I also studied tree regeneraton in gaps of various sizes and ages in Budongo Forest Reserve, Western Uganda.
Well,I found out that the gaps were created by natural and artificial processes. The natural processes included, tree snap, wind falls,tree death due to disease and being struck by lighting(storms are frequent in the tropics).
Artificial disturbances include encroachment for crop production and settlement and logging.
Tree regeneration from large gaps was dominated by pioneer species while the small gaps were dominated by climax species.
I have no idea of how forest gaps recover because I studied regeneration of seedlings of less than 1.5 m height.
You can carry out your research from Makerere University Biological Field Station,Kibale Forest Reserve,Western Uganda or from Budongo Forest Reserve also in Western Uganda where you will be hosted by Budongo Forest Project,Institute of Biological Anthropology Oxford.
I wish you a nice study.
Yours sincerely,
MICHAEL MALINGA
It is 12:02:57 AM on Sunday, November 8, 2009. Last Update: Saturday, May 4, 2002
Previous Article
Return to Main Discussion Topic Article
Article complete. Click HERE
to return to the Field Course Discussion Menu.