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Enhanced Tree Recruitment Following Logging in Two Forest Reserves in Ghana
Author(s) -
Swaine Michael D.,
Agyeman Victor K.
Publication year - 2008
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/j.1744-7429.2007.00386.x
Subject(s) - logging , felling , illegal logging , agroforestry , species richness , forestry , environmental science , geography , ecology , biology
We tested if logging enhances the recruitment of tree species by comparing young tree density in areas disturbed by logging with areas unaffected by logging 6 mo after logging in two Forest Reserves in Ghana. Analysis of 46 commercial timber species showed significantly higher postlogging recruitment in felling gaps and skid trails than in areas unaffected by logging. New seedlings substantially exceeded those lost due to logging operations. Species richness was significantly greater in areas disturbed by logging.