The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi status of selected tree nurseries in the Ethiopian highlands

We investigated the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF) status of ten nurseries suitable for restoration of dry evergreen Afromontane forests in Ethiopia. We quantified AMF root colonization(RC) and spore abundance(SA) in seedlings of nine native tree species namely Acacia abyssinica Hochst. ex Benth., Cordia africana Lam., Dovyalis abyssinica(A. Rich.) Warb., H agenia abyssinica J.F. Gmel., Juniperus procera Hochst. ex Endl., Millettia ferruginea(Hochst.) Baker, Olea europaea L. subsp. c uspidata(Wall. ex G. Don) Cif., Podocarpus falcatus(Thunb.) R. Br. ex Mirb. and Prunus africana(Hook. f.) Kalkman. We used the ink and vinegar method to stain AMF in roots. RC levels ranged from 8.00 to 99.67% and were generally higher than the RC levels reported from other similar nurseries in Ethiopia. SA levels ranged from 1 to 25 spores g~(-1) and werecomparable with some reports from the field in Ethiopia but they were lower than levels reported by another similar study. RC was more affected by host species than nursery location, while the reverse was true for SA. The results also showed that nursery management could improve AMF status among seedlings. When all nursery tree species were considered, RC and SA levels were unrelated. No strong correlation existed between the nursery management variables considered and RC or SA. However, considering C. africana, J. procera and P. falcatus separately, RC-age(r_s = 0.829, P = 0.042) correlation for O. europaea and RC-pot diameter( r_s = 0.820, P = 0.046), RC-pot volume( r_s = 0.928, P = 0.008) and SA-age( r_s = 0.943, P = 0.005) correlations for C. africana, were significant, strong and positive. Generally, most of the tree species and particularly, early-mid successional tree species had sufficient AMF inoculum. Hence, only the mid-late successional tree species; J. procera, P. falcatus, and P. africana may require AMF inoculation, preferably, during filed planting. Based on our results, age and pot volume were identified to be important variables potentially affecting RC and SA. To better understand the effects of these and other nursery management variables, additional study is required. We demonstrated for the first time that black Hero ink is suitable for staining root AMF and can be used in future AMF research.     

哀牢山植物多样性垂直分布格局

以设于哀牢山各植物群的样地调查材料为依据,分析了哀牢山东、西坡不同海拔高度地带性植物群落乔木层林木的高、径垂直分布特征,植物群落生物多样性指数的垂直分布态势。结果表明:该山地植物群落乔木层和灌木层的植物物种多样性沿海拔梯度呈单峰型分布格局,以中山湿性常绿阔叶林乔木层林木的最大和平均树高、最大胸径值和物种多样性指数最大;而灌木层植物物种多样性指数最大值出现在中山湿性常绿阔叶林带下的季风常绿阔叶林和半湿性常绿阔叶林带内;而草本层植物的物种多样性指数则沿海拔梯度上升呈整体减小的趋势;累加其植物群落乔、灌、草3层植物的物种多样性指数,哀牢山东、西坡植物群落的Shannon-Weiner指数和物种丰富度最大值出现在海拔高度2000 m左右。在相同海拔高度处,西坡植物群落的植物物种多样性高于东坡,季风常绿阔叶林的物种多样性大于半湿性常绿阔叶林,而山顶苔藓矮林的植物物种多样性最小。     

Woody species composition and structure of Kuandisha afromontane forest fragment in northwestern Ethiopia

To investigate the woody species composition,diversity and structure of Kuandisha Afromontane forest,vegetation and environmental data were collected from 53 plots of 10 m 9 50 m for trees and shrubs and 265 subplots of 2 m 9 4 m for seedlings were laid along eight transect lines. The local name, scientific name, abundance,DBH, height and percentage foliage cover of species were recorded. Environmental variables, namely altitude, latitude and longitude as well as disturbance levels were also recorded in each plot. Structure, basal area, importance value index(IVI) and species prioritization were analyzed using spreadsheet programs. Correlation coefficients, frequency, relative frequency, Shannon diversity index,Shannon evenness and vegetation classification were analyzed using an R package. Sixty-six species belonging to40 families were recorded. Fabaceae was the most diverse family consisting of seven species, followed by Euphorbiaceae and Asteraceae. In terms of habit, 29 species were trees, 28 were shrubs, and 9 were lianas. The overall Shannon diversity index was 2.5. The frequency and relative frequency of woody species with DBH C2.5 cm ranged from 1.9 to 92.5 and 0.1 to 5, respectively. Seedling density varied among species ranging from five to 9938 individuals ha-1. The total basal area of woody species having DBH C2.5 cm is 15.3 m2ha-1. The IVI of species ranged from 0.13 for Solanum giganteum Jacq. to 28.4 for Croton macrostachyus Del. The woody vegetation was classified into five community types. Species richness,diversity and evenness of communities were strongly positively correlated. On the other hand, the correlation between disturbance and seedling density, and species richness was strongly negative. Thus, among the recorded woody species, a significant portion was either lacking regeneration or selectively removed for various purposes.The lack of seedlings of those species is mainly attributed to anthropogenic disturbances particularly free grazing. As a result, 14 tree, seven shrub and one liana species were prioritized for conservation and management interventions.     

The importance of an indigenous tree to southern African communities with specific relevance to its domestication and commercialization:a case of the marula tree

Local communities in southern Africa derive many benefits from marula [Sclerocarya birrea(A.Rich.) Hochst.subsp.caffra(Sond.) Kokwaro].These include the contribution of this species towards health,nutrition,food security and conservation by sharing local skills and knowledge related to it.Marula fruits can be eaten fresh,squeezed to make juice,brewed in traditional beer or used to make jam and jelly.The kernels are also edible and can be pressed to extract oil for cooking and cosmetics,i.e.,for skin and hai...     

Woody plant species diversity and composition in and around Debre Libanos church forests of North Shoa Zone of Oromiya,Ethiopia

Dry afromontane forests are among the most poorly managed and endangered ecosystems.Therefore,we assessed the composition,diversity,and conservation status of woody plant species of the Debre Libanos church forests and surrounding forest lands in Oromiya Regional National State,central Ethiopia in 62 nested circular sample plots spaced 200 m apart along two transect lines.Large circular plots 314 m~2 were used to sample trees with DBH of at least 10 cm,and subplots of 28.26 m~2 were laid in each main plot were used to assess saplings and shrubs;a small subplot of 3.14 m~2 was used to assess seedlings.In total,70 woody plant species belonging to 62 genera and 43 families were recorded.Of these,59,28 and 32 were in the church,government and private forest types,respectively.The most dominant families were Fabaceae and Verbenaceae,each represented by five species.In the forests considered,trees accounted for 61%,and shrubs with diameter at breast height(DBH) of 1-10 cm accounted for ca.33%.Among growth forms of woody species,shrubs and seedlings,followed by trees constituted much of the density of woody species in all the three ownership types of forests.The church forest had the most species(59) and highest Shannon(3.12) and Simpson(0.92) species diversity indices,and the government and private forests had a nearly similar total number of species and Shannon and Simpson species diversity indices.Most of the species with higher importance value indices(IVI) were indigenous in origin within the church forest(Juniperus procera=82),government forest(J.procera=66) and private forest(Acacia abyssinica=84).The composition,diversity,and population structure of woody species in the church forest were significantly higher than in the other forest lands.However,interventions of the government and private sectors to conserve forest systems in the areas,particularly the government-owned forest and specific species such as Olea europaea need active enrichment plantings due to their limited natural regeneration.Without improved management interventions,livelihood income diversification and ecosystem services obtained from the forest will not be sustainable.     

高黎贡山自然保护区东坡垂直带蚂蚁群落研究

研究了高黎贡山自然保护区东坡北段、中北段、中南段、南段垂直带蚂蚁群落及其物种多样性。高黎贡山自然保护区东坡垂直带上蚂蚁群落具有明显的规律性，随海拔升蚂蚁群落优势种数目普遍递减，优势种所占比例递增，物种数目和个体密度递减，随海拔升高，优势度指数普遍递增，物种多样性指数和均匀度指数递减，同时观察到了一些例外，在北段云南松林出现的优势度指数偏高，优势种数目、物种多样性指数和均匀度指数偏低例外与植被为纯度林有关，而该处物种数目和个体密度偏高例外与边缘效应有关，中南段季风常绿阔叶林出现的优势度指数偏高，优势种数目、个体密度和物种多样性指数偏低与植被片断化有关，中北段和中南段山体上部出现的优势种所占比例和优势度指数偏低、物种多样性指数和均匀度指数偏高情况与植被保持原始林状态有关，在保护区东坡4个地段垂直带上，蚂蚁群落之间的相似性系数几乎均在0－0．25之间，处于极不相似水平，只有中北段东坡旱冬瓜林与季风常绿阔叶林蚂蚁群落相似性系数达到0．25－0．50范围，即中等不相似水平。     

藏东南嘎隆拉和墨脱河谷蚂蚁群落研究

[目的]为了揭示藏东南地区蚂蚁群落的生态学规律,对藏东南嘎隆拉和墨脱河谷不同样地的蚂蚁群落进行了调查研究,揭示藏东南地区蚂蚁多样性。[方法]采用样地调查法和手拣法进行调查;利用Estmaete S 9.1.0程序对数据进行处理,分析抽样充分性;利用多样性分析法,分析了蚂蚁群落的组成、优势种、物种多样性、群落均匀度及群落相似性等群落特征。[结果]合计发现蚁科Formicidae昆虫8亚科,45属,96种。分析发现,不同植被类型优势种和稀有种组成不同,稀有种较多。低海拔区域的沟谷雨林和常绿阔叶林蚂蚁优势种具有明显的热带和亚热带特征。多样性分析发现,各样地中的蚂蚁群落物种丰富度0 42种,个体密度0.0 1 805.6头·m-2,多样性指数02.285 5,均匀度指数0.251 0 0.873 6,优势度指数0.147 0 1.000 0。其中海拔1 200 m沟谷雨林的蚂蚁物种丰富度最高(42种);海拔1 450 m季风常绿阔叶林的多样性指数最高(2.285 5),优势度最低(0.147 0);海拔2 960m高山松林均匀度指数最高(0.873 6);高海拔的针叶林蚂蚁物种丰富度和多样性均最低,优势度最高。北坡分布的物种稀少,南坡物种丰富;群落相似性系数表明不同海拔和植被的蚂蚁群落间差异显著。[结论]嘎隆拉和墨脱河谷生境存在明显差异,蚂蚁群落的物种数目、个体密度、多样性指数和均匀度指数总体呈现随海拔升高和植被的更替而降低的规律,但在南坡下部和中部出现2个峰值,分别为热带和温带物种的聚集群,表现出多域效应现象(Multi-Domain Effect)。植被、海拔和坡向对蚂蚁物种的分布和多样性影响深刻。     

金佛山国家级自然保护区植物群落优势种与多样性研究

采用常规野外调查法对金佛山国家级自然保护区南、北、西3坡向不同海拔梯度的植物群落优势种和植物多样性进行调查研究。结果表明:①海拔1 840 m处,乔木层的优势种都是常绿阔叶树种,其他海拔区域乔木层的优势种未呈现规律性;西坡不同海拔高度乔木层的优势种都属于常绿阔叶树种,而其他坡向未呈现规律性;北坡840 m和西坡840 m处的灌木层优势种都为乔木幼树,分别是四川大头茶(Gordonia acuminate)幼树和油茶(Camellia oleifera)幼树;海拔1 840 m处,各坡向草本层以阴生的植物为优势种。②西坡1 340 m和北坡1 840 m处植物群落物种多样性最高,受到严重干扰的山顶和南坡1 840 m处物种多样性最低而北坡1 340 m和南坡1 340 m处在受到干扰的情况下仍表现出较高的物种多样性。③植物群落内各层的物种丰富度的大小顺序依次为草本层乔木层灌木层,而群落多样性指数的大小顺序依次为乔木层草本层灌木层。     

Plant diversity at Chilapatta reserve forest of Terai Duars in sub-humid tropical foothills of Indian eastern Himalayas

From March 2007 to March 2009 we quantified plant diversity at Chilapatta Reserve Forest in Terai Duars in the Indian eastern Himala-yas. We sampled stratified random nested quadrats. Species richness was 311, representing 167 genera and 81 families. The species diversity index and concentration of dominance of the forest were 2.20 and 0.0072, respectively. Shannon-Wiener index and evenness indices were 4.77 and 1.44, respectively. The Importance Value Index （IVI） of species ranged from 0.13 to 37.94. The estimated diversity indices indicated heterogene-ity of the forest in its composition, structure, function and dynamics. Rich forest plant diversity supports the need for continued conservation of tropical forests.     

南岭中段冰灾受损群落和植物区系特征及保护生物学意义

南岭山地是我国14个具有国际意义的陆地生物多样性关键地区之一(陈灵芝,1993),是中亚热带和南亚热带之间的一条自然地理分界带,阻挡北来寒潮和南来热带暖流的屏障,是2008年我国南方     

Woody plant diversity,structure and regeneration in the Ambo State Forest,South Gondar Zone,Northwest Ethiopia

For this study in the Ambo State Forest on woody plant diversity, structure and regeneration, 70 quadrats, each 25 m by 25 m, were selected using a systematic random sampling technique and intervals of 100 m along a transect line. For assessing seedlings and saplings,two 2 × 10 m sub quadrats were set upon opposite sides of each main quadrat. Data on species diversity, abundance,structure, basal area, density, frequency and regeneration status were collected and analyzed using standard procedures and programs. Of 58 woody plant species identified,69 % were trees, 16 % were shrubs, 12 % were tree/shrubs and 4 % were climbers. Fabaceae was the most speciesrich family comprising 17 species. The Shannon–Weiner diversity index was 2.73, and evenness was 0.67. The population structure in the cumulative diameter class frequency distribution revealed an interrupted and inverted J-shape with a very high decrease in higher diameter class.Acacia lahai(49 %) was the most important woody species with the highest importance value index. To maintain balanced structure, enhanced regeneration and protecting the forest from selective cutting are recommended.     

Floristic diversity, regeneration status, and vegetation structure of woodlands in Metema Area, Amhara National Regional State, Northwestern Ethiopia

We studied woodland vegetation in broad-leaved deciduous woodlands of Metema in northwestern Amhara regional state, Ethiopia Our objective was to describe plant species composition, diversity, regeneration status, and population structure by a selective approach with asystematic sampling design. A total of 74 quadrats (each for 25 m × 25 m,spaced at intervals of 150 200 m) were sampled along established transect lines following the homogeneity of the vegetation. Vegetation data including cover-abundance, height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and numbers of seedlings and saplings of woody species were analyzed using Excel spreadsheet, Shannon Weiner diversity index, and PAST version 1.62. A total of 87 vascular plant species of 74 genera and 36 families were recorded. The dominant family was Fabaceae represented by 16(18.39 %) species of 13 genera. Shannon Weiner diversity and evenness were 3.67 and 0.82, respectively, which showed that the area was endowed with rich floral diversity evenly distributed. The vegetation structure, as quantified by cumulative diameter class frequency distribution,plotted as an interrupted inverted-J-shape pattern with a sharp decreasein the 2nd diameter class. This indicated poor vegetation structure. The diameter classes frequency distributions of selected species plotted infour general patterns i.e., interrupted Inverted-J-shape, J-shape,Bell-shape and Irregular-shape. In conclusion, although the area showedhigh floral diversity and evenness, woody species including Sterculea setigera, Boswellia papyrifera, and Pterocarpus lucens showed lowest recruitment of seedlings and saplings.     

Effect of exclosure ages on woody plant structure,diversity and regeneration potential in the western Tigray region of Ethiopia

Exclosure is a method of rehabilitating degraded lands by protecting them from the interference of animals and from human encroachment, and is used to regenerate native vegetation as a way to reduce soil erosion, increase rain water infiltration and provide fodder and woody biomass in degraded grazing lands. Therefore, we studied woody plant structure, diversity and regeneration potentials in 5- and 10-year grazing exclosures in comparison with open grazed sites in a semi-arid environment. Data on species diversity, abundance, structure, basal area, frequency, density, and regeneration status were collected from 270 sample plots. Forty-one woody species representing 20 families were identified, with 18, 28 and 38 species found in open grazed areas, and in 5- and 10-year grazing exclosures, respectively. The 10-year grazing exclosures had a higher (P < 0.05) species richness and plant densities compared to the 5-year grazing exclosures and the open grazed areas. The population structure and regeneration status of woody species in both grazing exclosures showed an inverted J-shape, indicating a healthy regeneration status, whereas hampered regeneration was observed in open grazed areas. The establishment of grazing exclosures had positive effects in restoring woody plant diversity and improving vegetation structure and regeneration potentials of degraded grazing lands.     

东莞樟科林木资源分布特征

采用2 km×2 km的UTM网格取样法及相邻样方法对东莞市樟科林木资源进行调查,统计每个样地乔木树种植株数量、胸高断面积以及物种多样性指数,分析樟科林木资源的分布特征和规律,结果表明:(1)在东莞市的天然森林里,樟科林木以润楠属、樟属和木姜子属为主,常见树种多为阳生性先锋树种,如豺皮樟(Litsea rotundifolia)、山苍子(L. cubeba)、潺槁树(L. glutinosa)等,以及中性长寿树种黄樟(Cinnamomum porrectum)和浙江润楠(Machilus chekiangensis),其他树种均为零星分布.浙江润楠、黄樟、山苍子、豺皮樟等种类海拔区间分布较宽,各样地几乎都有分布,而潺槁树明显更多地集中分布在中低海拔的山地中;(2)属国家重点保护野生植物的仅有樟树(C. camphora )1种,属我国栽培的常绿硬木类珍贵树种有黄樟、浙江润楠和樟树3种;(3)樟科林木种数与群落所有林木植株数量、群落丰富度及香侬韦纳多样性指数均存在正相关关系;(4)樟科林木的植株密度与海拔显著相关,高海拔森林群落中明显比低海拔地区的大;(5)樟科林木胸高断面积与海拔、樟科林木植株数量及优势种种类等相关性显著;(6)浙江润楠具有集群分布、且树木径级较大等特点,且其海拔分布区间较宽,其木材资源在东莞市天然森林里占有重要的地位.     

楚雄紫溪山南坡植物物种多样性的海拔梯度分布格局研究

采用样地调查法对紫溪山南坡植物物种多样性的垂直分布格局进行调查,运用丰富度指数、香农指数、辛普森指数和均匀度指数4个指标分别对植物物种多样性、木本植物物种多样性和草本植物物种多样性加以分析。结果表明:1)随着海拔高度的增加,植物物种多样性的3个指标丰富度指数、香农和辛普森多样性指数先升高后降低,呈现出单峰分布格局,而均匀度指数则逐渐升高,呈现出正相关格局。2)木本植物物种多样性的4个指数均随着海拔高度的增加先升高后降低,呈现出单峰分布格局。其中,乔木层植物物种多样性4个指数与木本植物物种多样性4个指数表现一致;而灌木层植物物种多样性的4个指数则表现为先升高后降低,再次升高后降低的趋势,呈现出近似双峰的分布格局。3)草本层植物物种多样性4个指数也呈现出近似双峰的分布格局。     

Relationship and its ecological significance between plant species diversity and ecosystem function of soil conservation in semi-humid evergreen forests, Yunnan Province, China

In recent years, the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem stability, productivity, and other ecosystem functions has been extensively studied by using theoretical approaches, experimental investigations, and observations in natural ecosystems; however, results are controversial. For example, simple systems were more stable than complex systems in theoretical studies, and higher productivity was observed in human-made ecosystems with poorer species composition, etc. The role of biodiversity in the ecosystem, such as its influence on sustainability, stability, and productivity, is still not understood. Because accelerated soil-erosion in various ecosystems has caused a decrease of primary productivity, a logical way used in the study of the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function can be used to study the relationship between plant species diversity and soil conservation. In addition, biodiversity is a product of evolutionary history, and soil erosion is a key factor controlling the evolution of modern environment on the surface of the Earth. A study on the relationship between biodiversity and soil-erosion processes could help us understand the environmental evolution of Earth. Fifteen 10 m × 40 m standard runoff plots were established to measure surface runoff, soil erosion, and total P loss in different secondary communities of semi-humid evergreen broad-leaved forests that varied in composition, diversity, and level of disturbance and soil erosion. The following five communities were studied: AEI (Ass. Elsholtzia fruticosa + Imperata cylindrical), APMO (Ass. Pinus yunnanensis + Myrsine africana + Oplismenus compsitus), APLO (Ass. Pinus yunnanensis + Lithocarpus confines + Oplismenus compsitus), AEME (Ass. Eucalyptus smith + Myrsine africana + Eupatorium adenophorum), and ACKV (Ass. Cyclobalanopsis glaucoides + Keteleeria evelyniana + Viola duelouxii). Tree density, the diameter of the tree at breast height, and the hygroscopic volume of plant leaves were determined in each plot. Results indicated that surface runoff, soil erosion, and total P loss decreased as a power function with increase in plant species diversity. Their average values for three years were 960.20 m³/(hm² · year), 11.4 t/(hm² · year), and 127.69 kg/(hm² · year) in the plot with the lowest species diversity, and 75.55 m³/(hm² · year), 0.28 t/(hm² · year), and 4.71 kg/(hm² · year) in the plot with the highest species diversity, 12, 50, and 25 times respectively lower compared with the lowest species diversity plots. The coefficients of variation of surface runoff, soil erosion, and total P loss also followed a power function with the increase of plant species diversity, and were 287.6, 534.21, and 315.47 respectively in the lowest species diversity plot and 57.93, 187.94, and 59.2 in the highest species diversity plot. Enhanced soil conservation maintained greater stability with increased plant species diversity. Plant individual density increased linearly and the canopy density and cross section at breast height increased logarithmically with the increase of plant species diversity. The hydrological function enhanced as the plant species diversity increased. There were obviously relationships between plant species diversity and rainfall interception, coverage, and plant individual density, which was related to soil conservation functions in the five forest communities. The complex relationships between plant species diversity and the above-mentioned ecological processes indicated that plant species diversity was an important factor influencing the interception of rainfall, reducing soil erosion and enhancing the stability of soil conservation, but its mechanism is not known. This experiment showed that plant species diversity promoted soil and nutrient conservation and ultimately lead to the increase of the primary productivity of the ecosystem, and was thus a good way to study the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Rainfall interception could be assessed easily using the hygroscopic volume of plant leaves. Because there were strong correlations between plant species diversity and soil conservation functions, the patterns of plant species diversity will show a certain level of predictability on the interactions of life systems with surface processes of the Earth. __________ Translated from Journal of Plant Ecology, 2006, 30(3): 392–403 [译自: 植物生态学报     

卧龙自然保护区大熊猫栖息地植物群落多样性研究:丰富度、物种多样性指数和均匀度

根据64个植被样方调查资料,分析卧龙自然保护区大熊猫栖息地植物群落多样性特征.结果表明:卧龙自然保护区大熊猫栖息地不同植被类型的物种多样性指数值H'、D和均匀度指数Jsi基本表现出一致的变化趋势:常绿落叶阔叶林＞温性针阔混交林＞落叶阔叶林＞温性针叶林＞亚高山针叶林,而物种丰富度S变化为温性针叶林＞落叶阔叶林＞常绿落叶阔叶林＞亚高山针叶林＞温性针阔混交林.在不同的植物群落中,由于地形地势、坡度、土壤、水热条件等原因,其物种多样性指数不同,但其多样性测度指标除物种丰富度外均呈现出基本一致的变化趋势.随海拔的升高,大熊猫栖息地物种丰富度、多样性指数和均匀度变化先增加,然后下降,最后趋于平稳.坡度不是影响卧龙野生大熊猫栖息地生物多样性的关键因子.不同的坡向其物种丰富度S变化为西＞北＞东＞南,物种多样性指数H'、D呈现西＞南＞北＞东的递降格局,均匀度指数Jsi呈现南＞西＞东＞北的递降格局.在不同的群落中,物种丰富度变化表现为灌木层＞乔木层＞草本层,且42.9%群落中乔木层大于灌木层、64.3%群落中乔木层大于草本层、92.9%群落中灌木层大于草本层,落叶针叶林乔木层树种丰富度小于灌木层和草本层,但其灌木层物种丰富度大于草本层.在同一或不同生长型中,物种多样性指数和均匀度指数变化大体一致.     

湖南黄桑国家级自然保护区主要植物群落类型特征的研究

通过87个样地的调查研究表明,黄桑国家级自然保护区的主要植物群落有:栲林、木荷林、亮叶水青冈林、石栎林、华榛林、鹅掌楸林、桦木林、枫香林、华南五针松林、润楠林、马尾松林、杉木林、闽楠林、云山白兰林、三尖杉林、龙胜杜鹃林、映山红灌丛、竹林、马兰灌草丛等。植物群落景观具有明显的垂直性分布:海拔1 200 m以下为常绿阔叶林带;海拔1 200~1 400 m之间为常绿与落叶阔叶混交林(包括针阔叶混交林);海拔1 400~1 700 m之间为山顶矮林;海拔1 700 m以上为中山灌丛、草丛带。植物群落物种多样性与群落结构的复杂性呈正相关,各群落类型物种多样性指数普遍较高。     

浙江丽水太山褐叶青冈林群落结构及其多样性

通过样方调查,应用物种丰富度、物种多样性指数和群落均匀度等指标对分布在浙江丽水太山山地的褐叶青冈林群落类型进行了分析.结果表明:太山山地褐叶青冈林物种丰富;乔木层优势种群明显,树高分布主要以近似对称分布为主,群落乔木层个体高度的分布较为均匀;在群落的垂直结构上,灌木层、乔木层、草本层的物种多样性依此降低,灌木层的物种丰富度和物种多样性指数最大;在各样方中,乔木层、灌木层和草本层的物种多样性没有明显的变化趋势;群落生活型以中、小高位芽植物为主,群落叶的性质以单叶、革质和全缘的小叶为主;群落优势种群年龄结构和群落类型属于衰退型.     

Diversity and regeneration status of woody species in Tara Gedam and Abebaye forests,northwestern Ethiopia

A study was conducted in Tara Gedam and Abebaye forests l,northwestern Ethiopia to investigate the diversity,regeneration status,socio-economic importance and the factors causing destruction of the forests.A total of 30 plots,measuring 20 m ×20 m,were established along line transects laid across the forests.Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method was employed to generate the socio-economic data.Primary data were collected by field observation,semi-structured interview with key informants and discussion with relevant stakeholders.A total of 143 woody species belonging to 114 genera and 57 families were recorded,and of all the species 44 (30.8%) were trees,57 (39.9%) trees/shrubs,33 (23.1%) shrubs and 9 (6.3%) lianas.The diversity and evenness of woody species in Tara Gedam forest are 2.98 and 0.65,respectively,and in Abebaye forest they are 1.31 and 0.31,respectively.The total density and basal area of woody species in Tara Gedam forest are 3001 individuals ha-1 and 115.36 m 2 ha-1,respectively,and in Abebaye forest the values are 2850 individuals ha-1 and 49.45 m 2 ha-1,respectively.The results on the importance value index (IVI) and DBH class distributions suggest that the species with low IVI value and poor regeneration status need to be prioritized for conservation.In the socio-economic survey,the responses from the key informants indicatedthat the forests are the major sources of fuelwood (90%),construction material (80%),timber (75%) and farm implements (55%).The forests are also sources of medicines,animal fodder,bee forage and edible fruits.Tara Gedam monastery,assisted by the local people who have strong religious belief and high respect to the monastery,has played a great role in the maintenance of the sacred forest since a long time.At present,the conservation efforts are made jointly by the monastery and institutions concerned with conservation.The major factors that cause destruction of the forests are livestock grazing,tree cutting for various purposes and farmland expansion.The implications of the results are discussed,and the recommendations are suggested for conservation,management and sustainable utilization of the forest ecosystems.