This is a partial list of ongoing and recent forest ecology research projects I have been a part of. If you would like more information on any of these topics or to inquire about research in Taiwan or connect on writing-based projects of related themes, please feel free to contact me.
M.Sc. Research
My master's thesis examined the reproductive niche of one species of fig, Ficus benjamina var. Bracteata, in a rare uplifted coral forest of southern Taiwan. Exhibiting strong recruitment limitation, a population of 69 (68 after a typhoon killed one tree) was identified by forest census, but no seedlings were found. Hemi-epiphytes, seedlings for this species will be found in the canopy and as such I conducted two follow up canopy sureys, finding 4 seedlings. All were epiphytic on individuals of the same species, Bischofia javanica. This gave me a clue that maybe the reproductive potential was limited by microsite - specific locations that seeds are able to grow. Further ex-situ seedling experimetns and coprehensive fruit collection over multiple fruitings helped explain the picture clearer. This species is highly restricted - site limitation - in where it can germinate and grow, only able to do so on the soft, moisture-retaining bark of Bischofia javanica. Further, individual fig 'fruit' (a syconium) had only ~2% of the expected number of seeds - seed limitation - meaning that even if the entire forest was suitable for them to regenerate, they were not producing enough seeds to saturate potential gemination sites. My research untangled the story of the reproductive limitations of one fig and the between-species relationship required for maintenance of the population.
My master's thesis examined the reproductive niche of one species of fig, Ficus benjamina var. Bracteata, in a rare uplifted coral forest of southern Taiwan. Exhibiting strong recruitment limitation, a population of 69 (68 after a typhoon killed one tree) was identified by forest census, but no seedlings were found. Hemi-epiphytes, seedlings for this species will be found in the canopy and as such I conducted two follow up canopy sureys, finding 4 seedlings. All were epiphytic on individuals of the same species, Bischofia javanica. This gave me a clue that maybe the reproductive potential was limited by microsite - specific locations that seeds are able to grow. Further ex-situ seedling experimetns and coprehensive fruit collection over multiple fruitings helped explain the picture clearer. This species is highly restricted - site limitation - in where it can germinate and grow, only able to do so on the soft, moisture-retaining bark of Bischofia javanica. Further, individual fig 'fruit' (a syconium) had only ~2% of the expected number of seeds - seed limitation - meaning that even if the entire forest was suitable for them to regenerate, they were not producing enough seeds to saturate potential gemination sites. My research untangled the story of the reproductive limitations of one fig and the between-species relationship required for maintenance of the population.
Forest Dynamics Research Plot Censuses
Forest research plots are re-censused every 5 years, where every tree is measured for diameter and identified to species. These long-term datasets provide vita inforamtion for understanding how forests operate, particularly patterns of recruitment and death. The forest dynamics research plots in Taiwan are connected to global research plots and follow STRI protocols. I participate in multiple censuses in diferent forests.
Forest research plots are re-censused every 5 years, where every tree is measured for diameter and identified to species. These long-term datasets provide vita inforamtion for understanding how forests operate, particularly patterns of recruitment and death. The forest dynamics research plots in Taiwan are connected to global research plots and follow STRI protocols. I participate in multiple censuses in diferent forests.
Cryptic Parasites: Ecology of Balanophora fungosa in a seasonal uplifted coral forest
Balanophora fungosa (Balanophoraceae) is an obligate parasite (holoparasite) which taps into host plant roots to survive, rather than obtaining its own nutrients/energy. They are somewhat cryptic; the only time they are visible is during their flowering season, which in southern Taiwan often coincides ith the first rains after the long winter drought. In other regions ants and a cohort of other non-flying insects are considered to be main pollinators, but little is known of phenology, host, pollination and dispersal in the population in southern Taiwan.
A survey was conducted in 2018 in a 10-ha forest dynamics plot where locations of all the flowering individuals were mapped. A follow-up survey was completed in 2019. Interestingly, in 2018 there was a large population of flowering individuals across the plot (though there seems to be a strong spatial clustering in wetter, shaded regions), but in 2019 no flowering individuals were recorded. A 2020 survey is underway. Genetic analysis is anticipated to clarify host(s) – which is/are yet unknown – and host specificity.
Balanophora fungosa (Balanophoraceae) is an obligate parasite (holoparasite) which taps into host plant roots to survive, rather than obtaining its own nutrients/energy. They are somewhat cryptic; the only time they are visible is during their flowering season, which in southern Taiwan often coincides ith the first rains after the long winter drought. In other regions ants and a cohort of other non-flying insects are considered to be main pollinators, but little is known of phenology, host, pollination and dispersal in the population in southern Taiwan.
A survey was conducted in 2018 in a 10-ha forest dynamics plot where locations of all the flowering individuals were mapped. A follow-up survey was completed in 2019. Interestingly, in 2018 there was a large population of flowering individuals across the plot (though there seems to be a strong spatial clustering in wetter, shaded regions), but in 2019 no flowering individuals were recorded. A 2020 survey is underway. Genetic analysis is anticipated to clarify host(s) – which is/are yet unknown – and host specificity.
Wood Density Variation
Following a severe typhoon in 2014 I and a colleague conducted a survey of a forest plot to assess tree death and damage. We recorded tree species, cause of damage, tree size, presence of lianas, and location. Lacking in our analyses were data for wood density. Therefore, I began a wood density data collection survey (outside of the forest plot) in an attempt to fill in this data gap. All 92 species present in the resaerch forest will be sampled, although with the rarity of many species it remains an ongoing project. Currently approximately 70% of the species have been found and sampled. I hope that these data can contribute to a better understanding of southern Taiwan's forests and how they react to moderate and large disturbances such as typhoons, as well as contribute to a growing global database of wood density as a functional trait.
Following a severe typhoon in 2014 I and a colleague conducted a survey of a forest plot to assess tree death and damage. We recorded tree species, cause of damage, tree size, presence of lianas, and location. Lacking in our analyses were data for wood density. Therefore, I began a wood density data collection survey (outside of the forest plot) in an attempt to fill in this data gap. All 92 species present in the resaerch forest will be sampled, although with the rarity of many species it remains an ongoing project. Currently approximately 70% of the species have been found and sampled. I hope that these data can contribute to a better understanding of southern Taiwan's forests and how they react to moderate and large disturbances such as typhoons, as well as contribute to a growing global database of wood density as a functional trait.
Monitoring Seed Traps in 10-ha Forest Dynamics Plot
Key to understanding how forests operate and how populations change and interact with other species' is understanding reproductive effort over long temporal scales. Seed traps are vital to this understanding, allowing researchers to measure flowering and fruiting phenology, seed density and viability. I have for more than 5 years managed field collections and data management for a network of 72 seed traps in a 10-ha forest dynamics plot.
I conduct bi-weekly collections of all the seed traps, after which I identify all flower, fruit, and seed contents and conduct lab dissections of seeds to identify seed viability (have insects eaten the seeds, are they fully developed).
Key to understanding how forests operate and how populations change and interact with other species' is understanding reproductive effort over long temporal scales. Seed traps are vital to this understanding, allowing researchers to measure flowering and fruiting phenology, seed density and viability. I have for more than 5 years managed field collections and data management for a network of 72 seed traps in a 10-ha forest dynamics plot.
I conduct bi-weekly collections of all the seed traps, after which I identify all flower, fruit, and seed contents and conduct lab dissections of seeds to identify seed viability (have insects eaten the seeds, are they fully developed).
Sex Variation of Trees
While some tree species are monecious (male/stamen and female/pistil on same flower) and some dioecious (separate male and female trees), there is a confusing but captivating spectrum and combination across the angiosperms. We are conducting annual surveys of two dioecious species, Bischofia javanica and Diospyros philippensis, in southern Taiwan to see if they exibit sex switching (male trees becoming female, and vice versa) and leakiness (male flower that maintain female functionality, and vice versa. This information is important in helping researchers better understand forest dynaics and explain reproductive niches of variou species. Currently about 3% of the hundreds of trees monitored have exhibited this switching phenomenon, which we belive could be larger than expected in other wild populations of trees. It may be the norm, not the exception.
While some tree species are monecious (male/stamen and female/pistil on same flower) and some dioecious (separate male and female trees), there is a confusing but captivating spectrum and combination across the angiosperms. We are conducting annual surveys of two dioecious species, Bischofia javanica and Diospyros philippensis, in southern Taiwan to see if they exibit sex switching (male trees becoming female, and vice versa) and leakiness (male flower that maintain female functionality, and vice versa. This information is important in helping researchers better understand forest dynaics and explain reproductive niches of variou species. Currently about 3% of the hundreds of trees monitored have exhibited this switching phenomenon, which we belive could be larger than expected in other wild populations of trees. It may be the norm, not the exception.
Soil Respiration
Forests cycle carbon in multiple ways. Trees store carbon in their bioogical materials, which are later released as carbon dioxide in death; trees also release carbon dioxide continuously through leaf, branch, trunk, and root respiration. Soils store carbon which is consistently released in response to climate and heterotropic microbial activity. This is the "carbon flux" of an ecosystem - what is taking it in (sink) and what is releasing it (source). This is, of course, a vast simplification of a very complex and interative process; however, ecosystems can be measured through various techniques to identify if a given place, under a certain set of climate conditions, is a carbon sink or source.
This project measures the soil component of the total carbon flux of a montane tropical rainforest in southern Taiwan. Long term goals include identifying the protected forest region as either a source or sink, and coparing the role of these protected forests as a 'carbon park', counteracting the impats of a high-density tourist region nearby (within the same national park).
Along with my research partner (and fabulous artist!) I am responbible for lugging the affectionatley large and heavy machine up mountains and through liana-filled and mud-lined trails and conducting localized high intensity soil respiration measurements and frequent forest-wide dispersed measurements. I am also responsible for data management.
Forests cycle carbon in multiple ways. Trees store carbon in their bioogical materials, which are later released as carbon dioxide in death; trees also release carbon dioxide continuously through leaf, branch, trunk, and root respiration. Soils store carbon which is consistently released in response to climate and heterotropic microbial activity. This is the "carbon flux" of an ecosystem - what is taking it in (sink) and what is releasing it (source). This is, of course, a vast simplification of a very complex and interative process; however, ecosystems can be measured through various techniques to identify if a given place, under a certain set of climate conditions, is a carbon sink or source.
This project measures the soil component of the total carbon flux of a montane tropical rainforest in southern Taiwan. Long term goals include identifying the protected forest region as either a source or sink, and coparing the role of these protected forests as a 'carbon park', counteracting the impats of a high-density tourist region nearby (within the same national park).
Along with my research partner (and fabulous artist!) I am responbible for lugging the affectionatley large and heavy machine up mountains and through liana-filled and mud-lined trails and conducting localized high intensity soil respiration measurements and frequent forest-wide dispersed measurements. I am also responsible for data management.
Land Crab Conservation (Volunteer)
Banana Bay in southern Taiwan has the worlds highest diversity of land crabs. Land crabs, unlike their marine relatives, live in forests and coastlines for almost all of the year. However, they must return to the ocean to lay their eggs. With the full moons of July to October each year, the forests empty of egg-laden female land crabs who spend sometimes days crawling to the ocean in what becomes a spawning migration.
A few years ago researchers noticed that there was an exceptionally high rate of mortality. In Banana Bay, a main tourist road cuts betwen the rich protected coastal and karst forests where they live and the ocean where they need to spawn; roadkill was killing the worlds most diverse bay. A conservation program was built to help these crabs reach the ocean safely: volunteers help catch, measure, and release (across the road) land crabs on the days of thier highest migration. This program has made a huge difference in these local populations, and alwyas attracts curious tourists who often themselves take time out of their nights to help the crabs and learn about land crab ecology.
I have for three years taken part in the volunteer program, and further take part in beach cleans to help keep their improtant beaches as free of plastics as possible. Over my time working with the land crabs I have personally noticed an increase in public awareness and media attention, signs that education and exposure to nature are powerful tools in the conservation toolkit.
Banana Bay in southern Taiwan has the worlds highest diversity of land crabs. Land crabs, unlike their marine relatives, live in forests and coastlines for almost all of the year. However, they must return to the ocean to lay their eggs. With the full moons of July to October each year, the forests empty of egg-laden female land crabs who spend sometimes days crawling to the ocean in what becomes a spawning migration.
A few years ago researchers noticed that there was an exceptionally high rate of mortality. In Banana Bay, a main tourist road cuts betwen the rich protected coastal and karst forests where they live and the ocean where they need to spawn; roadkill was killing the worlds most diverse bay. A conservation program was built to help these crabs reach the ocean safely: volunteers help catch, measure, and release (across the road) land crabs on the days of thier highest migration. This program has made a huge difference in these local populations, and alwyas attracts curious tourists who often themselves take time out of their nights to help the crabs and learn about land crab ecology.
I have for three years taken part in the volunteer program, and further take part in beach cleans to help keep their improtant beaches as free of plastics as possible. Over my time working with the land crabs I have personally noticed an increase in public awareness and media attention, signs that education and exposure to nature are powerful tools in the conservation toolkit.