Natural regeneration in logging gaps of different sizes in Subri River Forest Reserve (Ghana)

• Published in: Journal of forestry research Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 1157 - 1174
• Main Authors: Hammond, Maame Esi, Pokorný, Radek, Abugre, Simon, Gyedu, Augustine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Nature Singapore 01.08.2022; Springer; Springer Nature B.V; Department of Silviculture,Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology,Mendel University in Brno,Zemědělská3, 61300 Brno,Czech Republic; Department of Forest Science,School of Natural Resources, University of Energy and Natural Resources,P.O.Box 214, Sunyani,Ghana%Department of Silviculture,Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology,Mendel University in Brno,Zemědělská3, 61300 Brno,Czech Republic%Department of Forest Science,School of Natural Resources, University of Energy and Natural Resources,P.O.Box 214, Sunyani,Ghana%Forest Services Division(FSD),P.M.B,Kumasi,Ghana
• Subjects: Area; Biodiversity; Biological diversity; Biological diversity conservation; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Composition; Conservation; Conservation status; Diversity indices; Environmental protection; Forest conservation; Forest management; Forest reserves; Forestry; Forests; Life Sciences; Logging; Original Paper; Plant species; Regeneration; Rivers; Species composition; Species diversity; Sustainable forestry; Threatened species; Timber; Trees; Wildlife conservation; Ghana; Logging; Tree species; Natural regeneration; Diversity; Utilisation status; Conservation status; Gap size; Subri River Forest Reserve
• ISSN: 1007-662X; 1993-0607
• DOI: 10.1007/s11676-021-01435-4

Subri River Forest Reserve (SR) is the most extensive forest area in Ghana with an accompanying rich floral species. Over the years, logging from both legally prescribed and illegal operations remain the predominant forest disturbance in SR. Gap creation following logging is crucial in determining tree species composition and diversity. Hence, the study evaluated the composition and diversity of naturally regenerated tree species in logging gaps of different sizes and, again examined the roles of these tree species in fulfilling the economic and ecological agenda of sustainable forest management after logging in SR. Twelve gaps were randomly selected: 4 each were grouped into small size (≤ 200 m 2 ), medium size (201–300 m 2 ), and large size (≥ 300 m 2 ). Data were gathered from 1 m 2 circular area at gap centres and repeatedly inside 1 m width strip along 20 m individual N-S-E-W transects. Species diversity differed significantly between gap sizes. Higher diversity indices were measured in large size gaps. Gap sizes shared similar species. There were significant differences among various height groupings of tree species across all three gap sizes. Pioneers preferred medium to large size gaps, while shade-tolerant tree species preferred small size gaps for their abundance. Vulnerable and Lower Risk Near Threatened tree species under Conservation Status and, Premium and Commercial tree species under Utilisation Status preferred small size gaps for their proliferation and conservation. Therefore, we recommend the single tree-based selective logging for ensuring creations of small to medium size (200–300 m 2 ) gaps through adjustments to the logging permit process, revision of Allocation Quota Permit, strict adherence to the 40-year polycyclic selection system, along with more dedicated enforcement and monitoring. Changes along these protocols would tremendously facilitate natural regeneration of different suites of timber species resulting in the improvement of the overall biodiversity conservation associated with the forest, more sustainable forest harvests and more income to those who receive permits.