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Seeing the fruit for the trees in Borneo: responding to an unpredictable community-level fruiting event

Lead Research Organisation: Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Department Name: Atmospheric Chemistry and Effects

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Planned Impact

See full content in associated Joint Proposal W2924309 (Burslem NERC Urgency)

Publications

10 25 50

Related Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Award Value
NE/T006552/1 01/11/2019 30/11/2019 £8,330
NE/T006552/2 Transfer NE/T006552/1 01/12/2019 13/09/2022 £6,247
 
Description We found that adult tree communities varied amongst forest types (logged, actively restored and primary forest) suggesting elements of the taxa might be missing in disturbed forests (Hayward et al 2021). We found that seedling abundances and communities also varied amongst the forest types, initially after the mast fruiting events, but also over time - seedlings in actively restored forest died at a higher rate, for example. We also found links between functional traits and longer term mortality rates. Together, these results indicate differing ecological processes operating under disturbed forest conditions. We are currently preparing these analyses for a peer-reviewed publication.
Exploitation Route The results have important implications for outcomes of forest restoration, through natural regeneration and active restoration, and demonstrate where some limitations may exist. We are seeking follow-on funding to enhance our mechanistic understanding of the ecological processes at play.
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

Environment

 
Description Options for Net Zero Plus and Climate Change Adaptation
Amount £9,440,200 (GBP)
Funding ID NE/X006247/1 
Organisation Natural Environment Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2022 
End 03/2026
 
Title Tropical forest seedling trait data collected in Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia, in February 2020 
Description This dataset includes values of 15 traits (total dry mass; root length to shoot length ratio; leaf mass fraction; root mass fraction; shoot mass fraction; leaf thickness; leaf force to punch; leaf area to shoot area ratio; leaf concentrations of N, P, K, Ca and Mg; leaf N: P concentration ratio; specific maximum root length) measured in February 2020 on 394 seedlings of 15 woody plant species growing in logged in the Ulu Segama Forest Reserve or unlogged forest in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Malaysia. The purpose of this data collection was to determine whether the expression of plant functional traits differed between tree seedlings recruited into logged and unlogged forests. This information is important for understanding the drivers of variation in seedling growth and survival in response to logging disturbance, and to uncover the mechanisms giving rise to differentiation in tree seedling composition in response to logging. These data were collected as part of NERC project "Seeing the fruit for the trees in Borneo: responding to an unpredictable community-level fruiting event" (NE/T006560/1). 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact We are currently preparing a manuscript for publications based on analyses of these data, and preparing an application for follow-on funding as a result of the interesting observations. 
 
Description Research Public Exhibition 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact British Council organised a Pop Up exhibition at Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall in Kuala Lumpur on 20-23 February 2025 to showcase science collaboration between UK and Malaysian scientists and communities. We submitted three photos with accompanying text which the British Council used to create a banner. Our banner sat alongside a series of other banners provided by other organisations and collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.britishcouncil.my/pop-up-uk-2025-exhibitions
 
Description University Summer School 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact Talk title: Forest Restoration and Rehabilitation in Asia, delivered at 5th International Summer Course on Forestry and Environment: Youth Contributions In The Forest Management for Climate Crisis Mitigation, 06 August 2024, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description University invited seminar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Talk title: Forest Restoration in SE Asia for biodiversity, climate and people,
Delivered on 10 April 2024, BES Seminar, University of Stirling
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024