Article
Ecology
Natanna Horstmann, Anderson Cassio Sevilha, Daniel Luis Mascia Vieira
Summary: Understanding the natural regeneration of vegetation after degradation is crucial for evaluating passive restoration methods and supporting active restoration. The study analyzed the plant community assembly, particularly the graminoids community composition, and regeneration traits of indicator species in degraded and conserved areas of the Brazilian savanna. Colonization in degraded areas was mainly by graminoids, while subshrubs, shrubs, vines, and trees showed lower colonization rates. Indicator species in severely degraded areas had high seed production and no underground resprouting structures, while indicator species in conserved and less degraded areas had moderate seed production and basal rhizomes. Indicator species in conserved areas had low seed production and basal rhizomes. Such diversity of niches can be utilized in ecological restoration efforts.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lars A. Brudvig, Nash E. Turley, Savannah L. Bartel, Lukas Bell-Dereske, Sabrie Breland, Ellen I. Damschen, Sarah E. Evans, Jason Gibbs, Philip G. Hahn, Rufus Isaacs, Joe A. Ledvina, John L. Orrock, Quinn M. Sorenson, John D. Stuhler
Summary: Ecological restoration is a global priority, but the legacies of past land-use activities can have long-lasting effects on restoration outcomes. This study found that restoration effects were greater than legacy effects, but restoration did not completely mitigate the legacy effects, especially in soil-related properties.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Mary A. Arthur, Beth Blankenship, Wendy Leuenberger, Jordan Winkenbach, Devin E. Black
Summary: This study examined the effects of midstory mastication and prescribed fire on upland oak restoration. The results suggest that a single prescribed fire after mastication may not create the desired stand structure reflective of oak woodland restoration priorities. Continued research and additional prescribed fire applications may be needed to achieve and maintain the desired woodland stand structure and develop diverse herbaceous understories characteristic of oak woodlands.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana D. Sampaio, Pedro F. Pereira, Alice Nunes, Adelaide Clemente, Vania Salgueiro, Carmo Silva, Antonio Mira, Cristina Branquinho, Pedro A. Salgueiro
Summary: The study assessed restoration success in a quarry undergoing restoration practices for 40 years, finding that bird abundance in the restored area was significantly lower and the bird community composition differed from neighboring natural and semi-natural areas. Vegetation characteristics, such as native vegetation cover and fruit richness, played a key role in driving bird community composition and influencing seed dispersal services.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Natalia Mesa-Sierra, Marines de la Pena-Domene, Julio Campo, Christian P. Giardina
Summary: Deforestation poses a significant threat to tropical dry forests in Mexico, and active restoration measures are required to reintroduce tree cover. Through synthesizing restoration literature, we found that the Yucatan Peninsula had the highest number of restoration sites, and planting seedlings was the most commonly used strategy. Plant survival was influenced by factors such as maximum annual temperature and aridity index.
Article
Ecology
Matthew A. Albrecht, Noah D. Dell, Megan J. Engelhardt, J. Leighton Reid, Michael L. Saxton, James C. Trager, Claire Waldman, Quinn G. Long
Summary: Pile burning can have negative impacts on soil and vegetation recovery, but does not promote exotic invasions in oak woodlands. The effects of pile burning on vegetation in oak woodlands are not well-understood, and adding native seeds can accelerate vegetation recovery.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Rebecca S. Barak, Zhao Ma, Lars A. Brudvig, Kayri Havens
Summary: Research shows that managers consider biodiversity as the most important restoration objective, and factors influencing seed mix design include seed availability. The survey found that managers most frequently used their own experience and consultation with other practitioners to guide seed mix design, and commonly used tools developed within their organization.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Richard K. Broughton, James M. Bullock, Charles George, France Gerard, Marta Maziarz, Wesley E. Payne, Paul A. Scholefield, Daniel Wade, Richard F. Pywell
Summary: Passive rewilding is a method of expanding woodland cover and restoring biodiversity by abandoning land management and allowing natural vegetation succession to occur. In a case study over 33 years, researchers found that passive rewilding resulted in the development of a distinctive habitat mosaic, supporting a locally distinctive bird community. Wetland and woodland bird species increased compared to nearby farmland, while farmland bird species declined.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nisa Karimi, Daniel J. Larkin, Mary-Claire Glasenhardt, Rebecca S. Barak, Evelyn W. Williams, Adrienne R. Ernst, Andrew L. Hipp
Summary: The study found that higher functional and phylogenetic diversity did not maintain higher species richness over time, but influenced compositional turnover and diversity increase in plots. Planting higher initial PD and FD levels may enhance the adaptability of grassland restorations to site conditions.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rafael da Silveira Bueno, Daniel Garcia, Mauro Galetti, Tommaso La Mantia
Summary: The study investigated the trophic and spatial seed dispersal networks supporting the expansion of woody vegetation in a pastureland within the largest forest remnant in western Sicily, Italy. Results showed differences in seed dispersal patterns between birds, mammals, and cattle, with higher seed rain densities in woodland pastures compared to forests. Additionally, a significant proportion of seeds dispersed by cattle and red fox were deposited on unpaved roads, highlighting the impact of man-made habitat heterogeneity on seed dispersal services.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Natalie L. Rosser, Anthony Quinton, Huw Davey, David J. Ayre, Andrew J. Denham
Summary: This study examines genetic composition of Yellow Box trees in endangered Box-Gum Grassy Woodland in SE Australia. The results suggest high gene flow between natural stands and paddock trees. The study shows that paddock trees have high genetic diversity and provide important genetic resources for natural recruitment.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Carolina Baruzzi, Daijiang Li, Jennifer M. M. Fill, Raelene M. M. Crandall
Summary: The study found that in naturally occurring dry pine savannas, wiregrass and dropseed have different associations with understory plant species, but species richness of the understory plants is not dependent on the bunchgrass species or distance. Some specific plant species are more likely to associate with one particular bunchgrass species and have greater abundance. Including multiple bunchgrass species in restoration planting could increase biodiversity in dry pine savannas and reinstate plant-fire interactions.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pooja Choksi, Mayuri Kotian, Zuzana Burivalova, Ruth DeFries
Summary: This study examines the impact of restoration efforts on vocalizing fauna and social outcomes in a Central Indian tropical dry forest. The findings suggest that restoration does not significantly affect nocturnal vocalizing or stridulating species, but leads to lower acoustic space occupancy during daytime. In addition, participants value the cash payment they receive for participating in restoration and perceive lower crop raiding in restored sites. Recommendations include consulting local people about forest degradation and restoration, providing cash income for participation, and anticipating short-term changes in the faunal species community during invasive species removal.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Mark A. Davis
Summary: The restoration of oak savanna habitats in the Upper Midwest involves reintroducing fire to reduce unwanted tree species, preserve larger oaks, and promote the growth of desired oak species. Long-term demographic studies are necessary to assess the impact of frequent fires on achieving restoration goals. Frequent burning can reduce unwanted tree abundance but may also pose a threat to desirable oak species, requiring careful monitoring and management strategies.
Article
Forestry
Aida Lopez-Sanchez, Miquel Capo, Jesus Rodriguez-Calcerrada, Marta Pelaez, Alejandro Solla, Juan A. Martin, Ramon Perea
Summary: Oak forests are facing multiple threats, with invasive pathogens being one of the most detrimental. This study found that a moderate concentration of the biological fertilizer Biohumin (R) improved the survival of oak seedlings, while a high concentration had negative effects. Further research is needed to understand the negative impact of high concentrations and evaluate the benefits of lower concentrations against soil pathogens.
