NATURAL REGENERATION OF RHIZOPHORA MANGLE IN STRIP CLEARCUTS IN NORTHWEST ECUADOR

Mangrove forests in Ecuador are disappearing due to pressure from a growing human population and conversion to shrimp ponds for the export market. There is a need to develop sustainable timber management techniques to preserve the remaining forests; especially important is the ability of forests to regenerate naturally after logging. In ten replicated 0.4 ha (30 x 120 m) plots clearcut 3 years prior to this study, seedling densities were high within 5 m of seed trees, in plots surrounded by trees >25 cm DBH, and in plots frequently inundated by tides. Interstitial soil salinity (23.3-26.3 ppt) and litter cover were not correlated with seedling density. Our results suggest that for natural regeneration to be sufficient for stand regeneration, logged areas should be no wider than 20 m and logging should be confined to forests with an average DBH >25 cm. In sites inundated by tides <20 times/month, seed trees should be retained at 20 m spacing.