Impact of plot size on tropical forest structure and diversity estimation / Impacto del tamaño de la parcela en la estructura y estimación de la diversidad de los bosques tropicales

Abstract Introduction: Inventories are essential for forest management, but, in the Amazon region, the absence of standardization produces information loss, low accuracy, and inconsistent measurements. This prevents valid comparisons and compromises the use of information in networks and software. Sampling unit size is of key importance in the inventory of native forests, particularly regarding accuracy and costs. Objective: To identify a plot size that provides adequate precision for dendrometric parameters in the Amazon. Methods: In Cotriguaçu, Mato Grosso, Brazil, we tested four plot sizes with six repetitions each: 2 500, 5 000, 7 500, and 10 000 m². We measured diameter at breast height, population density, basal area, and biomass. We applied Shannon and Jaccard indexes; Weibull 2P and Gamma functions to fit the diametric distribution; and the Akaike Information Criterion for the best model. Results: There was a directly proportional relationship between plot area and population similarity, but diversity did not indicate significant alterations. Plot size did not affect dendrometric attributes and diametric distribution. Larger plot areas led to lower coefficients of variation and smaller confidence intervals. The Gamma function was the best model to represent the distributions of different plot sizes. Conclusions: For similar forests, we recommend the 2 500 m² plot to evaluate diameter at breast height, population density, basal area, and biomass.

Resumen Introducción: Los inventarios son fundamentales para la gestión forestal, pero en la Amazonía la ausencia de estandarización produce pérdida de información, baja precisión y mediciones inconsistentes. Esto impide comparaciones válidas y compromete el uso de información en redes y programas. El tamaño de la unidad de muestreo es de importancia clave en el inventario de bosques nativos, particularmente en lo que respecta a la precisión y los costos. Objetivo: Identificar un tamaño de parcela que proporcione una precisión adecuada para los parámetros dendrométricos en la Amazonía. Métodos: En Cotriguaçu, Mato Grosso, Brasil, probamos cuatro tamaños de parcela con seis repeticiones cada una: 2 500, 5 000, 7 500 y 10 000 m². Medimos diámetro a la altura del pecho, densidad de población, área basal y biomasa. Se aplicaron los índices de Shannon y Jaccard; Funciones Weibull 2P y Gamma para adaptarse a la distribución diametral; y el Criterio de Información de Akaike para el mejor modelo. Resultados: Hubo una relación directamente proporcional entre el área de parcela y la similitud poblacional, pero la diversidad no indicó alteraciones significativas. El tamaño de la parcela no afectó los atributos dendrológicos y la distribución diametral. Las áreas de parcela más grandes dieron lugar a coeficientes de variación más bajos e intervalos de confianza más pequeños. La función Gamma fue el mejor modelo para representar las distribuciones de diferentes tamaños de parcela. Conclusiones: Para bosques similares, recomendamos la parcela de 2 500 m² para evaluar diámetro a la altura del pecho, densidad de población, área basal y biomasa.

Optimal selective logging regime and log landing location models: a case study in the Amazon forest / Regime de corte seletivo ótimo em modelos de locação de pátios de estocagem de madeira: um estudo de caso na floresta amazônica

ABSTRACT Reduced-impact logging is a well known practice applied in most sustainable forest management plans in the Amazon. Nevertheless, there are still ways to improve the operational planning process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to create an integer linear programming (ILP) to fill in the knowledge gaps in the decision support system of reduced impact logging explorations. The minimization of harvest tree distance to wood log landing was assessed. Forest structure aspects, income and wood production were set in the model, as well as the adjacency constraints. Data are from a dense ombrophylous forest in the western Brazilian Amazon. We applied the phytosociological analysis and BDq method to define the selective logging criteria. Then, ILP models were formulated to allow the application of the constraints. Finally, 32 scenarios (unbalanced forest, UF, and balanced forest, BF) were generated and compared with real executed plans (RE). Robust results were achieved and the expected finding of each scenario was met. The feasibility to integrate ILP models in uneven-aged forest management projects was endorsed. Consequently, the UF and BF scenarios tested were efficient and concise, introducing new advances for forest management plans in the Amazon. The proposed models have a high potential to improve the selective logging activities in the Amazon forest.

RESUMO A exploração de impacto reduzido é uma prática bem conhecida e aplicada na maioria dos planos de manejo florestal sustentável na Amazônia. Todavia, ainda há a possibilidade de melhoria do processo de planejamento da operação. Diante da falta de métodos auxiliares à tomada de decisão, o objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver modelos de programação linear inteira (PLI) para suprir esta demanda. Considerou-se a minimização da distância entre as árvores exploradas e os pátios de estocagem de madeira. Aspectos estruturais, econômicos e produtivos foram incorporados ao modelo, bem como restrições de adjacência. Os dados derivam de uma floresta ombrófila densa na Amazônia Ocidental. Previamente, utilizou-se uma análise fitossociológica e o método BDq como critério de remoção. Posteriormente, modelos de PLI foram formulados para exemplificar as aplicações. Finalmente, 32 cenários (para floresta desbalaceada, UF, e floresta balanceada, BF) foram gerados e comparados com o plano executado no campo (RE). Resultados robustos foram obtidos e atenderam às expectativas de cada cenário. A viabilidade da integração dos modelos de PLI em projetos de manejo de florestas ineqüiâneas foi testado. Os cenários UF e BF testados foram eficientes e concisos, confirmando seu potencial para aumentar a eficiência de planos de exploração madeireira e manejo florestal na Amazônia.

Thinning regimes and initial spacing for Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the effects of different thinning regimes on clonal Eucalyptus plantations growth. Four different trials, planted in 1999 and located in Bahia and Espírito Santo States, were used. Aside from thinning, initial planting density, and post thinning fertilization application were also evaluated. Before canopy closure, and therefore before excessive competition between trees took place, it was found that stands planted under low densities (667 trees per hectare) presented a lower mortality proportion when compared to stand planted under higher densities (1111 trees per hectare). However, diameter growth prior to thinning operations was not statistically different between these two densities, presenting an overall mean of 4.9 cm/year. After canopy closure and the application of the thinning treatments, it was found that thinning regimes beginning early in the life of the stand and leaving a low number of residual trees presented the highest diameter and height growth. Unthinned treatments and thinning regimes late in the life of the stand (after 5.5 years), leaving a large number of residual trees presented the highest values of basal area production. The choice of the best thinning regime for Eucalyptus clonal material will vary according to the plantation objective.

Predicting of biomass in Brazilian tropical dry forest: a statistical evaluation of generic equations

ABSTRACT Dry tropical forests are a key component in the global carbon cycle and their biomass estimates depend almost exclusively of fitted equations for multi-species or individual species data. Therefore, a systematic evaluation of statistical models through validation of estimates of aboveground biomass stocks is justifiable. In this study was analyzed the capacity of generic and specific equations obtained from different locations in Mexico and Brazil, to estimate aboveground biomass at multi-species levels and for four different species. Generic equations developed in Mexico and Brazil performed better in estimating tree biomass for multi-species data. For Poincianella bracteosa and Mimosa ophthalmocentra, only the Sampaio and Silva (2005) generic equation was the most recommended. These equations indicate lower tendency and lower bias, and biomass estimates for these equations are similar. For the species Mimosa tenuiflora, Aspidosperma pyrifolium and for the genus Croton the specific regional equations are more recommended, although the generic equation of Sampaio and Silva (2005) is not discarded for biomass estimates. Models considering gender, families, successional groups, climatic variables and wood specific gravity should be adjusted, tested and the resulting equations should be validated at both local and regional levels as well as on the scales of tropics with dry forest dominance.

Diameter distribution in a Brazilian tropical dry forest domain: predictions for the stand and species

ABSTRACT Currently, there is a lack of studies on the correct utilization of continuous distributions for dry tropical forests. Therefore, this work aims to investigate the diameter structure of a brazilian tropical dry forest and to select suitable continuous distributions by means of statistic tools for the stand and the main species. Two subsets were randomly selected from 40 plots. Diameter at base height was obtained. The following functions were tested: log-normal; gamma; Weibull 2P and Burr. The best fits were selected by Akaike's information validation criterion. Overall, the diameter distribution of the dry tropical forest was better described by negative exponential curves and positive skewness. The forest studied showed diameter distributions with decreasing probability for larger trees. This behavior was observed for both the main species and the stand. The generalization of the function fitted for the main species show that the development of individual models is needed. The Burr function showed good flexibility to describe the diameter structure of the stand and the behavior of Mimosa ophthalmocentra and Bauhinia cheilantha species. For Poincianella bracteosa, Aspidosperma pyrifolium and Myracrodum urundeuva better fitting was obtained with the log-normal function.

Efecto del manejo sobre la diversidad de árboles en vegetación secundaria en la Reserva de la Biosfera de Calakmul, Campeche, México / Effect of management on tree diversity in secondary vegetation in the Biosphere Reserve of Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico

ResumenEl bosque tropical seco (BTS) de la Península de Yucatán ha sido manejado por siglos, pero la relación del efecto del manejo sobre la diversidad de árboles no ha sido completamente entendida. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto del manejo forestal (aclareos, aprovechamiento y enriquecimiento de especies) en la estructura de la vegetación secundaria derivada de bosques tropicales secos, en dos comunidades en Calakmul, Campeche, Sureste de México. Se analizaron cambios en la composición, riqueza de especies, diversidad de especies y estructura en vegetación secundaria sujetas a los siguientes tipos de manejo: 1) vegetación secundaria con manejo apícola (MA), 2) vegetación secundaria con manejo forestal (MF), 3) vegetación secundaria sin manejo (SM) y bosque tropical seco (BTS). La composición de especies fue similar entre vegetación secundaria manejada y no manejada. Por otro lado, entre vegetación secundaria manejada y el BTS hubo diferencias en la composición de especies. La riqueza de especies no fue diferente entre todas las condiciones. La MA mostró la más baja diversidad de especies y presentó la mayor densidad promedio (5 413 ± 770.26 ind./ha). La MF tuvo la menor densidad promedio (3 289 ± 1 183.60 ind./ ha). El BTS mostró la mayor área basal promedio (24.89 ± 1.56 m2/ha) respecto a las demás condiciones. Se concluye que es necesario mantener el monitoreo de las áreas manejadas, para detectar efectos del manejo que pueden ser adversos o favorables para la conservación de la diversidad florística de los BTS.

Abstract:The tropical dry forest (BTS) of Yucatan Peninsula has been managed for centuries, but the relationship between these management efforts and their effects on trees diversity has not been fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of forest management (thinning, harvesting and enrichment of species), in the structure of secondary vegetation derived from dry tropical forests, in two communities in Calakmul, Campeche, Southeast Mexico. We analyzed changes in the composition, species richness, species diversity, and structure in secondary vegetation subject to following types of management: (1) secondary vegetation with beekeeping management (MA), secondary vegetation with forest management (MF), natural secondary vegetation (SM) and tropical dry forest (BTS). The species composition was similar between secondary vegetation managed and unmanaged. On the other hand, between managed secondary vegetation and BTS there were differences in species composition. Species richness was not different between all conditions. MA showed the lowest species diversity and presented higher average density (5 413±770.26 ind.ha-1).MF had lowest average density (3 289 ± 1 183.60 ind.ha-1). BTS showed the highest average basal area (24.89 ± 1.56 m2.ha-1) regarding the other conditions. We concluded that is necessary to keep monitoring the managed areas to detect effects of management that may be adverse or favorable to conservation of floristic diversity of BTS. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 41-53. Epub 2017 March 01.

Effects of habitat management on different feeding guilds of herbivorous insects in cacao agroforestry systems / Efecto del manejo de hábitat en diferentes gremios alimentarios de insectos herbívoros en sistemas agroforestales de cacao

AbstractHuman pressure on natural habitats increases the importance of agroforests for biodiversity conservation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of cacao traditional cultivation system (CTCS) on the conservation of the herbivorous insect community when compared with a monodominant rubber agroforest, a type of agricultural system for cacao cultivation. The insects were sampled in three habitats in Southeastern Bahia, Brazil: native forests, CTCS and rubber agroforests. In each habitat, 18 plots of 10 m2 were established, and the structural measures were collected and herbivorous insects were sampled with a Malaise/window trap. The diversity of folivorous decreased with the simplification of vegetation structure, but species composition was similar among habitats. In addition to a decrease in the availability of resources in monodominant rubber agroforests, the latex present in these systems have limited the occurrence of species that cannot circumvent latex toxicity. The diversity of sap-sucking insects was similar among habitats, but species composition was similar only in the CTCS and native forest, and it was different in the rubber agroforest. We observed turnover and a higher frequency of individuals of the family Psyllidae in the rubber agroforest. The biology and behavior of Psyllids and absence of natural enemies enable their diversity to increase when they are adapted to a new host. We observed a shift in the composition of xylophagous insects in the rubber agroforest compared to that in other habitats. Moreover, this agroforest has low species richness, but high individual abundance. Latex extraction is likely an important additional source of volatile compounds discharged into the environment, and it increases the attraction and recruitment of coleoborers to these sites. We concluded that CTCS has an herbivorous insect community with a structure similar to the community found in native forests of the region, and they present a more interesting conservation strategy when compared to rubber agroforests. We also emphasized the potential risk of local pest outbreaks in rubber agroforests for both the rubber and associated cacao trees. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 763-777. Epub 2016 June 01.

ResumenLa presión humana sobre los hábitats naturales aumenta la importancia de los sistemas agroforestales para la conservación de la biodiversidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el papel del sistema tradicional de cultivo de cacao en la conservación de la comunidad de insectos herbívoros en comparación con el agrobosque monodominante de caucho, un tipo de sistema agrícola para el cultivo de cacao. Los insectos fueron muestreados en tres hábitats en el sureste de Bahia, Brasil: bosque nativo, sistema tradicional de cultivo de cacao y agrobosque de caucho. En cada hábitat, se establecieron 18 parcelas de 10 m2, se tomaron medidas estructurales y se muestrearon los insectos herbívoros con una trampa tipo Malaise. La diversidad de folívoros disminuyó con la simplificación de la estructura de la vegetación, pero la composición de especies fue similar entre hábitats. Además se presentó una disminución de la disponibilidad de recursos en agrobosques de caucho, el látex presente en estos sistemas han limitado la aparición de especies que no pueden evadir la toxicidad de látex. La diversidad de insectos chupadores de savia fue similar entre los hábitats, pero la composición de especies fue similar sólo en el sistema tradicional de cultivo de cacao y el bosque nativo, y diferente en el agrobosque de caucho. Hemos observado que hay una mayor frecuencia de individuos de la familia Psyllidae en el agrobosque de caucho. La biología y el comportamiento de los psílidos y ausencia de enemigos naturales permiten que su diversidad aumente cuando se adaptan a un nuevo huésped. Hemos observado un cambio en la composición de los insectos xilófagos en el agrobosque de caucho en comparación con la de otros hábitats. Por otra parte, este agrobosque tiene una baja riqueza de especies, pero gran abundancia individual. La extracción de látex probablemente es una fuente adicional importante de compuestos volátiles que son vertidos en el ambiente, y aumenta la atracción y el reclutamiento de curculiónidos en estos sitios. Hemos llegado a la conclusión de que el sistema tradicional de cultivo de cacao tiene una comunidad de insectos herbívoros con una estructura similar a la comunidad que se encuentra en los bosques nativos de la región, y presenta una estrategia de conservación más interesante si se compara con los sistemas agroforestales de caucho. También hicimos hincapié en el riesgo potencial de aparición de plagas locales en sistemas agroforestales de caucho, tanto para el caucho como para los árboles de cacao asociados.

Carbon Storage in Equatorial Forest Soil-litter Systems as a Function of Management Intensity and Type of Vegetation Cover.

Aims and Place: The increase in greenhouse gas emissions in recent decades, especially CO2, is attributed to the increasing burning of fossil fuels and the expansion of agricultural activities. Therefore, more information should be garnered about the mechanisms that control carbon storage, capture and sinks, while simultaneously seeking new management strategies to reduce atmospheric emissions. The main purpose of this research was to comparatively determine carbon storage in the soil and litter of three forest systems in the Western Amazon (Brazil): upland forest, shrublands and grasslands. Duration of Study: Dry and rainy periods between 2005 and 2012. Methodology: Diverse soil analysis including density, porosity, particle-size, total carbon (TC and TOC) were developed according to traditional methods. Multivariate analysis (MANOVA) and Tukey’s test were applied to the results. Results and Conclusion: Total C storage C ranged from 23 to 26 Mg ha-1 in the grasslands to 28 to 37 Mg ha-1 in the shrublands. These findings confirm the importance of seasonality for both litter production and carbon production and storage in the different landscapes. The conditions of land use and occupation were predominant factors that explain the different concentrations of total carbon and organic carbon in the areas under study. Additional studies are needed to determine the most efficient management of these landscapes.

Litterfall production in intact and selectively logged forests in southern of Amazonia as a function of basal area of vegetation and plant density / Produção de serrapilheira em florestas intactas e exploradas seletivamente no sul da Amazônia em função da área basal da vegetação e da densidade de plantas

Nutrient recycling in the forest is linked to the production and decomposition of litter, which are essential processes for forest maintenance, especially in regions of nutritionally poor soils. Human interventions in forest such as selecttive logging may have strong impacts on these processes. The objectives of this study were to estimate litterfall production and evaluate the influence of environmental factors (basal area of vegetation, plant density, canopy cover, and soil physicochemical properties) and anthropogenic factors (post-management age and exploited basal area) on this production, in areas of intact and exploited forest in southern Amazonia, located in the northern parts of Mato Grosso state. This study was conducted at five locations and the average annual production of litterfall was 10.6 Mg ha-1 year-1, higher than the values for the Amazon rainforest. There were differences in litterfall productions between study locations. Effects of historical logging intensity on litterfall production were not significant. Effects of basal area of vegetation and tree density on litterfall production were observed, highlighting the importance of local vegetation characteristics in litterfall production. This study demonstrated areas of transition between the Amazonia-Cerrado tend to have a higher litterfall production than Cerrado and Amazonia regions, and this information is important for a better understanding of the dynamics of nutrient and carbon cycling in these transition regions.

A capacidade de reaproveitamento de nutrientes pela floresta está ligada à produção e decomposição da serrapilheira, sendo estes processos essenciais para manutenção da floresta, especialmente em regiões de solos nutricionalmente pobres. Intervenções humanas na floresta como a extração seletiva de madeira, podem ter fortes impactos sobre esses processos. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estimar a produção de serrapilheira e avaliar a influência de fatores ambientais (área basal da vegetação, densidade de plantas, abertura de dossel, atributos físico-químicos do solo) e antrópicos (idade pós-exploração e área basal explorada) sobre esta produção, em áreas de floresta intactas e exploradas no sul da Amazônia, norte do estado de Mato Grosso. Este estudo foi conduzido em cinco áreas e a produção média anual de serrapilheira foi de 10,6 Mg ha-1 ano-1, superior aos valores geralmente encontrados para a floresta amazônica. Houve diferença entre a produção de serrapilheira entre as áreas de estudo. Os efeitos do histórico de exploração madeireira e da intensidade de exploração não foram significativos sobre a produção de serrapilheira. Foi observado o efeito da área basal da vegetação e da densidade de árvores sobre a produção de serrapilheira, destacando a importância das características da vegetação local para a produção de serrapilheira. Este estudo demonstrou que áreas de transição entre Amazônia-Cerrado tendem a apresentar uma maior produção de serrapilheira que regiões típicas de Cerrado e Amazônia, e estas são informações importantes para uma melhor compreensão da dinâmica de ciclagem de nutrientes e carbono nestas regiões de transição.

Effects of reduced-impact logging on medium and large-bodied forest vertebrates in eastern Amazonia / Efeitos da exploração de impacto reduzido em vertebrados de médio e grande porte na Amazônia oriental

Standard line-transect census techniques were deployed to generate a checklist and quantify the abundance of medium and large-bodied vertebrate species in forest areas of eastern Amazonia with and without a history of reduced-impact logging (RIL). Three areas were allocated a total of 1,196.9 km of line-transect census effort. Sampling was conducted from April to June 2012 and from April to August 2013, and detected 29 forest vertebrate species considered in this study belonging to 15 orders, 20 families and 28 genera. Additionally, eight species were recorded outside census walks through direct and indirect observations. Of this total, six species are considered vulnerable according to IUCN (Ateles paniscus, Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Priodontes maximus, Tapirus terrestris, Tayassu peccary, Chelonoidis denticulata). Observed species richness ranged from 21 to 24 species in logged and unlogged areas, and encounter rates along transects were highly variable between treatments. However, the relative abundance of species per transect did not differ between transects in logged and unlogged forests. Of the species detected during censuses, only three showed different relative abundance between the two treatments (Saguinus midas, Tinamus spp. and Dasyprocta leporina). Our results show that the effect of RIL forest management was a relatively unimportant determinant of population abundance for most medium and large vertebrates over the time period of the survey.

Técnicas padronizadas de censo por transecções lineares foram empregadas para gerar uma lista e quantificar a abundância de espécies de vertebrados de médio e grande porte em áreas de floresta na Amazônia oriental, com e sem uma história de exploração de impacto reduzido (EIR). Três áreas foram amostradas com um esforço total de 1.196,9 km de censo ao longo de transectos lineares. A amostragem foi realizada de abril-junho de 2012 e de abril-agosto de 2013, e detectou 29 espécies florestais de vertebrados consideradas neste estudo pertencentes a 15 ordens, 20 famílias e 28 gêneros. Adicionalmente, oito espécies foram registradas fora dos censos ao longo dos transectos por meio de observações diretas e indiretas. Desse total, seis espécies são consideradas vulneráveis de acordo com a IUCN (Ateles paniscus, Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Priodontes maximus, Tapirus terrestris, Tayassu pecari, Chelonoidis denticulata). A riqueza das espécies observada variou de 21 a 24 espécies em áreas com e sem corte seletivo, e as taxas de encontro ao longo dos transectos foram bastante variáveis entre os tratamentos. No entanto, a abundância relativa das espécies por transecto não diferiu entre florestas não exploradas e exploradas. Das espécies detectadas durante o censo, apenas três apresentaram diferentes abundâncias relativas entre os dois tratamentos (Saguinus midas, Tinamus spp. e Dasyprocta leporina). Nossos resultados mostram que o efeito do manejo florestal EIR não foi relativamente determinante para abundância populacional da maioria dos vertebrados de médio e grande porte.

Occupational accidents footprint: new concept linked to chain of custody in sustainable forest management / Huella de la accidentalidad laboral: nuevo concepto asociado a la cadena de custodia en manejo forestal sustentable

The study, due to inconveniences in previous methods, proposes the new concept of "occupational accidents footprint", and its implementation and traceability in the chain of custody (CoC) related with sustainable forest management (SFM), through specially elaborated labor accident indicators. Data from primary sources related to fatal cases, accidents with temporary disabilities and lost time on forest operations accidents of 24 countries, plus production associated to those works, was compiled; and then, processed to get results in terms of fatal cases/million m3, total work accidents/million m3 and total lost time/million m3. Results show that is feasible to apply the concept of occupational accidents footprint to measure aggregated value to forest products certification of the CoC. In Production vs Fatality the cleanest occupational accidents footprint in the forests belongs to Germany, Belgium, Finland and Australia; for Production vs Accidents the best behaviors are for Sweden, USA, New Zealand and Belgium; while in Production vs Lost Time Finland, Belgium and Austria are leaders. Due to the convenience to make evident the labor accidents impact on forest products aggregated value, it is proposed the implementation of new safety indicators associated to the occupational accidents footprint, in order to be useful in the certification of CoC in SFM.

El estudio, debido a inconveniencias en métodos previos, propone el nuevo concepto de "huella de accidentalidad laboral", y su implementación y trazabilidad en la cadena de custodia (CdC) en manejo forestal sustentable (MFS), mediante indicadores de accidentalidad ocupacional especiales. Se recolectaron datos de fuentes primarias sobre casos fatales, accidentes con incapacidades temporales y tiempo perdido en siniestros ocurridos en operaciones forestales de 24 países, más producción asociadas a dichas faenas, siendo éstos procesados para obtener resultados de casos fatales/millón m3, cantidad accidentes/millón m3 y tiempo perdido/millón m3. Los resultados evidencian la factibilidad de aplicar el concepto de huella de accidentalidad laboral para medir agregación de valor a productos forestales en la CdC. En Producción vs Fatalidad la huella de accidentalidad laboral más limpia en bosques corresponde a Alemania, Bélgica, Finlandia y Australia; para Producción vs Accidentes los mejores comportamiento son de Suecia, EE.UU., Nueva Zelandia y Bélgica; mientras que en Producción vs Tiempo Perdido se destacan Finlandia, Bélgica y Austria. Siendo conveniente transparentar en los productos forestales el impacto de los accidentes del trabajo en su agregación de valor, se propone establecer indicadores asociados a la huella de accidentalidad laboral útiles en la certificación de la CdC en MFS.

Demografia de Geonoma gamiova em área de extrativismo foliar / Geonoma gamiova demography in an area with leaf harvesting

As folhas de Geonoma gamiova Barb. Rodr. são importantes recursos para floriculturas, já que são empregradas principalmente nos arranjos fúnebres. Visando a gerar subsídios para o seu extrativismo sustentável, são apresentados resultados de estudo de estrutura populacional dessa espécie. A pesquisa foi realizada em área de Floresta Ombrófila Densa Submontana onde a espécie é submetida ao extrativismo foliar (Comunidade do Rasgadinho, Mun. Guaratuba, Paraná, 25 45'S e 48 46'W, 30 - 100m de altitude). Detectou-se alta densidade de indivíduos, principalmente nas classes mais jovens, caracterizando um padrão populacional J-invertido. Registrou-se estoque de 448 folhas aptas para comercialização em 0,5ha, com histórico de intensa extração de folhas. Evidenciou-se alto potencial de regeneração e padrão de distribuição agregado (Id>1) para a população estudada. Com base nos dados obtidos, discutiu-se a sustentabilidade da atividade extrativista em questão.

The leaves of Geonoma gamiova Barb. Rodr. are an important resource to floriculture, where they are used specially in funeral floral ornaments. Aiming to generate subsidies to sustainable management of this resource, results from the evaluation of the population structure of this species are presented. The research was performed in Sub-Montane Atlantic forest submitted to leaf harvesting of G. gamiova (Rasgadinho community, Guaratuba Mun., Paraná Brasil; 25 45'S e 48 46'W). It was registered high density of this species, mainly in younger stages, characterizing a J-inverted population. It was found 448 leaves commercially acceptable in the 0.5ha plot with a history of intense leaf harvesting. The population showed a high potential of regeneration and clustered spatial distribution (Id>1). Based on these data, it is discussed the sustainability of the cited harvesting activity.

Road to Stream Connectivity: Implications for Forest Water Quality in a Sub-Tropical Climate.

Unsealed roads and tracks are acknowledged as the major sources of sediment pollution in forested catchments. In particular, road to stream connectivity via gullied pathways as well as via diffuse overland flow can contribute to significant fine sediment inputs to forest streams. At present in the State forests of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, road drainage spacings are determined on the basis of road slope. In this study forest road surveys were conducted across seven coastal catchments near Coffs Harbour on the sub-tropical NSW mid north coast to determine connectivity between gravel roads and streams via channelised and diffuse pathways under a range of rainfall intensities. A total of 10.82 km of representative road sections was assessed, comprising 129 relief pipes and 22 mitre drains. Of the 151 drains surveyed, gullies were evident at the outlets of 26 relief pipes (20.2%) but at none of the mitre drains. Relationships previously derived between contributing road length and hillslope gradient, and between contributing area and hillslope gradient adequately predicted thresholds of gully formation at drain outlets. During lower intensity storms with average recurrence intervals of 10 years or less, less than 20% of drains are connected to streams via overland flowpaths. However, the degree of diffuse connectivity increases when contributing area takes account of table drains and cut batters, as well as with increasing rainfall intensity. We conclude that when constructing new roads or reassessing drainage on existing roads in forest environments, in addition to preventing erosion of the road surface, gully formation and connectivity with streams via diffuse overland flow should be avoided. This requires factoring in contributing area, hillslope gradient at drain outlets and distance to the nearest stream. Preventing or reducing road-to-stream connectivity is essential for reducing impacts on water quality across all land tenures.

Desenvolvimento inicial de Dipteryx alata Vogel e Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão em plantio de enriquecimento de uma floresta estacional semidecídua secundária / Initial development of Dipteryx alata Vogel and Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão in enrichment planting in a semi-deciduous secondary forest

Nesse estudo avaliou-se o desenvolvimento inicial de Dipteryx alata e Myracrodruon urundeuva plantadas em sistema de enriquecimento de floresta estacional semidecídua secundária, seguindo um gradiente ambiental de umidade, em direção a áreas de cerrado. As avaliações da sobrevivência e do crescimento em altura total e diâmetro do coleto foram feitas 12 meses após o plantio e foram constatados 10% de mortalidade para M. urundeuva e 45% para D. alata. Vinte e cinco meses após o replantio, a mortalidade foi de 15% para ambas as espécies. Não houve associação entre mortalidade das espécies e gradiente ambiental (χ²) e também não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas nos incrementos diamétricos entre as espécies (ANOVA). O crescimento médio em diâmetro de Myracrodruon urundeuva e D. alata foi de 0,96 e 0,52 mm.ano-1, respectivamente. O crescimento médio em altura foi de 9,6 e 4,0 cm.ano-¹ em M. urundeuva e D. alata, respectivamente, diferentes estatisticamente. O menor crescimento em altura de D. alata em relação a M. urundeuva não deve ser utilizado para julgar a adaptação dessa espécie ao ambiente, podendo estar relacionado a diferentes padrões de crescimento, estratégias de adaptação ou diferentes necessidades ecológicas, demonstrando diferenças quanto à eficiência no uso dos recursos disponíveis. Este estudo destacou o potencial dessas espécies para compor sistemas de enriquecimento de capoeiras.

Initial development of Dipteryx alata Vogel and Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão planting in enrichment in a semideciduous secondary forest. This study evaluated the initial development of Dipteryx alata and Myracrodruon urundeuva planted in enrichment system in a secondary semi-deciduous seasonal forest along an environmental gradient. The survival and growth in height and diameter were made 12 months after planting. There was 10% mortality for M. urundeuva and 45% for D. alata. Twenty-five months after replanting, the mortality was 15% for both species. There was no association between mortality of the species and environmental gradient (²) and also there were no statistical differences in diameter increment between species (ANOVA). Myracrodruon urundeuva and D. alata grew on average 0.96 and 0.52 mm.yr-1, respectively. The average growth in height was 9.6 and 4.0 cm.yr-¹ for M. urundeuva and D. alata, respectively, statistically different. The smaller growth in height of D. alata versus M. urundeuva should not be used determine the adaptation to the environment and may be linked to different patterns of growth, adaptation strategies, or different ecological needs, showing differences in efficiency in the use of available resources. This study highlighted the potential use of these species in enrichment systems.

Conflicts in benefits from sustainable natural resource management: Two diverse examples from Turkey.

Participatory approaches to natural resource management and development are widely accepted as effective instruments for achieving sustainable forest management (SFM) particularly in the developing countries. However, local people live within and adjacent to the forest resources and are dependent on the forest in terms of their livelihoods may prevent turning some decisions, intended as a component of sustainable forest management, into action. This situation arises from the lack of involvement by local stakeholders, a condition that is generally accepted as one of the most important instruments of sustainable forest management. Consequently, forest and other natural resources have not been effectively protected from negative behaviours of local populations. In this study, difficulties that have been faced in acquiring local participation and the importance of local participation for sustainable forest management are discussed using two case studies from Turkey. At acquiring of local participation is considered to important of local perceptions. If perceptions are negative, participation will not obtain. Thus, the study has focused on local perceptions. Field survey was carried out to collect necessary information for each case study. We conclude that decisions that will restrict the natural resource benefits for the local public, will lead to negative local perceptions of the project and lead to adverse behavior and negatively affect sustainable forest management efforts.

Análise de custos e rendimentos de diferentes métodos de corte de cipós para produção de madeira na floresta nacional do Tapajós

This survey was conducted in the Tapajós National Forest, in the state of Pará, Brazil evaluating the cost and income of four different methods of cutting vines in the course of forest management, looking to log wood production. Each method was conducted in an area of 96 ha by cutting the vines (1) around all commercial and potentially commercial trees (Method M1), (2) only in the area of commercial and potentially commercial tree occurrence (Method M2), (3) around al commercial and potentially commercial trees and toward fall (Method M3), and (4) only around those commercial trees chosen for the first harvest (Method M4). In all variables analyzed, the methods differed statistically.Method M4 which showed the lowest cost (6.35 U.S. $), may be considered the best. In this method, the vine population was partially preserved, which is important ecologically.

Esta pesquisa foi realizada na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, Pará, e foram avaliados os custos e rendimentos de quatro diferentes Métodos de corte de cipós na condução do manejo florestal, visando à produção de madeira em toras. Cada método foi conduzido numa área de 96 ha e a metodologia consistiu em cortar os cipós em torno de todas as árvores comerciais e potencialmente comerciais (Método M1-Individual), apenas na área de ocorrência de árvores comerciais e potencialmente comerciais (Método M2-Zoneado), em torno de todas as árvores comerciais e potencialmente comerciais e na direção de queda (Método M3-direção de queda) e apenas em torno das árvores comerciais destinadas à primeira colheita (Método M4). Em todas as variáveis analisadas os métodos utilizados diferiram estatisticamente. O método M4, com o menor custo (6,35 US$) e maior rendimento (2,07 ha/hora) é considerado o melhor desta pesquisa. Neste método, a população de cipós é parcialmente preservada, mantendo, assim, sua importante função ecológica na floresta.

Efecto de la explotación forestal sobre la estructura, diversidad y composición florística de los palmitales de la Selva Atlántica en Misiones, Argentina

The effect of forest exploitation on structure, diversity, and floristic composition of palmitodominated Atlantic forests at Misiones, Argentina. The effect of forest exploitation - timber and palmito (Euterpe edulis, Palmae) extraction -on structure, diversity, and floristic composition of forests known as palmitals of the Atlantic Forest of Argentina was analyzed. These palmitals are located in Misiones (54 °13’ W and 25°41´ S). Three 1 ha permanent plots were established: two in the "intangible" zone of the Iguazu National Park (PNI), and another in an exploited forest site bordering the PNI. Three 0.2 ha non-permanent plots were also measured. One was located in the PNI reserve zone where illegal palmito extraction occurs. The other two were in logged forest. All trees and palmitos with DBH> 10 cm were identified and DBH and height were measured. For each of the six sites, richness and diversity of tree species, floristic composition, number of endemic species, and density of harvestable tree species were estimated. The harvest of E. edulis increases density of other tree species, diminishing palmito density. Forest explotation (logging and palmito harvest) is accompanied by an increase in diversity and density of heliophilic species, which have greater timber value in the region. However, this explotation also diminishes the density of palmito, of endemic species which normally grow in low densities, and of species found on the IUCN Red List. Results suggest that forest structure may be managed for timber and palmito production. The "intangible" zone of the PNI has the greatest conservation value in the Atlantic Forest, since a greater number of endemisms and endangered species are found here. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (2): 721-738. Epub 2008 June 30.

Se analizó el efecto del aprovechamiento forestal (maderero y de la extracción de palmitos; Euterpe edulis, Palmae), sobre la estructura, diversidad y composición florística de los bosques denominados palmitales de la Selva Atlántica Argentina (54 °13’ W, 25°41´ S), en la provincia de Misiones, Argentina. Se establecieron 3 ha de parcelas permanentes, dos ubicadas en la zona intangible del Parque Nacional Iguazú (PNI) y otra en un sitio aprovechado forestalmente lindante. Se midieron tres parcelas no permanentes cada una de 0.2 ha. Una se ubicó en la zona de reserva del PNI donde hay extracciones ilegales de palmito. Las otras dos estaban en sitios con aprovechamiento forestal. Todos los árboles y palmitos DAP> 10 cm fueron identificados y se les midió DAP y altura. Para cada uno de los 6 sitios se estimó riqueza y diversidad de especies arbóreas, composición específica, número de especies endémicas y densidad de árboles de especies aprovechables forestalmente. La riqueza y diversidad de especies se correlacionó con la densidad de palmito. Los índices de Shannon de los sitios se compararon con la prueba t y la corrección de Bonferroni. Las estructuras diamétricas considerando todos lo árboles y solo las especies maderables se compararon con la prueba de Duncan. El aprovechamiento de E. edulis aumenta la densidad de otras especies arbóreas, disminuyendo la densidad de palmitos. El aprovechamiento forestal va acompañado de un aumento en la diversidad y en la densidad de especies heliofilas que son las que tienen mayor valor maderero en la región. Este aprovechamiento disminuye la densidad de palmitos, de especies endémicas que normalmente ocurren en bajas densidades y de especies que se encuentran en la lista roja de la UICN. Los resultados sugieren que se puede manejar la estructura del bosque para la producción de maderera y de palmito. La zona intangible del PNI es la que tiene mayor valor para la conservación de la Selva Atlántica ya que en él se encuentran mayor número de endemismos y las especies en peligro de extinción.

Efeitos da exploração madeireira de baixo impacto sobre uma comunidade de aves de sub-bosque na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, Pará, Brasil / Effects of low impact selective logging on an understory bird community in the Tapajós National Forest, Pará, Brazil

Este estudo compara a resposta de uma comunidade aves à exploração madeireira de baixo impacto através da distribuição das espécies em floresta controle e manejada ao longo de cinco anos com amostragem pré e pós-exploração. O procedimento de ordenação mostrou que a similaridade da comunidade de aves após a exploração madeireira foi menor que a similaridade entre as amostras do período de pré-exploração. Além disso, a ordem das abundâncias das 43 espécies mais comuns foi alterada entre o período anterior à exploração e 3 a 4 anos após a exploração na floresta manejada. A exploração afetou as taxas de captura de 20 espécies, diretamente ou através de uma interação com o tempo. Os insetívoros terrícolas e os insetívoros que seguem bandos mistos foram as guildas mais afetadas pela exploração madeireira. Ambas as guildas mostraram declínio, correlacionado com o tempo, em suas abundâncias em floresta manejada. Insetívoros seguidores de formigas e insetívoros arborícolas não apresentaram diferenças entre a floresta manejada e controle, apesar de algumas espécies dessas guildas terem apresentado efeitos relacionados ao manejo florestal, diretamente ou através de uma interação entre o tempo e o manejo. Frugívoros também não apresentaram efeitos significativos relacionados ao manejo florestal. Nectarívoros aumentaram tanto na floresta explorada como na floresta controle. Efeitos temporais de aumento ou declínio observados em guildas e em 12 espécies ocorreram tanto na floresta controle como na floresta explorada. Este resultado sugere que mudanças temporais na área explorada podem estar relacionadas à sucessão enquanto que mudanças temporais na floresta controle podem estar relacionados à exploração com intensidade de 40m³/ha de parcelas adjacentes.

This study compares the avian response to low impact selective logging by comparing bird species distribution in control and cut forest during five years, with before and post-harvest samples. Ordination analysis showed that the similarity of the bird community post-harvest was lesser than the similarity of samples before harvest. Moreover, the order of abundances of the 43 most common species changed between before and 3 to 4 years post-harvest in the logged forest. Logging affected capture rates for 20 species, either directly or with an interaction with time. The terrestrial insectivorous and mixed-species flocks were the guilds most affected by logging. Both guilds showed decline, correlated with time, in abundances in cut forest. Obligate army ant followers and arboreal insectivorous did not show differences between cut and control forest, but some species in these guilds showed logging effects, either directly or with an interaction between time and logging. Frugivores also did not show logging effects. Nectarivores increased in both the cut forest and in the control forest. Temporal effects of increase or decline occurred in guilds and in 12 species occurring in the cut and control forest. This result suggests that temporal changes in the cut forest may have resulted from succession and temporal changes in the control forest may have resulted from nearby harvest with 40m³/ha intensity in adjacent forest blocks.

Simulação de estratégias de manejo florestal na Amazônia com o uso do modelo SYMFOR / Simulation of forest management strategies in the Amazon using the SYMFOR model

O modelo SYMFOR foi utilizado para simular os processos ecológicos de crescimento, mortalidade e recrutamento e o manejo de uma floresta de terra firme na Amazônia Oriental. Na simulação foram utilizadas todas as árvores com DAP ≥ 5 cm, medidas em 40 parcelas permanentes de 1,0 ha, sendo 36 exploradas e quatro não exploradas. As parcelas foram medidas em 1984, exploradas em 1985 e remedidas em 1986, 1988, 1990, 1994, 1996 e 2004. Usaram-se dez grupos de espécies para descrever os processos naturais e o comportamento de cada árvore. Na avaliação do desempenho do modelo, os resultados da simulação foram comparados com os dados reais que descrevem a recuperação da floresta dezenove anos após a exploração. Os tratamentos, combinações de intensidades de exploração (15 por cento, 25 por cento e 35 por cento do volume total das árvores com DAP > 60 cm) com intensidades de desbastes (0 por cento, 30 por cento, 50 por cento e 70 por cento da área basal original), foram analisados como estratégias de manejo. O modelo foi aplicado também para simular o manejo florestal atualmente praticado na Amazônia, com extração de 30 m³ ha-1 e com um ciclo de corte de 30 anos. Resultados mostram que a semelhança entre os dados observados e simulados pelo SYMFOR validou o modelo para representar a dinâmica da floresta não explorada. Na simulação das práticas atuais de manejos aplicados na floresta amazônica, sugere-se que os benefícios financeiros diminuem com as sucessivas colheitas e, conseqüentemente, o rendimento de volume de madeira não é sustentável.

The SYMFOR model was used to simulate the ecological processes of tree growth, mortality and recruitment, and the forest management processes, in the terra firme forests of the eastern Amazon. The simulation utilized all the trees that have a diameter greater than 5 cm, from 40 permanent sample plots of 1 ha each (36 logged and 4 unlogged). The stand was measured in 1984, logged in 1985 and remeasured in 1986, 1988, 1990, 1994, 1996 and 2004. Ten species groups are used to describe the natural processes affecting tree behavior. Model performance compares the simulation results with real data describing the forest recovery for 19 years following logging. The treatments, combinations of logging intensities (15 percent, 25 percent and 35 percent of the total volume of the trees higher than 60 cm of DBH had been tested) and thinning intensities (0 percent, 30 percent, 50 percent and 70 percent of the original basal area) were analyzed as management strategies. The model was applied to simulate current forest management practice in the Brazilian Amazon, with 30 m³ ha−1 of timber extracted with a cutting cycle of 30 years. Results show that the similarity among observed and simulated data for SYMFOR validated the model to represent the dynamics of the unlogged forest. In the simulation of the current management practice applied in the Amazon forest, it is suggested that the financial benefits decrease with successive harvests and, consequently, the timber volume cannot be sustained.

Avaliação da política pública na gestão de recursos naturais renováveis no Estado do Paraná: impactos econômicos e ambientais / Evaluation in public policy on renewable natural resources management in Paraná State: economic and environmental impacts

O trabalho objetivou avaliar a eficiência na gestão de recursos naturais renováveis no Estado do Paraná na abordagem de impactos econômicos e ambientais. Baseou-se num estudo de caso em áreas com incentivos mal sucedidos e fraudes não esclarecidas. A pesquisa realizada diagnosticou a estrutura fundiária e possessória do litoral paranaense, relacionando com os dados fornecidos pelo Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis – IBAMA sobre projetos de reflorestamento de palmito (Euterpe edulis Martius) na década de 1970 e com planos de cortes e manejos concedidos. Os resultados apontam que as áreas pesquisadas são viciadas, com sobreposições de títulos dominiais e litígios possessórios. A análise dos planos de manejos de palmitos nativos confirmou a ineficiência, permitindo cortes nas áreas irregulares, contribuindo para a degradação da Mata Atlântica. As distorções verificadas permanecem nos dias atuais, nas aquisições das Unidades de Conservação, nos processos de reconhecimento de Reservas Particulares do Patrimônio Natural – RPPNs, na Certificação Florestal – FSC ou nos empreendimentos ambientais como de comercialização de carbono, podendo tratar-se de uma rede.

The paper’s objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of renewable natural resources management in the State of Paraná, in an approach aimed at economic and environmental impacts. It was based on a case study in areas with unsuccessful incentives and unclarified frauds. The research diagnosed the landtenure and possession structure on the coast of the State of Paraná, by relating data provided by Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis – IBAMA on heart-of-palmtrees (Euterpe edulis Martius) reforestation projects in the 1970’s with cutting and management plans granted. The results indicate that the researched areas are vitiated, with overlappings of tenure titles and land disputes. An analysis of native heart of palm management plans confirmed ineffectiveness, as cuts were allowed in illegal areas, contributing toward Atlantic Forest degradation. The distortions verified in the study remain to the present day, in acquisitions of Conservation Units, in proceedings for the acknowledgement of Reservas Particulares do Patrimônio Natural – (RPPN – Private Natural Heritage Reserves), in Forest Certification – FSC, or in environmental ventures such as the carbon trade, and may constitute a network.