Forest Habitat Types Research Articles

Impact of Slope, Aspect, and Habitat-Type on LiDAR-Derived Digital Terrain Models in a Near Natural, Heterogeneous Temperate Forest

Developments in airborne LiDAR data acquisition have provided better horizontal and vertical ground information in the form of 3D point clouds. This has led to satisfactory results of LiDAR-derived digital terrain models (DTMs), also across complex ecosystems like natural forest stands. However, data and site-driven factors such as spatial resolution (point density), topography (slope and aspect), and variation in forest habitat types affect the DTM accuracy. In addition, processing steps like ground filtering and interpolation of ground points may also result in differences in DTM quality. Here, a comparative study was designed by extracting DTMs from two LiDAR data sources (high- and low-density point clouds) and three ground-filtering algorithms (adaptive TIN algorithm with and without the use of mirror points as well as an interpolation-based algorithm). The accuracy of the DTMs was assessed in association with terrain parameter and forest habitat types across heterogeneous forest sites of Bavarian Forest National Park in southeastern Germany. Qualitative analysis was carried out by taking 8300 independent sets of DGPS-recorded sample points. In addition to deriving root-mean-square error (RMSE) and bias, analysis of variance (ANOVA) type II was conducted in a factorial design to assess the influential factors on the observed DTM random error. Results revealed these errors in the DTMs with occasional over- and underestimations up to 1.98 m compared to reference elevation values. DTMs produced from high pulse density LiDAR data were more accurate than those extracted from low pulse density. Furthermore, topographic and forest habitat-type factors significantly contributed to the DTM accuracy. Slope increment showed a direct relationship with DTM error, with higher errors observed in south, southwest, and west aspects. Furthermore, stands dominated by deciduous trees were associated with higher DTM error than other forest habitat types. The applied adaptive TIN ground-filtering algorithms with mirror points and the interpolation-based algorithm both produced comparatively lower error rates, which are, therefore, suggested to reduce interpolation error in DTMs across rugged and heterogeneous forested terrains.

Assessing habitat-related disturbance in bird communities: Applying hemeroby and generalism as indicators

We tested the application of the concept of hemeroby and generalism at community level, on a set of birds occurring in various habitats of central Italy characterized by different level of disturbance. In each habitat-related bird community, we applied the recently published species-specific score in hemeroby (a proxy of habitat-related disturbance; HSi) and hemerobiotic diversity (a proxy of generalism; H’Hi) to local species frequency, obtaining weighted values at community level (HStot and H’Htot). The relationship between HStot vs. H’Htot showed an increasing trend moving from reed beds through forests and mosaics to urban communities. Quadratic model (best fit) evidenced a significant correlation between these variables and a tendency toward a hump-shaped curve, corroborating results already observed at species level (intermediate generalism hypothesis). The co-inertia analysis discriminated four groups of habitat-related communities, characterized by species with different levels of disturbance-sensitivity (expressed by HSi) and generalism (expressed by hemerobiotic diversity; H’Hi): (i) forest type-related, where mature wood communities were separated from a coppiced wood one; (ii) communities of moderately disturbed agricultural habitats; (iii) communities embedded in highly disturbed mosaics, and (iv) a group including either a highly disturbed urban habitat or a low disturbed wetland reed bed, with highly specialized species (respectively, synanthropic species and water-related species). Total scores in hemeroby and hemerobiotic diversity, expressing the composition in species with different disturbance preference and generalism, might act as good community-based indicators of degree of naturalness, especially for forest habitat types.

Five major invasive alien tree species in European Union forest habitat types of the Alpine and Continental biogeographical regions

Invasive alien species are a threat to protected areas, species, and habitats worldwide. At the European level, the control of invasive alien species is a major goal of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, and a cornerstone, in this sense, is the Regulation (EU) no.1143/2014 on invasive alien species. In this study, we focus on the Alpine and Continental biogeographical regions of Europe (defined in art. 1 of the Habitats Directive; 92/43/EEC), and aim to give an overview of the main protected forest habitat types threatened by invasive alien species, and focus on five major invasive alien tree species (Acer negundo, Ailanthus altissima, Prunus serotina, Quercus rubra, and Robinia pseudoacacia). We considered the assessment reports under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive for the period 2007–2012, and six documents on the interpretation of habitats, to identify those most threatened by invasive alien species and in particular by the five invasive alien trees. We also assessed selected examples of impacts by these alien tree species on different species groups within Natura 2000 sites to highlight potential effects on biodiversity. Riparian forest habitats and oak dominated woodlands are among the most prone to invasion within the two biogeographical regions. A. altissima and R. pseudoacacia are the most reported invasive alien trees in these protected forest habitat types. Furthermore, examples of the impacts of these tree species have indicated potential detrimental effects on forest habitats structure and functions, and on single species listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives. In conclusion, we emphasise the need for effective management and systematic monitoring of these five invasive alien tree species within Natura 2000 sites.

Synergies of planning for forests and planning for Natura 2000: Evidences and prospects from northern Italy

Improvements in the management of Natura 2000 sites are essential to achieve the targets set out by the Habitats and Birds Directives of the European Union. A current focus is on the development of management plans, which are fundamental instruments in the implementation of conservation measures. This study explores the viability of using existing forest plans to assist in this purpose. As case study, we consider the regulatory framework of the Veneto Region, northern Italy. We collected quantitative and qualitative data on forest plans at the regional and at three sub-regional spatial scales: local, district, and biogeographical. Forest plans cover about 54% of the terrestrial area of Natura 2000 sites in Veneto, and 75% of Sites of Community Importance in the Alpine biogeographical region. At the local scale of analysis, metrics from forest plans represent a valuable historical record which can be used to interpret the current state and future trends, especially for forests with long management records. These data can be used to assess biodiversity indicators for the monitoring of Natura 2000 forest and non-forest habitat types, in compliance with Article 17 of the Habitats Directive. Moreover, the heterogeneous stand conditions which are promoted by some forest management approaches can improve the conservation efforts for some habitat types and species. The scale of local forest plans are typically the most appropriate for implementing habitat management strategies. From this study, we conclude that management authorities should take advantage of the wide spatial coverage and distribution of existing forest plans, especially in mountain areas inside and outside the Natura 2000 network, for the successful conservation of European Union habitat types and species.

The use of Vocalizations of the Sambirano Mouse Lemur (Microcebus sambiranensis) in an Acoustic Survey of Habitat Preference

Primate vocalizations convey a variety of information to conspecifics. The acoustic traits of these vocalizations are an effective vocal fingerprint to discriminate between sibling species for taxonomic diagnosis. However, the vocal behavior of nocturnal primates has been poorly studied and there are few studies of their vocal repertoires. We compiled a vocal repertoire for the Endangered Sambirano mouse lemur, Microcebus sambiranensis, an unstudied nocturnal primate of northwestern Madagascar, and compared the acoustic properties of one of their call types to those of M. murinus and M. rufus. We recorded vocalizations from radio-collared individuals using handheld recorders over 3 months. We also conducted an acoustic survey to measure the vocal activity of M. sambiranensis in four forest habitat types at the study site. We identified and classified five vocalization types in M. sambiranensis. The vocal repertoires of the three Microcebus species contain very similar call types but have different acoustic properties, with one loud call type, the whistle, having significantly different acoustic properties between species. Our acoustic survey detected more calls of M. sambiranensis in secondary forest, riparian forest, and forest edge habitats, suggesting that individuals may prefer these habitat types over primary forest. Our results suggest interspecific differences in the vocal repertoire of mouse lemurs, and that these differences can be used to investigate habitat preference via acoustic surveys.

Forest management and hunting in areas adjacent to national parks: the example of the Magura National Park

Abstract the aim of the study was to evaluate arguments for hunting and its impact on forest management and conservation in national parks as well as areas directly adjacent to them. the issue was examined using the example of the Magura national Park (MnP) for which data on the number of deer and predatory mammals included in the statistical yearbooks for 2013-2014 were available. the quality and size of the food sources provided by this type of forest habitat were evaluated using data obtained from the literature. We also included data on the dietary habits of wolves and lynxes as well as their impact on the number of large ungulates in our analysis. the maximum carrying capacity of forest stands in the Magura national Park was determined to be 789 deer units (dear unit = 1 red deer or 0.3 elk or 5 roe deer), whereas in fact in 2014, the abundance of ungulates reached a total of 1230 deer units. our analysis evaluating the impact of wolf and lynx populations on ungulates in the area showed that these predators can kill up to 212 deer per year (140 individuals by wolves and 72 by lynxes). the growth in deer population, however, varies from 25.8% to 27.7%, which in the MnP amounts to 258-277 new born individuals per year, meaning that the wolf and lynx populations in the MnP are not able to prevent the number of deer from growing. the current population of ungulates (1230 deer units ) having reached a density of 6.6 deer units/km2 exceeds the capacity of the MnP and thus poses a real threat to maintaining both, the nature of the park and the adjacent stands. this article shows that the natural maintenance of balance in the predator-prey relationship is unlikely under these conditions and failure to allow for anthropogenic interference to regulate the number of ungulates in protected areas may result in an increase in the density of their population. Potential destruction of other valuable assets such as forest habitats may consequently follow. the current population of ungulates (1,230 deer units) having reached a density of 6.6 deer units/km2 exceeds the capacity of the MnP and thus poses a real threat to maintaining the nature of both the park and the adjacent stands. this article shows that the natural maintenance of balance in the predator-prey relationship is unlikely under these conditions and failure to allow for anthropogenic interference to regulate the number of ungulates in protected areas may result in an increase in the density of their population. Potential destruction of other valuable assets such as forest habitats may consequently follow.

Quantile regression of microgeographic variation in population characteristics of an invasive vertebrate predator.

Localized ecological conditions have the potential to induce variation in population characteristics such as size distributions and body conditions. The ability to generalize the influence of ecological characteristics on such population traits may be particularly meaningful when those traits influence prospects for successful management interventions. To characterize variability in invasive Brown Treesnake population attributes within and among habitat types, we conducted systematic and seasonally-balanced surveys, collecting 100 snakes from each of 18 sites: three replicates within each of six major habitat types comprising 95% of Guam’s geographic expanse. Our study constitutes one of the most comprehensive and controlled samplings of any published snake study. Quantile regression on snake size and body condition indicated significant ecological heterogeneity, with a general trend of relative consistency of size classes and body conditions within and among scrub and Leucaena forest habitat types and more heterogeneity among ravine forest, savanna, and urban residential sites. Larger and more robust snakes were found within some savanna and urban habitat replicates, likely due to relative availability of larger prey. Compared to more homogeneous samples in the wet season, variability in size distributions and body conditions was greater during the dry season. Although there is evidence of habitat influencing Brown Treesnake populations at localized scales (e.g., the higher prevalence of larger snakes—particularly males—in savanna and urban sites), the level of variability among sites within habitat types indicates little ability to make meaningful predictions about these traits at unsampled locations. Seasonal variability within sites and habitats indicates that localized population characterization should include sampling in both wet and dry seasons. Extreme values at single replicates occasionally influenced overall habitat patterns, while pooling replicates masked variability among sites. A full understanding of population characteristics should include an assessment of variability both at the site and habitat level.

Diversity and activity patterns of sympatric animals among four types of forest habitat in Guanyinshan Nature Reserve in the Qinling Mountains, China.

Environmental heterogeneity contributes to various habitats and may influence the diversity and activity patterns of wildlife among habitats. We used camera traps to assess wildlife habitat use in Guanyinshan Nature Reserve from 2009 to 2012. We focused on four types of habitat including open areas with gentle slope (<15°) (Type1), low elevation areas (about 1500-1700m) with high bamboo coverage (Type2), high elevation areas (about 2100-2300m) with high canopy coverage (Type3), and wildlife migration passages (Type4). We analyzed the differences in species richness, relative abundance index (RAI), species diversity, and animals' activity pattern among habitats. Total six species were analyzed on activity pattern, which are Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral), wild boar (Sus scrofa), golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus), and porcupine (Hystrix hodgsoni). The results are (1) that there were significant differences in richness and RAIt among habitats; (2) Type4 habitat had the highest richness and RAIt while Type2 had the highest species diversity; giant pandas were found in these two habitats; (3) there were significant differences in species' activity during daytime and nighttime; and (4) differences appeared in habitat preference of the most abundant species. Takin and tufted deer preferred Type1, Himalayan goral preferred Type2, and golden pheasant preferred Type3. Type4 habitat was used by most animals. All these revealed that habitat heterogeneity plays an important role in species diversity and the importance for conservation.

Activity and Habitat Use of Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in the Anthropogenic Landscape of Bossou, Guinea, West Africa

Many primate populations inhabit anthropogenic landscapes. Understanding their long-term ability to persist in such environments and associated real and perceived risks for both primates and people is essential for effective conservation planning. Primates in forest–agricultural mosaics often consume cultivars to supplement their diet, leading to potentially negative encounters with farmers. When crossing roads, primates also face the risk of encounters with people and collision with vehicles. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Bossou, Guinea, West Africa, face such risks regularly. In this study, we aimed to examine their activity budget across habitat types and the influence of anthropogenic risks associated with cultivated fields, roads, and paths on their foraging behavior in noncultivated habitat. We conducted 6-h morning or afternoon follows daily from April 2012 to March 2013. Chimpanzees preferentially used forest habitat types for traveling and resting and highly disturbed habitat types for socializing. Wild fruit and crop availability influenced seasonal habitat use for foraging. Overall, chimpanzees preferred mature forest for all activities. They showed a significant preference for foraging at >200 m from cultivated fields compared to 0–100 m and 101–200 m, with no effect of habitat type or season, suggesting an influence of associated risk. Nevertheless, the chimpanzees did not actively avoid foraging close to roads and paths. Our study reveals chimpanzee reliance on different habitat types and the influence of human-induced pressures on their activities. Such information is critical for the establishment of effective land use management strategies in anthropogenic landscapes.

Changes of water quality in the Łutownia and Perebel rivers in the Białowieża Primeval Forest

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine changes in water quality, including chemistry of outflow from two rivers: Łutownia and Perebel located in the Białowieża Primeval Forest. Water chemistry was investigated once in every three months in the years 2011-2014. Catchments differed in forest cover and habitat types. The results of the analysis of river waters were compared with the limit values for each class of water quality as settled by the legal standards. It was found that the quality of the water in rivers declined due to high concentrations of carbon and nitrogen organic forms. In general, there was observed a decrease of the concentration of organic nitrogen and an increase of the concentration of mineral nitrogen, especially in the Perebel catchment area.

Forest Habitats in the Nature Reserve ROSCI 0032 Rudariei Gorges

The Rudăriei Gorges, named after the Rudărica rivulet, is close to the Eftimie Murgu village, also known by the name of Rudăria. It is located in south-west Romania, Caras-Severin County, Almăjului Depression. It is known both in Romania and abroad less for its flora, fauna and landscape features and most for its mill reserve, where water mills are still used by the natives. The paper has as purpose, establishment of forest habitats in the area of ​​research. At the same time the work wants to clarify inconsistencies on the types of forest habitats reported to be present in accordance with the Standard Form of the site of community importance ROSCI0032 and habitats identified in the field. The methodology is specific to the identification and characterization of habitats. Field survey (during vegetation, March-October) showed that the vegetation in the area was mosaic-like, which hindered habitat mapping. Moreover, we have noticed differences between the habitats mentioned for the area (Standard Form) and those identified in the field. Thus, the Standard Form of ROSCI0032 Cheile Rudăriei mentions as existing in the area the habitat 91K0 - Illyrian Fagus sylvatica forests (Aremonio-Fagion), but in the field there were found no species representative for this type of habitat. According to our studies, the beech forests in the Rudăriei Gorges are part of the Habitat 9110 - Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests. Other new habitats described in the area and not mentioned in the Standard Form are 91E0* - Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae); 91M0 – Pannonian-Balkanic turkey oak – sessile oak forests. The habitat 9180* - Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines, mentioned in the Standard Form, was confirmed in the field.

Ecological pattern of lichen species abundance in mixed forests of Eastern Romania

The importance of this study consists in the knowledge of the ecological attributes characteristic to mixed forestry habitats and how they affect the structure of the lichen species abundances. The field activities were performed within five forest habitat types from Moldavia Province, characterised mainly by oak mixed forests, riparian mixed forests and mixed beech forests. The habitat variables, tree variables and the lichen species abundances were analysed to get informations on the structural disimilarities, on the one hand, and relationships on the other hand. Within this study no significant disimilarities were found out from abundance lichen species point of view. The lichen species abundances are a result of interactions between components of their microhabitat and macrohabitat. The correlation analysis pointed out the preferences of lichen species to their host trees, especially Quercus and Fraxinus, altitude and tree level variables as are aspect and mosses coverage. The regression analysis has highlighted that the changes in lichen species abundances are caused by macrohabitat level predictors such as host trees represented by Fraxinus. This study demonstrates that, structure of lichen species is influenced by attributes of mixed forest habitats; therefore maintaining the diversity of tree species and ensuring the continuous occurrence of forestry land is necessary for lichen and their habitat conservation.

Chemical composition and bioaccumulation ability of Boletus badius (Fr.) Fr. collected in western Poland

The aim of the study was to determine content of 17 elements (Co, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mg, Na, Ca, K, N, C, S and P) and their bioaccumulation factors (BCF) in bay bolete (Boletus badius (Fr.) Fr.) fruiting bodies (caps and stalks) and underneath soil samples collected from forest sites in lubuskie voivodeship in Poland. Forty-eight samples of Boletus badius (Fr.) Fr. fruiting bodies and the same number of underneath soil substrate samples were collected in forest sites of Sulęcin Forest District in western Poland. Copper and zinc were absorbed most strongly from soil substrate, which is performed by bioaccumulation factors (BCFCap/Soil = 16.57 and 11.60, respectively), wherein Pb, Co, Cr, Fe and Mn were excluded from bioaccumulation (BCF < 1.0). The mean content of Cd in caps and stalks was 1.44 ± 0.88 and 2.01 ± 1.26 mg kg−1 dry weight, respectively and in contrary to Pb (≈3.00 ± 2.66 and 2.01 ± 1.26 mg kg−1 d. w.) this metal is strongly accumulated from subsoil (BCFCap/Soil = 11.12 and BCFStipe/Soil = 10.83). The fruiting bodies of Boletus badius were distinguished by elevated content of Cr, Zn, Pb and Cd. Few statistically significant metal-to-metal correlations were observed. The correlation between forest habitat types and metals concentrations was also analysed. An attempt of estimation of Pb and Cd safe dose for human consumption was made. In conclusion: mushrooms can be a good source of some micro- and macroelements, but they also contain a great amount of toxic heavy metals.

Nest density of the Black-and-Red Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhyncos) along the Kinabatangan River, in Relation to Riverine Habitat Reduction

In Borneo, the forest type that supports the largest number of species, the tropical lowland rainforest, is decreasing rapidly. To estimate what is the general effect of this habitat degradation and loss on birds, this study looks at the easily visible Black-and-Red Broadbill nests that were surveyed along the Kinabatangan river in eastern Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and answers the following questions: (i) what is the current density of the population of the Black-and-Red Broadbill between Batu Putih and Bilit, along the Kinabatangan river, (ii) is the abundance of nests correlated with the surrounding habitat type (forest or disturbed area), and (iii) do Black-and-Red Broadbills need and/or use the riparian zone at the riverbank for nesting sites. During this study, a 55.6 kilometre river transect was surveyed for 3 days, and nests that were found were recorded. This study found that Black-and-Red Broadbills nests were significantly more often located in areas with a higher proportion of forest habitat type (compared to disturbed habitat type). Furthermore, this study shows that Black-and-Red Broadbills need branches and sticks at the river’s edge to build their nest on, so they are profiting from the riparian zones along the river. Therefore we recommend enhancement of nesting opportunity by artificially providing above-water nesting sites along the river edge.

The role of novel forest ecosystems in the conservation of wood-inhabiting fungi in boreal broadleaved forests.

The increasing human impact on the earth's biosphere is inflicting changes at all spatial scales. As well as deterioration and fragmentation of natural biological systems, these changes also led to other, unprecedented effects and emergence of novel habitats. In boreal zone, intensive forest management has negatively impacted a multitude of deadwood‐associated species. This is especially alarming given the important role wood‐inhabiting fungi have in the natural decay processes. In the boreal zone, natural broad‐leaved‐dominated, herb‐rich forests are threatened habitats which have high wood‐inhabiting fungal species richness. Fungal diversity in other broadleaved forest habitat types is poorly known. Traditional wood pastures and man‐made afforested fields are novel habitats that could potentially be important for wood‐inhabiting fungi. This study compares species richness and fungal community composition across the aforementioned habitat types, based on data collected for wood‐inhabiting fungi occupying all deadwood diameter fractions. Corticioid and polyporoid fungi were surveyed from 67 130 deadwood particles in four natural herb‐rich forests, four birch‐dominated wood pastures, and four birch‐dominated afforested field sites in central Finland. As predicted, natural herb‐rich forests were the most species‐rich habitat. However, afforested fields also had considerably higher overall species richness than wood pastures. Many rare or rarely collected species were detected in each forest type. Finally, fungal community composition showed some divergence not only among the different habitat types, but also among deadwood diameter fractions. Synthesis and applications: In order to maintain biodiversity at both local and regional scales, conserving threatened natural habitat types and managing traditional landscapes is essential. Man‐made secondary woody habitats could provide the necessary resources and serve as surrogate habitats for many broadleaved deadwood‐associated species, and thus complement the existing conservation network of natural forests.

Integrating conservation objectives into forest management: coppice management and forest habitats in Natura 2000 sites

Abstract: Most forest habitats, as defined and listed for their nature conservation importance in the Habitats Directive of the European Union and in the Bern Convention, result from centuries of human intervention. This paper explores the scope for, and the attitudes towards coppicing in Natura 2000 sites in some of the EU28 countries where coppice was historically one of the most important traditional silvicultural systems. A questionnaire survey was circulated to experts involved with Natura 2000 sites and case studies were conducted in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, to investigate attitudes to coppice silviculture within the framework of Natura 2000 site management plans. A list of forest habitat types capable of being managed as coppices was compiled and populated with sites at national and regional levels. At the regional level, management plans for the relevant forest habitat types in Natura 2000 sites were critically scrutinised together with other statutory, administrative or contractual measures. The results show that approaches to integrate coppice management into conservation plans differ widely. Examples of disparities are given and the possible causes discussed. A case is made for coppicing to be continued, where appropriate, as an important strategy in site management plans that aim to conserve habitats and improve forest biodiversity.

Natural regeneration of Pinus pinaster and Eucalyptus globulus from plantation into adjacent natural habitats

The tree species used in planted forests are highly productive and have an important role in countries economy but the expansion of these trees into habitats outside plantations is a concern for managers and conservationists. Among the most planted forest species worldwide, we can find eucalypts and pines species. Understanding spatial patterns and the factors that influence these species colonization is crucial to increase the knowledge about expansion capability of these species and may help managers to improve and prioritize eventual control plans. Our study aimed to identify the recruitment spatial patterns of Pinus pinaster (native species) and Eucalyptus globulus (exotic species) into habitats surrounding plantations in Portugal (native forests, grasslands and shrublands) and to determine the factors that influence recruitment. This was done by looking at the recruitment success in several habitats near plantations, using a spatial gradient of distance to plantations edge. We observed as expected that the recruitment of P. pinaster and E. globulus decreased exponentially from the plantation edge. However, the higher P. pinaster seedling recruitment in this study (P. pinaster: 247 seedlings/ha; E. globulus: 22 seedlings/ha), the smallest decline in seedlings density with distance from plantation boundary (P. pinaster=−0.036seedlings/m vs E. globulus=−0.048seedlings/m), and the longer distance of seedling establishment, demonstrate clearly that P. pinaster is more successful colonizing the habitats near plantations than E. globulus. Nevertheless E. globulus can growth seedlings within the planted stands suggesting that the species is becoming naturalized. However, localized recruitment (92% of the total seedlings recorded were located less than 15m from the plantation edge) and lower levels of establishment of E. globulus from managed plantations, suggested that this species did not demonstrate an invasive behavior. However, future research in abandoned eucalyptus plantation is needed to understand the role of plantation management and age as barriers to E. globulus colonization. Results from our survey revealed the suitability of all habitat types studied for P. pinaster natural regeneration, although their recruitment was more limited in forest habitat type. Forest and grassland were very resistant to E. globulus establishment. The two species recruitment was also influenced by different factors, with P. pinaster being independent of climatic variables, while E. globulus was affected by temperature seasonality and recruitment was found to be higher in areas with lower seasonal differences.

The diversity and community dynamics of hazelwood lichens and bryophytes along a major gradient of human impact

Background: Oceanic hazelwoods in western Scotland are hypothesised to be unmanaged post-glacial relicts, representing an unusual type of old-growth forest habitat in Europe. They are characterised by an exceptionally high epiphytic diversity, including their status as ‘hotspots’ for indicators of woodland ecological continuity. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of climate, pollution and management on the occurrence of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes on Corylus avellana. Methods: Thirteen hazelwood study sites were systematically sampled along a climate, pollution and management gradient in Britain. Epiphyte composition and richness were examined in a strict hierarchical framework, and compared against site-, stool- and stem-scale environmental predictors. Results: The study showed that along the gradient from ‘clean-air’ relict sites to ‘polluted’ coppiced sites: (i) epiphytic local stem-scale diversity declined, (ii) there was a loss of late-successional species including foliose cyano- and tripartite lichens and bryophytes and (iii) stem sizes were reduced, providing a further limit to the accumulation of species richness within a site. Conclusions: Relict hazelwoods in western Scotland are confirmed as an example of the most intact epiphyte communities. In particular, we show that the transition to coppicing can be clearly linked to ecological processes causing species loss.

Forest management economics based on forest typology

Abstract In forest management, natural conditions have long been systemized by groups of forest habitat types (GFHT). Based on them, appropriate economic measures can be taken and economic efficiency of silviculture calculated. Management intensity, the term related only to timber production in the past, has recently been defined more broadly within the sustainable, close-to-nature forest management concept. It includes economic-ecological and efficient management, and reflects potential production as well as ecological effects of forest stands. Nature and natural development are preferred where artificial interventions are unnecessary (Plíva 2000). This concept uses a specific GFHT as the elementary unit as it allows to exactly identify ecological and economic potential, management measures, quantification and monetary expression of elementary components of economic efficiency. Such optimization of management measures and their economic projections analysis can be considered a comprehensive biological-ecological-economic analysis.

The dynamics of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) in managed forests of central Poland

Abstract Based on data obtained from the Information System of Polish State Forests (SILP), we compiled a register of segments with northern red oak within the area of the Grotniki Forest District. For all of these stands, the cover of Q. rubra in the tree, understory (undergrowth and shrub layer) and herb layer was determined for at least three points and then rated on a ten-point scale (1st class – 10%, 2nd class – 20%, etc.). The current distribution of Q. rubra in all forest layers was analysed with respect to the type of forest habitat and stand age. Additionally, a prosperity index of northern red oak was calculated separately for two Forest Inspectorates and for all forest habitat types. The divisions with Q. rubra in the Grotniki Forest District comprise a total area of 4,845,86 hectares, which represents 33% of the forest district’s area. In the Grotniki Forest Inspectorate 3,447,75 hectares (38% of the forested area) and in the Glowno Forest Inspectorate 1,398,11 hectares (25%) were inventoried. In all layers of the stands, the second and the third classes of coverage were the most commonly recorded, while Q. rubra covered the largest surface area in the herb layer, which confirms that this species is spread continuously in the forest district’s stands. In the Grotniki Forest Inspectorate, Q. rubra occurred most frequently in stands of the third age class, whereas in the Głowno Forest Inspectorate stands of the fourth age class had the highest rate of occurrence. The forest habitat in which Q. rubra achieved the highest prosperity index is a moderately humid mixed coniferous forest.