Multiple-factor classification of a human-modified forest landscape in the Hsuehshan Mountain Range, Taiwan.

ABSTRACT: Human actions drive landscape heterogeneity, yet most ecosystem classifications omit the role of human influence. This study explores land use history to inform a classification of forestland of the Tayal Mrqwang indigenous people of Taiwan. Our objectives were to determine the extent to which human action drives landscape heterogeneity. We used interviews, field sampling, and multivariate analysis to relate vegetation patterns to environmental gradients and human modification across 76 sites. We identified eleven forest classes. In total, around 70 % of plots were at lower elevations and had a history of shifting cultivation, terrace farming, and settlement that resulted in alder, laurel, oak, pine, and bamboo stands. Higher elevation mixed conifer forests were least disturbed. Arboricult

SUBMITTER: Berg KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5102968 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature