Profile of tree-related microhabitats in European primary beech-dominated forests
Tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) are important features for the conservation of biodiversity in forest ecosystems. Although other structural indicators of forest biodiversity have been extensively studied in recent decades, TreMs have often been overlooked, either due to the absence of a consensual definition or a lack of knowledge. Despite the increased number of TreM studies in the last decade, the role of drivers of TreM profile in primary forests and across different geographical regions is still unknown. To evaluate the main drivers of TreM density and diversity, we conducted the first large-scale study of TreMs across European primary forests. We established 146 plots in eight primary forests dominated by European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the Carpathian and Dinaric mountain ranges. Generalized linear mixed effect models were used to test the effect of local plot characteristics and spatial variability on the density and diversity (alpha, beta, and gamma) of TreMs. Total TreM density and diversity were significantly positively related with tree species richness and the proportion of snags. Root mean square tree diameters were significantly related to alpha and gamma diversity of TreMs. Both regions reached similarly high values of total TreM densities and total TreM densities and diversity were not significantly different between the two regions; however, we observed between the two regions significant differences in the densities of two TreM groups, conks of fungi and epiphytes. The density and diversity of TreMs were very high in beech-dominated mountain primary forests, but their occurrence and diversity was highly variable within the landscapes over relatively short spatial gradients (plot and stand levels). Understanding these profile provides a benchmark for further comparisons, such as with young forest reserves, or for improving forest management practices that promote biodiversity.
2018
2020-02-19 13:31:13
1033
biodiversity indicators, old-growth forest, mountain beech forest, habitat tree
indikatorji biotske raznovrstnosti, pragozd, bukov gorski gozd, habitatno drevo
Daniel
Kozák
70
Martin
Mikoláš
70
Marek
Svitok
70
Radek
Bače
70
Yoan
Paillet
70
Laurent
Larrieu
70
Thomas Andrew
Nagel
70
Krešimir
Begovič
70
Vojtěch
Čada
70
Abdulla
Diku
70
UDK
4
630*18:360*22
ISSN pri članku
9
0378-1127
DOI
15
10.1016/j.foreco.2018.07.021
COBISS_ID
3
5147814
OceCobissID
13
25479680
0
Izvorni URL
2020-02-19 13:31:17