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Abstract
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Article Information:
Post-Disturbance Tree Species Regeneration and Successional Pathways in Mt Blakett and Kedowa Forest Blocks, Mau Ecosystem, Kenya
F.M. Mutiso, J.M. Mugo and J. Cheboiwo
Corresponding Author: Mugo Joseph Mware
Submitted: 2011 June, 27
Accepted: 2011 August, 08
Published: 2011 November, 10 |
Abstract:
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After decades of disturbance, the capacity of Mau ecosystem to regenerate and regain its predisturbance
species composition is unclear. The focus of this paper is to determine whether tree species
regeneration and successional pathways, are in the process of regaining ecosystem’s pre-disturbance species
composition. To achieve this, post-disturbance species regeneration and recruitment trends were evaluated and
influences of forest disturbance on the distribution of colonizers, followers and climax species determined.
Diameter at breast height (dbh) of mature trees was measured and disturbances recorded in plots, dbh of
saplings measured in subplots and seedlings count in microplots. Densities and relative densities of seedlings,
saplings and mature trees were examined across disturbance gradients, and regeneration and recruitment trends
inferred. Frequencies, Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) and F-test were used to infer stability in the
distribution of colonizers, followers and climax species across disturbance gradients. Regeneration in Kedowa
was stable with a balanced recruitment into the sapling and mature stages while Mt Blakett had unstable
regeneration and recruitment trends. Occurrence of colonizer, follower and climax species showed an unstable
distribution in Mt Blakett and a stable and balanced distribution in Kedowa. This ensured inbuilt ecosystem
resilience to disturbances and hence stable successional pathways in Kedowa. The unstable distribution in Mt
Blakett is likely to result in changes in post-disturbance floristic composition, promoting an individualistic
successional pathway. Generally, dominant colonizer species indicated loss of ecological resilience and
therefore the sites may not regain their pre-disturbance stand composition in many years to come.
Key words: Mau ecosystem, post-disturbance, recruitment patterns, successional pathway, tree species regeneration, ,
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Cite this Reference:
F.M. Mutiso, J.M. Mugo and J. Cheboiwo, . Post-Disturbance Tree Species Regeneration and Successional Pathways in Mt Blakett and Kedowa Forest Blocks, Mau Ecosystem, Kenya. Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, (6): 745-753.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-0492
ISSN (Print): 2041-0484 |
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