TR-5 : Ecosystem simulation submodels flora and fauna

Abstract

The present report forms a part of a series of reports which when combined together will result to description of development of a comprehensive watershed resources development model which is based on studies done in Arizona, USA. A brief description of floral and faunal resources of the country is included in the report besides including a brief description about inventory techniques and detailed description of simulation sub-models for development of these resources. The report also discusses briefly the overall watershed resources development model along with the various kinds of land management practices.

The Flora sub-model consists of simulation components for predicting the growth, yield and diversity of forest over stories, the production and composition of herbaceous under stories and the development and accumulation of organic material on the forest floor. In order to estimate growth and yield of forests stand, inputs like listing of trees per hectare, associated diameter growth rates and volume expressions are required. The herbage production could be related to forest overstory parameters, precipitation amount, and the time since implementation of silvicultural practices. The organic matter accumulation may be related with estimates of tree leaves and needles on a forest floor at a point in time- All these aspects combined together will yield effects of various land management activities on floral resources of a watershed.

The Fauna sub-model consists- of components developed to describe habitat quality for a variety of animal species and the animal supporting capacity of an area. The habitat quality predictions are based on changes in food, cover and diversity resulting from the implementation of a land management practice. The animal supporting capacity of an area is, based on production of herbage from an area and requirement of forage per animal per unit of time. Based on the management practice adopted the forage production may be altered which will affect animal supporting capacity of the area.

In the end, data requirement and limitations of the study are described in the report. In fact, for successful use of such an integrated model, an inter-disciplinary approach is required while planning development of watershed resources.