AN ABANDONED FIELD IS NOT A TREE FALL GAP

Abstract

The Nc:otropK:S are rich in mosaics of foresl and aodent-tomcxIem pastures and fields. In most of Ibcsc mosaics, the original and late sc:oond -growth forest is rapidl)' dwindling in area and the clearings an: enlarging and coalescing. However, in some areas this process has been rcvencd; a faeld or pasture bas been abaDdooed and is allowed 10 return to forest-usually due 10 c:baages in socio-potilM::o-ecooomit forces, forest-field IOtllioos, or explicit CODSUVaIion efforts.