Plantation forests and biodiversity: oxymoron or opportunity?

Abstract

Losses of natural and semi-natural forests, mostly to agriculture, are a signiWcant concern for biodiversity. Against this trend, the area of intensively managed plantation forests increases, and there is much debate about the implications for biodiversity. We provide a comprehensive review of the function of plantation forests as habitat compared with other land cover, examine the eVects on biodiversity at the landscape scale, and synthesise context-speciWc eVects of plantation forestry on biodiversity. Natural forests are usually more suitable as habitat for a wider range of native forest species than plantation forests but there is abundant evidence that plantation forests can provide valuable habitat, even for some threatened and endangered species, and may contribute to the conservation of biodiversity by various mechanisms. In landscapes where forest is the natural land cover, plantation forests may represent a low-contrast matrix, and aVorestation of agricultural land can assist conservation by providing complementary forest habitat, buVering edge eVects, and An 'oxymoron' is a Wgure of speech using an intended combination of two apparently contradictory terms. 926Biodivers Conserv (2008) 17:925-951 1 C increasing connectivity. In contrast, conversion of natural forests and aVorestation of natural non-forest land is detrimental. However, regional deforestation pressure for agricultural development may render plantation forestry a 'lesser evil' if forest managers protect indigenous vegetation remnants. We provide numerous context-speciWc examples and case studies to assist impact assessments of plantation forestry, and we oVer a range of management recommendations. This paper also serves as an introduction and background paper to this special issue on the eVects of plantation forests on biodiversity.

Structure of bird communities in eucalyptus plantations: nestedness as a pattern of species distribution

“…In the tropics, native and exotic tree species are planted for lumber and pulpwood production (FAO, 2012) and, in some cases, to compensate for loss of the native forest (Farwig et al, 2008). Conversion of native forests to tree plantations composed of exotic species is contrary to the principles of biodiversity conservation (Brockerhoff et al, 2008). The ecological functions of native forests cannot be completely replaced in plantations (Volpato et al, 2010).…”

How Have Environmental Concepts Reshaped the Agroforestry Concept?

“…Indeed, those systems occur after a significant human disturbance and differ in structure and/or species composition from the nearby pristine habitats on similar sites (Van Noorwijk et al, 2016). With their new and human-influenced combinations of species, these novel ecosystems can therefore be seen as an opportunity for biodiversity conservation (Brockerhoff et al, 2008;Chazdon et al, 2009).…”

Linking forest ecosystem services to corporate sustainability disclosure: A conceptual analysis

“…Overall, the nature and magnitude of impacts is very context-specific and varies according to plantation type and local factors. When properly managed, plantations can positively support ecosystem services on degraded land, thereby reducing pressure on natural forests (Eckehard, et al 2008;Evans and Turnbull, 2004;Hartley, 2002) and creating positive societal value. …”