Abstract
The special Issue of this journal presented partial results of an integrated research of subtropical Forest Dynamic Plot (FDP) studies in Taiwan. The methods of establishing 17 FDPs were followed strictly the protocol used by Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS), Smithsonian Institution (Condit 1995). These FDPs, distributed island wide ranging from 1- to 25-ha in size, have been studied their forest organizations, and associated ecological processes and phenomena. Special interests have been placed on the impacts of natural disturbances, such as typhoons and northeastern monsoon, on the long term and broad spatial forest dynamics. Major ecological studies presented in this issue included plant biodiversity, tree population dynamics, tree regeneration, seed dispersal, seedling’s occurrence, development, and growth.
The studied 6 FDPs in this issue are subtropical forests varying with environmental conditions and under various natural disturbances. They were located in the north (Fushan and Peitungyen FDPs), central (Lienhuachih and Nansi FDP), and south (Kenting and Nanjenshan FDPs) of Taiwan, respectively.
A technical paper introduced the concept of data management by exploiting advanced information management techniques (Michener et al. 2007). The development of new information systems and methodologies for the study of FDP databases provides concrete, scientifically valuable products.
We were glad to take this opportunity to thank all paper contributors and financial supports from many agencies and organizations. Special thanks also due to the support from Taiwan Forest Bureau, Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, universities, and CTFS in establishment and following-up resurvey of these FDPs.