Journal of Forest and Environmental Science

  • 제40권3호
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  • Pages.210-226
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  • 2024
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  • 2288-9744(pISSN)
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  • 2288-9752(eISSN)
강원대학교 산림과학연구소 (Institute of Forest Science, kangwon National University)
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Tree Species Assemblages, Stand Structure, and Regeneration in an Old-Growth Mixed Conifer Forest in Kawang, Western Bhutan

  • Attila Biro (Conservation Biology, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan) ;
  • Bhagat Suberi (Department of Forest Science, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan) ;
  • Dhan Bahadur Gurung (Department of Forest Science, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan) ;
  • Ferenc Horvath (Institute of Ecology and Botany, HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Hungarian Research Network)
  • 투고 : 2024.04.05
  • 심사 : 2024.07.18
  • 발행 : 2024.09.30
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초록

Old-growth mixed-conifer forests in Bhutan are characterized by remarkable tree species compositional heterogeneity. However, our knowledge of tree species assemblages and their structural attributes in these forests has been limited. Therefore, forest classification has been reliant on a single dominant species. This study aimed to distinguish tree species assemblages in an old-growth mixed conifer forest in Western Bhutan and to describe their natural compositional and stand structural characteristics. Furthermore, the regeneration status of species was investigated and the quantity and quality of accumulated coarse woody debris were assessed. Ninety simple random sampling plots were surveyed in the study site between 3,000 and 3,600 meters above sea level. Tree, standing deadwood, regeneration, and coarse woody debris data were collected. Seven tree species assemblages were distinguished by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Indicator Species Analysis, representing five previously undescribed tree species associations with unique set of consistent species. Principal Component Analysis revealed two transitional pathways of species dominance along an altitudinal gradient, highly determined by relative topographic position. The level of stand stratification varied within a very wide range, corresponding to physiognomic composition. Rotated-sigmoid and negative exponential diameter distributions were formed by overstorey species with modal, and understorey species with negative exponential distribution. Overstorey dominant species showed extreme nurse log dependence during regeneration, which supports the formation of their modal distribution by an early natural selection process. This allows the coexistence of overstorey and understorey dominant species, increasing the sensitivity of these primary ecosystems to forest management.

키워드

과제정보

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Forest and Park Services of the Royal Government of Bhutan for providing a research permit to carry out this study. We are extremely grateful to everyone who participated in the data collection.

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