Application of Forest Gap Model for Sal (Shorea robusta) Forest Succession

Abstract

The Shorea roubsta (sal) forest dominated in lowland of Nepal has ecologically and economically
significant values. Chitawan National Park (CNP), a protected area in central lowland of Nepal was
selected for the study and species composition, basal area and stem density were recorded and
measured from 20 sampling plots. Together with secondary and primary data from consultation with
experts, all data were used to reparameterize the KIAMBRAM model. The KIAMBRAM model is an
individual-based forest gap model in the JABOWA-FORET model family and is developed for
subtropical rainforest in Australia. The application of the KIAMBRAM model for prediction of the
natural sal forest stand dynamics of subtropical region of Nepal is the goal of the study. Four major
components (subroutines); GROW, BIRTH, KILL and CHABLI of the KIAMBRAM model were
selected. The model was first test through the qualitative comparison of species composition of each
successional stage, i.e., early successional stage, mid-successional stage, late successional stage and
mature stage. Species composition from the simulated model results at mature stage was compared
with field data, whereas for other stages the simulated model results were compared with those of
available literature. The results showed that the best match between the simulated model results and
data of CNP forest was for mature stage and also for early successional stage where the results were
satisfactorily matched whereas for mid-successional and late-successional stages, the results were
fairly matched. It can be concluded that the KIAMBRAM model has a potential to be used as a tool to
gain knowledge on the succession of sal forest dynamics in Nepal.