Restoring productivity and biodiversity in tropical forests by mimicking natural disasters

Natural and traditional disturbance regimes, such as lightning strikes, windstorms or shifting agriculture, can be important in structuring ecosystems and can provide a model for restoration activities. Evaluating disturbance regimes is one of the recommendations highlighted in the Short-term Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration that the Conference of Parties to the CBD is expected to adopt in Cancun to provide guidance to countries and other actors involved in restoration. Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), the most valuable species in Neotropical forests, and the related African mahoganies (Khaya spp and Entandrophragma spp) in Africa, among other species, require disturbances to create conditions that allow seedlings to become established and grow.