Poster Presentation at the Society for Ecological Restoration Annual Meeting (Nov12-15 1997, Ft. Lauderdale,FL)
Native Tree Restoration on Abandoned Lands in Costa Rica
Knowles, David B.1,2 and A. Carl Leopold1,3
1Tropical Forestry Initiative, 2East Carolina University, 3Cornell University
ABSTRACT
The use of exotic tree species and monocultures in tropical reforestation efforts does not recognize the many ecological and economic values of using mixed stands of native tree species. Tropical Forestry Initiative is attempting to demonstrate that planting mixed stands of native trees can be a viable economic option for local landowners, as well as enhancing the ecological functioning of the restored ecosystems. Planting with mixed stands of native species is an exception rather than standard practice in Costa Rica.
Our efforts are being carried out on a 150 ha. site near the south Pacific coast of Costa Rica, which consists of a mix of old growth forest, second growth forest and shrub, and recently abandoned pasture. Since 1992, approximately 30,000 seedlings of 60 different native tree species have been planted. Seeds were collected and donated from local sources. Seedlings were out-planted from our nursery within one year.
On-going ecological monitoring to determine restoration success includes measuring and mapping trees within a permanent plots and transects, bird censuses, and herpetological surveys. Additional multiple taxa surveys, microclimate monitoring, soil development and erosion monitoring, and watershed studies are planned.
Ultimately, we expect to develop marketable trees of high value that can be selectively harvested while maintaining a high level of ecological functioning. A crucial part of this effort will be to spark interest among the local landowners. We are working with local landowners to encourage reforestation by providing them with seedlings, by participation in a local forestry association, and by interacting with local schools.
TROPICAL FORESTRY INITIATIVE
Mission Statement
Tropical Forestry Initiative is a nonprofit organization formed by eight persons of diverse professional backgrounds who share a concern about the loss of tropical forests and have joined to demonstrate that forests can be restored by planting and managing native tree species. Our 150 hectare farm, named Los Arboles, is an ideal site for tree nursery production, plantations of native trees, management of secondary growth, and maintenance of primary forest.
Goals
Location and Site Description of Los Arboles
Tropical Forestry Initiative manages a 150 ha (approximately) field site in southern Costa Rica near the coastal town of Dominical. The TFI site, Los Arboles, is situated the Rio Guabo River and a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Elevations range from approximately 100 m at the river to 500 m on the ridge with slopes ranging between 10o to 50o. Climatically, this region experiences two distinct seasons; the wet season usually extends from May to December, the dry season is from January to April. Temperatures range between 17oC and 30oC; annual rainfall is in excess of 2500 mm. Based on the Holdridge Life Zone classification system, Los Arboles lies within the wet tropical forest zone. The vegetative cover of Los Arboles consists of roughly 30 ha (20%) primary forest in three separate tracts; the remaining land is currently in pasture, recently abandoned pasture, or secondary growth forest. Regionally, much of the conversion of the "original" forest to pasture occurred during the 1960's and 1970's although fragments of primary forest may be found through the landscape. Agricultural land use is mainly for low intensity cattle production and subsistence agriculture.
Tree Nursery Management and Planting
Since 1992, over 30,000 seedlings of ~60 tree species have been planted in abandoned pastures and scrub lands. All seedlings were grown in on-site plant nurseries from seeds and cuttings obtained from local sources. The planting season is from May until October, commencing with the onset of the wet season. Seedling survival rates are high, generally over 90%. A partial list of tree species in plantation is provided in Table 1.
Monitoring Vegetative Succession in Reforested Areas
In July 1997, seven permanent plots were established for long-term monitoring of tree succession in plantation areas. Each plot was 20 m x 20 m and situated in representative plantation stands. Plot design and establishment techniques were modifications of methods developed by the Smithsonian Man and the Biosphere Biodiversity Program. Within each plot, all trees (>2.5 cm, DBH) were identified, mapped, tagged, and measured. These permanent plots will be re-surveyed at 3-5 years intervals. By monitoring trees in these plots, we will be able to track survivorship and growth of plantation trees and the success of naturally occurring trees and recruitment. In addition to monitoring trees, we will track changes in forest structure (vertical structure) and changes in microclimate as the site undergo succession from abandoned pasture to forest. The same permanent plot system is planned for stands of primary forests stand as well as newly acquired pasture.
Primary forests were surveyed in 1995 using line transects. The results of a survey in the Guabo tract, a primary forest at ~200m elevation are presented in Table 2. The growth (height and DBH) of some individual plantation trees has been monitored from our initial plantations 1992 (Table 3).
Monitoring Faunal Succession in Reforested Areas
Many heterotroph species are habitat-sensitive thus may serve as indicator species of habitat quality, we have begun monitoring bird and herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) in representative habitats at Los Arboles and in the vicinity.
Initial herpetofauna surveys were conducted during July 1997 at Los Arboles and vicinity. Survey methods included visual encounter surveys along transects and in plots, and using cover boards, as well as other non-systematic collecting techniques. A variety (~ 60 species) and abundance of frogs, lizards, and snakes were documented at Los Arboles (Table 4) and the nearby lowlands and coastal areas. Systematic surveys will be developed as a result of this year's initial, cursory survey.
Semi-annual bird surveys are conducted at Los Arboles to document changes in the bird community as forests become "defragmented" due to natural succession and reforestation. The surveys are conducted during the dry season (January) and during the wet season (July). To date, only two surveys have been completed, however, systematic sampling at established sites will be an on-going project. Based on the existing data, 252 species have been verified at Los Arboles and in the immediate vicinity (See attached list). This includes 106 breeding species, a presumed 43 additional species formerly bred here but are now absent. By this accounting, approximately 29% of the native primary forest species are no longer found in the area. The highest species richness (95 species) is in reforestation sites and secondary forests, 79 species have been verified in the primary forest tracts at Los Arboles. Fewer species have been verified in pastures and monotypic plantations.
Forestry Association and Community Involvement
TFI is committed to working with local landowners, governmental officials, and schools in an exchange of ideas related to ecological and socioeconomic issues, as well as to promote good will amongst local and foreign-born neighbors. This is an especially important aspect of our work since the Rio Guabo valley and Dominical region are undergoing a rapid cultural transition due to resort development, improved transportation and communication systems, and access to electrical power. Local landowners and TFI have established a forestry association. The goals of the association are to promote reforestation through economic incentives and to preserve critical habitat. The association's officers and board of directors are all Costa Ricans from the Rio Guabo valley and vicinity. Currently, the association is awaiting legal status, however it now and in the future will serve as a vehicle for the exchange of technical, economic, cultural and legal information related to forest management.
Acknowledgements
TFI wishes to acknowledge and thank the many volunteers, students, and financial supporters that have contributed during our first six years, especially The Park Foundation which has provided funds for land acquisition and toward the development of an intern program with Warren Wilson College. In Costa Rica, the Fallas family (Memo, Luz, Albis, Roy, and Maurecio) has been indispensable to the project. Carl Leopold, Arno Finkeldey, and David Knowles compiled the botanical information presented in this poster. Jim Zook and Dick Andrus provided the ornithological data. Rusty Gaul and Ted Kahn provided the herpetological information.
Tropical Forestry Initiative Members and Associates
Richard and Jane Andrus (Binghamton University), Arno Finkeldey (TFI), Eldon Kenworthy (Whitman College), David Knowles (East Carolina University), Carl Leopold (Cornell University), Lynn Leopold (TFI), Jennifer van Alstine (TFI), Cynthia Witman (Whitman College)
Tables
Table 1. Partial listing of tree species currently in plantations at Los Arboles.
|
COMMON NAME |
FAMILY |
SPECIES |
|
Acietuno |
Simaroubaceae |
Simarouba amara, S . glauca |
|
Ajo, Ajillo |
Caryocaraceae |
Caryocar costaricense |
|
Alazan |
Leguminosae |
Tachigalia versicolor |
|
Amarillon |
Combretaceae |
Terminalia amazonia |
|
Barrigon |
Bombacaceae |
Pseudobombax septenatum |
|
Caco de monte |
Sterculiaceae |
Theobroma sp. |
|
Cabilla1 |
Meliaceae |
Carapa guianensis |
|
Cedro amargo |
Meliaceae |
Cedrela odorata |
|
Cenizaro macho |
Mimosaceae |
Albizzia guachepele |
|
Chumico |
Dillenianceae |
Curatella americana |
|
Cocobola1 |
Papilionatae |
Dalbergia retusa |
|
Corteza amatilla |
Bignoniaceae |
Tabebuia guayacan |
|
Cristobal1 |
Papilionatae |
Platymiscium pinnatum |
|
Cuajada |
Verbenaceae |
Vitex cooperi |
|
Espavel1 |
Anacardiaceae |
Anacardium excelsum |
|
Faveira |
Papillionatae |
Vatairea lundelli |
|
Fruta dorada |
Myristicaceae |
Virola koschnyi |
|
Gallinazo |
Leguminosae |
Schizolobium parahybum |
|
Guanacaste |
Leguminosae |
Enterolobium cyclocarpum |
|
Guapinol |
Leguminosae |
Hymenaea courbaril |
|
Iguano |
Mimosaceae |
Pithecollobium arboreum |
|
Ira quina1 |
Lauraceae |
Ocotea sp. |
|
Jabillo |
Anacardiaceae |
Spondias purpurea |
|
Lechoso |
Moraceae |
Brosimum utile |
|
Mangillo |
Apocynaceae |
Aspidosperma cruentum |
|
Mayo colorado |
Vochysiaceae |
Vochysia ferruginea |
|
Nene |
Leguminosae |
Ormosia vetulina |
|
Ojochito |
Moroceae |
Brosimum lactescens |
|
Pocora1 |
Meliaceae |
Guarea rhopalocarpa |
|
Pilon |
Euphorbiaceae |
Hieronyma alchomeoides |
|
Roble sabana1 |
Bignoniaceae |
Tabebuia rosea |
|
Ron-ron |
Anacardiaceae |
Astronium graveolens |
Table 2. Principle tree species of the Guabo tract, a primary forest tract located at ~200m elevation. Importance value was based on relative frequency, density, and basal area.
|
|
|
|
|
Unidentified |
|
|
|
Scheelea rostrata (Chonta) |
|
|
|
Frijolillo |
|
|
|
Brosimum sp. (Ojoche) |
|
|
|
Goethalsia meiantha (Guacimo blanco) |
|
|
|
Pterocarpus hayesii (Vinillo) |
|
|
|
Apeiba aspera (Peine de mico) |
|
|
|
Lysarco |
|
|
|
Ficus werckleana (Chilamate) |
|
|
|
Ocotea ira (Aguacaton) |
|
|
|
Others species, each comprising less than 2% of total. |
|
|
Table 3. Approximate growth rates (height) of selected plantation and volunteer tree species, 1992-1996.
|
Species and Common Name |
Growth Rate (m/yr) |
Number of Trees Measured |
|
Schizolobium parahybum (Gallinazo) |
3.2 |
32 |
|
Terminalia amazonia (Amarillon) |
3.0 |
67 |
|
Vochysia ferruginea (Mayo colorado) |
37 |
2.5 |
|
Albizzia guachepele (Cenizaro) |
2.0 |
24 |
|
Platymiscium pinnatum (Cristobal) |
1.8 |
24 |
|
Anacardiaceae excelsum (Espavel) |
1.2 |
24 |
|
Dalbergia retusa (Cocobolo) |
1.1 |
28 |
|
Vochysia guatemalensis (Mayo blanco) |
1.1 |
6 |
|
Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Guanacaste) |
0.9 |
27 |
|
Cedrela odorata (Cedro amargo) |
0.9 |
37 |
|
Pithecollobium arboreum (Iguano) |
0.9 |
44 |
|
Hymenaea courbaril (Guapinol) |
0.8 |
11 |
|
Brosimum utile (Lechoso) |
0.8 |
19 |
Table 4. Partial listing of herpetofauna identified at Los Arboles during July 1997.
|
|
|
|
|
Caudata (salamanders) |
Plethodontidae |
1 |
|
Salientia (frogs and toads) |
Bufonidae (toads) |
3 |
|
|
Dendrobatidae (poison dart frogs) |
3 |
|
|
Leptodactylidae |
8 |
|
|
Ranidae (ranid frogs) |
1 |
|
Squamata, Suborder Sauria (lizards) |
Iguanidae (iguanids/anoles) |
5 |
|
|
Gekkonidae (geckos) |
2 |
|
|
Teiidae (teiid lizards) |
2 |
|
|
Anguidae (anugid lizards) |
2 |
|
|
Scincidae (skinks) |
1 |
|
Squamata, Suborder Serpentes (snakes) |
Leptotyphlopidae (blind snakes) |
1 |
|
|
Colubridae (colubrids) |
3 |
|
|
Elapidae (coral snakes) |
1 |
|
|
Crotalidae (pit vipers) |
1 |
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