Impact of Logging on the Demography and Population Genetics of Mahogany in Bolivia

热带森林的低强度选择性采伐是提高热带森林经济价值的一种有希望的手段，从而为保留热带森林提供了财政激励。为了使热带木材的选择性采伐能够持续进行，目前缺乏关于木材种群的良好数据，但这是至关重要的。本研究将详细探讨新热带地区一种珍贵的硬木物种——红木（Swietenia macrophylla）的生态学和人口学特征。哈贝尔博士将研究(1)原始森林、(2)最近被砍伐的森林和(3)20年前被砍伐的森林中的红木种群。来自原始森林的人口统计数据将确定控制自然种群中红木丰度的因素。来自最近采伐的森林的人口统计数据将提供关于采伐期间个人立即死亡率的数据，以及采伐后剩余存量的估计。20年前森林采伐中红木的人口统计将提供有关自然种群对选择性采伐的长期反应的数据。这项研究所得的资料将有助于评估目前伐木作业的可持续性，并通过模拟模型制定更好的森林管理做法。Hubbell博士还将协助制定一项长期研究方案，方法是(i)培训玻利维亚国民掌握数据收集和分析技术，（ii）建立永久性森林清查样地，这将为今后对其他潜在商业物种的研究提供基础。

Low-intensity elective logging of tropical forests is a promising means of according tropical forests economic value, thus providing a financial incentive for their retention. Currently lacking, but vital, are good data on the demography of timber species in order to make selective harvesting of tropical timber species sustainable. This study will examine in detail the ecology and demography of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), a valuable hardwood species in the Neotropics. Dr. Hubbell will study the demography of mahogany in (1) pristine forest, (ii) in recently logges forests, and (iii) forest logged 20 years ago. Demographic data from pristine forest will identify the factors responsible for controlling the abundance of mahogany in natural populations. Demographic data from the recently logged forest will provide data on immediate mortality of individuals during logging, and estimates of residual stocking after logging. The demography of mahogany in forest logging twenty year ago will provide data on the long-term response of natural populations to selective logging. Information from this study will aid in assessing the sustainability of current logging operations, and through simulation models, developing better forest management practises. Dr. Hubbell will also assist in forming a long-term research program by (i) training Bolivian nationals in data collection and analysis techniques, and (ii) establishing permanent forest inventory plots, which will provide the basis for future research on other potentially commercial species.