Restoration of tropical rain forest success improved by selecting species for specific microhabitats

摘要: Abstract The restoration of the Southeast Asian tropical forests is a global priority but limited by lack experience and knowledge regarding tree species performance in various micro-habitat conditions that are prevalent after disturbance. Here we study survival, growth, susceptibility to damage capacity resprout 38 Sumatran lowland planting trial several typical post-disturbance microhabitats. 3200 seedlings were planted four two-hectare blocks February 2013 at Hutan Harapan Ecosystem Restoration concession Sumatra, Indonesia, subsequently censused every six-months for two years assess changes microhabitat conditions. By end experiment overall survival was only 41%, with incurred 55% surviving plants. Habitat (light/shade, presence/absence bamboo shrubs) their interactions affected complex ways. Bamboo negatively whereas shrubs had positive effect, except where also present. Height growth rate increased when sites light-exposed. Individual performances differed across habitats. Defining minimum threshold 50% as measure success different habitat types, (A. pavonina N. wallichiana) could be characterized generalists. Eighteen other specialists good one-three types. Our findings suggest enhanced achieved through better species-site matching.