Effects of stand, landscape, and spatial variables on bird communities in larch plantations and deciduous forests in central Japan

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 1223-1243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuichi Yamaura ◽  
Kazuhiro Katoh ◽  
Toshimori Takahashi
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Deciduous Forests ◽  
Dwarf Bamboo ◽  
Central Japan ◽  
Spatial Variables ◽  
Landscape Variables ◽  
Principal Coordinates

We examined the effects of stand, landscape, and spatial variables on bird communities in deciduous forests and Japanese larch ( Larix leptolepis (Sieb & Zucc.) Gord.) plantations in a montane region of Nagano Prefecture, central Japan. We used plot-transect methods at 97 sites: 33 in winter 2003 and 18 sites were added in the 2004 breeding season in deciduous forests, and 32 in winter 2004 and 14 sites were added in the 2005 breeding season in larch plantations. Bird–environment relationships were explored using partial redundancy analysis and partial regression analysis. We used spatial variables derived from principal coordinates of neighbor matrices as explanatory variables to detect nonrandom spatial structure of bird communities. Variation in bird communities was mainly explained by stand and spatial variables for both forest types, whereas the effects of landscape variables were small. In plantations, important stand variables for both seasons included stand height, elevation, and the basal area of vines, whereas shrubs, dwarf bamboo ( Sasa senanensis (Franch. & Savat.) Rehd.), and larch snags were important in the breeding season. In deciduous forests, the most important stand variable for both seasons was the basal area of northern Japanese hemlock ( Tsuga diversifolia (Maxim.) Mast.) and Nikko fir ( Abies homolepis Sieb. & Zucc.) trees. Spatial variables showed that bird communities had large-scale (>10 km) spatial variation that could not be explained by stand or landscape variables.

Habitat use and the coexistence of the sika deer and the Japanese serow, sympatric ungulates from Mt. Asama, central Japan

Mammalia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. 503-511
Author(s):  
Hayato Takada ◽  
Riki Ohuchi ◽  
Haruko Watanabe ◽  
Risako Yano ◽  
Risako Miyaoka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Sika Deer ◽  
Cervus Nippon ◽  
Niche Differentiation ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Dwarf Bamboo ◽  
Central Japan ◽  
Habitat Mosaic ◽  
The Japanese Archipelago ◽  
Japanese Serow

AbstractDifferential resource use allows for diverse species to specialize in ecological niches and thus coexist in a particular area. In the Japanese archipelago, increasing sika deer (Cervus nippon, Temminck 1836) densities have excluded the Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus, Temminck 1836), but in places where deer population densities are low, the two species coexist. We wanted to better understand their habitats and how these two ungulates manage to coexist. We evaluated the role of habitat use in the coexistence of these two sympatric ungulates on Mt. Asama, central Japan. Deer frequently used the dwarf bamboo-rich communities in autumn and winter, and their habitat use was not associated with topography. Serows frequently used deciduous broadleaf shrub-rich communities and steep slopes throughout the year. Consequently, their habitat use was significantly different in terms of vegetation and topography. Niche breadth suggests that deer tend to be generalists, whereas serows tend to be specialists. Niche differentiation in habitat use between deer and serows may make the coexistence of these similarly sized ungulates possible in Japanese mountainous zones. Therefore, the fine-grained habitat mosaic of different vegetation and topography areas might be the underlying feature that allows the coexistence of these two species.

Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Stock of planted teak forest in Terai region of Kumaun Himalaya, India

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 397-402
Author(s):  
Tanuja Gahlot ◽  
◽  
Prachi Joshi ◽  
Y.S. Rawat ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Carbon Sequestration ◽  
Human Disturbance ◽  
Carbon Stock ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
Teak Plantation ◽  
Forest Division

The ability of forests in atmospheric carbon sequestration is increasingly gaining attention. Present study deals with the estimation of biomass and carbon stock of the teak plantation in the terai central forest division in Kumaun, Uttarakhand State of India. Very few scientific studies were done regarding the teak plantation and the estimation of its biomass in Kumaun. Therefore this study was carried out in this region to assess the role played by teak plantation in climate change. The information regarding the changes in pattern of carbon storage is vital and important because it can be used by government and policymakers to predict the deposit pattern for changing climate. Three sites i.e., Kamola block (Site I), Kamola beat (Site II) and East Gadappu beat (Site III) were selected for the study. Large scale variations in biomass and carbon stock were noted among all three sites. Site III (East Gadappu) showed the maximum biomass and carbon stock (297.03 tha-1 and 143.18 tha-1) followed by site I (Kamola block) (241.9 tha -1and 117.27 t ha-1) and site II ( Kamola beat ) (175.76 t ha-1and 85.79 t ha-1). Although stand density and total basal area of the forest showed almost similar value on all three sites, still the differences in biomass and carbon stock at all sites indicated the positive contribution of biodiversity as shown in the results and negative implications of human disturbance to the forest.

Holocene history of intentional fires and grassland development on the Soni Plateau, Central Japan, reconstructed from phytolith and macroscopic charcoal records within cumulative soils, combined with paleoenvironmental data from mire sediments

The Holocene ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 793-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryota Okunaka ◽  
Tatsuichiro Kawano ◽  
Jun Inoue
Keyword(s):  
Forest Floor ◽  
Dwarf Bamboo ◽  
Central Japan ◽  
Short Cell ◽  
The Holocene ◽  
Bulliform Cell ◽  
History Of ◽  
Plateau Central ◽  
Macroscopic Charcoal

Phytolith and macroscopic charcoal in cumulative soils on the Soni Plateau, Central Japan, were evaluated to clarify the Holocene history of intentional fires and grassland development, and to compare the findings with those derived from pollen and charcoal records in sediments taken from a nearby mire in the previous study. Prior to ~1500 cal. BP, Bambusoid short-cell phytoliths and Pleioblastus-type and Bambusoideae-type bulliform cell phytoliths were abundant with scarce charcoal particles (<1000 particles/cm3). In contrast, since ~1500 cal. BP Andropogoneae-type bulliform cell phytoliths and Bilobate short-cell phytoliths were dominant with abundant charcoal particles (>1000 particles/cm3). Based on correlating these records with pollen and charcoal records in mire sediments, prior to ~1500 cal. BP, dwarf bamboo flourished on the forest floor under largely fire-free conditions, whereas since ~1500 cal. BP, grassland dominated by Japanese pampas grass has been sustained by periodic intentional burning that has continued until the present day.

Use of multivariate methods in forest research site selection

1991 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 1573-1580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Burton ◽  
Carl W. Ramm ◽  
Kurt S. Pregitzer ◽  
David D. Reed
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Multivariate Methods ◽  
Data Bases ◽  
Principal Coordinates Analysis ◽  
Research Site ◽  
Principal Coordinates ◽  
Alternative Sites ◽  
Existing Data ◽  
Selection Of

In large-scale gradient studies, selection of the best research sites is critical but time-consuming and costly. Multivariate methods can be used to quickly identify suitable sites from existing data bases. Based on a study of acid deposition in the Great Lakes region (the Michigan Gradient Study), we illustrate the use of multivariate methods in screening potential research sites for similarity. Sites were examined using cluster analysis, principal coordinates analysis, and correspondence analysis. The graphical displays generated by the multivariate methods were used to identify similar sites across the gradient. A list of 31 potential sites was reduced to 5 similar research sites and several alternative sites. The results of the multivariate methods compared well with more traditional methods of research site selection but allowed for multiple comparisons of many potential sites using a variety of data from existing data bases. By eliminating sites that are unacceptable with respect to available data, the multivariate methods reduce the number of sites that require field visitation prior to final site verification. This process represents a substantial savings in time and effort when dealing with a long list of potential research sites.

scholarly journals Localized basal area affects soil respiration temperature sensitivity in a coastal deciduous forest

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 771-780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie C. Pennington ◽  
Nate G. McDowell ◽  
J. Patrick Megonigal ◽  
James C. Stegen ◽  
Ben Bond-Lamberty
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Respiration ◽  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Temperature Sensitivity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Positive Effect

Abstract. Soil respiration (Rs), the flow of CO2 from the soil surface to the atmosphere, is one of the largest carbon fluxes in the terrestrial biosphere. The spatial variability of Rs is both large and poorly understood, limiting our ability to robustly scale it in space. One factor in Rs spatial variability is the autotrophic contribution from plant roots, but it is uncertain how the presence of plants affects the magnitude and temperature sensitivity of Rs. This study used 1 year of Rs measurements to examine the effect of localized basal area on Rs in the growing and dormant seasons, as well as during moisture-limited times, in a temperate, coastal, deciduous forest in eastern Maryland, USA. In a linear mixed-effects model, tree basal area within a 5 m radius (BA5) exerted a significant positive effect on the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration. Soil moisture was the dominant control on Rs during the dry portions of the year, while soil moisture, temperature, and BA5 all exerted significant effects on Rs in wetter periods. Our results suggest that autotrophic respiration is more sensitive to temperature than heterotrophic respiration at these sites, although we did not measure these source fluxes directly, and that soil respiration is highly moisture sensitive, even in a record-rainfall year. The Rs flux magnitudes (0.46–15.0 µmol m−2 s−1) and variability (coefficient of variability 10 %–23 % across plots) observed in this study were comparable to values observed in similar forests. Six Rs observations would be required in order to estimate the mean across all study sites to within 50 %, and 518 would be required in order to estimate it to within 5 %, with 95 % confidence. A better understanding of the spatial interactions between plants and microbes, as well as the strength and speed of above- and belowground coupling, is necessary to link these processes with large-scale soil-to-atmosphere C fluxes.

Status, diversity and trends of the bird communities in Volcanoes National Park and surrounds, Rwanda

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
MIA A. DERHÉ ◽  
DEO TUYISINGIZE ◽  
WINNIE ECKARDT ◽  
FAIDA EMMANUEL ◽  
TARA STOINSKI
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Bird Community ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Population Pressure ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Albertine Rift ◽  
1960S And 1970S

SummaryThe Volcanoes National Park (VNP) in Rwanda, part of the Virunga massif in the Albertine Rift region, boasts some of Rwanda’s best remaining natural vegetation and is home to many endangered and endemic species. The park has suffered from high levels of degradation and destruction, reducing in size by 50% during the 1960s and 1970s, and remains under threat from illegal activities, human population pressure and climate change. This study is the first to investigate the status and trends of bird communities in the VNP, using a multi-year dataset. We use a five-year dataset, totalling over 3,200 point-counts, both within and around the VNP, to assess the conservation value of the VNP for birds in comparison with other national parks and non-protected areas. We assess bird communities and population trends within and around the parks and identify important habitat factors for birds within the VNP. We found that the VNP hosts a unique bird community compared to other localities, with several Albertine Rift endemics and threatened species occurring in the VNP. Hagenia/ Hypericum woodland, herbaceous vegetation, brush ridge and mixed forest host the highest levels of bird diversity in the VNP, whilst the park’s waterbodies provide key habitat for the endangered Albertine Rift endemic Grauer’s Swamp-warbler (Bradypterus graueri). Elevation had a negative effect on bird diversity in the VNP, whilst the basal area of dead trees, Hagenia and vines had a positive effect. Both inside and outside the VNP, there was a significant decline in abundance and species richness over the sampling years; however, we advocate for further monitoring to confirm these trends. Based on our findings, we recommend effective, targeted management of key habitats for birds within the park, including those identified in this study, in order to mitigate bird declines and conserve the unique bird communities in the VNP.

Azumamiris vernalis: a new genus and species of Mirini from central Japan (Heteroptera: Miridae: Mirinae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 2601 (1) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
TOMOHIDE YASUNAGA
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
New Genus ◽  
Instar Nymph ◽  
Dwarf Bamboo ◽  
New Genus And Species ◽  
Central Japan ◽  
Old World ◽  
Pleioblastus Chino ◽  
A New Species

Azumamiris, a new genus of mirine plant bug, is established to accommodate a new species, A. vernalis, which has occasionally been found in central Honshu, Japan. This univoltine mirine was confirmed to be associated with a gramineous dwarf bamboo, Pleioblastus chino (Fr. et Sav.) Makino, and the adults appear only in early May. The final instar nymph is also diagnosed and described. The present new genus is assumed to be allied to Stenotus Jakovlev known from the Old World and to continental Chinese Elthemidea Zheng. A key to the genera under discussion is provided.

Base-line selection of black spruce by large-scale aerial photography

1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 380-383
Author(s):  
William H. Parker ◽  
Annette van Niejenhuis ◽  
Laird Van Damme
Keyword(s):  
Aerial Photography ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Horizontal Projection ◽  
Space Efficiency ◽  
Crown Length ◽  
Plus Tree

Following selection of black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) for growing space efficiency using a base line of basal area increment vs. crown length × crown radius, the corresponding crown data were determined by large-scale (1:1250) aerial photography for 174 ground-measured trees to determine whether aerial photography would provide a more accurate and cost-effective alternative for plus-tree selection. Values obtained for ground- and photo-measured tree heights and crown lengths corresponded closely, but values of crown radii measured from the ground by a right-angle prism did not correspond in the same manner to values derived from crown horizontal projection areas on the photos. Nonetheless, the different base lines of basal area increments vs. various ground- and photo-measured crown parameters generally identified the same trees as having the greatest growing space efficiency. The inclusion of crown length together with crown radius did not improve the goodness of fit for regressions of basal area increments vs. crown parameters. Apparently, the two horizontal dimensions are adequate to describe growing space for black spruce, perhaps because its crown form is relatively constant. Our results indicate that large-scale aerial photography is well suited to plus-tree selections of black spruce if ground mesurements are not also required to establish base lines; the extra cost of the photos is offset by the greater speed in measuring tree heights or crown horizontal projection areas. Thus, while the technique is sufficiently accurate, it is not cost effective for establishing growing space efficiency base lines where the basal area increment is determined directly from increment cores.

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