Island Biogeography and Restoration: The Role of Living Fence Islands as Regeneration Foci in the Rehabilitation of Degraded Lands in Honduras

Zahawi, Rakan Ammar

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Description

Title

Island Biogeography and Restoration: The Role of Living Fence Islands as Regeneration Foci in the Rehabilitation of Degraded Lands in Honduras

Author(s)

Zahawi, Rakan Ammar

Issue Date

2003

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Augspurger, Carol K.

Department of Study

Plant Biology

Discipline

Plant Biology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

Biology, Botany

Language

eng

Abstract

A total of 543 seedlings of 41 species established in islands. Seedling number did not differ among island types, although a trend toward greater density was apparent in artificial islands. Species richness was greater in Gliricidia islands than in Bursera or open pasture islands. Seedlings were also quantified in a 1m strip surrounding artificial islands, suggesting that islands can expand into surrounding pasture over time. Lastly, artificial islands (notably Gliricidia) created a microenvironment more favorable for seedling establishment by reducing temperature and light extremes as compared to open pasture. Given the problems associated with rehabilitation of tropical pastures, artificial islands present a simple, non-labor intensive technique for facilitating forest regeneration.

Graduation Semester

2003

Type of Resource

text

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