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Fire ecology and management of seasonal evergreen forests in mainland Southeast Asia

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Tropical Fire Ecology

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Abstract

This chapter presents research results from a study of the presence and physical conditions related to fires occurring in seasonal evergreen forest (SEF) in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK) in Thailand. The research shows that there have been substantial reductions in the area of SEF, as detected with an imagery analysis, during the period 1989–2000. Inference based on the period of protection of the Sanctuary and data on fire occurrence during the period indicate fire disturbance as the primary reason for this change. In addition, test fires stratified over several areas and times of the dry season indicate that SEF burning is influenced by fuel moisture (expected), as well as time of season, and total fuel load. Potential land management suggestions, based on the research findings, are also made.

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Johnson, L.A., Dearden, P. (2009). Fire ecology and management of seasonal evergreen forests in mainland Southeast Asia. In: Tropical Fire Ecology. Springer Praxis Books. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-77381-8_10

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