Abstract
Aim of study: (1) to assess structural parameters of Giant pines; (2) to compare three several inventories and relative parameters; (3) to assess mechanical stability of Giant pines.Area of study: Sila National Park, Calabria, Italy.Material and methods: Mechanical stability assessment and full dendrometric analysis were used.Main results: 40 years after the first measurements on the Giant pines, the most emblematic trees of the population confirmed the peculiar ecological characteristics of Calabrian pines: their posture, rapidity of growth, productivity and longevity. The pine forest containing 46 healthy monumental trees. The Ht/DBH ratio slightly decreased from first to last inventory. The decrease of the Ht/DBH ratio correspond to the increase of mechanical stability of trees.Research highlights: the importance of preserving the Fallistro Biogenetic Natural Reserve as a source of biodiversity and to maintain the high ecological stability that characterize this important Italian forest area.Keywords: Old-growth forest; Biodiversity conservation; Sustainable forestry; Calabrian pine; Forest ecology; deadwood.
Highlights
Ancient trees are a heritage of inestimable historical and cultural value and natural monuments
Fallistro Reserve is the last remnant of ancient forest in Sila preserved until the beginning of the 17th century
Since 2016, the Reserve is managed by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI)
Summary
Ancient trees are a heritage of inestimable historical and cultural value and natural monuments. Their presence in woodlands is the evidence of a long and strong relationship between human activities and land uses. Ancient trees differ from others of their species for their old age and unusual size and shape. Several features, such as height, stem diameter, crown shape and involvement of them in historical events, make these trees of public interest and protected by law (Artese, 2015). Old-growth trees have a lower growth rate than younger trees growing at the same site and low growth rate during early life stages is probably associated with longevity
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