By Vienna Leigh | Communications Manager at WeForest
During 2021, 305.24 more hectares were restored, with an estimated 610 000 trees growing. Unfortunately, the intense heat of 2021 – the worst dry spell in 91 years – followed by unprecedented frosts created a significant challenge for young seedlings here. Our recent monitoring assessments earlier this year showed average survival rates of 40% in plantings less than two years old: that’s half our target rate.
To mitigate this, a work plan and timeline for replanting is under development, including species selection to focus on those more resistant to low rainfall and less fertile soil. This is likely to reduce the number of native species planted but will be a more resilient planting strategy for future climate shocks. Secondly, our planting teams are testing ways to enhance the survival and development of planted seedlings. One way will see irrigation and fertilizer applied at the same time as planting (above) and is expected to support faster root development during the high temperatures these young seedlings endure.
However, the fauna in our restored sites seems to be thriving! Many signs of wildlife in the corridors have been captured on 29 camera traps and 120 audio recorders. So far, camera footage of 23 different animal species in the corridors include tapirs, maned wolves (below), pumas and even a jaguar, and 11 000 hours of data from 120 audio recorders is being analysed to quantify bird species and activity.
Thank you for making this possible!
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