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Monitoring and assessment on the impact of succession of thinned forest plantation on ecosystem and communities in Lintienshan and Yuli forest compartments

Yu-Yun Chen, Chun-Hung Lee, Yu-Cheng Hsu

Tree stand thinning is an important disturbance treatment to allow light penetration and enhance growth in forest plantations. These disturbances inevitably cause changes in both vegetative and fauna composition or activities on the forest floor. It may also affect the livelihoods of adjacent communities. This project aims to explore the differences between plant and animal communities in logged strips and the surrounding area in two forest compartments in Hualien county. We also investigate the impact of logging activities on communities located along the paths of timber trucks and communities whose traditional costumes depend on forest resources.

 

To evaluate the changes caused by logging in strips, we survey seed rain, seedlings and tree growth within the strips, in the preserved area next to strips, unlogged plantation, and natural forest. To understand possible cause of vegetation turnover, we record animals using camera traps and soundscape recording to assess species composition and activities. Finally, we interview residents in communities near the logging area to understand their view towards logging activities and the resulting changes. We began conducting these surveys in 2018 and plan to continue until 2021. Project outputs include annual reports and short-term assessments on the impact of forest management practice on the ecosystems and communities in the area.

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