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The ongoing study of Fundo Mascoitania's forest
structure provides a fundamental base for much of
the research undertaken at the MLC. The variety
of forest types in the 600 hectare private reserve
is a major attraction for researchers looking for
a comparative study site for flora and fauna investigation
as well as for research focusing on conservation
and forest regeneration strategies.
Fundo Mascoitania's forests are currently divided
into eight types ranging from montane and pre montane
to flood plain forest. In addition to the monitoring
of existing areas, the expansion of the MLC's trail
system in 2005 opened up new areas of the reserve
that now require definition.
Defining the structure of the forest found in Fundo
Mascoitania is important to understanding the dispersement
of species in the area and their ability to adapt
to different ecosystems in terms of finding food,
escaping predators and reproducing.
These behaviours depend on the physical structure
of the forest. As an example, the behaviour and
biodiversity of bird populations depends on several
forest characteristics; the size and density of
trees, light conditions, type of dominant tree species
and type of understory (ground vegetation). This
information will help in predicting patterns of
change as forest systems mature in age.
To see a list of common species and forest types
found in Fundo Mascoitania, please click
here.
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