# Simulating Forest Dynamics of Lowland Rainforests in Eastern Madagascar
## 2 Materials and Methods
### Inventory Dataset Collection  
One hundred small (10 m-diameter) vegetation inventory plots were established in BTP in 2004. These plots were re-measured in 2005, and then fifty of these plots were re-measured for a third time  
Figure 1: The location and proximity of the forest inventory plots in Zahamena National Park (ZNP) and Betampona (BTP). Inset box (**A**) indicates the locations of the 35 plots in ZNP as white dots, with the boundary of ZNP shown in white. The boundary of BTP is outlined in white in inset box (**B**), with white circles representing the locations of the 100 inventory plots. in 2008. Because a GPS unit was not acquired in BTP until 2006, the plots were initially located in 2004 using a small hand-drawn map. A 1 km \(\times\) 1 km grid was overlaid onto the map, whereby 15 full squares and 10 partial squares fell within the boundaries of the BTP, with an estimated 12 of the 15 full squares located in primary forest. Five plots were established at random locations within each full 1 km \(\times\) 1 km grid square containing primary forest, with additional plots located in partial grid squares to total 100 plots. Plots were located at least 20 m into the forest off the main trail; however, steep terrain prevented this in some areas. Some plots were located closer to secondary trails. A multivariate statistical analysis that compared different aspects of species composition, size, and maximum height determined that the inventory plots measured near trails were not statistically different from plots measured farther from trails [22]. A detailed description of the methodology used for plot location and measurement can be found in [PERSON] [22] and [PERSON] et al. [23]. In addition, thirty-five inventory plots of the same 10-diameter circular dimension were established in ZNP in 2008 (Figure 1). The ZNP plots were established at random intervals along trails in lowland rainforest on a 20-day backpacking expedition that was led by a national park agent. All plots in ZNP were located at least 25 m away from the trail, as the trails in ZNP were slightly wider than the trails in BTP. Qualitative boundary descriptions to indicate location on slope, canopy gap effects, proximity to water, and GPS coordinates were recorded. Tree species were identified within each 10 m-diameter plot; in most cases, tree species identification was achieved through a local guide who is a resident expert on plant and tree species for the area. The same guide identified trees in both study locations. Species were recorded by Malagasy vernacular name. Scientific names were attained from the vernacular names by referencing [PERSON] [28], consulting with non-government organization staff and botanists at the Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG) office in Antananarivo, Madagascar (see: [22; 23] for a complete tree species list and detailed methods). When species could not be identified to the species level, genus only (and in one case family only) was recorded, with sp1, sp2, etc., used to denote individual unknown species of the same genus. For all plots at both study sites, the following information was recorded for all tree \(\geq\)5 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH): species identification, DBH (cm), height (m), and presence of qualitative health characteristics such as bole wounding, disease, rot evidence, or strangling vines. When a tree was located at the plot border, if equal to or greater than 50% of the stem fell within the plot, the tree was counted as within the plot boundary. If less than 50% of the tree stem fell within the plot boundary, the tree was not counted as within the plot. When a tree was leaning or sprouting new growth after falling over, the DBH was measured at 1.37 m from where the trunk met the ground. When a tree split below DBH, each stem was measured at DBH as a separate tree. Standing dead trees were noted but not measured. Tree height was measured with a clinometer from a distance of at least 10 m (much larger in the cases of larger trees).