These findings demonstrate that uniform application of BEF, RSR, and CCF can introduce systematic bias in teak C estimates. We recommend the adoption of species- and site-specific parameters, inclusion of coarse woody debris, and standardized, depth-explicit soil protocols to improve accuracy and comparability. Overall, this synthesis provides an evidence-based framework for teak C assessments and highlights the role of sustainably managed teak plantations in climate change mitigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101276"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147798054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quantitative evaluation and resource optimization strategy for ancient and notable trees conservation efficacy","authors":"Kai Liu (刘凯) ,&nbsp;Shouqiang Wang (王守强) ,&nbsp;Shoujian Li (李守剑) ,&nbsp;Yufeng Ma (马御风) ,&nbsp;Yuexiu Su (苏月秀) ,&nbsp;Wenjun Ma (马文俊) ,&nbsp;Kaibo Hu (胡开波)","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101285","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101285","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the lack of a quantitative assessment framework for evaluating the conservation efficacy of ancient and notable trees, as well as the absence of a scientific basis for optimal resource allocation, this study developed an evaluation model based on the “Tree-Environment-Human” triad criterion framework. The model was applied to assess the conservation efficacy of 71,578 ancient and notable trees in Sichuan Province, and resource optimisation strategies were proposed accordingly. (1) Sichuan’s current conservation strategies have achieved significant success in basic protection measures, including controlling anthropogenic disturbance, ensuring tree growth and improving the growing environment. However, there were notable deficiencies in value-added protection, including landscape aesthetics, historical and cultural value and rarity; (2) The conservation efficacy scores for different types of ancient and notable trees are ranked as follows: trees that are both ancient and notable (54.17) &gt; notable trees (54.03) &gt; Grade I ancient trees (53.19) &gt; Grade II ancient trees (46.81) &gt; Grade III ancient trees (42.36). Grade III ancient trees, which account for the largest proportion (75.93%) and have relatively ordinary status, were often neglected in resource allocation; (3) A total of 97.59% of trees in Sichuan Province were concentrated in the medium-value zone (30.01–60.00 points). Protection strategies should shift from the “basic protection” towards “value appreciation”; (4) Under the synergistic effects of multiple measures—including tree growth, spatial security, cultural recognition and conservation investment—the conservation efficacy of the high-score group was approximately 1.75 to 7.00 times that of the low-score group; and (5) resource optimisation strategies should include establishing ancient and notable trees parks, implementing targeted protection measures for Grade III ancient trees, launching targeted initiatives for low-value zones, and encouraging multi-dimensional, synergistic conservation models.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101285"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147849681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modeling forest stand variability by means of remotely sensed vertical structure parameters","authors":"Florian Lippl ,&nbsp;Bianca N.I. Eskelson ,&nbsp;Ian Moss ,&nbsp;Manuela Hirschmugl","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101289","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101289","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vertical forest structural complexity plays a substantial role for biomass, natural regeneration, and habitat provision, yet in-situ mapping remains costly. Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) has shown potential to derive relevant structural forest parameters. This study estimates the Standard Deviation of Tree Heights (SD_HT) and the Gini Coefficient of Basal Area per Hectare (GC_BPH) from Lidar metrics using Partial Least Squares (PLS) and Random Forest (RF) models. Together, SD_HT and GC_BPH capture height variability and tree size inequality, which influence cover and forage availability for mule deer winter habitat. The study was conducted in the Alex Fraser Research Forest, British Columbia. Models were applied to Lidar data from 2013 and 2019 to assess temporal trends. SD_HT was well estimated (R² = 0.76, rRMSE = 13<!--> <!-->%), while GC_BPH showed moderate accuracy (R² = 0.42/0.46, rRMSE = 18<!--> <!-->%). RF achieved R² of 0.72 and 0.50 for SD_HT and GC_BPH, respectively. Simultaneous modeling improved GC_BPH estimates. L-Scale emerged as a key Lidar metric. Results support applications in habitat modeling, fuel modeling, biomass estimation, and disturbance assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101289"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147850245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}