Biodiversity and stress level in four forests of the Italian Alps

Abstract

Diversity patterns of plants, fungi and arthropods were studied in 4 forest sites in the Provinces of Bolzano and Trento (Italian Alps). Two decidous mixed forest at low altitude (560 and 680 m), and two spruce forests close to the timber line (1750 and 1780 m) were sampled; 2351 species were identified. Data on climate, land use and stress in the forests were correlated with species diversity. Species richness was higher in the decidous forests, and a great turnover of species occurred between the decidous and coniferous stands. Similar patterns in some diversity parameters were recorded.