**2.5 Measurement and calculation**

Table 3 shows measured and analyzed variables and Table 4 the total average value and derived target for the nine individual variables or indicators which constitute CFEMI. Identifying variables and methods for measurement, and deciding on targets require both quantitative and qualitative approach, and are depending on local conditions.

CFEMI is proximity-to-target indicator and the target is determined for each variable as a certain value higher than the total average value for each individual variable for each site (plot). All trees within each site of 1000 m2 along the three transects (Mweka, Kilema and Marangu) are measured and the average value for each site is then calculated. These site specific average values are then accumulated to a total average value for all sites. However,

Methodology for Forest Ecosystem Mediating Indicator – Case Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania 13

**Tree structure variables Description Units** 

information and multivariate analysis

a. Tree number Each tree (or stem on trees divided in 2 or several stems

o Straight o Leaning o Bent o Crooked

o Running serial number

a. Altitude Altitude above sea level m asl b. Transect Transect from lower to upper forest border Nominal c. Exposition Indication of exposition in 400 grades degrees d. Slope Indication of slopes in 400 grades degrees

c. Height Estimated height m d. DBH Measured diameter at breast height m e. Basal area Calculated basal area m2 f. First branch Height to lowest living branch m

h. Buttress Each tree has been assessed if it has buttress or no Yes or no

of the crown along to axis through origo.

Some few / thin climbers, shorter than 2 m Some more dense / thicker climbers, more 2 m long Climbers cover the stem and some thin lianas may occur.

The tree is heavily affected by thick lianas

Estimation of the cover of vascular epiphytes: No or very few individuals observed. Less than 10 % of stem and branched cover

Dense mats of epiphytes may cover between 20 to 40 % Dense mats cover between 40 and 75 %. Some hanging mats. The tree is overgrown with dense and some hanging mats

Dense mats of epiphytes may cover between 20 to 40 % Dense mats cover between 40 and 75 %. Some hanging mats. The tree is overgrown with dense and some hanging mats

Estimation of the cover of bryophytes and lichens No or very few spots or individuals observed. Less than 10 % of stem and branched cover

**E. Epiphytes** Ordinal a. Climbers Estimation of the cover of climbers and lianas on each tree: No climbers or lianas observed

Large and large lianas

Between 10 – 25 % of

Between 10 – 25 % of

Estimation of the horizontal projection of the canopy of each tree. The area is calculated from estimation of the diameter

o Running serial number within plot

under 1 m) is identified by transect and running number

Idnr Number

Number

m2

**A. Basic units** Inventory units for identification, geo-referenced

b. Plot Identified by transect and plot number

with the plot

g. Shape The shape of the trunk is assessed :

b. Tree species Each tree is identified

**B. Localization** 

**C. Stem** 

**D. Canopy** 

Crown area (total leaf area)

b. Vascular epiphytes

c. Non-vascular epiphytes

Table 3. Measured and analyzed variables

a. Tree Individual identified and measured tree or stem

