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Introduction
Ecology for Landscape Architecture
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INTRODUCTION
ECOLOGY FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
What is ecology
The scientific study of the interactions between organisms
and the environment (Haeckel, 1869).
The word environment means all factors and phenomena
outside that influence the organism : biotic and abiotic.

The scientific study of the interactions that determine the
distribution and abundance of organisms (Krebs, 1972).

The scientific study of the distribution and abundance of
organisms and the interactions that determine distribution
and abundance (Begon et al, 2005).

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What is landscape
Landscape has been defined in several ways. Among ecological
definition of landscape are :

A part of the space on the earths surface, consisting of a complex of
systems, formed by the activity of rock, water, plants, animals & man and
that by its physiognomy forms a recognizable entity (Zonneveld, 1979).

Landscape is a heterogeneous land area composed of a cluster of
interacting ecosystems that is repeated in similar form throughout
(Forman & Godron, 1984).

A spatially heterogeneous area at scales of hectares to many square
kilometers, or an area, even a small one but viewed in a spatial
perspective of various agents (e.g. human, insects)



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Spatial Heterogeneity
Common feature of landscape definition : spatial
heterogeneity

Spatial heterogeneity occurs on two forms :
Gradient : gradual variation over space in the objects
presents ~ no boundaries, e.g. changes in assemblage
of tree species
Mosaic : objects and aggregated, forming a distinct
boundaries.



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Example of Mosaic :
Landscape of Mount Papandayan
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Example of Gradient :
Vegetation changes along altitudinal zone in Mt Gede
Montane Zone ( 1900 m )
Sub Alpine Zone ( 1900 m )
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Mosaic or gradient ?
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What is Landscape Ecology

Landscape ecology is defined in different ways.

Landscape ecology ... focuses on (1) the spatial relationships among
landscape elements, or ecosystems, (2) the flows of energy, mineral
nutrients, and species among the elements, and (3) the ecological
dynamics of the landscape mosaic through time (Forman 1983)

Landscape ecology focuses explicitly upon spatial patterns. Specifically,
landscape ecology considers the development and dynamics of spatial
heterogeneity, spatial and temporal interactions and exchanges across
heterogeneous landscape, influences of spatial heterogeneity on biotic
and abiotic processes, and management of spatial heterogeneity (Risser
et al. 1984)

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What is tropical environment
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Air movement
Earths shape and rotation air movement distributing heat and
moisture in the atmosphere
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Major biomes
Role of temperature and moisture in determining the natural distribution
of biomes
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Major biomes
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What is forest

One definition : an ecosystem or assemblage of ecosystems
dominated by trees and other woody vegetation.

There are many definitions of the term forest.
Differ on the emphasis and concern of people
Ecological definition may differ from legal definition
But all definitions stress the importance of trees in the
system.


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Examples

US National Vegetation Classification
A forest consists of trees with overlapping crowns
forming 60 % to 100 % cover. Woodlands are more
open, with 25 % to 60 % cover. Savannas have widely
spaced trees with minimum of 5-10 % cover and
maximum of 20 25 % cover

FAO definition of forest
Land with tree crown cover of more than 10 % and
area of more than 0.5 ha


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Why study tropical forest ecology
Importance of tropical forests in terms of
the range of ecosystem products and services they produce
their socio-economic (e.g. providing livelihood) and cultural roles


Local, regional and global threat of forest
deforestation and forest degradation

Understanding of the ecology of tropical forests is essential
for designing adequate strategies for forest conservation
and management






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Ecosystem products and services of forest

Forest products
Timber (kayu)
Fuelwood (kayu bakar)
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs)/ (hasil hutan bukan kayu)
Rattans and bamboos
Material for crafts
Edible products (bahan pangan), e.g. durian, sagoo etc
Medicines and insecticides
Rubber and resins
Ecotourism


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Ecosystem products and services of forest

Ecosystem services
Reserve for biodiversity
Regulation of climate
Local effect, e.g urban forest
Global effect : carbon sink and sources


Social function of forest
e.g. Slash and burn agriculture