ENVIRONMENTAL AND HUMAN INFLUENCE ON FOREST COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE AND DIVERSITY IN LAOS

Abstract

LUCAS C, NANTHAVONG K & MILLET J. 2013. Environmental and human influence on forest composition, structure and diversity in Laos. This paper concerns the Phou Khao Khouay protected area in Laos which in the past was intensively logged and where infrastructure construction and human activities continue to threaten its forest biodiversity. Phou Khao Khouay comprises rough mountain slopes, steep sandstone cliffs, hilly terrain and flat uplands. A total of 32 permanent plots of 0.25 ha each were established along an altitudinal gradient to characterise and understand the forest composition, structure and diversity. From the co-inertia analyses, six forest types were identified and described in terms of floristic composition, structure and soil preference, allowing evaluation of ecology of species and evolution of forests after disturbance. These results provide knowledge for better management of forests in Phou Khao Khouay National Park.