A new study in Borneo finds that cutting lianas increases canopy height in regenerating logged forests three times faster than tree planting alone.Lianas are fast growing woody vines that are a key part of tropical forests, but can proliferate in logged or disturbed forest.Researchers around the world are exploring how removing or thinning lianas by cutting their stems influences forest regeneration.Using Light Imaging Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, the new study found that accelerated tree growth and lower tree mortality contributed to increased canopy height following liana cutting.
As the world faces the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, researchers are trying to understand how to restore degraded forests to most effectively sequester carbon, benefit biodiversity, and promote sustainable land use. A new study published in Current Biology adds to this endeavor, finding that cutting vining plants called lianas dramatically boosts canopy height in previously logged forests in Borneo.
Lianas are a signature part of tropical forests, with their abundant flowers and fruits attracting insects, birds and mammals, and their looping woody vines creating natural bridges in the canopy.
