Interactions between native tree species and environmental variables along forest edge-interior gradient in fragmented forest patches of Taita Hills, Kenya

Wekesa, Chemuku; Maranga, Elias K.; Kirui, Bernard; Muturi, Gabriel M.; Gathara, Mary

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2017.12.023

Cited by 19 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 65 publications

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“…ese results suggest that canopy trees at the edge of the DDF are resistant to disturbances at forest edges, such as the environmental changes [24]. ese environmental changes result from the increased disturbances that are common at forest edges, due to mechanisms such as increases in the rate of large tree loss and tree turnover [25]. More importantly, DDFs are firedependent, in that fires occur frequently and limit tree colonization.…”

Section: Colonization Of Woody Species Along the Edge-interiormentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Along the edge-interior gradient of the MDF sites, the colonization of mature trees of MDF species with low stem densities was unsuccessful. Tree mortality is one of the most important biological consequences of edge effects [8], particularly for large trees, which are disproportionately susceptible to wind turbulence and physiological stresses [25]. Moreover, canopy trees may be subject to illegal logging by residents; indeed, dominant MDF species, such as Tectona grandis and Xylia xylocarpa, are sought after for timber in northern ailand [30].…”

Section: Colonization Of Woody Species Along the Edge-interiormentioning

confidence: 99%

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Woody Species Colonization along Edge-Interior Gradients of Deciduous Forest Remnants in the Mae Khum Mee Watershed, Northern Thailand

Asanok

Taweesuk

Papakjan³

2020

International Journal of Forestry Research

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This study investigated the environmental factors and tree species characteristics that are important for the colonization of edge-interior gradients, for later application to the restoration of edge-transition areas created by highland agriculture in deciduous forests in the Mae Khum Mee watershed, northwest Thailand. Three belt plots (100 × 10 m) were established at the transition from the forest edge to the interior of two deciduous forest types (mixed deciduous forest [MDF] and deciduous dipterocarp forest [DDF]), for a total of six belt plots. The species composition of canopy trees and regenerated seedlings and saplings was assessed, together with several environmental factors. We analyzed the relative importance of the physical environment and recruitment limitation was evaluated in relation to the regeneration traits of tree species. The results indicated that it was difficult for DDF and MDF species to effectively colonize the near-edge areas of the forests, primarily because the key factors related to seedling and sapling colonization (i.e., recruitment limitation, the physical environment, and factors related to forest structure) did not match the edge environment. Generalist species experienced much less recruitment limitation along the edge-interior gradients of both DDFs and MDFs. Generalists such as Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Dalbergia cultrata, and Vitex pinnata exhibited more successful establishment under conditions at the edges of both deciduous forests. These findings suggest that the natural regeneration of generalist species can be utilized as a first step in forest-edge restoration due to their facilitation of subsequent colonization by primary forest species.

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Section: Colonization Of Woody Species Along the Edge-interiormentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Colonization Of Woody Species Along the Edge-interiormentioning

confidence: 99%

Woody Species Colonization along Edge-Interior Gradients of Deciduous Forest Remnants in the Mae Khum Mee Watershed, Northern Thailand

Asanok

Taweesuk

Papakjan³

2020

International Journal of Forestry Research

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“…The disturbances have altered the forest structure and reduced tree species diversity (Wekesa et al 2016). Edge effects due to fragmentation of the forests have significantly affected the species diversity, distribution and abundance (Wekesa et al 2018(Wekesa et al , 2019. Soil conditions such as moisture, nitrogen and potassium have also been affected by edge effects (Wekesa et al 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Edge effects due to fragmentation of the forests have significantly affected the species diversity, distribution and abundance (Wekesa et al 2018(Wekesa et al , 2019. Soil conditions such as moisture, nitrogen and potassium have also been affected by edge effects (Wekesa et al 2018). Due to the small and highly isolated nature of forest fragments in Taita Hills, edge effects, and ongoing anthropogenic disturbances in these forests, a large proportion of the tree species is highly threatened, and is of immediate conservation concern.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reconciling Community Livelihood Needs and Biodiversity Conservation in Taita Hills Forests for Improved Livelihoods and Transformational Management of the Landscape

Wekesa

Ndalilo

Manya

2021

Fostering Transformative Change for Sustainability in the Context of Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPL

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The fragmented forests of Taita Hills form an exceptional multi-functional socio-ecological production landscape with outstanding diversity of flora and fauna that provide ecosystem goods and services supporting human wellbeing and livelihood systems. However, these forests are threatened by illegal logging for wood products and encroachment for crop farming. A study was conducted in villages surrounding five forest fragments to establish the conservation programmes responsible for keeping these forests intact for provision of goods and services to the local communities. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 250 respondents in 25 villages surrounding the five forest fragments. Twenty-five focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with key informants actively involved in conservation activities. Results showed that the Taita community conserves the forest fragments through management practices that integrate livelihood needs in conservation, such as butterfly farming, bee-keeping and ecotourism. Additionally, community tree nurseries have been established to produce seedlings for restoring degraded areas, and agroforestry belts have been established on the forests’ edges to provide wood products and protect the forests from encroachment. Likewise, village committees have been established to oversee conservation activities inside the village jurisdictional area. The integrated conservation and livelihood approach has reduced forest destruction, enhanced landscape connectivity for biodiversity conservation, increased incomes, enhanced capacity of the community to adapt to climate change, improved food security, enhanced carbon storage, strengthened traditional knowledge and practices, and ensured availability of clean water for the local population.

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“…Tropical forest loss, degradation and fragmentation (Andren, 1994) generate long-term effects on species diversity and composition, community dynamics and ecosystem processes, and are a major cause of biodiversity loss (Achard et al, 2002;Wekesa et al, 2018;2019). Socio-economic factors related to rapid human population growth exacerbate the scale of this problem because human population density tends to be positively correlated with areas of high species richness and endemism (Balmford et al, 2001).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Fate of Taita Hills Forest Fragments: Evaluation of Forest Cover Change between 1973 and 2016 Using Landsat Imagery

Wekesa¹,

Kirui²,

Maranga³

et al. 2020

OJF

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Landsat images were used to evaluate changes in forest cover of five forest fragments (Chawia, Fururu, Mbololo, Ngangao and Vuria) between 1973 and 2016. The forest fragments are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, a global biodiversity hotspot that boasts outstanding diversity of flora and fauna and a high level of endemism. Landsat imageries of 1973, 1987, 2001, 2012 and 2016 were analyzed using ArcGIS version 10.0 to provide information on forest cover change of the fragments between 1973 and 2016. Results showed that the annual rate of deforestation was 0.5% and was similar to global estimates. The forest fragments lost 23.2% of forest cover between 1973 and 2016. The forest area lost was higher in Vuria (43.0%) and Chawia (32.7%) which are non-gazetted forests managed by the County government of Taita Taveta but lower in Fururu (3.2%), Mbololo (13.7%) and Ngangao (16.8%) which are gazetted forests managed by Kenya Forest Service. Fururu and Mbololo forest fragments gazetted in early 1990s suffered less loss in forest cover compared to Ngangao, which was gazetted 12 years later. Gazettement of forests could preclude further forest degradation and loss by improving their management for effective provision of ecosystem services and conservation of biodiversity.

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Interactions between native tree species and environmental variables along forest edge-interior gradient in fragmented forest patches of Taita Hills, Kenya

Cited by 19 publications

References 65 publications

Woody Species Colonization along Edge-Interior Gradients of Deciduous Forest Remnants in the Mae Khum Mee Watershed, Northern Thailand

Woody Species Colonization along Edge-Interior Gradients of Deciduous Forest Remnants in the Mae Khum Mee Watershed, Northern Thailand

Reconciling Community Livelihood Needs and Biodiversity Conservation in Taita Hills Forests for Improved Livelihoods and Transformational Management of the Landscape

The Fate of Taita Hills Forest Fragments: Evaluation of Forest Cover Change between 1973 and 2016 Using Landsat Imagery

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