Impacts of gum-resin harvest and Lantana camara invasion on the population structure and dynamics of Boswellia serrata in the Western Ghats, India

摘要: Abstract Assessing the effects of harvesting on population dynamics important non-timber forest products (NTFPs) species is for informing conservation options, guiding sustainable practices and offtake supporting local livelihoods. However, rarely only pressure NTFP populations, it vital that interactive pressures be considered. This applies to Boswellia serrata, an tree which widely harvested gum-resin used in religious practices. many settings populations are decline, presumably due heavy harvesting, but other factors may play a role, such as altered fire regimes invasive species. Here we report invasion by Lantana camara B. serrata three protected areas Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot southern India. We considered juvenile density, size class distribution, growth, mortality, recruitment rates unharvested over two years. Generally, density was higher populations. The negative were most apparent at site with greatest pressure, limited sites, reflected distribution mortality rates. Increasing cover L. associated declining densities juveniles and, lesser extent, adult trees. impact generally than harvest. results show viability negatively affected both invasion, appropriate management intervention needs address these.