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Natural forest regeneration and ecological restoration in human‐modified tropical landscapes
Author(s) -
MartínezRamos Miguel,
Pingarroni Aline,
RodríguezVelázquez Jorge,
ToledoChelala Lilibeth,
ZermeñoHernández Isela,
Bongers Frans
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
biotropica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.813
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1744-7429
pISSN - 0006-3606
DOI - 10.1111/btp.12382
Subject(s) - regeneration (biology) , forest restoration , biodiversity , disturbance (geology) , agroforestry , ecology , restoration ecology , deforestation (computer science) , propagule , logging , geography , secondary forest , ecosystem services , ecosystem , forest ecology , environmental resource management , environmental science , biology , paleontology , computer science , programming language , microbiology and biotechnology
In human‐modified tropical landscapes ( HML s) the conservation of biodiversity, functions and services of forest ecosystems depends on persistence of old growth forest remnants, forest regeneration in abandoned agricultural fields, and restoration of degraded lands. Understanding the impacts of agricultural land uses ( ALU s) on forest regeneration is critical for biodiversity conservation in HML s. Here, we develop a conceptual framework that considers the availability of propagules and the environment prevailing after field abandonment as two major determinants of forest regeneration in HML s. The framework proposes that regeneration potential decreases with size, duration and severity of agricultural disturbance, reducing propagule availability and creating ill‐suited environmental conditions for regeneration. We used studies from Southern Mexico to assess this framework. First, we identify regeneration bottlenecks that trees face during transit from seed to follow‐up life stages, using demographic analysis of dominant pioneer species in recently abandoned fields. Then, we explore effects of ALU s on forest regeneration at the field and landscape scales, addressing major legacies. Finally, we integrate agricultural disturbance with landscape composition to predict attributes of successful second growth forests in HML s, and provide indicators useful to select tree native species for active restoration. An indicator of disturbance inflicted by ALU s, based on farmers’ information, predicted better regeneration potential than measurements of soil and microclimate conditions at time of abandonment. Cover of cattle pastures in the landscape was a stronger indicator of forest regenerating attributes than cover of old growth forest remnants. To conclude, we offer recommendations to promote forest regeneration and biodiversity conservation in HML s.