Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Book chapters
DOI 10.1079/9781845932619.0244
Title (Primary) Process-based modelling of regeneration dynamics and sustainable use in species-rich rain forests
Title (Secondary) Biodiversity loss and conservation in fragmented forest landscapes - The forests of Montane Mexico and temperate South America
Author Rüger, N.; Armesto, J.J.; Gutiérrez, A.G.; Williams-Linera, G.; Huth, A.
Publisher Newton, A.C.
Year 2007
Department OESA
Page From 244
Page To 275
Language englisch
Abstract Sustainable use of species-rich moist forests needs an understanding of forest dynamics and the response of the forest to wood harvesting events. This chapter studies natural forest dynamics, explores the productivity of native managed forests and quantifies the ecological impacts of different management strategies. The process-based forest growth model FORMIND is applied to study natural forest succession and to assess long-term ecological implications of fuelwood extraction for tropical montane cloud forest in central Veracruz, Mexico, as well as to compare potential harvesting strategies for Valdivian temperate rainforest in northern Chiloe Island, Chile, regarding forest productivity and ecological consequences.

Simulation results show that both forest types have a relatively high potential for wood production. As wood extraction increases, the forest structure becomes simplified because large old trees disappear from the forest. The species composition shifts to tree species that are favoured by the respective harvesting strategy. The overall ecological impact increases linearly with the amount of extracted wood. Simulation results allow management strategies to be defined that balance conservation and production objectives, promote the regeneration of desired tree species, or minimize shifts in the species composition of the forest. Process-based forest models enhance our understanding of the dynamics of species-rich moist forests and are indispensable tools to assess long-term implications of anthropogenic impacts on forest ecosystems. They can thereby contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of native forests outside protected areas.

Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=2231
Rüger, N., Armesto, J.J., Gutiérrez, A.G., Williams-Linera, G., Huth, A. (2007):
Process-based modelling of regeneration dynamics and sustainable use in species-rich rain forests
In: Newton, A.C. (ed.)
Biodiversity loss and conservation in fragmented forest landscapes - The forests of Montane Mexico and temperate South America
CABI Publishing, Wallingford, p. 244 - 275 10.1079/9781845932619.0244