Analysis of regeneration by coppicing of Dalbergia stevensonii in Belize

Abstract

Trabajo Fin de Máster Propio. Tutores: Dr. Percival Cho, Dra. Patricia De Angelis. Dalbergia stevensonii is a tropical timber species with a limited distribution range. Its unsustainable harvest for the musical industry and furniture production has led to a reduction of 55% of the commercial stock in Belize. The species is protected by the CITES and its research is needed to have an effective Non-detriments findings process. In order to ensure its sustainable trade, research on its regeneration is needed. Coppicing is one mechanism but has been understudied for this species. The aim of this research is to investigate if regeneration by coppicing is an important source of recruitment for the species. A total of eight inventory plots assessed for coppicing during the 2014 population assessment in the Toledo District were reassessed. Results showed no significant relationship between resprouting viability and stump height and diameter. Survival of the most dominant resprout per stump varied. Although no significant effect of light on resprout growth was observed, high mortality of resprouts and a decrease in the heights of the most dominant resprouts per stump, when compared to the 2014 assessment data, was evident. Long-term monitoring of resprouts by long term licensees and the Belize Forest Department is recommended in order to determine if coppicing is a major source of regeneration for this commercially important species.