Following one of the most powerful cyclones in history that devastated the Pacific island of Tanna in Vanuatu, a recent study led by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa revealed the remarkable resilience of the island’s forests.
Published on February 29 in the journal Science of the Total Environment, the study documented the extraordinary recovery of Tanna’s forests after Cyclone Pam. The research team, which included experts from UH Mānoa, The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), the University of the South Pacific, and the Vanuatu Cultural Center and Vanuatu Department of Forestry, conducted a comprehensive examination of post-cyclone recovery across eight forested sites on Tanna over a span of five years.
“Compared to cyclones in other Pacific Islands, Pam caused relatively minimal damage to Tanna’s trees,” noted UH Mānoa School of Life Sciences Professor Tamara Ticktin, the lead author of the study. “Furthermore, there was extensive resprouting, widespread recruitment of most tree species, and virtually no spread of invasive species.”
The absence of invasive species is particularly unexpected, as they typically proliferate rapidly following cyclones in the Pacific Islands.
Understanding the history of cyclones and implementing effective stewardship practices are crucial factors contributing to the resilience of Tanna’s forests.
2024-03-03 02:00:04
Post from phys.org