Regeneration of the forests of Nicaragua affected by the Hurricane Joana (1988-2007)

Abstract

This contribution provides evidence about the regeneration of the hurricane forests of the Southam Autonomous Atlantic Regain of Nicaragua after the damage caused by the hurricane Joan in 1988. The paper presents results for the. tire · key hypotheses: (1) the hypothesis of direct regeneration of the hurricane forests, (2) the. hypothesis of recruitment limitation and (3) the plant fertility hypothesis. The results the authors present synthesis of the theoretical and empirical evidence, these results provide evidence in favor of all three hypotheses. In conclusion the regeneration.  of the hurricane forests is present an unexpected. high hardwood tree species richness after massive· hurricanes. Among the recommended future research directions are to conduct similar studies in the hurricane rain forests of the Northam. Autonomous Atlantic Region of Nicaragua. These proposed studies will require the participation of the highly trained local researchers far a successful research process.