Workpackages of Subproject E04

Workpackage WP04.1

Monitoring of different natural and anthropogenic forest types including lichens and bryophytes as bioindicators.

Short description: Besides monitoring of the already mapped plots within the Biodiversity Observatories, some additional plots will be included. Also, the epiphytic and epiphyllous lichens and bryophytes will be mapped in forests of different disturbance to evaluate the data obtained in the pilot phase. As a reference system for primary forest, plots in Budongo Forest are included.

Workpackage WP04.2

Importance of small-scale structures for maintenance of diversity of lichens, bryophytes and vascular plants

Short description: Small scale structures like isolated trees, tree-corridors or isolated forest patches probably play an important role in maintenance of diversity in a fragmented landscape. This study has an important implication on conservation as the importance of landscape structures and habitat connectivity is investigated. Farmers could be made aware of the importance of both economic and ecological benefits of pasture trees. Important tree species with respect to medical use, conservation of endangered species or bird-life conservation could be recommended for planting..

Workpackage WP04.3

Diversity of bird- or mammal-dispersed trees in different natural and anthropogenic forest types

Short description: Several important genera of rainforest trees are dispersed either by birds or mammals. A comparison of diversity of animal-dispersed trees can enable to predict regeneration due to to presence or absence of certain bird or monkey species and to evaluate the role of these frugivorous animals for tree propagation.

Workpackage WP04.4

Capacity building and student field training courses

Short description: Two PhD students from Kenya should work within the project. One of them dealing with bryophytes is integrated into the workpackage, the other dealing with lichens should be financed by the KAAD. In order to stimulate research, field training courses on lichenology and bryology with students from Kenya jointly with students from Germany are planned.

Workpackage WP04.5

Cooperation with the Botanical Garden and Research Centre on Biodiversity at Maseno University

Short description: A cooperation with the Botanical Garden and Research Centre on Biodiversity at Maseno University will be established. The main aims are ex-situ conservation of rare and endangered plants of Kenya and the identification and research on indigenous medical plants.