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Tropical peatlands have some of the highest carbon densities of any ecosystem and are under enormous development pressure. This dissertation aimed to provide better estimates of the scales and trends of ecological impacts from tropical peatland deforestation and degradation across more than 7,000 hectares of both intact and disturbed peatlands in northwestern Borneo. We combined direct field sampling and airborne Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) data to empirically quantify forest structures and aboveground live biomass across a largely intact tropical peat dome. The observed biomass density of 217.7 ± 28.3 Mg C hectare-1 was very high, exceeding many other tropical rainforests. The canopy trees were ~65m in height, comprising 81% of the aboveground biomass. Stem density was observed to increase across the 4m elevational gradient from the dome margin to interior with decreasing stem height, crown area and crown roughness. We also developed and implemented a multi-temporal, Landsat resolution change detection algorithm for identify disturbance events and assessing forest trends in aseasonal tropical peatlands. The final map product achieved more than 92% user’s and producer’s accuracy, revealing that after more than 25 years of management and disturbances, only 40% of the area was intact forest. Using a chronosequence approach, with a space for time substitution, we then examined the temporal dynamics of peatlands and their recovery from disturbance. We observed widespread arrested succession in previously logged peatlands consistent with hydrological limits on regeneration and degraded peat quality following canopy removal. We showed that clear-cutting, selective logging and drainage could lead to different modes of regeneration and found that statistics of the Enhanced Vegetation Index and LiDAR height metrics could serve as indicators of harvesting intensity, impacts, and regeneration stage. Long-term, continuous monitoring of the hydrology and ecology of peatland can provide key insights regarding best management practices, restoration, and conservation priorities for this unique and rapidly disappearing ecosystem.

The aim of this thesis was to determine effect of drainage, restoration and addition of mineral and organic nitrogen to spruce swamp forest soil on potential methane production and oxidation. Six study sites (2 pristine, 2 drained and 2 restored) were located in Šumava National Park in the Czech Republic.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第20962号 / 理博第4414号 / 新制||理||1634(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院理学研究科生物科学専攻 / (主査)教授 湯本 貴和, 教授 古市 剛史, 教授 友永 雅己 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DGAM

Com o objetivo de compreender quais fatores abióticos determinam a ocorrência das diferentes formações florestais na região de Batatais, entre as coordenadas 20038S e 20058S e 47037W e 47028W, foram escolhidas três propriedades agrícolas (Fazenda Monte Belo, em Restinga, SP e Fazenda Magnólia e Sítio Pratinha, em Batatais, SP), que apresentavam remanescentes florestais representativos da região (floresta ribeirinha paludícula, floresta estacional semidecídua ribeirinha e cerradão). Para descrever a composição florística e a estrutura da comunidade arbórea foram amostradas 05 parcelas de 10 x 10 m ao redor de cada estação tensiométrica. Para o estudo dos fatores abióticos foram determinados os parâmetros físicos e químicos dos solos e as curvas de retenção de água nos solos e piezometria. A discriminação das variáveis abióticas e de vegetação foi feita através da análise de componentes principais (PCA) e, na correlação entre a abundância de espécies e fatores abióticos, foram feitas análises diretas de gradiente por meio de Análise de Correlação Canônica (CCA). A textura dos solos (teores de argila, silte e areia) e a posição no terreno (cota), foram as variáveis ambientais mais importantes na distribuição das espécies e nas variações das fisionomias florestais, com influência na retenção hídrica e nos índices de fertilidade dos solos. Essas diferenças nos teores de argila em profundidade ao longo do declive, com influência direta na retenção de umidade dos solos ou mesmo na formação de ambientes paludículos, determinaram grupos distintos de espécies e fisionomias florestais: (i) um grupo de espécies de ocorrência típica nas fisionomias de Cerrado e fortemente associado às cotas mais elevadas (solos menos férteis, bem drenados e porcentagens mais baixas de argila e silte nas camadas mais profundas), entre as quais: Matayba juglandifolia, Trichilia pallida, Lithraea molleoides, Anadenanthera falcata, Myrcia tomentosa, Copaifera langsdorffii, Erytrhoxylum pelleteranum, Platipodium elegans, Chrysophyllum marginatum, Luehea divaricata, entre outras e (ii) um grupo com espécies indicadoras de Florestas Paludículas ou de ocorrência comum nestas fisionomias, associado aos solos das cotas mais baixas (Gleissolos), com porcentagens altas de argila e silte nas camadas superficiais, mais férteis e maior retenção hídrica: Cecropia pachystachya, Citronella gongonha, Rapanea guianensis, Talauma ovata e Tapirira guianensis. Pode-se considerar um terceiro grupo de transição entre Floresta Estacional Semidecídua e Cerradão, nas cotas intermediárias e menos úmidas (espécies amostradas em parcelas localizadas nas bordas das Florestas Paludículas), onde ocorreram espécies tanto de ambiente de Cerradão, como de Floresta Estacional Semidecídua, e algumas poucas de ambiente paludículo. As porcentagens mais elevadas de Areia nos solos do Sítio Pratinha, com influência na menor retenção hídrica e também nos índices de fertilidade (solos álicos, com maior acidez e os menos férteis), podem explicar algumas diferenças na composição e abundância das espécies entre fisionomias florestais iguais. O Cerradão da Fazenda Monte Belo, mostrou-se diferente floristicamente do Cerradão do Sítio Pratinha. Esta mesma diferença ocorreu em relação às Florestas Paludículas da Fazenda Magnólia e a do Sítio Pratinha. As poucasespécies de ocorrência comum tiveram populações diferentes. A CCA evidenciou também correlações de algumas espécies com determinadas variáveis de solo. / In order to understand what abiotic factors determine the occurrence of different forest formations in the region of Batatais, coordinated between 20038\'S and 20058\'S and 47037\'W and 47028\'W, three agricultural properties were chosen (Monte Belo, in the city of Restinga, SP and Magnolia and Pratinha in Batatais, SP, Brazil), which had forests representative of the region (swamp forest, semi-deciduous riverine forest and forested savanna). To describe the floristic composition and structure of the arboreal community, 05 plots of 10 x 10 meters around each tensiometric station were sampled. For the study of abiotic factors, the physico-chemical characteristics of the soils, the soil-water-retention curves and the groundwater fluctuation were determined. The discrimination of the environmental variables and arboreal species were made through the Principal Components Analysis (PCA), and in the correlation between the abundance of species and abiotic factors, direct analyses of gradient through Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were made. The texture of the soil (levels of clay, silt and sand) and the position on the ground (altitude) were the most important environmental variables in the distribution of species and variations of forest physiognomies, with influence in the retention rates of water and soil fertility. These differences in levels of clay in depth along the slope, with direct influence on the retention of soil moisture and even in the development of swampy environment, determined distinct groups of species and forest physiognomies: (i) a group of species of typical occurrence in physiognomies of Forested Savanna and strongly associated with higher altitude (less fertile, well-drained soil and lower percentages of clay and silt in the deeper layers), including: Matayba juglandifolia, Trichilia pallida, Lithraea molleoides, Anadenanthera falcata, Myrcia tomentosa, Copaifera langsdorffii, Erytrhoxylum pelleteranum, Platipodium elegans, Chrysophyllum marginatum, Luehea divaricata, among others, and (ii) a group with indicator species of Swamp Forests or common occurrence in these physiognomies, associated with lower altitude (Gleisoil), with high percentages of clay and silt in the upper and more fertile layers, and greater water retention: Cecropia pachystachya, Citronella gongonha, Rapanea guianensis, Talauma ovata and Tapirira guianensis. A third group of transition between Semi-deciduous Forest and Forested Savanna, in intermediate altitude and soils less humid (species sampled in plots located at the edges of Swamp Forests), occurred both in the Forested Savanna and in Semi-deciduous Forest and a few in swampy environment. The highest percentages of sand in the soil of Pratinha, with less influence on water retention and also on the rates of fertility (alic soils, with greater acidity and less fertile), may explain some differences in the composition and abundance of species of forest physiognomies equal. The forested Savanna of Monte Belo, has proved floristically different from the Forested Savanna of Pratinha. This same difference occurred in swamp forests of Magnolia and Pratinha. The few species of common occurrence had differentpopulations. The CCA also revealed correlations of some species with certain variables of soil.

Com o objetivo de compreender quais fatores abióticos determinam a ocorrência das diferentes formações florestais na região de Batatais, entre as coordenadas 20038S e 20058S e 47037W e 47028W, foram escolhidas três propriedades agrícolas (Fazenda Monte Belo, em Restinga, SP e Fazenda Magnólia e Sítio Pratinha, em Batatais, SP), que apresentavam remanescentes florestais representativos da região (floresta ribeirinha paludícula, floresta estacional semidecídua ribeirinha e cerradão). Para descrever a composição florística e a estrutura da comunidade arbórea foram amostradas 05 parcelas de 10 x 10 m ao redor de cada estação tensiométrica. Para o estudo dos fatores abióticos foram determinados os parâmetros físicos e químicos dos solos e as curvas de retenção de água nos solos e piezometria. A discriminação das variáveis abióticas e de vegetação foi feita através da análise de componentes principais (PCA) e, na correlação entre a abundância de espécies e fatores abióticos, foram feitas análises diretas de gradiente por meio de Análise de Correlação Canônica (CCA). A textura dos solos (teores de argila, silte e areia) e a posição no terreno (cota), foram as variáveis ambientais mais importantes na distribuição das espécies e nas variações das fisionomias florestais, com influência na retenção hídrica e nos índices de fertilidade dos solos. Essas diferenças nos teores de argila em profundidade ao longo do declive, com influência direta na retenção de umidade dos solos ou mesmo na formação de ambientes paludículos, determinaram grupos distintos de espécies e fisionomias florestais: (i) um grupo de espécies de ocorrência típica nas fisionomias de Cerrado e fortemente associado às cotas mais elevadas (solos menos férteis, bem drenados e porcentagens mais baixas de argila e silte nas camadas mais profundas), entre as quais: Matayba juglandifolia, Trichilia pallida, Lithraea molleoides, Anadenanthera falcata, Myrcia tomentosa, Copaifera langsdorffii, Erytrhoxylum pelleteranum, Platipodium elegans, Chrysophyllum marginatum, Luehea divaricata, entre outras e (ii) um grupo com espécies indicadoras de Florestas Paludículas ou de ocorrência comum nestas fisionomias, associado aos solos das cotas mais baixas (Gleissolos), com porcentagens altas de argila e silte nas camadas superficiais, mais férteis e maior retenção hídrica: Cecropia pachystachya, Citronella gongonha, Rapanea guianensis, Talauma ovata e Tapirira guianensis. Pode-se considerar um terceiro grupo de transição entre Floresta Estacional Semidecídua e Cerradão, nas cotas intermediárias e menos úmidas (espécies amostradas em parcelas localizadas nas bordas das Florestas Paludículas), onde ocorreram espécies tanto de ambiente de Cerradão, como de Floresta Estacional Semidecídua, e algumas poucas de ambiente paludículo. As porcentagens mais elevadas de Areia nos solos do Sítio Pratinha, com influência na menor retenção hídrica e também nos índices de fertilidade (solos álicos, com maior acidez e os menos férteis), podem explicar algumas diferenças na composição e abundância das espécies entre fisionomias florestais iguais. O Cerradão da Fazenda Monte Belo, mostrou-se diferente floristicamente do Cerradão do Sítio Pratinha. Esta mesma diferença ocorreu em relação às Florestas Paludículas da Fazenda Magnólia e a do Sítio Pratinha. As poucasespécies de ocorrência comum tiveram populações diferentes. A CCA evidenciou também correlações de algumas espécies com determinadas variáveis de solo. / In order to understand what abiotic factors determine the occurrence of different forest formations in the region of Batatais, coordinated between 20038\'S and 20058\'S and 47037\'W and 47028\'W, three agricultural properties were chosen (Monte Belo, in the city of Restinga, SP and Magnolia and Pratinha in Batatais, SP, Brazil), which had forests representative of the region (swamp forest, semi-deciduous riverine forest and forested savanna). To describe the floristic composition and structure of the arboreal community, 05 plots of 10 x 10 meters around each tensiometric station were sampled. For the study of abiotic factors, the physico-chemical characteristics of the soils, the soil-water-retention curves and the groundwater fluctuation were determined. The discrimination of the environmental variables and arboreal species were made through the Principal Components Analysis (PCA), and in the correlation between the abundance of species and abiotic factors, direct analyses of gradient through Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were made. The texture of the soil (levels of clay, silt and sand) and the position on the ground (altitude) were the most important environmental variables in the distribution of species and variations of forest physiognomies, with influence in the retention rates of water and soil fertility. These differences in levels of clay in depth along the slope, with direct influence on the retention of soil moisture and even in the development of swampy environment, determined distinct groups of species and forest physiognomies: (i) a group of species of typical occurrence in physiognomies of Forested Savanna and strongly associated with higher altitude (less fertile, well-drained soil and lower percentages of clay and silt in the deeper layers), including: Matayba juglandifolia, Trichilia pallida, Lithraea molleoides, Anadenanthera falcata, Myrcia tomentosa, Copaifera langsdorffii, Erytrhoxylum pelleteranum, Platipodium elegans, Chrysophyllum marginatum, Luehea divaricata, among others, and (ii) a group with indicator species of Swamp Forests or common occurrence in these physiognomies, associated with lower altitude (Gleisoil), with high percentages of clay and silt in the upper and more fertile layers, and greater water retention: Cecropia pachystachya, Citronella gongonha, Rapanea guianensis, Talauma ovata and Tapirira guianensis. A third group of transition between Semi-deciduous Forest and Forested Savanna, in intermediate altitude and soils less humid (species sampled in plots located at the edges of Swamp Forests), occurred both in the Forested Savanna and in Semi-deciduous Forest and a few in swampy environment. The highest percentages of sand in the soil of Pratinha, with less influence on water retention and also on the rates of fertility (alic soils, with greater acidity and less fertile), may explain some differences in the composition and abundance of species of forest physiognomies equal. The forested Savanna of Monte Belo, has proved floristically different from the Forested Savanna of Pratinha. This same difference occurred in swamp forests of Magnolia and Pratinha. The few species of common occurrence had differentpopulations. The CCA also revealed correlations of some species with certain variables of soil.

La forêt marécageuse de Lokoli, située dans le sud du Bénin est une formation non protégée, bien qu’elle soit la seule forêt marécageuse avec un cours d’eau permanent connue en Afrique de l’Ouest. Pour envisager une prise de décision de conservation et de protection de cet écosystème forestier, il est important de disposer d’une meilleure connaissance de sa flore, de sa végétation et de son fonctionnement. C’est dans ce cadre que la présente étude a été envisagée. Les données collectées concernent le milieu naturel, la structure de la forêt, la régénération naturelle des espèces et les usages faits des Produits Forestiers Non Ligneux (PFNL). Le milieu naturel se compose d’un substratum acide (pH variant de 3,5 à 5,5) et argilo-sableux. Le cortège floristique de cette forêt est composé de 241 espèces réparties en 185 genres et 70 familles dont des espèces endémiques (Uapaca paludosa) ou en danger (Hallea ledermannii), Nauclea xanthoxylon, etc. Sept groupements végétaux ont été identifiés (forêt primaire inondée à Alstonia congensis et Xylopia rubescens, forêt secondaire inondée à Ficus trichopoda et Spondianthus preussii et raphiale à Raphia hookeri et Anthocleista vogelii en forêt ;forêt ripicole à Alchornea cordifolia et Mitragyna inermis, savane marécageuse à Ficus asperifolia et Paullinia pinnata ;prairie marécageuse à Cyclosorus gongylodes et Polygonum pulchrum et enfin prairie marécageuse à Rhynchospora corymbosa et Ludwigia abyssinica en lisière) avec des précisions sur leurs caractéristiques floristiques, biologiques, phytogéographiques et écosociologiques. Les mésophanérophytes sont abondants en forêt alors qu’en lisière, ce sont les microphanérophytes qui sont les plus nombreux. Ces groupements constituent un refuge pour de nombreuses espèces animales dont Barboides britzi, poisson déterminé pour la première fois en 2006. D’après cette étude, on note une bonne régénération des espèces forestières malgré une recrudescence des trouées liées à l’installation de champs de Colocasia esculenta. Parmi les 75 espèces, source de PFNL recensées, les produits et sous-produits issus de Raphia hookeri sont les plus exploités car ils constituent pour les populations riveraines d’importantes sources de revenus. Ces PFNL sont exploités à Lokoli pour plusieurs usages à savoir l’alimentation, l’emballage, boisson alcoolisée, recettes médicinales, construction, etc. Le nombre de pieds de Raphia hookeri saignés par an est de 15.452 par 320 exploitants dont 148 cueilleurs, 81 transformateurs et 91 commerçants ;ce qui fournit aux exploitants des revenus de l’ordre de 28.000 à 159.000 FCFA (42,7 à 242,4 euros) par mois et par exploitant, sans oublier les autres activités menées par les riverains dans cet écosystème. On note une forte pression anthropique sur cette formation qu’il est donc urgent de protéger. En effet, elle dispose d’importants atouts qui militent en faveur de sa conservation. Elle abrite des espèces végétales et animales rares, endémiques, vulnérables et en danger (inscrites sur la liste rouge de l’UICN), telles que :Hallea ledermannii, Uapaca paludosa, Nauclea xanthoxylon, Cercopithecus erythrogaster erythrogaster, Cercopithecus mona, Colobus vellerosus, Ceriagrion citrinum Campion, Barboides britzi, etc. La forêt marécageuse de Lokoli joue un rôle de refuge pour toutes ces espèces qui y trouvent leur niche écologique. Sur le plan socio-économique, la FML fournit aux populations riveraines des revenus pour leur subsistance. Toutes ces potentialités font d’elle une Forêt à Haute Valeur pour la Conservation (FHVC) et elle pourrait constituer une véritable réserve de biosphère dans le Sud-Bénin. / The swamp forest of Lokoli, located in the south of Benin, is a non-protected area, although it is the only swamp forest in West Africa accompanied by a river which always contains water. To be able to make decisions concerning the conservation and protection of this forest ecosystem, it is important to have a better knowledge of its flora, its vegetation and its ecology and dynamics. It is within this framework that the present study was considered. The data that were collected relate to the natural environment, the structure of the forest, the natural regeneration of the species and the uses of the Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP). The natural environment is composed of a substratum which is acid (pH varying from 3.5 to 5.5) and loamy-sandy. The floristic composition of this forest is composed of 241 plant species from 185 genera and 70 families. Seven vegetation types were identified: 1. Inundated primary forest with Alstonia congensis and Xylopia rubescens; 2. Inundated secondary forest with Ficus trichopoda and Spondianthus preussii; 3. Raphia forest with Raphia hookeri and Anthocleista vogelii; 4. Riparian forest with Alchornea cordifolia and Mitragyna inermis; 5. Marshy savanna with Ficus asperifolia and Paullinia pinnata; 6. Marshy savanna with Cyclosorus gongylodes and Polygonum pulchrum; and 7. Marshy savanna with Rhynchospora corymbosa and Ludwigia abyssinica. Precise details are given on their floristic, biological, phytogeographical and phytosociological characteristics. The mesophanerophytes are abundant in forest whereas at forest edges the microphanerophytes are most numerous. These vegetation types constitute a refuge for many animal species, for example Barboides britzi, a species of fish first identified in 2006. This study noted a good regeneration of forest species, in spite of disturbance related to the installation of fields of Colocasia esculenta. About 75 investigated NTFP are exploited in Lokoli for many purposes, among which food, packaging, alcoholic drinks, medicines, construction, etc. Among the listed NTFP, the products and by-products made from Raphia hookeri are the most important because they are important sources of revenue for the inhabitants of the area. The number of stems of Raphia used per year for palm wine production is 15.452 by the 320 inhabitants, including 148 gatherers, 81 transformers and 91 tradesmen. This provides to the inhabitants an income of about 28,000 to 159,000 FCFA per month and per inhabitant, without forgetting the other activities undertaken by these inhabitants. This results in a strong human pressure on the vegetation of the area which is therefore in urgent need of protection. The vegetation of the Lokoli forest has important values which indicate its conservation concern. It shelters plant and animal species that are endemic and/or endangered or vulnerable according to the red list of the IUCN, such as: Hallea ledermannii, Uapaca paludosa, Nauclea xanthoxylon, Cercopithecus erythrogaster erythrogaster, Cercopithecus mona, Colobus vellerosus, Ceriagrion citrinum Campion, Barboides britzi, etc. The swamp forest of Lokoli is a refuge for all these species who find here their ecological niche. On the socio-economic level, the Lokoli forest provides to the inhabitants an income for their subsistence. The Lokoli forest in southern Benin is a forest with a high conservation value and it has the potential to become a “biosphere reserve”. / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Tropical forests have existed for up to one hundred million years, and today provide many ecosystem services vital for human well-being. They also harbour great biodiversity, which, in addition to its intrinsic value, plays a key role in the functioning of these ecosystems. Despite their local to global significance, there are still many knowledge gaps concerning the dynamic processes that govern the functioning of tropical forests. Rapid rates of deforestation and landscape conversion, predominantly for logging and industrial agriculture, are limiting the time and opportunity available to collect the information needed to fill these gaps. This research aims to shed light on the long-term ecological functioning of tropical forests, specifically investigating the history of disturbance in these ecosystems and the response of forest vegetation to past perturbations. The carbon-rich tropical peat swamp forests found along the coast of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, are a central focus of this study. For these forests in particular, a large deficit of knowledge surrounding their history and unique ecological functioning is coupled with some of the highest conversion rates of all tropical forest ecosystems across the world. In this thesis, palaeoecological data has been used to reconstruct temporal variability in forest vegetation coincident with external perturbations in order to identify changes in the resilience of these ecosystems through time, via indicators such as slowing rates of recovery and reduced regeneration of forest vegetation. Results suggest that tropical forest ecosystems have, for the most part, shown resilience to natural disturbances in the past, ranging from instantaneous localised tree-fall to longer-term regional climatic change; but that recent anthropogenic disturbances, of novel forms and greater intensities, are jeopardizing the potential for forest recovery and thus compromising ecosystem resilience. These findings enhance our understanding of the ecology of tropical peat swamp forests, and tropical forests more broadly. They also provide a context for contemporary tropical forest management, allowing for predictions on future responses to disturbance and enabling more ecologically sustainable landscape planning.