Knyszyn Forest Research Articles

Unraveling the Role of Bacteria in Nitrogen Cycling: Insights from Leaf Litter Decomposition in the Knyszyn Forest

Unraveling the Role of Bacteria in Nitrogen Cycling: Insights from Leaf Litter Decomposition in the Knyszyn Forest

Clear-cuts support the metapopulation of a critically endangered butterfly

Clear-cutting is believed to have a negative impact on forest biodiversity, but numerous studies have also shown its positive effects, especially in temperate and boreal regions. This phenomenon is mainly related to the creation of early successional habitats that serve as temporary meadows. Among the species that benefit the most are those associated with semi-natural grasslands, i.e. biotopes that have been disappearing from the landscape due to agricultural intensification. A good example is the Danube Clouded Yellow Colias myrmidone, one of the most endangered butterflies in Europe. Its last lowland metapopulation in the EU exists in the Knyszyn Forest (north-eastern Poland), but the species occurrence is limited to the eastern parts of this large forest complex. All currently known habitats are forest clear-cuts located mainly on former agricultural land, i.e. mostly extensively used pastures that were afforested in the 20th century. Chamaecytisus ruthenicus, the only local larval food plant of C. myrmidone, is currently found almost exclusively in first-generation forests. Logging allows the host plants to flourish, and clear-cuts are colonized by the butterfly. In 2022, intensive mark-release-recapture studies were carried out in the focal metapopulation. The estimated metapopulation size was 4643 adults, indicating a six-fold increase compared to previous studies conducted in 2017. This was plausibly mainly due to the increase in the area of potential habitats, as butterfly densities were very similar in both seasons. The improved connectivity between habitat patches resulted in a very high proportion of dispersing individuals successfully reaching other patches, which is in contrast to the dispersal mortality of ca. 50% observed five years earlier. A relatively high mobility was also observed in the case of the much smaller spring generation. To our knowledge, this is the first study to document a reversal of selection against dispersal and it demonstrates that such changes can occur relatively quickly, i.e. within a few generations. In order to ensure the long-term persistence of the viable C. myrmidone metapopulation and mitigate the negative effects of climate change, a network of stable forest-steppe-like habitats in combination with the creation of clear-cuts in forest stands with presence of C. ruthenicus would be optimal. To achieve this, we recommend leaving some selected clear-cuts without replanting to restore grasslands (through grazing and removal of excess trees, shrubs and invasive plants), while the suitability of ephemeral habitats could be improved through appropriate silvicultural measures.

March or get infected: Influence of winter ranging shaped by supplementary feeding on the spread of non-native nematode Ashworthius sidemi in European bison populations

Parasitic infections in wildlife are influenced by numerous factors, including those related to wildlife management. This includes sup plementary feeding widespread in numerous ungulates, including European bison. In this paper we analysed the influence of sup plementary feeding and winter ranging of European bison herds on the dynamics, prevalence and infection severity of the blood-sucking nematode Ashworthius sidemi in two areas in NE Poland: the Knyszyn Forest (KF) and the Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF) with diversified management strategies. We found significant differences in A. sidemi abundance and intensity between European bison groups; sup plementary fed European bison from the BPF had higher parasitic load (3020 parasites, on average), than non-fed individuals from the KF (1400) and from the BPF (770). The prevalence was relatively high in all groups (93–96 %). In the KF the highest infection rate was observed 9 years after the first appearance of A. sidemi, with a maximum value of 8,620 nematodes; while in the BPF, after just 6 years with maximal load up to 44,310 A. sidemi. The most plausible mechanism behind the observed pattern is probably the winter ranging behaviour of differently managed herds. We found that increasing winter home range size of European bison was associated with a significant reduction in the A. sidemi abundance. Our study shows that different management strategies may have an impact on animal spatial behaviour and associated spread and dynamics of pathogens in mammalian populations, and stresses the importance of adaptive management in reducing threats to wildlife.

Palaeobiodiversity of Knyszyn Forest (NE Poland) Mires Based on the Late Glacial and Holocene Histories of Vascular Plant Species

Peat and lacustrine sediments are a valuable source of knowledge about past biodiversity. Plant macrofossil remains were identified in sediments of mires in northeastern Poland’s Knyszyn Forest. Among them, the remains of species currently absent in this area, such as Potamogeton pusillus, P. friesii, P. filiformis, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, and Cladium mariscus, have been found. In addition, the history of Betula humilis and its possible correlations with another species of bush birch—Betula nana—were of interest. Radiocarbon dating allowed the presence of the studied species to be placed within a time frame, and it was thus established that aquatic species existed in the area under study during the Late Glacial and the turn of the Holocene. Cladium mariscus occurred during the Greenlandian and Meghalayan stages of the Holocene and then became intolerant of habitat changes that occurred. The coexistence of two species of birch known to exist since the Late Glacial was interrupted in the Northgrippian. B. nana, then disappeared from the area, and B. humilis continued to occur as it was more resistant to the changing environmental conditions. It must be emphasized, however, that these conclusions were made possible by the researchers’ access to undisturbed deposits. The mires present in the area of study remain in good condition, providing important and relevant materials for palaeoecological research.

Rotifers of Inter-Forest Springs

Springs are often considered as “hotspots” of aquatic biodiversity. However, small organisms, such as rotifers, substantially contribute to secondary production, but they are rarely investigated in springs. We surveyed the rotifer fauna of 47 springs in the Knyszyn Forest (north-eastern Poland) in summer and autumn 2014–2015. We hypothesized that stream communities of Rotifera may be specific to this habitat. Rotifer samples were taken using a Plexiglas tube in the spring current. Concurrently, water temperature, pH, conductivity, water redox potential and phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations were determined. The springs did not differ statistically in water quality and were stable regarding their temperature and conductivity. Rotifer densities and mean number of monogonont species were very low both in summer and autumn. Nevertheless, the total number of species recorded in all springs was relatively high and accounted for 101 in total. Although strongly differentiated, the rotifer fauna contained a set of several species common to most of the springs. Most of the recorded species are eurytopic and widely spread in water ecosystems. Only the concentration of magnesium and chloride ions had an impact on Monogononta numbers.

Small mammals in the diet of the tawny owl Strix aluco in selected sites of the Biebrza Basin and Knyszyn Forest in north-eastern Poland.

The analysis of pellets of the tawny owl Strix aluco collected in the years 2009–2023 in 22 sites (ten in the Biebrza Basin and twelve in Knyszyn Forest) allowed for finding four species of Soricomorpha, nine species of Chiroptera and fifteen species of Rodentia (4, 5 and 12 in the Biebrza Basin and 4, 7 and 13 in Knyszyn Forest, respectively). Most common and most frequently caught by owls were: the bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus, the yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis and the common shrew Sorex araneus. Valuable species of bats included the pond bat Myotis dasycneme and the western barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus noted in Knyszyn Forest. Rare rodents found in both study areas were: the northern birch mouse Sicista betulina and the common dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius while the forest dormouse Dryomys nitedula was noted only in Knyszyn Forest. The European water vole Arvicola amphibius commonly noted in the Biebrza Basin was not found in Knyszyn Forest. On the contrary, the common pine vole Microtus subterraneus was reecorded only in Knyszyn Forest.

Microhabitat Conditions and Inter-Species Competition Predict the Successful Restoration of Declining Relict Species Populations.

The local populations of relict plant taxa living near the limits of their geographical range are particularly vulnerable to extinction. For example, Salix lapponum is one of the rarest and most endangered glacial relicts in Western and Central Europe. In Poland, the number of its sites has dramatically decreased over the past few decades, prompting us to take conservation measures focused on saving endangered populations. During a field experiment aimed at the reconstruction of the downy willow population in the Knyszyn Forest (NE Poland), 730 individuals of the species were planted in four different natural sites. The seedlings were obtained by micropropagation from parts of vegetative individuals taken from the most abundant population of this species in eastern Poland (Lake Bikcze). The success of the reintroduction, measured by the number of individuals that survived 2-3 years in the wild and took up growth, was about 67%, however, with low flowering efficiency (7.5%). Additionally, monitoring showed significant differences in plant survival and growth rates under different habitat conditions prevailing at the site and with different cover from competing species, especially tall grasses. However, the restoration projects for relict shrub species should include periodic removal of competing plants and protection of plants from trampling and browsing by herbivorous mammals to increase reintroduction success.

The Role of the Catchment Area in Shaping Water Quality in the Lowland Springs of the Knyszyn Forest (NE Poland)

The Puszcza Knyszyńska springs are an important element of the environment, conditioning the high geo- and biodiversity in the region. These springs are layered outflows that drain the waters of the Quaternary level. More than 200 outflows have been cataloged, and 80 of them have measured/estimated yields and analyses of their water qualities. During periods of low water levels, the discharge efficiency most often fluctuated within a range of 0.5–2.0 dm3·s–1. In light of the applicable legal standards, the tested waters were of excellent quality. They belonged to the two hydrochemical types HCO3-Ca and HCO3-Ca-Mg, indicating the Quaternary aquifer’s homogeneity in the post-glacial areas. Small concentrations of most of the chemical parameters of water were found in the forest springs. Larger transformations in the chemical composition of water occurred in the outflows located in agricultural land and rural areas. A characteristic feature of the chemical composition of the water in the region’s lowland springs was an increased concentration of biogenic compounds (nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon compounds), both organic and inorganic. The average concentration of dissolved organic carbon in the water of the lowland springs in summer exceeded 4 mg·dm−3. In some outflows, most often of a swamp nature or located in peat areas, the concentration of dissolved organic carbon even exceeded a dozen or so mg·dm−3.

Effective Doses of Ionizing Radiation during Therapeutic Peat Mud Treatment from a Deposit in the Knyszyn Forest (Northeastern Poland).

Radioactivity measurements of 61 therapeutic peat mud samples from the Podsokoldy deposits, near Suprasl, were performed using gamma spectrometry. The authors identified the presence of 13 isotopes with the arithmetic mean of activity (in Bq kg−1): 137Cs-7, 40K-24, 208Tl-1, 212Bi-3, 212Pb-2, 228Ac-2, 210Pb-33, 214Bi-11, 214Pb-11, 226Ra-53, 234Th–47. The effective dose obtained during treatment with 15 peat mud baths (lasting 30 min) was 0.078 μSv. Use of peat mud compresses in the same number and period of exposure to the entire body surface caused absorption of a dose of 0.153 μSv. The authors discuss the probability of tissue radiation from isotopes present in the peat mud. In light of radiobiological knowledge, the therapeutic effect of ionizing radiation during peat mud therapy appears to be very unlikely.

Characteristics of plant communities, population features, and edaphic conditions of Arnica montana L. populations in pine forests of mid-Eastern Europe

Mountain arnica, <em>Arnica montana</em> L., an herbaceous plant species critically endangered in Europe, is the source of raw material, which is abundant in its secondary metabolites. During the field investigation conducted in Augustów and Knyszyn forests (Poland) and in Grodno Forest (Belarus), the plant species composition and population characteristics were measured. Additionally, to evaluate the edaphic conditions of arnica populations, soil samples were taken and analyzed. The sandy and very nutrient-poor soils are characterized by strong acidity and a very low concentration of macro- and microelements. The analyzed characteristics of the studied populations indicate a good status of populations located in Grodno Forest. However, the very small number of individuals and the very small proportion of flowering individuals in the populations in Augustów Forest and Knyszyn Forest indicate the need for active protective actions. <em>Calamagrostis arundinacea</em> can play the role of a competitor; therefore, during planning active protection, individuals of this species should be eliminated, and particular attention should be paid to the frequency and coverage of this plant species and the plant height of the herb layer. The dependence between population characteristics, especially the proportion of flowering stems and the concentration of available phosphorus, may indicate the effect of the concentration of this macroelement on flowering and, in consequence, provide a greater chance for the generative propagation of this plant species.

Dispersal in a metapopulation of the critically endangered Danube Clouded Yellow butterfly Colias myrmidone: implications for conservation

Colias myrmidone has suffered a dramatic decline in Europe, and now its occurrence is restricted to just a few countries. We investigated one of the last viable metapopulations (Knyszyn Forest, NE Poland), where the butterfly is almost completely dependent on forestry, inhabiting some clearings and young tree plantations rich in larval food plants (Chamaecytisus ruthenicus) and nectar resources. Intensive mark-recapture studies were performed in 2017 on eight occupied patches separated by 0.5–5 km. The overall population size of imagoes in the second brood was calculated at about 750 individuals. Sex ratio was shown to be well-balanced and average residency was estimated at 5.6 days. Dispersal occurred mostly between neighbouring patches, and isolation of patches contributed to the high mortality of emigrants. The average distance covered during dispersal was significantly higher for males. However, females left small patches much more readily than males. These patches were probably used only as ‘stepping stone’ sites in dispersal. Restricted dispersal could be related to barriers created by forest stands but it is also not excluded that individuals living in an isolated metapopulation become increasingly sedentary and our results are an early warning sign. The most distant local population was clearly isolated, with hardly any immigration from the other populations. To maintain a network of more stable habitat patches some clearings should be left deforested and appropriately managed. However this goal is difficult to achieve under the current forestry rules and therefore (re)creation of habitats on other available open areas should be considered.

Vascular plant and bryophyte species richness in response to water quality in lowland spring niches with different anthropogenic impacts

Many freshwater ecosystems face severe threats from anthropogenic disturbances. In the field, we investigated the morphology of spring niches and the species richness of vascular plants and bryophytes in 16 springs, draining the quaternary aquifers, located in two different environments—an urban area (city of Białystok) and a protected area (Knyszyn Forest Landscape Park, NE Poland). In total, 47 vascular plant and 45 bryophyte species were recorded, representing mostly crenophytes including protected species. The most important water quality parameters that can be used to evaluate variations of the spring water chemistry in NE Poland are the mineral-related parameters (electrolytic conductivity, Ca2+, SO42−, and Cl−). The organic-related parameters (DOC) and nutrients (TP, NO3−-N) were negatively involved in water quality variations. Our results show that anthropogenic activity significantly affects the biodiversity of plant communities in lowland springs. The presence or absence of crenophytes and bryophytes is indicative of the ecological status of the groundwater outflow complexes.

Distribution of Lichen Species of the Genus Lepraria in the Knyszyn Forest (Ne Poland) in Different Forest Plant Communities

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of lichen species of the genus Lepraria in Knyszyn Forest (NE Poland) to different forest plant communities. Six species of Lepraria [L. eburnea J. R. Laundon, L. elobata Tønsberg, L. incana (L.) Ach., L. jackii Tønsberg, L. lobificans Nyl. and L. vouaxii (Hue) R. C. Harris] recorded from Knyszyn Forest. Lepraria eburnea is a new species for the studied area. The most common species were Lepraria incana and L. lobificans. Among the studied forest communities the richest in species (5 species of Lepraria) were oak-hornbeam forest (Tilio-Carpinetum), and the least species-rich (2 species) were maple-linden slope forest (Aceri-Tilietum), alder carr (Carici elongatae-Alnetum) and spruce forest (Sphagno girgensohnii-Piceetum). The richest lichen diversity in the Knyszyn Forest was found on deciduous trees such as Carpinus betulus L. and Quercus robur L. (4 species), Tilia cordata Mill. (3 spp.), and conifers such as Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. and Pinus sylvestris L. (3 spp.).

Unexpected differences in butterfly diversity between two peat bogs in the same area

Abstract Peat bogs are listed among the most threatened habitats in central Europe, a situation that is reflected by, for example, the conservational status of stenotopic butterflies. Even so, this group remains relatively little studied and most of the available data are limited to qualitative records. The present study enabled us to gain insight into the butterfly fauna of the two largest peat bogs in the Knyszyn Forest (NE Poland), i.e. Bagno Moskal and the one in the Jesionowe Góry nature reserve. The sites, only ca 10 km apart, are characterized by similar vegetation (mainly the Ledo-Sphagnetum association). The study was carried out in 2013-2015 using the transect method, i.e. regular counts along fixed routes. A total of 37 species, including three tyrphobionts (Colias palaeno, Plebejus optilete and Boloria eunomia) and two tyrphophiles (Callophrys rubi and Boloria euphrosyne), were recorded. The greatest and unexpected differences between the sites were related to the complete absence of P. optilete at Bagno Moskal, the significantly higher abundance of B. eunomia at Jesionowe Góry and the greater abundance of B. euphrosyne at Bagno Moskal. In addition, C. palaeno was observed sporadically and only at Bagno Moskal. There was some heterogeneity in the distribution and density of particular species, however. Ledum palustre was found to be the most important nectar plant, its flowers also being frequently visited by tyrphoneutrals. The present study shows that isolated island-like habitats (e.g. peat bogs) may possess specific features and be subject to specific independent changes. The results provide a good basis for further research into the habitat preferences of tyrphophilous and tyrphobiontic butterflies, which is important in the context of their conservation.

Białystok inhabitants’ preferences concerning forest recreational services – the need for physical activity

Abstract This paper focuses on the market segmentation of recreational forest services using the concept of ‘sensation seeking’ for describing recreational expectations of town dwellers. The physical activity of town dwellers from the urban agglomeration of Białystok and the Knyszyn Forest (North-Eastern Poland) during outdoor recreation was analysed using this concept. The results of this research suggest that less than thirty percent of inhabitants of the Białystok agglomeration tend to be physically active during outdoor recreation. This is evidence of a low level of physical culture within the part of the society analysed in this study. Amongst all participants, only seven percent use the Knyszyn Forest for recreational purposes based on physical activity. The limited interest in active recreation in forests that we observed can be attributed to two main causes: 1) the lack of acceptance of a closed forest landscape as a recreational area; 2) the lack of recreational facilities in the Knyszyn Forest that would encourage healthy behaviour during active outdoor recreation.

Białystok inhabitants’ preferences concerning forest recreational services – the need for landscape diversity

Abstract This paper deals with the market segmentation of recreational forest services using the concept of ‘sensation seeking’ to describe expectations of town dwellers towards recreation. In this approach, the variable of landscape dissimilarity is evaluated based on the landscape preferences of town dwellers for recreational purposes. The urban agglomeration of Białystok and the Knyszyn Forest (North-Eastern Poland) were chosen as the target for this case study. The results of the research suggest that the potential market of recreational forest services of the urban agglomeration of Białystok includes and provides for about 30% of the inhabitants. The emerging true market of the recreational services of the Knyszyn Forest reaches only about 22% of the inhabitants of Białystok. These market limitations and the characteristics of the forest landscape are inacceptable for outdoor recreation for the majority of town dwellers.

Migration of amphibians and their Mortality on the road of Knyszyn forest landscape park

Migration of amphibians and their Mortality on the road of Knyszyn forest landscape park

FIZYKOCHEMICZNE WŁAŚCIWOŚCI WYBRANYCH ŹRÓDLISK PUSZCZY KNYSZYŃSKIEJ

Springs as groundwater outflows onto the surface belong to permanent elements in Knyszyn Forest Landscape Park which occurrence results from geological structure of Bialystok High Plain. Research included 5 springs located in 3 reserves (Krzemianka, Jalowka, Budzisk) in Knyszyn Forest Landscape Park. During research there have been described classification of springs with water analyses of physico-chemical properties as well as flora verification in spring niches. The surveys has shown that in studied area the springs belong to ascending or descending outflows with erosion scarp and rheocrenes at one time. Due to lack of anthropogenic changes as well as location of springs in forest area they possess good water quality here what was proved by water analyses.

Farm Crops Depredation by European Bison (Bison bonasus) in the Vicinity of Forest Habitats in Northeastern Poland

European bison, the largest mammal in Europe, after being exterminated in the wild and then restored during the 20th century is still listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) as a species vulnerable to extinction. However, the increasing number of European bison, through creation of new and expansion of existing populations strongly increases the risk of human-bison conflict in the near future. We analyzed the depredation of farm crops by bison and the factors influencing the level of damage in the vicinity of two forest areas inhabited by bison in northeastern Poland. Between 2000 and 2010, the total cost of compensation was € 196,200. The level of damage and amount of compensation was increasing from year to year in both forests and correlated with the number of bison. The majority of damage (57 % of cases) was recorded in winter (December–March). Snow depth and temperature did not influence the frequency of damage. The incidences of damage increased with decreasing distance from the woodland patches, therefore, 69 % of cases in Białowieża Forest, and 80 % in Knyszyn Forest were recorded closer than 0.5 km from nearest woodland patch. The majority of the crops damaged by bison were cereals (61 %) but also hay (20 %) and rape (13 %). When compared to the availability of crops, bison strongly selected rape and rye in both regions. This study is the first addressing the increasing problem of human-bison conflict in re-introduced populations and analyzing long-term data on crop depredation. Such situations probably occur in the majority of growing and expanding bison populations, however, it has not yet to be monitored and is rather neglected in post-Soviet countries.

Epizoic communities of Rotifera on freshwater bivalves

Abstract The species structure of epizoic communities of Rotifera was analyzed on three species of freshwater bivalves: Anodonta anatina (Linnaeus), A. cygnea (Linnaeus) and Unio tumidus (Philipsson) from lakes and rivers of north-eastern Poland. Epizoic rotifer communities were abundant and relatively rich in species. The communities were mostly built of common littoral species, like Colurella uncinata, Lecane flexilis, Lepadella quadricarinata, Ptygura melicerta. They were accompanied by species typical for pelagic waters (e.g. Trichocerca pusilla, T. similis). Bivalves inhabiting outflows of rivers from Knyszyn Forest had the most diversified and abundant epizoic communities. Large differences were also observed as regards particular species occurrence in different habitats. Maximum numbers of Ptygura melicerta living on the surface of bivalves from rivers accounted for 150 individuals per bivalve specimen, whereas those living on animals from lakes - up to 10 individuals. All studied bivalves were colonized by very large numbers of bdelloids.