SACRED GROVES FOR FOREST CONSERVATION IN GHANA'S COASTAL SAVANNAS: ASSESSING ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL DIMENSIONS

Despite recent interest in sacred (fetish) groves as remnant forests, few studies have investigated their sustainability and conservation role in West Africa. This article employs a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) analysis of time series images (1960‐98), comprehensive social surveys and ecological field methods to evaluate four sacred groves and eight unprotected tree stands in the coastal savanna of Ghana and compare these with vegetation in the distant forested hinterland. There were strong similarities and substantial differences in tree species between different sacred groves, and between these and the unprotected stands and proximate deciduous forests. In addition, far fewer tree losses were documented in the sacred groves than in the local unprotected stands. Although these sacred groves were on average only partially representative of deciduous forest vegetation, their stronger sustainability compared with unprotected tree stands may be important to consider in detail for conservation.     

Actor networking, technological planning and conceptions of space: The dynamics of irrigation farming in the coastal savanna of Ghana

The sustainability of introduced technology in rural contexts is based on the socioenvironmental networking of local stakeholders, a point generally ignored in Ghana. A case study is given of an irrigation project from the coastal savanna of Ghana, a region appraised by contested assessments of drought and social conflict. Using a methodology based on a strand of actor network theory (ANT), including social surveys, meteorological and field data, it is concluded that such analyses of spatial linkages, serve as an effective methodology for assessing technological developments and socio-cultural contexts of various scales, and has applied relevance for environmental and development planning.     

黄河三角洲湿地柽柳林生长动态密度结构的响应特征

为了阐明滨海湿地不同密度柽柳(Tamarix chinensis)林的生长动态,探索滨海湿地柽柳林的密度合理性,在黄河三角洲莱州湾南岸的山东昌邑海洋生态特别保护区内,利用标准木树干解析法,对10a生的3种密度(2400株/hm2、3 600株/hm2和4400株/hm2)的柽柳林地上生物量、林木生长动态和基径分布特征进行研究.结果表明,3种密度林分的地上生物量、树高生长量和林木基径生长过程差别较大.随着林分密度增大,林木单株生物量和基径减小,但单位面积林分生物量增加;树高、基径的速生期都出现滞后现象.3种密度林分基径分布的偏度系数(SK)差别较大;密度为3 600株/hm2林分的SK值为0.085,接近正态分布,林分密度结构和基径分布较为合理;密度为2 400株/hm2和4 400株/hm2林分的SK值分别为-0.842和0.303,偏离正态分布,林分密度结构不合理.密度为2 400株/hm2林分的峰度系数(K)为0.017,林木生长相对整齐;密度为3 600株/hm2和4 400株/hm2林分的K值相差不大;密度因素对林木分化作用较小.若不考虑10a间的林木间伐利用,该区柽柳人工造林合理的初植密度建议为3 600株/hm2(株行距约2.0 m×2.0 m).     

Modeling the optimal grazing regime of Acacia victoriae silvopasture in the Northern Negev,Israel

Silvopasture, the planting of suitable tree species in pastures, can improve the sustainability and productivity especially in dry rangelands. While recent studies provide information on the effects of different tree compositions on biological productivity, water and soil protection, additional parameters such as fodder production by the trees or the impact of silvopasture on the grazing potential themselves have rarely been addressed. We determined fodder production in Acacia victoriae woodland and savanna by measuring annual vegetation and tree biomass growth. We developed mathematical models for calculating the vegetative biomass available for grazing. In order to get accurate estimation for the grazing capacity, we differentiated between the grazing and the browsing fodder availability, and adapted the model to the most abundant grazers in the Negev, goats and sheep. Grazing capacity for sheep and goats was twice bigger in A. victoriae woodland than in the adjacent sustainably managed shrubland and four times higher than in degraded shrubland. The mathematical model presented in this paper can be applied in order to plan and realize high yielding and sustainable silvopasture in arid environments resistant to degradation and desertification while providing adequate fodder reserves during drought years.     

An optimization approach for sustainable development planning of savanna systems

A savanna system is a natural ecosystem in which the competition between grass and woody vegetation in a semi-arid rangeland should be maintained for its sustainable development. Finding an optimal management plan for obtaining maximum economic profit from raising cattle without loss of sustainability of the savanna system during a planning period is a great challenge for rangeland managers. In this study, we formulate the sustainable development planning of the savanna system as an optimal control model, in which maximization of the stocking rate of cattle during the planning period is chosen as the objective while sustainable development requirements are achieved through the constraints represented by the desired final state of the system. Using Pontryagin's maximum principle, the model is transformed into a two-point boundary-value problem with nonlinear differential equations that is then solved using an iterative approach. An example with a specified desired final state in a savanna system without fire is used to demonstrate the performance of the model and the algorithm. Numerical experiments show that the planning strategy obtained from the optimal control model achieves maximum economic profit from raising cattle during the planning period and simultaneously improves the resilience of the system and maintains sustainable development of the rangeland. The outcomes demonstrate that resilience, sustainable development and economic profit are consistent concepts in optimal management strategy for rangeland management.     

1973-2010年毛里塔尼亚气候变化与风况特征

利用1973-2010年12个站点的年平均气温、降水量、风向、风速数据,对38 a来毛里塔尼亚气候变化和风况特征作了初步分析。结果表明:毛里塔尼亚沿海区域38 a来呈变暖趋势,北部荒漠区域和南部热带草原区域则呈现冷暖交替变化的趋势。20世纪60年代降雨量最多,70年代和80年代降雨量偏少,总体上降雨量略有减少。除沿海区域外,南部热带草原区域和北部荒漠区域少雨期和降温期相对应,多雨期与升温期相对应,降雨滞后于温度。1973-2010年月平均风速均呈现下降趋势,南部热带草原区域下降趋势较为明显,北部荒漠区域下降趋势不明显。月平均风速为春季、夏季较大,冬季次之,秋季最小。季节风热条件存在明显差异,北部风热同步,南部先同步后异步,沿海则完全不同步。各站点的年风向频率,沿海区域以北风为主,而北部荒漠区域及南部热带草原区域风向则介于东、北向之间。     

Why do they burn the 'bush'? Fire, rural livelihoods, and conservation in Zambia

Despite the historical importance of fire as a savanna land management tool, much controversy still surrounds discussions on anthropogenic fire utilization and the sustainability of indigenous land management practices in African savannas. This controversy is arguably a result of a discord between official fire policies and actual indigenous fire practices – a discord based on a gap in existing knowledge of, and a lack of informed literature on, the importance of fire for socio-economic and environmental survival in savanna environments. Addressing a continuing lack of research on the political ecology of fire, this study investigates the historical and present day socio-economic, environmental and political frameworks that affect anthropogenic burning regimes and land management in the Kafinda Game Management Area and Kasanka National Park in Zambia. A series of participatory research activities revealed the continuing importance of fire to rural livelihoods, but that a mismatch in desired burning regimes exists between local stakeholders. The paper argues that local power relations are preventing the local communities from adopting burning regimes that would be more environmentally sustainable and more in line with present day farming systems.     

Use of large Acacia trees by the cavity dwelling Black-tailed Tree Rat in the Southern Kalahari

Recent extensive harvesting of large, often dead Acacia trees in arid savanna of southern Africa is cause for concern about the conservation status of the arid savanna and its animal community. We mapped vegetation and nests of the Black-tailed Tree Rat Thallomys nigricauda to assess the extent to which the rats depend on particular tree species and on the existence of dead, standing trees. The study was conducted in continuous Acacia woodland on the southern and eastern edge of the Kalahari, South Africa. Trees in which there were tree rat nests were compared with trees of similar size and vigour to identify the characteristics of nest sites. Spatial analysis of tree rat distribution was conducted using Ripley's-L function. We found that T. nigricauda was able to utilize all available tree species, as long as trees were large and old enough so that cavities were existing inside the stem. The spatial distribution of nest trees did not show clumping at the investigated scale, and we therefore reject the notion of the rats forming colonies when inhabiting continuous woodlands. The selection of a particular tree as a nest site was furthermore depending on the close proximity of the major food plant, Acacia mellifera. This may limit the choice of suitable nest sites, since A. mellifera was less likely to grow within a vegetation patch containing a large trees than in patches without large trees.     

Tree integration in homestead farms in southeast Nigeria: propositions and evidence

This paper contributes to wider debates on the dominant factors determining the emergence and sustainability of intermediate systems of forest management in developing countries. The theoretical framework and propositions for analysing tree integration in homestead farms are presented, with reference to southeast Nigeria. The paper argues that, first, at the household level, livelihood strategies constitute the main determinant of the decision to integrate trees in homestead farms. Secondly, induced innovation has a wider and more significant role at the community level than at the household level in encouraging the integration of trees in farms. Thirdly, the sustainability of observed patterns of tree integration is influenced by the interaction of environmental, ecological, political, economic and social factors. Based on these propositions, the paper analyses the internal (household) and external (wider community) factors influencing tree integration in homestead farms in southeast Nigeria.     

A continental analysis of correlations between tree patterns in African savannas and human and environmental variables

This study analyses possible relationships between natural processes taking place in savannas and the tree patterns found in savannas. This can lead to new hypotheses about which processes are driving savanna physiognomy. To do so tree patterns were quantified for African savannas from historical aerial photographs applying frequently used landscape metrics. Also, additional data for these areas were collected to quantify the processes taking place at these locations. Correlations between tree pattern indices and explaining factors were analysed. We found a negative trend between tree cover and density of sheep and goats, but no relationship between tree cover and density of cattle, suggesting that small livestock have an effect on tree cover, but that larger livestock (or obligate grazers) do not. Also, a positive correlation between human population density and tree cover was found. Possible explanations for the found relations are discussed. Subsequent ways to analyse the latter correlation are discussed, and the potential of the presented historical database of aerial photographs is highlighted.     

Coastal zone and its sustainable development

1CoastlineandNewConceptionoftheEarthSystemScienceCoasilineisthesharedboundarybylandandocean.Contrarytocommonconcephonthatcoastlineisalindttoman'sunderstandingoftheEarth,thecoastlineisabaselineformantoknowandunderstalldlandsystemandoceanSystemoftiteEarth.1.1NcwconceptionoftheearthsystemscienceIntheEurasiaContinent,theheatenergyfromthesunisdistributedwithlatitUde,butitSprecipitahonisdistributedwithlongitUdeowingtoAsiaMonsoon.Theamoamofprecipitahonofaplaceisrelatedtoitsdistancefromthecoast…     

林木水力结构与抗旱性研究综述

干旱是主要的环境胁迫因子之一,对林木影响非常广泛和深刻。我国自20世纪80年代开始,对林木抗旱性及其机理进行了大量的研究,并且取得了一定的研究成果,然而到目前为止,仍然很难定量地证实树木的一些生理参数的一种或任何一种组合可以实质性地改善树木的耐旱行为。水力结构理论形成于20世纪70年代,引入我国仅仅10 a时间。它是指植物在特定的环境条件下,为适应生存竞争的需要所形成的不同的形态结构和水分运输供给策略。从树木水力结构理论的理论基础、主要参数、树木水力结构和木质部空穴与栓塞化的关系,以及关于水力结构的国内外研究现状进行了详细介绍,并且对树木的水力结构与抗旱性的关系进行了探讨,认为树木木质部的空穴与栓塞化在水分亏缺解除以后的恢复能力与树木的抗旱性密切相关,并针对我国的树木水力结构研究现状提出了一些建议。     

The application of GPR to barrier—lagoon sedimentation study in Boao of Hainan Island

Sedimentary successions and internal structure of the coastal barrier-lagoon system of Boao, eastern Hainan Island were studied through utilizing data from test holes and trenches and ground-penetrating-radar (GPR) profiles. During late Pleistocene, fluvial and delta plains developed over an unevenly eroded bedrock during low sea level stand, followed by the formation of littoral and lagoon facies and defined coastal barrier-lagoon-estuary system during the post-glacial uppermost Pleistocene-lower Holocene eustatic rise of the sea level, and the upper Holocene high stand. GPR results show that Yudaitan, a sandy coastal bar backed by a low-laying land (shoal) just east of the active lagoon, is a continuous, parallel and slightly-wavy reflectors indicating homogeneous sandy or sandy gravel sediments, and inclined reflectors partly caused by progradation and accumulation of beach sand and gravel. Quasi-continuous, hummocky and chaotic reflectors from the shoal of Nangang village correspond to mixed accumulation of sands and clay. This research indicates the GPR is a non-intrusive, rapid, and economical method for high-resolution profiling of subsurface sediments in sandy gravelly coast.     

The application of GPR to barrier-lagoon sedimentation study in Boao of Hainan Island

Sedimentary successions and internal structure of the coastal barrier-lagoon system of Boao, eastern Hainan Island were studied through utilizing data from test holes and trenches and ground-penetrating-radar (GPR) profiles. During late Pleistocene, fluvial and delta plains developed over an unevenly eroded bedrock during low sea level stand, followed by the formation of littoral and lagoon facies and defined coastal barrier-lagoon-estuary system during the post-glacial uppermost Pleistocene-lower Holocene eustatic rise of the sea level, and the upper Holocene high stand. GPR results show that Yudaitan, a sandy coastal bar backed by a low-laying land (shoal) just east of the active lagoon, is a continuous, parallel and slightly-wavy reflectors indicating homogeneous sandy or sandy gravel sediments, and inclined reflectors partly caused by progradation and accumulation of beach sand and gravel. Quasi-continuous, hummocky and chaotic reflectors from the shoal of Nangang village correspond to mixed accumula     

The application of GPR to barrier-lagoon sedimentation study in Boao of Hainan Island

Sedimentary successions and internal structure of the coastal barrier-lagoon system of Boao, eastern Hainan Island were studied through utilizing data from test holes and trenches and ground-penetrating-radar (GPR) profiles. During late Pleistocene, fluvial and delta plains developed over an unevenly eroded bedrock during low sea level stand, followed by the formation of littoral and lagoon facies and defined coastal barrier-lagoon-estuary system during the post-glacial uppermost Pleistocene-lower Holocene eustatic rise of the sea level, and the upper Holocene high stand. GPR results show that Yudaitan, a sandy coastal bar backed by a low-laying land (shoal) just east of the active lagoon, is a continuous, parallel and slightly-wavy reflectors indicating homogeneous sandy or sandy gravel sediments, and inclined reflectors partly caused by progradation and accumulation of beach sand and gravel. Quasi-continuous, hummocky and chaotic reflectors from the shoal of Nangang village correspond to mixed accumulation of sands and clay. This research indicates the GPR is a non-intrusive, rapid, and economical method for high-resolution profiling of subsurface sediments in sandy gravelly coast.     

A Holocene record of Neotropical savanna dynamics from El Salvador

The historical ecology of the Ahuachapan savanna is reconstructed from a 4.83-m sediment core from Laguna Llano del Espino, Ahuachapan, western El Salvador. Stable carbon isotopes (¹³C), pollen, and charred grass cuticles indicate Holocene grassland dominance from at least ca. 3300 cal yr B.P. to the present. The role of people in the creation and maintenance of Central American savannas is considered in light of the paleoecological record. The data suggest that pre-Columbian inhabitants of western El Salvador suppressed shrub and tree encroachment via frequent burning from ca. 2500 to 500 cal yr. B.P. A substantial increase in woody taxa (Mimosoideae, Urticales) and a decrease in biomass burning are evident in the pollen and charcoal records beginning around the time of the first European contact (ca 500 cal yr B.P.). Evidence for frequent burning and grassland dominance before the arrival of the Europeans, followed by shrub and tree encroachment amid a near absence of fire after contact, suggests that the openness of the Ahuachapan savanna was maintained by the pre-Columbian inhabitants of the Rio Paz Valley throughout the late Holocene.     

Spatial Variation in Diameter Structures of Forests in Lassen Volcanic National Park,California*

Variation in seedling/sapling densities and stand diameter forms for six coniferous tree species is related to stand structural development and to elevation and topography in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California. Understory density patterns reflect differences in species tolerance; densities decrease with stand development for shade intolerant pines, but increase for shade tolerant firs and mountain hemlock. Pine species exhibit reverse-J diamter structures on recently disturbed sites, and decreaser and random forms elsewhere. More tolerant fir species show topographically mediated patterns of diameter structure, with reverse-J form common on northerly exposures and upland sites, but with decreaser and random forms on more xeric slopes. Interaction among species tolerance, environmental setting, and disturbance history yields a complex mosaic of stand diameter structures in the Lassen landscape.     

Defining the Historical Northeastern Forested Boundary of the Great Plains Grasslands in the United States

The Great Plains is the grasslands of the central United States, but precise delineation of this region has evaded agreement due to the transition between Great Plains grasslands and forests of the eastern United States. After comparing Great Plains delineations in readily available geographic information system layers, I established a northeastern boundary using evidence from historical tree surveys during the 1800s. Additionally, I described tree presence within the Great Plains over time and potential drivers of change. The definition documented here diverges from others by including most of Iowa and part of Illinois, and even small sections in Indiana and Wisconsin, but excluding Missouri due to regular tree presence overall at landscape scales of ecological subsections. In this definition, the Great Plains had an extent of 2.29 million km² in fifteen states, including Indiana and Wisconsin, and 2.19 million km² after removal of open forests in Oklahoma and Texas. Tree presence occurs within the Great Plains and tree encroachment is not a new process; however, tree encroachment is increasing in the Great Plains, which causes a decrease in the grasslands region. Nevertheless, clarifying the historical eastern boundary provides a solution to the problem of competing versions of the Great Plains region. Key Words: ecotone, prairie, savanna, tree encroachment.     

中国沿海地区快速城市化过程中的农村发展

The sustainability of regional rural development depends on the integrated status and the coordination between rural resources-environment conditions and rural socioeconomic development. In this paper a diagnostic indicator system is proposed to appraise four representative rural development models such as Mentougou model, Taicang model, Yueqing model and Qionghai model in the eastern coastal region of China from the integrated perspective of population, resources, environment, and development. In conclusion, the formation and evolution of these diverse rural development models are the direct response to the very different characteristics in the environment, market demand, and regional culture. These models are common in that their sustainability depends on the scientific guidance of the regional development functional positioning, strong intra-regional interactions, and self-adaptability to the external conditions.     

Appraisal of typical rural development models during rapid urbanization in the eastern coastal region of China

The sustainability of regional rural development depends on the integrated status and the coordination between rural resources-environment conditions and rural socioeconomic development. In this paper a diagnostic indicator system is proposed to appraise four representative rural development models such as Mentougou model, Taicang model, Yueqing model and Qionghai model in the eastern coastal region of China from the integrated perspective of population, resources, environment, and development. In conclusion, the formation and evolution of these diverse rural development models are the direct response to the very different characteristics in the environment, market demand, and regional culture. These models are common in that their sustainability depends on the scientific guidance of the regional development functional positioning, strong intra-regional interactions, and self-adaptability to the external conditions.