{"title":"Multi-scenario impacts on ecosystem services and relationships in alpine ecosystems: A case study of the Daxing’anling forest area, Inner Mongolia","authors":"Laixian Xu , Youjun He , Liang Zhang , Hui Xu , Chunwei Tang","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100975","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100975","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding future ecosystem service (ES) dynamics and relationships is crucial for sustainable management, particularly in degraded alpine ecosystems. Research gaps exist in integrating future land use with SSP-RCP climate scenarios to systematically examine ESs and their multidimensional relationships. Focusing on the Daxing’anling forest area, Inner Mongolia, we developed a comprehensive framework integrating PLUS and InVEST models with SSP-RCP scenarios to simulate spatiotemporal dynamics of four ESs and their multi-perspective relationships under nine climate and land-use scenarios from 2018 to 2053. Main findings: (1) Climate was characterized by warming and drying, with forests remaining dominant (>93 %). Ecological protection (EP) scenarios promoted forest expansion, whereas conventional development (CD) and ecological-economic development (EED) scenarios expanded cropland. (2) By 2053, water yield (WY) decreased significantly (3.45–10.52 %), while carbon storage (CS), soil conservation, and habitat quality (HQ) experienced minor fluctuations. ES supply capacity was highest under EP scenarios and lowest under CD scenarios. (3) All ES pairs exhibited predominantly synergistic relationships, with strongest synergy in CS-HQ and weakest in WY-CS. SSP126 most favorably influenced ES pair relationships. (4) Overall relationships among multiple ESs were dominated by trade-offs (81.44–82.17 %). EP scenarios enhanced trade-offs while suppressing synergies, whereas CD and EED scenarios produced opposite effects. Overall, climate and land-use changes impact ESs and their relationships scenario-dependently and spatially heterogeneously, with SSP126-EP being optimal. Under most scenarios, ES supply capacity weakened, ES pairs remained synergistic, and overall ES relationships were dominated by strengthened trade-offs. We recommend adaptive climate management, land-use optimization, and differentiated strategies for alpine ecosystem sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100975"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144858344","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":"Designing agroforestry cacao to implement multifunctional landscapes by synergizing ecosystem service and economic value1","authors":"Yudha Kristanto , Suria Tarigan , Tania June , Bambang Sulistyantara , Pini Wijayanti","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100974","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100974","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heightened awareness of monoculture cacao's negative impacts has led to the adoption of multifunctional landscape approaches aimed at optimizing ecological, social, and economic outcomes in cacao plantations. This study outlines multifunctional landscape plans for the Rongkong watershed, addressing both land and landscape scales to support sustainable and regenerative cacao development. The landscape planning includes agroforestry-based land-sharing scenarios and land-sparing approaches, evaluated based on the synergy and economic value of ecosystem services provided. The cacao-durian-avocado agroforestry combination stands out as the most advantageous, offering synergistic benefits in provisioning and regulating services, along with substantial financial gains. This scenario yields higher values for FNPV, ENPV, FBCR, and EBCR, achieving up to 2.23, 1.66, 1.77, and 1.51 times the value of monoculture cacao in upstream areas, and 2.26, 1.61, 1.78, and 1.42 times in downstream regions. Additionally, managing this combination through land-sparing methods allows 0.4 ha per ha of agricultural farm to be saved while delivering equivalent benefits. At a broader landscape level, the cacao-durian-avocado model is promising when scaled to replace monoculture cacao, traditional agroforestry, and marginal lands. Nevertheless, it's essential to recognize that variations in biophysical and socioeconomic conditions can influence differences in land equivalent ratio (LER), net present value (NPV), and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) across multifunctional landscapes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100974"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144829172","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":"Climate mitigation and adaptation potential of an endangered tree across land-use types under climate change","authors":"Haftu Abrha , Emiru Birhane , Redae Nigusse , Victor Ongoma , Soro Dodiomon , Cherif Mamadou , Haftom Hagos , Girmay Gebresamuel","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100971","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100971","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study assessed the distribution, growth, carbon stock, and soil effects of <em>Podocarpus falcatus</em> across different land-use types. Out of 408 plots along 64 transects, the species was found in 42 plots across 8 transects (with 100 m spacing and 200 m altitudinal intervals). Species distribution models projected potential range under current and future (2021–2100) climate scenarios using key environmental variables. Statistical analyses assessed its abundance, growth, and carbon stock. The results showed that the population structure of the species was characterized by a J-shaped curve, indicating poor regeneration potential. The occupancy rates were 10.3 % and 12.5 % at the plot and transect levels, respectively. Its abundance was significantly higher in church forests compared to forest and riverside areas (P = 0.025). The effect of <em>P. falcatus</em> on organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, and clay content was significantly higher in church forests compared to forest and riverside areas (P = 0.001). However, sand content was significantly higher in forest and riverside areas than in church forests (P = 0.001). The total biomass and carbon of <em>P. falcatus</em> across the land-use types were statistically non-significant (P = 0.729). Temperature annual range (31.4 %), percent silt (27 %), precipitation of the warmest quarter (9.3 %), and altitude (7.8 %) influenced species distribution. Its current potential distribution (30.8 %) could expand to 51.9–63.5 % under SSP2–4.5 and 44.9–59.6 % under SSP5–8.5. <em>Podocarpus falcatus</em> plays a vital role in carbon sequestration and soil enhancement, but its poor presence and regeneration threaten its sustainability. Thus, implementing climate-adaptive management strategies is essential for the long-term survival of the species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100971"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144842741","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":"Optimization of remote sensing estimation model for biomass of rubber plantations from the perspective of multi-source feature fusion","authors":"Yan Zhang, Bihan Zhao , Weihao Yang, Longyu Sui, Guangxi Yang, Zilin Wei, Chao Yang, Huabo Du, Peng Qu, Shichuan Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100969","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100969","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rubber plantations biomass is a crucial indicator for assessing carbon storage and ecological functions within Rubber plantation ecosystems. However, improving the accuracy of biomass estimation remains a key research focus. Slope and aspect indirectly regulate rubber tree growth by influencing water, nutrient, and light conditions. The potential of topographic factors to enhance model accuracy remains uncertain. This study aims to enhance the accuracy of biomass estimation in rubber plantations by integrating drone-based multispectral imagery and topographic factors, while evaluating twelve machine learning algorithms, including deep learning models. The research was conducted in Menglian County, Yunnan Province, a mountainous region with complex terrain, utilizing spectral, textural, and topographic features to estimate aboveground and belowground biomass across different age classes (young, intermediate, mature, over-mature) of rubber forests. Twelve regression models were tested, including linear models (MLR, PLSR), ensemble methods (RF, XGBoost, GB), support vector machines (SVM), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), and deep learning models (ANN, BPNN, CNN, U-Net DRM, PINN). Random forest regression was employed for feature selection, reducing the input variables from 325 to a lower dimension. The XGBoost model maintained the highest accuracy among the 12 models, achieving R² > 0.95, the lowest RMSE (∼27.653 t/hm²), and Bias (4.700 t/hm²). Ultimately, the XGBoost model was selected to estimate biomass of rubber plantations. The results showed that the average biomass of young rubber plantations was 264.698 t/hm², middle-aged plantations 351.539 t/hm², mature plantations 330.649 t/hm², and over-mature plantations 420.315 t/hm². The high-precision biomass estimation framework integrating UAV-based multispectral data and topographic factors significantly improves model performance. This approach not only provides a reliable technical framework for accurate biomass estimation in rubber plantation ecosystems but also offers robust technical support for dynamic monitoring and assessment of carbon storage in tropical artificial forest plantations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100969"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144842732","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}
Banki T. Chunwate , Robert A. Marchant , Eleanor K.K. Jew , Lindsay C. Stringer
{"title":"Forest cover and land use change trajectories within gazetted forest reserves in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria (1966–2020)","authors":"Banki T. Chunwate , Robert A. Marchant , Eleanor K.K. Jew , Lindsay C. Stringer","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100963","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100963","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rapid losses of Protected Areas (PAs) and forest reserves has led to negative environmental, social, and economic impacts globally. This study examines land use and land cover change (LULCC) in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria, focusing on the timing and patterns of change in three gazetted forest reserves since 1966. Systematic and purposive techniques were used to select three forest reserves for the study, one in each of the state's geopolitical zones. Polygon maps of the three reserves from 1966 provided a baseline, against which a temporal sequence of Landsat remote sensing imagery was used to analyse historical trends of LULCC from 1986 to 2020. The analysis showed substantial degradation across all the reserves. Risha Forest Reserve experienced the highest loss, with 88 % of its forest cleared, largely due to cropland expansion (87 %). Doma Forest Reserve lost 83 % of its forest, with cropland covering 65 % of the area. Odu Forest Reserve had the lowest loss (55 %) and maintained 45 % forest cover by 2020. These significant losses pose severe threats to local biodiversity, increase greenhouse gas emissions, and exacerbate climate change impacts in the region. This study recommends the urgent assessment of current tree cover in gazetted forest areas, especially due to shifting agriculture. The government and forest communities should take steps for immediate and long-term sustainable forest management, monitoring reserves to preserve what remains and maintain conservation potential. Implementation of the 2020 National Forest Policy is needed to reduce rapid deforestation in north-central Nigeria so the development potential of managed reserves can be realised. Overall, the findings contribute to the understanding of deforestation trends in protected areas in Nigeria and West Africa more broadly, providing a valuable baseline for future research and policy development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100963"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144766837","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}
Huaiyi Wang , Xiangfei Lu , Yaquan Dou , Xuanqin Yang , Xiaodi Zhao
{"title":"Changes in visitor behaviour in Canadian National Parks due to COVID-19: focusing on visitor spatial location and the distance between park facilities and visitors","authors":"Huaiyi Wang , Xiangfei Lu , Yaquan Dou , Xuanqin Yang , Xiaodi Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100966","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100966","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>COVID-19 has significantly altered visitor behaviour in Canadian National Parks (NPs), which are largely composed of forested landscapes that support vital human–nature interactions. To investigate these changes, this study selected six NPs and examined shifts in spatial visitation patterns and their relationship with proximity to park facilities before and during the pandemic. Based on 48,041 geotagged Flickr photos from 2018 to 2023, we employed the Seasonal Concentration Index (SCI), Geographic Concentration Index (GCI), Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), and the Optimal Parameter-based Geographic Detector (OPGD). Temporally, all six NPs experienced a pronounced drop in visitor numbers in 2020–2021, with only partial recovery by 2023. Spatially, visitor distribution remained highly uneven, with hotspots clustered around Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise. However, a gradual dispersion of visitor flow toward less-developed and lower-density areas was observed in recent years. Importantly, COVID-19 shifted visitors’ spatial preferences: proximity to natural features such as rivers became more influential than the traditional pull of accommodations and services. These findings suggest a pandemic-induced reconfiguration of tourism behaviour, favouring more dispersed and nature-oriented experiences, though not necessarily closer to forest interiors. The study underscores the need for adaptive tourism planning that aligns with changing recreational demands and the ecological character of NPs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100966"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144766838","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}
Silvia Ximena Ureta Cifuentes , Fabián Marcelo Zamora Mejía , Pedro Arnulfo Pineda Cotzojay , Marie Ange Ngo Bieng
{"title":"Thirty years of community forest management in the maya biosphere reserve: A review of its successes and challenges for conservation and governance of tropical forest socio-ecological systems","authors":"Silvia Ximena Ureta Cifuentes , Fabián Marcelo Zamora Mejía , Pedro Arnulfo Pineda Cotzojay , Marie Ange Ngo Bieng","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100949","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100949","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Researchers and policymakers a promoted Community Forest Management (CFM) as an effective strategy for tropical forest conservation and the sustainable development of local communities. However, the literature suggests mixed results, with CFM performance below expectations globally. Besides, determining the long-term effectiveness of CFM is always a challenge in tropical landscapes. Therefore, this study conducts a bibliometric and content review of CFM implementation in the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala, a long-term pioneer model in the tropics. We analyzed its impact on forest conservation and the socioeconomic well-being of community concessionaires. Analyzing 181 scientific publications indexed in Scopus, we identified key research trends and predominant indicators in CFM evaluation. The results show that the model has significantly contributed to reducing deforestation and generating local economic benefits, yet it faces challenges related to governance, land tenure security, gender empowerment, and pressure from external actors. Despite its achievements, the literature suggests that CFM assessments have been fragmented, often prioritizing specific aspects without a comprehensive approach. Based on these findings, we propose the inclusion of new evaluation indicators and emphasize the need for interdisciplinary monitoring to enhance the model’s socioecological sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100949"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144781381","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}
Xinyi Zhu , Wei Lin , Zhiyi Bao , Chengcheng Zeng , Jian Li , Xiao Qin , Yilun Qu , Wenting Wang , Tianyi Yao
{"title":"The potential of integration: Research progress and key factors of blue-green space perception and health benefits","authors":"Xinyi Zhu , Wei Lin , Zhiyi Bao , Chengcheng Zeng , Jian Li , Xiao Qin , Yilun Qu , Wenting Wang , Tianyi Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100965","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100965","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the rapid pace of urbanization, public expectations for the ecological environment have shifted from basic material improvements to more advanced demands for health and well-being. Within the framework of nature-based solutions (NBS), blue-green spaces have emerged as a key factor in enhancing public health. Over the past decade, research on the health benefits of blue-green spaces has grown significantly. This paper examines the research progress and emerging trends in blue-green space perception and its health benefits through a bibliometric analysis of 60 selected articles using Bibliometrix and Microsoft Excel software. The analysis reveals a shift in research focus from isolated perceptions of blue (water) or green (land) spaces to a more integrated understanding of blue-green spaces. The synergistic effects of blue-green integration in promoting health have become increasingly apparent. Consequently, this paper delves into the theoretical foundations of “blue-green space integration” and proposes an “objective-subjective” evaluation framework for integrated blue-green spaces. This framework includes four objective indicators and five subjective indicators. Furthermore, three future research directions are suggested: exploring the mechanisms of blue-green integration's impact on health benefits, expanding a more comprehensive evaluation system for blue-green spaces, and promoting policy support and practical applications for blue-green integration. This study synthesizes the current body of research on blue-green space perception and health benefits, providing guidance for future studies focused on integrated blue-green spaces and contributing to the effective realization of their health-enhancing effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100965"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144781380","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}
Bruno Kokouvi Kokou , Wouyo Atakpama , Ulemu Msiska , Sèdjro David Igor Thierry Kévin Ahouandjinou , Séverin Biaou , Joyce Nababi , Georges Lufungula Alunga , Prudence Agnandji , Prosper Kimwanga Salumu , Clément Soloum Tételi , Alioune Badara Diop , Kouagou Raoul Sambieni , Frank Mnthambala , Mavuto Tembo , Paul Munyenyembe
{"title":"Sustainable management insights from the population ecology and carbon storage of Uapaca kirkiana Müll., Arg. across geographic regions in Malawi (Southern Africa)","authors":"Bruno Kokouvi Kokou , Wouyo Atakpama , Ulemu Msiska , Sèdjro David Igor Thierry Kévin Ahouandjinou , Séverin Biaou , Joyce Nababi , Georges Lufungula Alunga , Prudence Agnandji , Prosper Kimwanga Salumu , Clément Soloum Tételi , Alioune Badara Diop , Kouagou Raoul Sambieni , Frank Mnthambala , Mavuto Tembo , Paul Munyenyembe","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100959","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100959","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the ecological dynamics of multipurpose tree species such as <em>Uapaca kirkiana</em> Müll., Arg. is crucial for their sustainable management, particularly under increasing climate change pressures. Using forest inventory data from 149 plots, this study assessed the population ecology parameters (size class distribution, structural diversity, species diversity and stability), regulating ecosystem services (carbon storage potential) and importance value indices of <em>U. kirkiana</em> across three regions and six altitudinal classes in Malawi. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare ecological parameter means across regions and altitudes; correlation among these parameters was tested for their association. Overall, we found 124 species, 89 genera, and 39 botanical families, with Fabaceae, Phyllanthaceae, and Combretaceae being the most dominant. Species richness and Shannon diversity indices were higher in the central and southern regions. Structurally, <em>U. kirkiana</em> populations were dominated by small diameter classes (10-20cm), with few mature individuals (>45cm), indicating regeneration disturbance. Diameter at breast height (DBH) was positively correlated with the structural quotient (Qs) and inter-tree distance, but negatively correlated with diameter differentiation, suggesting low heterogeneity in mature stands. <em>U. kirkiana</em> tolerated mixed-species stands (mingling index: 20-44%), supporting its suitability for agroforestry systems. The Northern region had the highest carbon storage (57.80 tCO₂/ha), significantly higher than the Southern (51.25 tCO₂/ha) and Central (43.80 tCO₂/ha) regions (p < 0.05), because this region is characterized by greater annual rainfall (>1,600mm), which supports better tree growth and biomass accumulation. The estimated economic value of <em>U. kirkiana</em> was 1,011,997.57 MWK (577.95 USD/ha), highlighting its significance for both ecological and livelihood purposes. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the ecological behavior and service provision by <em>U. kirkiana</em>, in Malawi.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 100959"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144907742","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}
Disha Upreti , Bhawna Negi , Naveen Chandra Pandey , Lalit M. Tewari , Ashish Tewari , Amit Mittal , Mohd. Tariq , Vikram S. Negi , Tabarak Malik , Mohamed Bechir Ben Hamida
{"title":"Composition, structure, and regeneration potential of Himalayan cypress (Cupressus torulosa D. Don ex Lamb.) forests in the Kumaun Himalayas","authors":"Disha Upreti , Bhawna Negi , Naveen Chandra Pandey , Lalit M. Tewari , Ashish Tewari , Amit Mittal , Mohd. Tariq , Vikram S. Negi , Tabarak Malik , Mohamed Bechir Ben Hamida","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100964","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100964","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vegetation is a critical and integral component of ecosystems. Conducting a floristic inventory and regeneration profiling provides valuable insights into the current and future composition of forest ecosystems. Therefore, an attempt has been made to assess the floristic composition, diversity, and regeneration potential of Himalayan Cypress (<em>Cupressus torulosa</em> D. Don ex Lamb.) stands in the Kumaun region of the Central Himalayas, distributed across an elevation range of 1,684 to 2,320 m asl. Within each Cypress stand, a 1-hectare area was randomly divided into 20 circular plots, each having a radius of 5.65 m. Tree, sapling, and seedling data were recorded from circular plots, while shrubs and herbs were sampled using 5 × 5 m and 1 × 1 m quadrats, respectively, through systematic sampling. A total of 120 circular plots (trees), 240 quadrats for shrub, and 360 for herb were sampled. The study recorded 145 plant species from 53 families, with herbs being the most dominant, followed by shrubs and trees. Species richness ranged from 37 to 71 species, and tree densities varied from 440 to 1,050 trees ha⁻¹. Shannon diversity (H’) was highest for herbs (1.82–2.64) and lowest for trees (0.12–0.79). Richness and diversity varied significantly with elevation; the richness and diversity of trees increased, and that of shrub and herbs decreased. Tree species richness showed a positive association with soil organic carbon. Most sites exhibited a bell-shaped population structure reflecting dominance of mid-sized individuals and fair regeneration. The prevalence of <em>Quercus</em> spp. and <em>C. deodara</em> seedlings over Cypress indicates a shift toward late-successional forest stages. Cypress being an early-successional species can be considered a viable option for the restoration of degraded landscapes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100964"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144770954","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}