Contents: The ecosystem concept for silviculturre including the natural distribution and classification of forest and woody plant formations as well as the zoological fundamentals in the tropics are introduced. Concerning selected plant genera and forest formations life processes which are important for silviculture (growth, development, ecosystem functions and dynamics) are explained and silvicultural stand analyses are dealt with. Typical systems of silviculture are presented.

In optional compulsory part A, potential silvicultural interventions, relating to tropical moist and dry forests, are discussed corresponding to the required forest functions and objectives.

In optional compulsory part B the relationships between plants and herbivores, as well as between herbivores and their antagonists, are dealt with in regard to the interrelationships and with respect to the interactions and to their population ecology and the natural regulation.

Goals of qualification: The student learns to analyse, evaluate and classify tropical forest ecosystems; to select silvicultural systems, including their supervision during implementation. In the optional compulsory part A the student learns to assess advantages and disadvantages of silvicultural systems for tropical moist and dry forests and to select them according to local conditions. In optional compulsory part B the student learns to analyse the plant- herbivore-antagonist relationships, to assess biotic risks and regulation possibilities for management of natural forests and to integrate them in the management strategies. Thus, the student is able to implement strategies of sustainable natural forest management.

The examination performance consists of the seminar paper (20 hours) and the oral examination performance (20 minutes).