An Assessment of the Post-Fire Regeneration of Tapia Forests on Ibity Massif, Madagascar
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Authors
Womack, Sparrow
Issue Date
2025-04-25
Type
Other
Language
en_US
Keywords
Scholarship Sewanee 2025 , University of the South, forestry, fire, fire disturbance, regeneration, Madagascar
Alternative Title
Abstract
Tapia forests are sclerophyllous ecosystems endemic to the central highlands of Madagascar. These forests are dominated by Uapaca bojeri, or tapia trees, which are adapted to be resistant to fire. Tapia forests are critically important to regional livelihoods and culture, providing fruit, firewood, wild silk moths, and medicinal plants. However, despite their resilience to and dependence on fire, tapia forests are endangered by too-frequent, uncontrolled fire and fragmentation. More information is needed to determine the most effective fire regime for promoting tapia regeneration. Nine 1600m2 plots were established around the Ibity Massif Protected Area in the Vakinankaratra region of Madagascar to survey patches of tapia forest across four size classes and three fire regimes. Forty interviews across four local communities were conducted to understand local dependence on the tapia forest and its products. This study determined that plots burned 3-5 years ago display a significantly higher rate of tapia sapling regeneration than plots burned a year ago or over 5 years ago. However, plots burned over 5 years ago display the highest level of stand evenness. These findings support the current medium-frequency fire regime at Ibity (4-5 years) and can help inform future management decisions of tapia forests at Ibity and other protected areas in the central highlands.
Description
Citation
Publisher
University of the South