The
data collection for
above-ground biodiversity
focused on the development
and testing of a cost-efficient
method for rapid appraisal
of above-ground vascular
plant biodiversity
at all benchmark sites.
The method was designed
to assess the differences
in the species composition,
functional attributes
and structure along
a land-use gradient
from primary forest
to degraded crop land
(Figure
3; Gillison et al.
1998). These surveys
were supplemented
by an intensive baseline
study in Central Sumatra,
which included fauna
and other plants.
The
data analysis so far
indicates that among
the alternative land-use
systems, the complex
tree-based systems
have the richest plant
biodiversity. The
high plant biodiversity
measures for fallows
and secondary forests
needs further analysis
and interpretation
but is consistent
with the results from
other studies of forest
gap dynamics. The
ASB findings of a
good correlation between
above-ground biodiversity
indicators, carbon
sequestration, and
below-ground biodiversity
are new and exciting.
This information will
help greatly in the
development of predictive
models to assess the
impact of land-use
change.
BACK
Page
preparation by Dr. Erick
C.M. Fernandes, Cornell
University.
--ASB Global Coordinator
(1998-1999)-
|
