Comparisons of tropical forest regeneration pathways at two sites in Brazilian Amazonia

Previous studies at Manaus (Lucas et al. 2002) indicated that different pathways of tropical forest regeneration existed as a function of differences in prior land use and that these pathways could be differentiated using remotely sensed data. In this study, further analysis of inventory data collected at Manaus, Amazonas (1995) and Santarém, Pará (2002) confirmed the existence of several pathways of regeneration, with those dominated by the pioneer genera Cecropia and Vismia being common to both. Differences in regeneration pathway could be attributed to differences in prior land use. The study emphasizes the benefits of considering pathway when mapping regenerating forests using remotely sensed data and for understanding/modeling succession and carbon dynamics. The use of remote sensing for understanding the processes of regeneration is also highlighted.