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

对热带森林进行低强度选择性采伐是一种很有前途的手段，可以评估热带森林的经济价值，从而为保留热带森林提供财政奖励。目前缺乏但至关重要的木材树种人口学方面的良好数据，以便可持续地选择性采伐热带木材树种。这项研究将详细研究红木(Swietenia MacPhylla)的生态学和人口统计学，红木是新热带地区一种有价值的阔叶木树种。哈贝尔博士将在(1)原始森林、(Ii)最近砍伐的森林和(Iii)20年前砍伐的森林中研究红木的人口统计学。来自原始森林的人口数据将确定负责控制自然种群中红木丰度的因素。来自最近砍伐的森林的人口数据将提供关于伐木过程中个体立即死亡的数据，以及伐木后剩余存放量的估计。20年前森林采伐中红木的人口学将提供自然人口对选择性采伐的长期反应的数据。这项研究提供的信息将有助于评估当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。哈贝尔博士还将通过(I)对玻利维亚国民进行数据收集和分析技术方面的培训，以及(Ii)建立永久性森林调查地块来协助形成长期研究计划，这将为未来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.