An Application of Non-Parametric Method and Simple Linear Regression in Rainfall Partitioning in Tropical Lowland Forest of Sepilok Forest Reserve, Sabah

This study was conducted in the alluvial forest and heath forest in the lowland tropical forest of Sepilok Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia. The main objective was to assess how forest structure regulates rainfall partitioning in both forests. Field monitoring involved a series of forest inventory work to determine the forest stand characteristics. Mann Whitney U test was performed to compare physical characteristics between the two forests. Meanwhile rainfall partitioning was quantified by measuring the throughfall (Tf) for a period of 12 months in ten (15 x 15 m) Tf plots and a simple linear regression was conducted to obtain a regression model to estimate Tf. In terms of stand structure characteristics, data in the alluvial forest indicates wider variation. Percentage of Tf as of gross rainfall (Pg) is higher in the heath forest than in alluvial forest with the value of 89.5 % and 76.8 %, respectively. Representative trees were selected for stemflow (Sf) estimation at each forest type. The estimated Sf is 0.2 % in alluvial forest and 0.5 % in heath forest. In this study, tree diameter at breast height (Dbh) and height as well as aboveground biomass were identified to have some influence in Tf and Sf production. Keywords: rainfall partitioning; gross rainfall; throughfall; stemflow; Mann Whitney U; simple linear regression

Movements and habitat use of the invasive species Lithobates catesbeianus in the valley of the Grote Nete (Belgium)

Nine adult American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) were tagged with an internal radio transmitter and tracked during one year in the valley of the Grote Nete (Belgium). The mean ± SD core range area (KDE50) was 15.00 ± 22.41m2. The home range area (KDE95) had a mean ± SD of 429.78 ± 510.97m2. Shores of larger eutrophic ponds and small temporary pools in alluvial forest were chosen as habitat. The total area used (MCP95) had a mean of 11,086.73 ± 12,239.00m2. The study revealed a mean action radius of 270.78 ± 199.17m and individuals moved up to 742m in a single displacement. These results show that the dispersion of the American bullfrog in a valley system such as the Grote Nete can proceed very rapidly. A positive correlation between weight and distance covered within one movement was found, which could suggest that dominant individuals are capable of covering greater distances in search of optimal habitat for reproduction, foraging or hibernation.

Unmanaged forest and bird community: a study in north-western Lombardy

Breeding bird community was censused in an area of 15.9 ha in 2000/20001, on the shores of Lake of Varese, in an Alno-Ulmion alluvial forest. The mean number of the territories was 93 pairs/10 ha/year and nests of cavity-nesting birds were actively searched for analysing the selection of dead wood.

Biodiversität im Wald: Konzept und Methode der Erfolgskontrolle im Kanton Thurgau

Forest biodiversity: concept and methods of succes monitoring in the canton Thurgau In the canton of Thurgau about 1,700 ha of forest reserves have been established. Of these, about 250 ha are unmanaged forests. In the 1,450 ha of special forest reserves, the Forestry Department of the canton Thurgau undertakes specific measures to promote forest biodiversity, which will be intensifed in the coming years. The effects will be observed by means of success monitoring. In the article, we present the concept “biodiversity: success monitoring in forest”, which was developed in 2009 and which implements a standardized method for the success monitoring. It is based on forest target types which are defined by ecological objectives. To assess the bio-ecological conditions of a research area or to verify the achievement of objectives, characteristic and rare plants and animal species as well as habitat structures were defined as indicators in each forest target type. The success monitoring is carried out on ten sites of 1 ha each per forest type. Within these areas there are permanent plots with defined sizes. The indicators are monitored either on the 1 ha site or the smaller permanent plots. Since the beginning of 2010, success monitoring is conducted according to this concept. During the first phase, monitoring is concentrated on the relevant forest target types in the canton of Thurgau: “open forest”, “oak-dominated forest with old oaks”, “alluvial forest” and “forest margins”. Success monitoring will continue until 2020. Results and key findings of the monitoring are annually documented in a report.