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A GIS-based Forest Resources Management System for Gibbon Protected Area in Trung Khanh Nature Reserve, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam
Dissertation Abstract:
This study was conducted to develop a geographic information system (GIS)- based forest resource management system for the Gibbon Protected Area in Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam. The study gathered primary vegetation data from 34 sample plots in the Cao Vit Gibbon Protected Area. Primary socioeconomic data were also gathered through interviews with 74 households of the nearby villages. SPSS regression was used to analyze the correlation between some socioeconomic factors and Gibbon habitat. GIS-based assessment, monitoring, and evaluation (GAME) model was used to develop a database system of forest resource management in the study area using ArcView software.
Analysis showed that there was a total of 131 trees, shrub, vine, and herb species from 59 families found in the research area. Floristic composition analysis revealed that the research area was dominated by some species such as Cephalomappa sinensis, Dendrocnide urentissima, Radermachera sinica, Acer tonkinensis Lecomte, and Excentrodendron hsienmu.
The study showed that local people relied on agricultural production, animal husbandry, forestry, gardening, fishery, and wage labor for their income. Forest products ranked third as main source of income in the nearby villages. However, firewood collection, timber cutting, and livestock grazing posed a big threat to the Cao Vit Gibbon Protected Area. This was also reflected and affirmed through the correlation analysis.
The study site has a generally steep topography with an elevation range of 500- 1,000 masl and interrupted by lowland depressions. The analysis showed that human activities were mostly carried out in areas near the villages, at lower altitude, and less steep slope where accessibility is much easier.
Databases for forest resource management system were created through the GAME model. The area and location of the suitable gibbon habitat were identified by the Gibbon Protected Area-Forest Resources Management System (GPA-FRMS). The study confirmed that limited habitat and degraded vegetation, especially food plant species for gibbon, were reasons for larger number of Cao Vit gibbon in group (5-7 individuals). The potential Gibbon habitat was also assessed by using the GPAFRMS and own assumptions in lieu of very few studies on gibbons.