VEGETATION CHANGES FOLLOWING HUMAN DISTURBANCE OF MID-MONTANE FOREST IN THE WAU AREA, PAPUA-NEW-GUINEA

Citation
Jlch. Vanvalkenburg et P. Ketner, VEGETATION CHANGES FOLLOWING HUMAN DISTURBANCE OF MID-MONTANE FOREST IN THE WAU AREA, PAPUA-NEW-GUINEA, Journal of tropical ecology, 10, 1994, pp. 41-54
Citations number
NO
Categorie Soggetti
Ecology
Journal title
ISSN journal
02664674
Volume
10
Year of publication
1994
Part
1
Pages
41 - 54
Database
ISI
SICI code
0266-4674(1994)10:<41:VCFHDO>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
This paper examines the floristic changes that occur following human d isturbance in mid-montane forest in the Wau area in Papua New Guinea. The study was restricted to a 1600-2400 m altitudinal range on Mt Kain di, with disturbed forest, and Mt Missim, with undisturbed forest. Spe cial attention was given to the status of Nothofagus pullei which is l ocally dominant on Mt Kaindi. A major change in floristic composition was observed between 1800 and 2000 m. The abundance and species compos ition of ferns and mosses above 2000 m characterizes the floristic dif ferences. Nothofagus pullei was found to be a pioneer species with a l ong life-span, one which does not regenerate under its own cover. Ther e were no other important floristic differences between Nothofagus-dom inated forest and mixed mid-montane forest. Nothofagus pullei locally dominates the canopy and thereby suppresses the growth of other trees.