Multiple-factor classification of a human-modified forest landscape in the Hsuehshan Mountain Range, Taiwan

Abstract

Human actions drive landscape heterogeneity, yet most ecosystem classifications omit the role of human influence. This study explores land use history to inform a classification of forestland of the Tayal Mrqwang indigenous people of Taiwan. Our objectives were to determine the extent to which human action drives landscape heterogeneity. We used interviews, field sampling, and multivariate analysis to relate vegetation patterns to environmental gradients and human modification across 76 sites. We identified eleven forest classes. In total, around 70 % of plots were at lower elevations and had a history of shifting cultivation, terrace farming, and settlement that resulted in alder, laurel, oak, pine, and bamboo stands. Higher elevation mixed conifer forests were least disturbed. Arboriculture and selective harvesting were drivers of other conspicuous forest patterns. The findings show that past land uses play a key role in shaping forests, which is important to consider when setting targets to guide forest management.

Indigenous Resilience to Disasters in Taiwan and Beyond

“…However, centuries of colonization, assimilation, and modernization have left deep and profoundly negative impacts. There are many land use and nature conservation-related conflicts between Indigenous peoples and government agencies, private stakeholders, and even among Indigenous communities themselves [38][39][40][41][42].…”

Global Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples in Taiwan: A Critical Bibliometric Analysis and Review

“…Some studies created climate resilience or vulnerability indices for urban [44] or rural [25] settings. Several studies focused on the ecological wisdom of Indigenous peoples, including TEK systems [45][46][47], agroforestry and conservation practices [48][49][50], the roles of traditional institutions in conservation [51], traditional housing and settlement patterns [52], and traditional knowledge and risk perception [53]. Even though many studies acknowledged the importance of TEK systems, only a few focused on how TEK could be integrated into climate change adaptation [54][55][56].…”