The study examines natural regeneration of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and other tree species in montane beech forests in the Bohor Mountain, where regeneration dynamics differ from most of the Dinaric region, where silver fir is in decline. The research aims were to assess the current status of regeneration, to assess changes in tree species composition and density over a 17-year period, and to evaluate the influence of selected factors on regeneration success. The analysis was based on data from 22 permanent sample plots surveyed in 2008 and in 2025. On each plot, regeneration was inventoried by height class and tree species, and the browsing damage was assessed, and characteristics of the mature-tree layer were recorded. In addition, a stand map was prepared by field description of stand characteristics. A total regeneration density was 24,545 individuals/ha and an increase in the proportion of silver fir from 23 % to 35 % in the period 2008–2025 was observed. In parallel, the proportions of sycamore maple and wych elm decreased markedly. Silver fir increased its share in higher height classes, while browsing damage (15.5 %) remained well below the critical threshold. No significant relationships were detected between silver fir proportion in the mature-tree layer and in regeneration, or between canopy closure and regeneration success. The findings confirm that Bohor Mountain offers exceptionally favorable conditions for silver fir regeneration. The area represents a best-practice example where maintaining the current balance is crucial for the long-term stability of silver fir and the entire forest ecosystem.
|
