Forest Grazing Research Articles

Determination and safety evaluation of metal element contents of Oviductus Ranae produced from <i>Rana dybowskii</i> by pond culture–forest grazing relay model in Heilongjiang Province, China

The aquatic products of grazing ecological culture exhibit a strong reliance on the production environment system, which may result in heavy metal contamination. In this study, 24 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sr, Tl, U, V, Zn) were determined for Oviductus Ranae (OR) from more than 1,000 individuals of Rana dybowskii produced by pond culture–forest grazing relay mode from six major production areas in Heilongjiang Province, China. Furthermore, we assessed the associated health risks. Our findings indicate that most of these 24 metal elements were detected in OR at a detection rate of 100%, with the exceptions being As (98.0%), Ga (98.0%), Co (98.0%), V (94.0%), Cd (89.0%), Pb (76.0%), Cs (74.0%), Tl (35.0%), and U (not detectable). Variations in element concentrations were significant across the six sampling sites, with characteristic elements identified to account for spatial differences. The total target hazard quotient was determined to be 0.152 in Heilongjiang Province, thereby suggesting a relatively low health risk associated with consuming OR from this region’s production systems according to existing standards and guidelines. Nevertheless, special attention is needed for monitoring the habitat environments of R. dybowskii from two sampling locations showing heightened pollution levels.

Pogonoloma macrorhizum (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) in Slovak landscape: a distinct fungus of Quercus cerris stands transitional in space and time

The lack of precise data on the environmental requirements of the conspicuous fungus with a northern distribution limit in Slovakia, Pogonoloma macrorhizum, initiated our study. Its identity was verified by sequencing of ITS and 28 S nrDNA regions. The analysis of trophic status by stable-isotope ratio of carbon and nitrogen suggested that the species is probably ectomycorrhizal. For the seventeen sampling sites, environmental data were obtained and information on landscape development and management were retrieved from historical maps and aerial orthophotographs. All these parameters were analysed by multivariate ordination methods. In Slovakia, P. macrorhizum is found in thermophilous to mesophilous stands on acidic soils with a pH ranging from 4.1 to 6.2. These habitats are dominated by Quercus cerris, with non-frequent tree taxa of Carpinus betulus and Quercus petraea agg. The key environmental drivers shaping the habitat of P. macrorhizum were identified as time since deforestation, with the presence of old Q. cerris individuals (former solitary trees of pastures) and soil characteristics. The fungus appears to be a species of transitional habitats historically affected by grazing. These transitions occur between thermophilic and mesophilic sites, including oak forest communities, dry steppic grasslands and forest edges, as well as spontaneously overgrown pastures and forests with a closed canopy. It is regrettable that the Q. cerris stands in Slovakia are under threat, particularly because of felling and the lack of grazing in forests. Furthermore, recent silvicultural practices have resulted in the replacement of oaks (Quercus spp.) by hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and the formation of closed stands.

A juhlegeltetési módok hatása a gyepen felvételezhető endoparazita populációra

Sampling for the occurrence of internal parasites of sheep was carried out in three extensively cultivated Achilleo - Festucetum pseudovinae grass communities with different grazing systems but with the same site conditions, in 2022 - 2023, at the MATE Research Institute in Karcag, Hungary. The sheep grazing regimes studied were: pastoral grazing, rotational grazing, and permanent, delta - forest grazing used on all grazing days. Microscopic analysis of the genomes and numbers of potentially infective oviposition and L3 larval stage endoparasites in sheep pastures was carried out on samples of faecal matter from grazed pastures and grass samples prepared using a 'larval feeder'. Our research objective was to clarify the effect of different sheep grazing practices on parasite infestation in a semi - natural grassland community with a solonyec soil composition.

The relationship between trampling damages on roots and wood decay in Norway spruce forests used for silvopasture

Forest grazing by free-roaming livestock is a common practice in many countries. The forestry sector sees the practice as unfortunate owing to several reasons, such as damages inflicted by grazing in young plantations. Concerning Norway spruce forests, a tree species known to develop wood decay with high frequency followed from stem bark damage, there is a strong perception among foresters that the trampling damage caused by livestock on the superficial root system of this tree leads to decay. Because of the very limited scientific documentation available on this topic, we pursued a clarification by investigating three 38- to 56-year-old Norway spruce forests used for silvopasture. Two types of injuries were observed on exposed roots: bark cracks characterized by resin exudation, and injuries involving localized bark peeling and exposure of the underlying wood. These injuries occurred up to 250 cm away from the root collar, with the sector 50–150 cm away from the root collar showing the highest incidence of injuries. In two of the forest stands, wood within the injured root areas was primarily colonized by the wound parasite Corinectria fuckeliana or species of the order Helotiales, fungi that do not cause wood decay. Wood colonization of injured roots by Heterobasidion species, the most frequent wood decay fungi of Norway spruce, was common in the third stand, but only in a few cases it was possible to deduce that the colonization had probably initiated via trampling injuries on roots. In a few cases, an injury was located at stem base at the root collar height along paths used by animals, and in such cases, it was obvious that stem colonization by Heterobasidion species had initiated via the wound. The relatively small amount of data warrants caution when drawing conclusions. Considering the high establishment frequency of decay via stem bark wounds of Norway spruce observed in previous studies, our data would suggest that roots are generally better equipped to defend themselves upon infliction of superficial wounds than stem of this tree species. The likelihood of trampling injuries leading to decay may vary considerably between different stands, this presumably depending on the level of local propagule pressure by pathogenic wood decay fungi and the frequency of damages close to root collar.

Biological Spectrum of the Vegetation of North-East Haryana in India

The present paper deals with the study of the Biological spectrum of the vegetation of North-East Haryana. A detailed study of different life-forms indicated that Nanophanero phytes (N) and Hemicryptophytes (Hc) are poorly represented. The study also indicates the presence of therochamaephytic (42%, 22%) flora. The dominance of therophytes might have partly resulted from disturbance in vegetation due to heavy grazing and exploitation of forests for extensive cultivation. A comparison of the biological spectrum of this area with those of other regions of India reveals that the climate is semi-arid.

Application of Soil Multiparametric Indices to Assess Impacts of Grazing in Mediterranean Forests

In this study, the effects of different stocking rates were quantified in three study areas in a Mediterranean forest (Cuenca, Spain) by applying a multiparametric soil quality index (SQI) developed from undisturbed forest soils (>40 years). The main objective was to advance the development and application of multiparametric indices that allow for soil condition assessment. To fulfill this objective, the effectiveness of the developed multiparametric soil quality index (SQI) was analyzed as an indicator of livestock impacts on soil in the Mediterranean forest. The control areas without livestock activity were forest stands of different ages (a thicket forest stand of <30 years; a high-polewood forest stand of 30–60 years; and an old-growth forest stand of >60 years), which were compared with areas subjected to various grazing intensities (areas with permanent livestock passage: a sheepfold that had been inactive for 2–3 years and an active sheepfold; areas with intermittent livestock passage: a bare-soil area, a pine stand and a scrubland). The applied multiparametric soil quality index (SQI) was sensitive to changes in forest ecosystems depending on the stocking rates. However, to obtain greater precision in the assessment of the effects of stocking rates, the multiparametric index was recalibrated to create a new index, the Soil Status Index by Livestock (SSIL). The correlation between the quality ranges obtained with both indices in different study areas suggests that the SSIL can be considered a livestock impact reference indicator in Mediterranean forest soils.

Forest history from a single tree species perspective: natural occurrence, near extinction and reintroduction of European yew (Taxus baccata L.) on the Darss-Zingst peninsula, southern Baltic Sea coast

The forests along the southern Baltic Sea coast harbour some stands of the rare and endangered European yew (Taxus baccata L.), which are hypothesised to be autochthonous. Using the example of an occurrence on the Darss-Zingst peninsula, the population dynamics of the yew since the late Holocene are interdisciplinarily investigated and linked to the forest history of this area. Pollen analysis shows that yew has been present in the study area for at least 2600 years and thus indeed represents an autochthonous tree species in the area. The yew was probably originally part of a second tree storey and of forest margins within a mixed forest mainly consisting of several deciduous tree species and Scots pine. Historical evidence reveals that yew was still occurring in the forest in the middle of the eighteenth century, but then had nearly disappeared by the end of the nineteenth century. This was caused by several factors including forest grazing by livestock, high game populations and clear-cutting. First replanting of yew took place in the 1930s/1940s and 1950s/1960s, followed by planting campaigns in the 1990s and 2000s. Planting material from local and regional autochthonous relict populations was used, at least in part. The current yew population mainly comprises young individuals with a total number of ca. 1300 trees. It has thus been possible here to re-establish an autochthonous yew occurrence that was nearly extinct in historical times. This local example of targeted re-enrichment of native tree diversity may also encourage further measures to give this species a new chance again elsewhere in the wider region.

A Grazer in a Browser's Habitat: Resource Selection of Foraging Cattle in Productive Boreal Forest

In Norway, cattle (Bos taurus) are released to large areas of boreal forest for summer grazing. To determine to what degree this practice challenges timber production and wildlife management, we need a better understanding of basic cattle ecology. What do cattle, typical grazers, feed on in a habitat typically used by browsers? We determined cattle's resource use and selection at three scales: habitat and microhabitat selection when foraging and diet selection. Boreal forest is dominated by grass-poor habitats, and despite their strong selection for grass-rich habitats, cows spent a lot of time in suboptimal habitats, like old bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) spruce (Picea abies) forest. However, they managed to find grass-rich habitat patches within those, selecting for patches with bentgrass (Agrostis spp.). Graminoids, mainly wavy hair-grass (Avenella spp.), tussock grass (Deschampsia), and true sedges (Carex spp.), made up the biggest part of the fecal samples. Woody plants, mainly willow (Salix spp.), Vaccinium spp., pine (Pinus spp.), and birch (Betula spp.), made up 9.4% ± 4.7% of the samples, a value lower than reported for other forest grazing cattle. Cattle avoided woody plants in their diet and selected for graminoids. They preferred deciduous over coniferous species. At these low stocking densities, the cows were grazers in this browser's habitat. Moreover, they selected rather on habitat and patch scale than for individual plants within a given habitat patch, considered typical for a grazer. Their grass-rich diet indicates little overlap with the diet of local wild ungulates, which are mostly browsers. Their aversion of spruce and selection for graminoids and deciduous trees indicates low conflict risk for browsing damages and even a beneficial weeding effect on trees planted for timber production.

The Issue of Man and Animal Conflict: A Case of Jhargram District, West Bengal

Man-animal conflict is an ancient concept in which humans and wild animals share the same landscapes and resources for their survival. The study investigates the increasing frequency of conflict incidents between humans and animals in various locations within Jhargram District, a region known for its close proximity to both human settlements and wildlife, particularly elephants. Currently, human-animal conflict plays a significant role in altering the landscapes of the southern region of West Bengal in India, and it also has an impact on the rural economy in Jhargram District. Human population growth and expansion, deforestation, habitat degradation, land use change, and livestock grazing in forest and forest fringe areas are all considered major causes of human-animal conflicts. The study aims to pinpoint the underlying causes and repercussions of human-animal conflicts, as well as suggest management strategies to address the issue. The study reveals that people living in forest fringe areas and close to forest protected areas are often prone to attacks, particularly by elephants and other wild animals like hyenas, wild dogs, wild boars, etc.

Carcass characteristics, meat quality, sensory palatability and chemical composition of Thai native cattle grazing in lowland and Phu Phan mountain forest.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Thai native cattle grazing in the lowland or mountain forest on carcass characteristics, meat quality, sensory palatability, and chemical composition. Twelve male Thai native cattle with an average weight of 110±10 kg are allowed to be grazing in the lowland or Phu Phan mountain forest during the rainy season in northeastern Thailand. The carcass characteristics, meat pH, and meat color were unaffected by treatment (p>0.05). The boiling loss was lower in the cattle grazing on the mountain forest (p = 0.027). The cattle grazing in the mountain forest had increased shear force (p = 0.039), tenderness (p = 0.011), and flavor intensity (p = 0.003). The protein and fat were higher (p<0.001 and p = 0.035, respectively) in cattle grazing in the mountain forest. The different grazing systems of the cattle had no effect (p>0.05) fatty acids in meat, except for capric acid (C10:0) and lauric acid (C12:0), which were higher (p = 0.046 and p = 0.049, respectively) when the cattle were grazing in the mountain forest. The different grazing systems did not influence (p>0.05) the unsaturated fatty acids in meat. Thai native cattle grazing in the Phu Phan mountain forest in the rainy season improves meat quality, sensory evaluation, and chemical composition.

Assessing consumers' preferences for beef and lamb meat linked to wildfire prevention services

Meat from silvopastoral systems, due to its provision of numerous ecosystem services such as wildfire risk reduction in Mediterranean forests, can address societal growing demands for meat produced with lower environmental impacts. Differentiation of meat from these systems may contribute to their economic sustainability and hence to reverse their decline in the Mediterranean. This study investigated consumer preferences and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for beef and lamb meat from silvopastoral systems associated to the provision of wildfire prevention service and explored two alternative ways of labelling this service. Through a choice experiment survey considering type of pasture, length of grazing period, production distance and price, we gathered data from 1209 meat consumers in two Spanish cities. We considered forest grazing with a target purpose as a level in the type of pasture attribute and it was presented either as grazing to prevent wildfires or grazing to reduce biomass in two alternative versions of the valuation survey. The random parameter logit model revealed the highest preferences and WTP towards nearby production distances, followed by targeted grazing and forest grazing, while the length of grazing period was less relevant. No significant differences in consumers WTP were found between conveying targeted grazing either as fire prevention or biomass reduction. Our findings also suggest that consumers' preferences varied with location, attitudes towards local food and environmental role of grazing and consumption habits. Knowledge gathered in our work contributes to understand consumers perceptions on the beneficial environmental impacts of meat production.

The Role of Wildfires in the Interplay of Forest Carbon Stocks and Wood Harvest in the Contiguous United States During the 20th Century.

Wildfires and land use play a central role in the long-term carbon (C) dynamics of forested ecosystems of the United States. Understanding their linkages with changes in biomass, resource use, and consumption in the context of climate change mitigation is crucial. We reconstruct a long-term C balance of forests in the contiguous U.S. using historical reports, satellite data, and other sources at multiple scales (national scale 1926-2017, regional level 1941-2017) to disentangle the drivers of biomass C stock change. The balance includes removals of forest biomass by fire, by extraction of woody biomass, by forest grazing, and by biomass stock change, their sum representing the net ecosystem productivity (NEP). Nationally, the total forest NEP increased for most of the 20th century, while fire, harvest and grazing reduced total forest stocks on average by 14%, 51%, and 6%, respectively, resulting in a net increase in C stock density of nearly 40%. Recovery from past land-use, plus reductions in wildfires and forest grazing coincide with consistent forest regrowth in the eastern U.S. but associated C stock increases were offset by increased wood harvest. C stock changes across the western U.S. fluctuated, with fire, harvest, and other disturbances (e.g., insects, droughts) reducing stocks on average by 14%, 81%, and 7%, respectively, resulting in a net growth in C stock density of 14%. Although wildfire activities increased in recent decades, harvest was the key driver in the forest C balance in all regions for most of the observed timeframe.

Klíčové faktory pro ochranu lesní biodiverzity ve Střední Evropě: review

It is desirable to update scientific knowledge on key aspects of forest biodiversity protection and implement it more effectively into forestry practice. A review was prepared across the Web of Science Core Collection database, searching in the “Topic” section, using a key words string: ((biodiversity OR „biological diversity“) AND („forest management“ OR forestry) AND „central Europe“). Particular attention should be paid to ending the clear-cutting and monocultures cultivation, as the most significant forms of intensive management. It is necessary to focus on the restoration of a varied tree species composition with respect for succession, the protection of old-growth forest habitats and their structures, as well as the restoration of open forests and the renewal of historical management forms (e.g. coppicing and forest grazing). In the interest of biodiversity, a combination of integrative and segregative management can be highly recommended. Reserves are essential as habitats for the most endangered species, but their role must be supported and complemented by integrative management in commercial forests. Such integrative management should emulate natural disturbances regime, predominantly with mixed severity.

Influence of feed substitution with acorns on fattening performance, carcass characteristics, and meat composition of Prestice Black-Pied pigs finished in a conventional indoor system

With their considerable nutritive value, acorns have long been a natural feed source for pigs and, in recent years, fattening pigs with acorns has become very popular even in countries where it has not traditionally been customary. The meat of pigs finished with acorns has a unique flavour and fat profile as reflected by fatty acids content. We decided to determine the nutritional value of the most common species of acorns in Central Europe (Quercus robur) and examine the effects of this feed upon fattening performance, carcass value, and the composition of meat and fat produced by indoor finishing of pigs, as forest grazing is prohibited here. We conclude that the Prestice Black-Pied breed can be fattened utilizing a mixed feed containing acorns at the level of 10% under intensive conditions without significantly changing the performance parameters (average daily gain was 750 g versus 761 g in the control group). We found improvements in fatty acid profiles of intramuscular fat away from saturated toward monounsaturated. The improvements in the fatty acid profiles, similar to those seen in pigs raised in sylvan settings, create pork that may benefit human health. Acorns can constitute an alternative feedstuff even for pigs finished indoors and bring new benefits to agriculture in modern times.

The Decline and Possible Return of Silvipastoral Agroforestry in Sweden

Silvipastoral agroforestry in the form of forest grazing and wooded semi-natural pastures has historically been very important for the Swedish supply of food and wood products for local use. Since the end of the 1800s, this form of combined production system has greatly decreased and now covers only 1% of Sweden’s land area. However, in recent decades it has gained increased relevance for reasons of landscape, biodiversity and climate. Agroforestry’s decline and possible future increase are described through reviews of statistics and the literature read by farmers and politicians whose decisions are behind the development. Especially when it comes to biodiversity and climate, this review also includes the scientific literature. Surveys on Swedish citizens’ valuation of silvipastoral agroforestry landscapes compared to treeless pasture and closed forest are also reviewed. It is possible that efforts to increase Sweden’s low self-sufficiency in beef and lamb meat, the coming requirements according to the EU’s nature restoration law and the need to limit climate change through carbon sequestration in trees may again increase the area of silvipastoral agroforestry. For this to be economically feasible, large grazing areas can be created out of remaining small scattered wooded semi-natural pastures and intervening forestland, which historically may have been grazed forests.

Climate as a determinant of dung beetle response to native forest replacement by cattle pastures in South America

AbstractAnthropogenic disturbance in natural ecosystems reduces the number of species in biological communities and homogenizes their composition across different regions. Climate is one of the main abiotic determinants of species distributions and different factors were proposed as the main climatic drivers. Here we explored the role of regional climate on the local response of dung beetle assemblages to the replacement of native forest by cattle pastures in South America by simultaneously contrasting three climatic hypotheses: energy, seasonality and heterogeneity. We compiled a database by searching published studies comparing dung beetle richness and composition between both native forests and cattle pastures. We calculated the proportional difference in species richness and composition between habitat types. As explanatory variables, we used seven abiotic variables grouped into the three climatic hypotheses. Energy/Productivity: mean annual temperature (°C/year) and total annual precipitation (mm/year). Seasonality: annual thermal amplitude (°C/year), the average coefficient of variation of monthly precipitation and the coefficient of average monthly variation in temperature. Heterogeneity: coefficient of variation of mean annual temperature, coefficient of variation of mean annual precipitation. Using regression analyses and a model selection procedure, we found differences in species richness between native forests and cattle pastures were explained by the coefficient of variation of mean annual precipitation, whereas changes in species composition were explained by total annual precipitation and the coefficient of variation of mean annual precipitation. The response of dung beetle assemblages to livestock grazing in South American forests was associated with precipitation variation. The heterogeneity hypothesis better explained changes in species richness following forest replacement by cattle pastures, while both energy/productivity and heterogeneity hypotheses explained the changes in species composition.

ANTHROPOGENIC TRANSFORMATION OF FOREST ECOSYSTEMS IN THE MOUNTAINOUS AREA OF AGSUCHAY

Aim: The purpose of the research is to determine the transformation characteristics of the forest ecosystems of the Agsuchay basin of the Greater Caucasus and to analyze the results of anthropogenic effects. The methodological basis For the study of anthropogenic effects in forests there were used satellite images, scientific literature and the results of observations in experimental areas. Results: The article analyzes the initial state of forest ecosystems in the upper reaches of the Agsuchay and the subsequent anthropogenic transformation. The causes, directions and consequences of anthropogenic transformation of forest ecosystems in the research areas are shown. Due to the mountainous nature of the study area (750-2200 m a.s.l.), the trees formed here have very important tree species in terms of composition. As a result of anthropogenic transformation, the formation, development and gradual expansion of landslides on bare slopes as a result of deforestation and destruction. Scientific novelty: The obtained scientific results can be used to prevent the transformation of forests and restore the forest cover in the study area. As a result of anthropogenic transformation, deforestation and deforestation, landslides were formed, developed and gradually spread on bare slopes. At the same time, the directions and dynamics of anthropogenic transformation are reflected in the altitudinal belts. On the plains of the Agsuchay basin, forests are cut down mainly for the construction of farms and public catering establishments, and in mountainous areas, forests are cut down for firewood. Grazing in forests also leads to the drying up and destruction of forests. At the same time, this area has been inhabited since ancient times due to its geographical location, climate, water and land resources. Over time, large cities were formed here. As the population grew, the economy expanded, the number of livestock increased, and the anthropogenic impact also increased. People who thought about increasing their income by increasing the amount of arable land and pastures and increasing the number of livestock did not take into account the natural landscape of the area. They began to use it blindly, unplanned and intensively.

Regeneration of Nothofagus dombeyi (Mirb.) Ørst. in little to moderately disturbed southern beech forests in the Andes of Patagonia (Argentina)

Natural forests and stands subjected to little to moderate human impact are continuously declining worldwide and with these, their biodiversity and ecosystem services. Many Nothofagus forests in the south of the South American continent are in a pristine state or only moderately impacted by humans. Forest grazing by livestock, in the past and still today often practiced in a non-sustainable way is, however, increasingly under discussion to meet current environmental and socio-economic challenges. Accordingly, we investigate the regeneration of Nothofagus dombeyi, a keystone species of the Patagonian Andes, in secondary forests in Argentinian northern Patagonia, particularly addressing the role of disturbance through grazing by livestock at various intensities. We test the hypothesis that the regeneration of this tree species is favored by grazing impact and, thus, disturbance of the herb layer and soil surface. In support of our hypothesis, Nothofagus dombeyi regeneration was significantly higher in terms of individuals and height classes in moderately grazed forests. Multivariate analysis shows significant positive effects of moderate grazing pressure, herb layer cover, and the occurrence of bare soil on the regeneration of Nothofagus dombeyi. Our results show that an integration of livestock grazing and forest regeneration is possible and that agroforestry systems can be an adequate management option for stakeholders in the region. A grazing management can also be part of a forest fire prevention strategy. However, the regeneration success and grazing pressure should be continuously monitored.

Classification of Mountain Silvopastoral Farming Systems in Walnut Forests of Kyrgyzstan: Determining Opportunities for Sustainable Livelihoods

Kyrgyz walnut-fruit forests are unique ecosystems inhabited by silvopastoral farm households that depend on forest resources for their livelihoods. Illegal logging, excessive collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and overgrazing of forest pastures negatively affect forest regeneration and biodiversity, ultimately impacting sustainable livelihoods in the region. Understanding farm heterogeneity is critical to identify targeted interventions that have the potential to improve livelihood sustainability for local populations. This study identifies and elucidates the typology of farms in walnut-fruit forests. Data were collected from 220 farm-households in three villages located within or in the buffer zone of protected areas. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were used to analyze quantitative data and aggregate farms into clusters according to forest resource availability and use, production means, and socioeconomic characteristics. Three distinct silvopastoral farming systems were identified, in which farmers collect and sell NTFPs, but also have: (i) relatively high NTFP income, medium-sized livestock herds, and low off-farm income; (ii) moderate NTFP income, large livestock herds, and high off-farm income; and (iii) low NTFP income, small herds, and moderate off-farm income. Overall, all types of farms showed different livelihood strategies; specific recommendations aimed at increasing sustainability were provided for each type. While both improved forages for livestock and grazing in forests are relevant for all types of farms, in some cases, value-added processing of NTFPs and contributions from off-farm activities such as tourism are necessary for the conservation and sustainable use of forests.

Floristic Legacies of Historical Land Use in Swedish Boreo-Nemoral Forests: A Review of Evidence and a Case Study on Chimaphila umbellata and Moneses uniflora

Many forests throughout the world contain legacies of former human impacts and management. This study reviews evidence of floristic legacies in the understory of Swedish boreo-nemoral forests, and presents a case study on two currently declining forest plants, suggested to have been favored by historical use of forests. The review provides evidence of forest remnant populations of 34 grassland species. Thus, many floristic legacies have their main occurrence in semi-natural grasslands, but maintain remnant populations in forests, in some cases more than 100 years after grazing and mowing management have ceased. Despite less information on true forest understory plants appearing as legacies of historical human use of boreo-nemoral forests, a putative guild of such species is suggested. The case study on two species, Chimaphila umbellata and Moneses uniflora (Pyroleae, Ericaceae) suggests that both species are currently declining, mainly due to modern forestry and ceased livestock grazing in forests. Chimaphila maintains remnant populations during decades, due to its extensive clonal capacity and its long-lived ramets. Moneses is more sensitive, due to a lower stature, weaker clonal capacity and short-lived ramets, flowering only once during their lifetime. Thus, Moneses have more transient occurrences, and will decline rapidly under deteriorating conditions.