Pondy Papers in Ecology Modelling Tree Architecture and Forest Dynamics a Research Project in the Dense Moist Evergreen Forests of the Western Ghats

.................................................................................................................3 Résumé...................................................................................................................4 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 5 Situation of the problem................................................................................. 5 Aim of the project.......................................................................................... 8 Methodological context: models and theories ........................................................ 10 Existing models.......................................................................................... 10 A demographic and global approach: matrix models ............................ 10 Dynamics of the forest mosaic: gap models and cellular automatons... 12 The individual approach: empirical tree growth models and MAS ........ 13 Why an architectural approach?.................................................................. 14 Materials and Methods.......................................................................................... 16 Low-elevation evergreen dipterocarp forests of South India......................... 16 Forest composition, structure and dynamics........................................ 16 Forest management............................................................................. 17 Site and species........................................................................................... 18 Study site................................................................. .......................... 18 Species selected.................................................................................. 18 Sampling, measurements and analyses........................................................ 19 Qualitative description......................................................................... 19 Measurements and quantitative analyses............................................. 21 Statistical analysis and modelling........................................................ 22 Simulations................................................................................................. 24 Progress of operations (in March 1996)................................................................ 26 Expected results and perspectives ......................................................................... 28 References............................................................................................................ 30 2 Modelling tree architecture and forest dynamics