No description available.

Thesis (M. En.)--Miami University, Institute of Environmental Sciences, 2008. / Title from first page of PDF document. Includes bibliographical references (p. 16-21-Xx).

The purpose of this diploma thesis is to create a educational programme The Characteristic of the distribution of the worlďs land biomes. This programm is create for teaching of students with educational programmes in ZOO Ohrada Hluboká nad Vltavou. The educational programme consists of the text book, worksheets and methodical manual for teachers. The thesis consists of an analysis and evaluation of selected textbooks for the second grade of primary schools.

The objective of this study was evaluate the process of biological invasion by Ligustrum lucidum in the Quarta Colônia State Park (QCSP), central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, tried to understand how this species established itself inside of the conservation unit (CU), and the population perception over L. lucidum by the execution of interviews with local residents close to the park, and by mapping the individuals found nearby. Trying to understand the dynamic of the species during the restoration phase in a remaining of Deciduous Forest located inside the PA, we performed floristic surveys among 2011, 2013 and 2014, evaluated through phytosociological parameters, diameter distribution, space distribution, biological invasion indicator, and the relation between the species and environmental factors. The results of the interviews showed that L. lucidum was purposely used inside and outside the CU with ornamental intents. Most of participants unknown the species by its name, not even the people who have it on their residences, which demonstrates low affinity with the species and strengths the presupposition that it was only used in high frequency due to the trends of arborization in the last decades. It was found 31 individuals of this species in the farms nearby the QCSP. L. lucidum presented strong correlation with the content of clay, calcium and cation exchange capacity however the opposite correlation was founded with phosphorus, magnesium and organic matter. The adult stratum presented generalist character, without significative correlation with the evaluated physical-chemistry characteristics. In the interval classes considered in the regeneration, the species presented an opportunist character regarding the sorptive matrice, related to the contribution of clay to the changeable sites, occupied specially by calcium. Regarding the dynamic in the remaining forest studied, L. lucidum can be considered a menace to the native species, since its density and frequency are increasing, mainly in the regenerating stratum, which guarantees the permanence of the L. lucidum at the site, and menacing biodiversity. The ecosystem structure of the remaining forest in restoration may be harmed by the presence of this species, and this situation may become more severe if the adequate measures of control would not be taken, involving not only the elimination of individuals inside the CU, but also an environmental educational work inserting the population living nearby the QCSP with awareness actions and control the use of invasive species in the farms. The L. lucidum show high invader potential in the studied area, and the mainly features are opportunist character during regeneration phase. / O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o processo de invasão biológica por Ligustrum lucidum no Parque Estadual Quarta Colônia (PEQC), região central do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Buscando o entendimento de como a espécie estabeleceu-se dentro da unidade de conservação (UC) e da percepção da população sobre L. lucidum, foram realizadas entrevistas com moradores próximos ao Parque e o registro da ocorrência de indivíduos da espécie encontrados nas proximidades. O estudo também buscou compreender como se dá a dinâmica da espécie em um remanescente de Floresta Estacional Decidual em estágio de sucessão secundária localizado dentro da UC, onde foram realizados levantamentos florísticos nos anos de 2011, 2013 e 2014, avaliados através de parâmetros fitossociológicos, distribuição diamétrica, distribuição espacial, índice de invasão biológica, e relação da espécie com as variáveis ambientais. Os resultados das entrevistas indicam que L. lucidum foi utilizado deliberadamente dentro e fora da UC, com a finalidade ornamental. A maioria dos entrevistados não conhece a espécie pelo nome, nem mesmo os que possuem indivíduos em suas residências, o que demonstra a pouca afinidade e fortalece o pressuposto de que a mesma só foi utilizada com tamanha frequência devido a tendências de arborização das últimas décadas. Foram encontrados 31 indivíduos da espécie nas propriedades rurais avaliadas nas proximidades do PEQC. L. lucidum apresentou forte correlação com teores de argila, cálcio e com CTC efetiva e relação oposta com teores de fósforo, magnésio, potássio e matéria orgânica. A espécie apresentou caráter generalista em seus estratos adultos, não se correlacionando com nenhuma característica físico-química avaliada. Nos intervalos de classe considerados de regeneração, a espécie apresentou caráter oportunista para o complexo sortivo, relacionando-se com a contribuição da argila para os sítios trocáveis, ocupados preferencialmente com cálcio. Quanto à dinâmica no remanescente florestal, L. lucidum pode ser considerado uma ameaça às espécies nativas, pois está aumentando sua densidade e frequência, principalmente no estrato regenerante, o que garante a permanência da espécie no local e ameaça a biodiversidade. A estrutura ecossistêmica do remanescente em vias de restauração pode estar sendo prejudicada pela presença desta espécie e esta situação poderá agravar-se cada vez mais se não tomadas medidas adequadas de controle, envolvendo não somente a eliminação dos indivíduos dentro da UC, mas também um trabalho de educação ambiental inserindo a população que reside nas proximidades do PEQC em ações de conscientização e controle do uso de espécies invasoras nas propriedades rurais. Conclui-se que o ligustro apresenta elevado potencial invasor para a região do estudo, cuja principal característica é o caráter oportunista na fase de regeneração.

This paper presents the study of Escallonia bifida Link & Otto, a native species of the Deciduous Forest Biome feature of the Atlantic Forest, which has characteristics of a pioneer, great hardiness. This study aimed to evaluate its potential as an alternative species in restoration activities in their region of origin, as well as increase knowledge of the species, very little studied so far, defining characteristics and generating useful information for their use in restoration plans. The study was conducted in Deciduous Forest Atlantic, Biome fragment, located in the protected State Park Quarta Colônia, central region of Rio Grande do Sul. For better structuring and understanding, the work was divided intofour chapters, covering morphological and ecological description of species Escallonia bifida, the same population structure, the relationship between species and environmental variables and their importance in shaping floristic groups for the tree stratum. Chapter I deals with the morphological characterization of the species Escallonia bifida for the state of Rio Grande do Sul, through the description of leaf structures, flowering, fruiting, and a brief bibliographic description about it. Chapter II presents a study on the population structure of Escallonia bifida, main phytosociological parameters as well as their spatial distribution in the area, compared to other species occurring in the studied fragment. Chapter III discusses the relationship between Escallonia bifida and environmental variables. Chapter IV addresses the tree stratum, where floristic groups formed in the area, compared with environmental variables, as well as the importance of Escallonia bifida in the definition of floristic groups present in the study area were defined. In general, it can be seen that the species has potential for use in restoration activities in the study area due to its hardiness and colonization of open areas. Moreover, it is observed that in the tree layer species can be found in the pioneering groups of early secondary, which acts as an indicator species. The species also has multiple potential of afforestation, honey production and as an alternative to restoration projects. In this sense, it will be of great importance to the maintenance and expansion of studies with this species in order to deepen knowledge, since there is little literature on the same. / O presente trabalho traz o estudo da Escallonia bifida Link & Otto, espécie nativa da Floresta Estacional Decidual, feição do Bioma Mata Atlântica, que apresenta características de pioneira, de grande rusticidade. Objetivou-se avaliar o seu potencial como espécie alternativa em ações de restauração em sua região de origem, bem como aprofundar os conhecimentos sobre a espécie, muito pouco estudada até o momento, definindo características e gerando informações úteis para sua utilização em planos de restauração. O estudo foi realizado em fragmento de Floresta Estacional Decidual, Bioma Mata Atlântica, localizado na unidade de conservação Parque Estadual Quarta Colônia, região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Para melhor estruturação e compreensão, o trabalho foi dividido em quatro capítulos, abordando a descrição morfológica e ecológica da espécie Escallonia bifida, estrutura populacional da mesma, relação existente entre a espécie e as variáveis ambientais e sua importância na formação de grupos florísticos, para o estrato arbóreo. O capítulo I aborda a caracterização morfológica da espécie Escallonia bifida para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul, através da descrição das estruturas foliares, floração, frutificação, assim como uma breve descrição bibliográfica sobre a mesma. Capítulo II, apresenta estudo sobre a estrutura populacional da Escallonia bifida, principais parâmetros fitossociológicos, assim como sua distribuição espacial na área, em relação às demais espécies ocorrentes no fragmento estudado. O capítulo III aborda a relação existente entre Escallonia bifida e as variáveis ambientais. O capítulo IV aborda o estrato arbóreo, onde foram definidos os agrupamentos florísticos formados na área, relação com as variáveis ambientais, assim como a importância da Escallonia bifida na definição dos agrupamentos florísticos presentes na área de estudo. De maneira geral, percebe-se que a espécie possui potencial para utilização em ações de restauração na região de estudo, devido a sua rusticidade e colonização de áreas abertas. Além disso, observa-se que no estrato arbóreo a espécie pode ser encontrada em grupos de espécies pioneiras à secundárias iniciais, onde atua como indicadora. A espécie ainda possui múltiplos potenciais ligados à arborização, produção melífera e sendo alternativa para projetos de restauração. Nesse sentido, faz-se de grande importância a manutenção e ampliação de estudos com esta espécie, no intuito de aprofundar o conhecimento, visto que existe pouca literatura a respeito da mesma.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

Budongo Forest Reserve (BFR) is a flagship reserve for primate conservation due to its abundant chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) population, and its current management policy for multiple economic, conservation and environmental benefits. The identification and better understanding of the structure and dynamics of the forest/plant community types, patterns of species distribution and quantitative properties of their diversity is important to the conservation and sustainable management of tropical rainforests. This study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the BFR forest community types, species diversity patterns and environmental correlates, as well as natural regeneration processes (i.e. seedling establishment and sprouting). Data on vegetation and environmental variables were collected using rectangular 50 x 100m (0.5 ha) plots, sub-divided into five equal contiguous (20 x 50 m) 0.1 ha sub-plots. Data on land-use/cover changes, and relevant associated socio-economic parameters were collected through the analysis of multi-temporal satellite imagery and field observations, as well as interviews of local households and key informants. The study revealed significant land-use/cover changes, with the area under sugarcane cultivation increasing over 17-fold, from 690 ha in 1988 to 12729 ha in 2002, with a concomitant loss of about 4680 ha (8.2% loss) of forest/woodland, mainly in the southern part of BFR. These changes are attributed to agricultural expansion, a rapidly increasing human population, exacerbated by large influxes of refugees, lack of alternative sources of income, conflicts of interest and political interference in the management of BFR, and an unclear land tenure system. The need for more land for agricultural expansion and the loss of woodlands (a source of building materials and fuelwood for the local communities) is leading to the invasion of and encroachment on BFR, which threatens plant and wild animal conservation. The study revealed that the vegetation of BFR is formed by a mosaic of plant communities, with the major forest types being; Pseudospondias microcarpa Swamp Forest, Funtumia elastica - Pouteria altissima, Lasiodiscus mildbraedi - Khaya anthotheca and Cynometra alexandri - Rinorea ilicifolia forest communities. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that soil nutrients (Si, Ca, N, Fe and Li) and anthropogenic disturbances are the main factors controlling forest community patterns. The variances explained as a proportion of total inertia were relatively high (0.53 and 0.56 for basal area and abundance, respectively), showing how well the measured variables explained species composition. These plant communities differed significantly in terms of woody species diversity and richness; being highest in the Pseudospondias microcarpa swamp and lowest in the Cynometra alexandri-Rinorea ilicifolia forest. However, about 48 species were shared between the forest community types. A total of 269 species representing 171 genera and 51 families was recorded. Fisher’s alpha-diversity ranged 4.45-30.59 and 3.07-29.7 for stem diameters ≥2.0 cm and ≥10 cm, respectively, being significantly higher for stem diameters ≥2.0 cm. The use of stem diameters ≥2.0 cm unveiled 53 more species (19.7%), with only 216 species recorded for the standard ≥10 cm dbh minimum size usually applied in tropical forests. A SHE analysis also showed greater richness (ln(S)) and H diversity for the >2.0 cm than the ≥10cm stem diameters. Hence, the study reaffirmed that the use of 10 cm as a minimum dbh in woody plant diversity studies in forests, where many tree species rarely exceed 10 cm stem diameter, is highly likely to underestimate diversity and richness, potentially biasing the understanding of diversity patterns. The most speciose families were Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Moraceae, Meliaceae, Rutaceae, Annonaceae, and Flacourtiaceae, accounting for 147 species. Families with the highest Familial Importance values (FIV) were; Fabaceae (17.5), followed by Euphorbiaceae (16.3), and Ulmaceae (8.35). The BFR exhibits characteristics intermediate between log-normal and log-series species-abundance distributions, indicating a community with a small number of abundant species and a relatively large proportion of rare species. Both Whittaker’s (βw) and the Morisita-Horn Index measures of β-diversity consistently showed higher β-diversity for logged and arboricide treated areas, followed by logged only, and then nature reserve historical management practice types. β-diversity was relatively high at the total forest community scale, but lower for stem diameter ≥2.0 cm than ≥10.0 cm data. Environmental variables significantly explained 66.5% and 61.9% of the variance in species composition for stem diameter ≥2.0 cm and ≥10.0 cm data, respectively. Hence, the variation in species composition of BFR is characterised by significant spatial patterns, and the patterns in β-diversity are to a great extent associated with environmental heterogeneity (i.e. soil nutrients, topographic and light gradients) and anthropogenic disturbances. Investigation of natural regeneration showed that sprouting is generally common among the woody species, with both canopy and sub-canopy trees sprouting prolifically. Of the 122 species affected by ii harvesting, and tree and branch fall disturbances, 199 (97.5%) from 31 families sprouted from the cut stumps, with only Caloncoba crepiniana (De Wild. & Th.Dur.) Gilg exhibiting both stem and root sprouting. Stump basal diameter, height, bark-thickness, and height of stump above the ground at which the first sprout emerged, were significant predictors of sprouting ability among individuals. Number of sprouts/stump differed significantly among families, species, and stump size-classes. Of the 241 seedling species, representing 46 families, about 30.3% were rare (only 2-10 individuals); while 12% were very rare (only 1 individual each). Cynometra alexandri C.H. Wright and Lasiodiscus mildbraedii Engl. were the most abundant seedlings and also among the most widely distributed species in the forest. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) revealed significant differences in seedling composition between transects, but not between topographic positions or historical management practice types. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed that the measured environmental variables significantly explained 59.4% of the variance in seedling species distributions, with the three most important variables being organic matter, titanium and leaf area index (LAI; an indicator of light availability below the canopy). Hence, the important mechanisms influencing regeneration via seedlings in BFR operate through the soil system, and the ground and canopy vegetation characteristics. Nine of the 15 intensively studied multiple-use species, namely L. mildbraedii, Celtis Mildbraedii Engl., Pouteria altissima (A. Chiev.) Aubrev. & Pellegr., Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don., C. alexandri, Diospyros abyssinica (Hiern) F. White, Funtumia elastica (Preuss) Stapf., Chrysophyllum perpulchrum Hutch. & Dalz, and Antiaris toxicaria (Pers.) Lesch. had highly negative size-class distribution (SCD) slopes and substantial seedling regeneration. While Alstonia boonei De Wild. and Cordia millenii Bak. had weakly negative SCD slopes and pulsed or sporadic regeneration patterns. The wide distribution of seedlings for a variety of species, and with most of the intensively studied species having population structures showing healthy regeneration patterns, suggests that BFR is currently experiencing a continuous regeneration phase. In conclusion, the gradients in the vegetation of BFR are a reflection not only of site conditions as shown by the edaphic and abiotic factors, but also the history of human interventions.

The conservation and restoration of pollinators is essential for sustaining viable plant populations in fragmented landscapes because they promote genetic diversity among isolated individuals. As it is expected that populations in remnant and restored forests perpetuate with the passing of the years, restoration programs on highly fragmented agricultural landscapes should be planned with consideration for achieving this purpose. In this work, we evaluated plant-pollinator interactions in restored tropical forests, aiming to establish first, the pollination requirements of plant species in these communities, and secondly, if the pollinator requirements are being fulfilled and the interactions between plants and pollinators are being recovered throughout restoration practices. This work comprises two chapters: On the first one (\"Are the assemblages of tree pollination modes being recovered by tropical forest restoration?\") we did an extensive literature review about the pollination biology of tree species in primary forests, restoration plantings and naturally regenerated forests, to compare and identify patterns on the functional diversity and the assemblages of plant pollination modes. On the second chapter (\"Functional responses and effects from bee communities in restored tropical forests\") we sampled bees (i.e. the most important pollinators) and identified the pollen grains attached to their bodies in primary forests, restoration plantings, disturbed herbaceous areas and sugar cane fields; afterwards we analyzed and compared the functional diversity of bee communities and their floral resources, and the structure of plant-bee interactions, as well as in response to habitat isolation. We found that different restoration practices leaded to changes on patterns of abundance and species proportions of several plant pollination modes, which were stronger in locations under active restoration activities than in naturally regenerated forests. Specifically in the case of bees, we found that the demand for their function as pollinators in restoration plantings was even higher than that in primary forests, since many bee pollinated tree species were being widely and preferably used due to their great colonizing ability, or because of the many other ecosystem functions and services that they provide. We observed that bee communities were getting benefited by such over-representation of bee floral resources, since many species visited more frequently the tree species in restoration plantings than any other habitat. In spite of such preference, the bee abundance and functional diversity of bee communities was not fully recovered in restoration areas, maybe because of other habitat requirements that still remained undersupplied (e.g. nesting resources). Although the functional diversity on bee communities was high in general, only a small part, which was also the most vulnerable (i.e. larger bees that nest above-ground, have different levels of sociality and are polylectics), was the principal in charge of the pollination of the most important plant species in primary and restored forests (i.e. native woody plants, from initial successional stages and with different pollination modes). Throughout this work we analyzed and discussed the implications of these results for the recovery of plant-pollinator interactions and on future decisions in restoration and conservation planning / A conservação e restauração dos polinizadores são essenciais para a manutenção das populações vegetais nas paisagens fragmentadas, pois eles proporcionam diversidade genética entre os indivíduos espacialmente isolados. Dado que se espera que as populações nas florestas remanescentes e restauradas se perpetuem com o passar dos anos, os programas de restauração devem ser planejados também considerando alcançar este objetivo. Neste trabalho avaliamos as interações planta-polinizador em florestas tropicais em restauração, objetivando estabelecer primeiro, os requerimentos de polinização nestas comunidades e segundo, se os requerimentos de habitat dos polinizadores estão sendo satisfeitos e as interações entre plantas e polinizadores estão se recuperando através das práticas de restauração. O trabalho compreende dois capítulos: No primeiro (\"Os sistemas de polinização de espécies arbóreas estão se recuperando por meio da restauração de florestas tropicais?\") realizamos uma revisão exaustiva na literatura sobre a biologia da polinização das espécies de árvores em florestas primárias, plantios de restauração e florestas naturalmente regeneradas, para depois comparar e identificar os padrões na diversidade funcional e nas assembléias de modos de polinização. No segundo capítulo (\"Respostas e efeitos funcionais das comunidades de abelhas em florestas tropicais restauradas\") coletamos abelhas (i.e. os principais polinizadores) e identificamos os grãos de pólen aderidos no seu corpo, em florestas primárias, plantios de restauração, áreas herbáceas degradadas e cultivos de cana-de-açúcar; depois analisamos e comparamos a diversidade funcional das comunidades de abelhas e seus recursos florais, a estrutura das redes de interação e também em resposta ao isolamento do habitat. Encontramos que diferentes práticas de restauração geraram maiores mudanças nas proporções de vários modos de polinização, em lugares submetidos a atividades de restauração ativa do que nas florestas regeneradas naturalmente. Especificamente no caso das abelhas, encontramos que a demanda pela sua função como polinizadores nos plantios de restauração era ainda maior do que nas florestas primárias, pois muitas espécies de árvores polinizadas por abelhas estavam sendo preferivelmente plantadas graças a sua maior habilidade como colonizadoras, ou devido à outras funções e serviços ecossistêmicos que elas provem. Observamos que as abelhas estavam se beneficiando dessa super-representação de recursos florais, dado que várias espécies visitaram mais freqüentemente as árvores presentes nos plantios de restauração do que em outras áreas. Apesar dessa preferência, a abundância de indivíduos e a diversidade funcional nas comunidades de abelhas ainda não estavam totalmente recuperadas nas áreas em restauração, provavelmente porque alguns dos seus requerimentos de habitat estão ainda pouco fornecidos (e.g. recursos de nidificação). Mesmo que a diversidade funcional nas comunidades de abelhas tenha sido alta de maneira geral, somente uma pequena parte dela, que também foi a mais vulnerável (i.e. abelhas de maior porte que nidificam por cima do solo, tem diferentes níveis de sociabilidade e são polilécticas), foi a principal encarregada do transporte de pólen das plantas mais importantes das florestas primárias e restauradas (i.e. plantas lenhosas, nativas, de successão inicial e com diferentes modos de polinização). Ao longo deste trabalho analisamos e discutimos as implicações destes resultados para a recuperação das interações planta-polinizador e nas futuras decisões no planejamento da restauração e conservação ecológica