Authors:
Kim Wilkinson and Craig Elevitch
Contents:
~~ Agroforestry and Biological Diversity ~~
~~ Six Tips to Improve Biodiversity in Your Planting ~~
~~ Further Reading ~~
~~ Web Links ~~
~~ Special Section: How You Can Assist People Affected by Hurricane Mitch ~~
~~ How to Contact Us ~~
Agroforestry plantings should not be considered a replacement for the conservation of native tropical forests, but agroforesters can play a key role in helping to conserve biological diversity (biodiversity) of species. Agroforestry plantings can provide expanded habitat for a wide range of species, from soil microlife to insects to mammals.
How much benefit can agroforestry plantings have for biodiversity? In Latin America, for instance, numerous studies have shown that the traditional coffee agroforests (coffee integrated with 2-5 other tree species) are second only to undisturbed tropical forests in their diversity of birds, insect life, bats, and even mammals. For example, The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center discovered at least 180 species of birds in Mexican coffee agroforests--up to ten times more than the bird diversity found in monoculture coffee plantations studied elsewhere. In the lowlands of Sumatra, resin-producing agroforests planted several generations ago are now some of the last reservoirs of biodiversity in the region, harboring rare epiphytes and herbs as well as 46 species of mammals, 92 species of birds, and much of the native soil fauna. (See references below for further reading.) Many effective conservation organizations now include agroforestry as a component of their programs.
The value of agroforestry for biodiversity is especially high when agroforestry replaces or expands into pastures or monoculture plantations or farms. A well designed agroforest, modeled after healthy, diverse natural forests will spontaneously attract and support biodiversity. While most of us have productivity as a primary focus, there are some things we can do to optimize the positive impact of our plantings on biodiversity.
~~Six Tips to Improve Biodiversity in Your Planting~~
As a general rule, the more forest-like in form and diverse in species a planting is, the more kinds of life it will attract and support. Here are some design tips that can help your agroforestry project become a safe harbor for biodiversity in your area:
1) Create a variety of habitat niches for wildlife--overstory, understory, and ground layer. If feasible, avoid clean culture in your management practices. Instead, leave some dead logs, leaf litter, scrub, etc.
2) Provide shade. Shady conditions are prevalent in natural forests, and shade fosters a wide range of species, from larger animals to soil microlife. If you have some practices on your project that require sunny open spaces (annual crops, open pasture, etc.), remember that most wildlife does not like to cross open spaces. Use open spaces in smaller patchworks throughout the project, rather than in a contiguous open area without overstory shade.
3) Create "wildlife corridors"--areas or zones of the planting that are not often disturbed or entered by people, leaving them to be colonized naturally. Ideally, connect these areas together to form safe corridors throughout the project, and connect them to neighboring habitats for wildlife.
4) Plant many different kinds of species. Complex, multi-storied agroforests have much more benefit than just one or two additional species integrated with a monoculture.
5) Conserve and store water on the land. In dry areas, water sources are especially attractive to wildlife. In addition to protecting natural streams or springs on the site, water-holding management practices like mulching, water catchment, ponds, and swales are also valuable.
6) If you are targeting a specific native species, learn about your intended guest's needs and plant the known food source, habitat environment, and other necessities to attract it. Encourage or actively cultivate native plant species within the project, as they are more likely to support native life, from soil fauna to birds. Also be aware of the exotic species that native wildlife may have become accustomed to as food or habitat that will also be of value. If you are near a native forest area, your chances of wildlife moving in spontaneously are greater than if you are isolated from natural areas. Contact a local biology school or conservation program for the information you need. They may also be able to help you identify the most important species in need of conservation support.
From an agroforester's perspective, it is important to recognize that the same practices that attract desirable wildlife may also attract species that could be problematic for production. In Hawaii, for example, wild pigs that cross through or reside in tree plantings may be welcomed by some projects, but may cause too much damage to trees or crops for others. In other areas of the world, species such as monkeys, fruit-eating birds, and other native animals may adversely affect productivity. If neighboring areas are sources for these kinds of wildlife, decide at the outset how you will exclude, manage, or possibly benefit from their presence. If necessary, you may be able to find ways to make up the revenues lost on crops directly from the biodiversity of your project-- through tours or field visits from people who want to see wildlife.
Ideally, large agroforestry plantings should work in cooperation with local conservation efforts (reserves, parks, and so forth) to optimize the benefit of the work.
Keep it up and who knows, your planting may one day be mistaken for a natural forest! If not by a person, at least by a wild creature who's happy to find a new home.
~~ Further Reading ~~
de Foresta, H, and G. Michon. Agroforests in Sumatra- where ecology meets economy. In Agroforestry Today 6(4): 12-13. ICRAF, United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya. E-mail: icraf@cgnet.com; Internet: <http://www.cgiar.org/icraf>
van Noordwijk, M, et al. To segregate--or to integrate? The question of balance between production and biodiversity conservation in complex agroforestry systems. In Agroforestry Today 9(1): 6-7. ICRAF, See address above.
Walker, Ron. 1993. Attracting Wildlife for Agroforestry. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 1151 Punchbowl St. Honolulu, HI USA 96813 (808) 587-0166.
~~ Web Links ~~
The Natural Resources Defense Council has posted an excellent summary of the impacts of Latin American coffee culture and agroforestry, including many valuable references. Visit <http://www.nrdc.org/health/farming/ccc/chap4.asp>
The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center research in cacao agroforestry <http://natzoo.si.edu/smbc/cacao/parrish.htm>
The World Resources Institute posted guidelines for conservation and forestry practices in native areas, some of which can also be applied to agroforestry plantings: <http://www.igc.org/wri/biodiv/forests.html>
For a good summary of biodiversity and the possibilities of conflict or cooperation between agriculture and conservation, visit <http://www.worldbank.org/fandd/english/0398/articles/060398.htm>
Multipurpose Trees for Agroforestry in the Pacific Islands introduces the diversity of traditional Pacific Island agroforestry systems and species: <http://agroforestry.net/afg/book.html>
~~Special Report: How You Can Assist People Affected by Hurricane Mitch~~
Our last issue of the Overstory was authored by Roland Bunch, based on his research with Honduras-based COSECHA and other areas of Central America. As you know, parts of Central America were recently devastated by Hurricane Mitch. While the restoration of these areas will be a long-term endeavor, at this time support is needed for immediate relief efforts. We encourage you to make a donation to one of the organizations listed below.
Special thanks to Lucy Fisher of the MULCH-L list out of Cornell University for compiling this list and allowing us to use it. Subscribe to the MULCH-L list to learn how to best use your agriculture resources and experience for long-term recovery efforts in the region. (To subscribe to the Cornell-based listserv Mitch-L, send to <listproc@cornell.edu> the single line of text in the body of message, with no signature: SUBSCRIBE MITCH-L[your email address here])
1) You can give donations to your local chapter Red Cross chapter wherever you are in the world. Write "Hurricane Mitch" in the memo part of check. The phone in the USA is (800) HELP-NOW. The address in the USA is:
American Red Cross International Response PO Box 37234 Washington, DC 20013 USA
2) Monetary donations to World Neighbors Honduras recovery efforts should be made out to "World Neighbors". In the memo part of the check, write "Honduras Recovery Fund". For more info on immediate and long term recovery efforts, you can contact World Neighbors by phone at 1-800-AHANDUP.
Honduras Recovery Fund World Neighbors 4127 NW 122nd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73120
A source of Honduran hurricane damage and relief updates is the HONDURAS RECOVERY ALERTS from World Neighbors. To receive these updates contact Jethro Pettit at <jethro@wn.org>
3) COPECO Center COPECO is the official organization in charge of handling the international and national cooperation given to attend the needs of population affected by the flooding caused by MITCH. COPECO Supplies Management. e-mail :copeco@ns.hondunet.net / suma@ns.hondunet.net Telephones: (504) 230-5680 / (504) 228-4409 Fax: (504) 228-4405
To follow hurricane Mitch-related relief efforts on the internet link to: <http://www.mitch.hn> <http://www.gbm.hn> <http://www.webito.com/buscador/index.html>
Related Editions of The Overstory
The Overstory #78--Reforestation of Degraded Lands
The Overstory #42--Improved Fallow
<http://www.agroforestry.net/overstory/overstory42.html>
The Overstory #28--Microlife
<http://www.agroforestry.net/overstory/overstory28.html>
The Overstory #22--Pioneering
<http://www.agroforestry.net/overstory/overstory22.html>
The Overstory #20--Five Fertility Principles <http://www.agroforestry.net/overstory/overstory20.html>
The Overstory #14--Getting Started: Diversity of Species <http://www.agroforestry.net/overstory/overstory14.html>
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