Tapia forest rachel ricHard
Ecosystem in Danger
The Tapia forests are located in the central highlands of Madagascar, South Africa.
Humans have changed the forest through deforestation, which is the reason the ecosystem is in danger. Mass deforestation degrades the already dry and arid land. Also the excessive collection of silkworm chrysalis for silk production has almost wiped out the Malagasy silkworm Borocera (endemic) population.
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History
Most of the area used to be forested. However, native people have affected it through deforestation. The area was home to endemic species before humans started living on the island (and still is). Since then, extinctions including the elephant bird, a giant tortoise species, and several lemur species have gone extinct.
Map of Region
Biodiversity
The Tapia forest has low species diversity with a couple (invasive) grasses,and some animal and plant species. Most of the biodiversity in the Tapia Forest are endemic or specialist species. Examples of flora in the ecosystem include Uapaca Bojeri (Tapia tree), Bismarckia Nobilis and some Aloe species. Animals include the Alautra gentle lemur, and some rodents like the Echinops telfairi and Setifer setosus.
Interspecific Competition
Interspecific competition actually happens between humans and nature, where nearby villages and silk companies compete for wild, endemic silk worms.
Predation
Predation in the Tapia forest also usually happens between nature and organism. The Setifer Setosus has no animal predator but are threatened by over hunting.
Parasitism
Parasitism happens when pine and eucalyptus plants invade tapia trees. The pines act as parasites to the trees and takes it over and eventually kills it.
Mutualism
Mutualism in the Tapia forests takes place when the Uapaca Bojeri provides fruits for nearby villages while some villagers try to reduce the amount of deforestation of the Tapia forests.
Commensalism
The Borocera cajani (silk worm) burrows in the Uapaca Bojeri tree (tapia tree) -it does not harm nor help the tree, therefor it is an example of commensalism.
K-selected Species
A K-selected species in the Tapia forest is the Setifer setosus. During pregnancy, the female hedgehog tenrec show increased building of it's nest. After its offspring is born, the mother nutures and protects it until it is old enough to protect itself. This species usually has 3-5 children during its lifetime and lives to be about 14 years.
r-selected Species
The Malagasy silkworm Borocera is an r-selected species endemic to the Tapia forests. The female silkworm typically lays around 300 at a time. The eggs are protected in a sticky cocoon that is able to stick to the Uacapa Bojeri tree. If the larva does not die, or if the cocoon is not taken and used for silk, it will become a moth. The females will die after it lays it's eggs.
Land Disturbance and Issues Affecting the Ecosystem
Bush fires are usually set by nearby villagers for agricultural purposes. Although Uapaca Bojeri trees' branches and bark is fire resistant, the common fires degrade already dry soils. This arid land and fires can make for soil erosion.
When trees are cut or burned down, sparse grasslands spring up. This type of grassland makes the area more prone to natural fires, making this process a positive feedback loop.
Biome and Climate
The Tapia forest is a sub-arid/sub-humid desert like forest. Rainfall is approximately 1500 mm per year. Temperatures at high elevations are between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius with a cool dry season from July and September, and a warm wet season the rest of the year.
Water Systems
The Indian Ocean surrounds the island of Madagascar and one of the closest lakes is Lake Itasy, in Amefy.
Population
The forests themselves aren't overpopulated but there are villages surrounding the forests that all compete for fruit, food, and silkworms.
Geological Structure
The soils of the forest are mostly ancient basement rock. The forests are also located in the middle of the island at a somewhat high elevation, so they are not that close to water.
Organizations Addressing the Problem
The Community Management of the Tapia Forest in the Amoron'i Mania Region, a group in the organization Feedback Madagascar, that advocated for the saving of the Tapia forest. They help by carrying out careful planning and providing equipment to effectivley reduce brush fires, give technical assistance for reducing clearing, and the removal of pines from the trees. Last year, they re-forested 50 hectors of land and installed firewalls to remove pines in the region.
What Can You Do?
Feedback Madagascary is funded by donations. You can help by donating money and materials and fundraising in sponsored activities. Equipment like cameras, gps, computers and tents are needed. Activities you could fundraiser in include sports event and fun runs/bike rides.
Resources
http://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/at0118
http://www.iucnredlistofecosystems.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/TAPIA_FOREST.pdf
https://orbi.ulg.ac.be/bitstream/2268/158049/1/chap2.pdf
http://www.feedbackmadagascar.org/eng/whatwedo/projects/proj_silk_more.php
http://wbi.worldbank.org/developmentmarketplace/idea/community-woodlands-and-wild-silk-madagascar
http://www.tropicos.org/Name/12800490?projectid=17
http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/154346/
www.arkive.org/tapia-tree/Uapaca-Bojeri/image-G137340.html