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Effects of Matrix Type and
Human Disturbance on Forest Structural Characteristics in the
Kakamega Forest, Kenya
Graduate Student:
Amy Boetcher
Email: boetc1ak@cmich.edu
(in collaboration with
Dr. Mark Lung)
The
Kakamega Forest is the only rainforest in Kenya, and has been
recognized as one of the most important reserves for biodiversity in
East Africa. In this area of Kenya, loss of area from agricultural
development has resulted in islands of forest embedded in landscapes
with various types of human activity (e.g. tea plantations, family
farms). Trails provide community members with increased access to
previously unused areas. Trails may be a corollary of the type of
land adjacent to them, or of their distance from the nearest road.
The goal of our research was to understand if trails influence human
use of forest resources. Information gained from this study
will provide knowledge concerning human-ecosystem dynamics that
could lead to more sustainable forest use. |
Amy Boetcher
conducting field work in Kenya.
Amy is currently
a Conservation Intern with the World Wildlife Foundation in
Washington, D.C.
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