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Augustynczik ALD, Gusti M, di Fulvio F, Lauri P, Forsell N, Havlík P. Modelling the effects of climate and management on the distribution of deadwood in European forests. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 354:120382. [PMID: 38401499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Deadwood is a key old-growth element in European forests and a cornerstone of biodiversity conservation practices in the region, recognized as an important indicator of sustainable forest management. Despite its importance as a legacy element for biodiversity, uncertainties remain on the drivers of deadwood potentials, its spatial distribution in European forests and how it may change in the future due to management and climate change. To fill this gap, we combined a comprehensive deadwood dataset to fit a machine learning and a Bayesian hurdle-lognormal model against multiple environmental and socio-economic predictors. We deployed the models on the gridded predictors to forecast changes in deadwood volumes in Europe under alternative climate (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) and management scenarios (biodiversity-oriented and production-oriented strategies). Our results show deadwood hotspots in montane forests of central Europe and unmanaged forests in Scandinavia. Future climate conditions may reduce deadwood potentials up to 13% under a mid-century climate, with regional losses amounting to up to 22% in Southern Europe. Nevertheless, changes in management towards more biodiversity-oriented strategies, including an increase in the share of mixed forests and extended rotation lengths, may mitigate this loss to a 4% reduction in deadwood potentials. We conclude that adaptive management can promote deadwood under changing environmental conditions and thereby support habitat maintenance and forest multifunctionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey L D Augustynczik
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg, 2361, Austria.
| | - Mykola Gusti
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg, 2361, Austria.
| | - Fulvio di Fulvio
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg, 2361, Austria.
| | - Pekka Lauri
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg, 2361, Austria.
| | - Nicklas Forsell
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg, 2361, Austria.
| | - Petr Havlík
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg, 2361, Austria.
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2
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Schwegmann S, Mörsdorf M, Bhardwaj M, Storch I. Effects of understory characteristics on browsing patterns of roe deer in central European mountain forests. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10431. [PMID: 37589040 PMCID: PMC10425343 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Selective browsing by deer on young trees may impede the management goal of increasing forest resilience against climate change and other disturbances. Deer population density is often considered the main driver of browsing impacts on young trees, however, a range of other variables such as food availability also affect this relationship. In this study, we use browsing survey data from 135 research plots to explore patterns of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) browsing pressure on woody plants in mountainous forests in central Europe. We fitted species-specific generalised linear mixed models for eight woody taxa, assessing the potential effects of understory characteristics, roe deer abundance and lying deadwood on browsing intensity. Our study reveals conspecific and associational effects for woody taxa that are intermediately browsed by roe deer. Selective browsing pressure was mediated by preferences of plants, in that, browsing of strongly preferred woody taxa as for example mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) and of least preferred woody taxa, for example Norway spruce (Picea abies) was not affected by the surrounding understory vegetation, while browsing pressure on intermediately browsed species like for example silver fir (Abies alba) was affected by understory characteristics. Contrary to our expectations, roe deer abundance was only positively associated with browsing pressure on silver fir and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), while all other plants were unaffected by deer abundance. Finally, we did not find an influence of lying deadwood volume on the browsing pressure on any woody-plant species. Overall, our results indicate that patterns in browsing preference and intensity are species-specific processes and are partly affected by the surrounding understory vegetation. Current management strategies that aim to reduce browsing pressure through culling may be inefficient as they do not address other drivers of browsing pressure. However, managers also need to consider the characteristics of the local understory vegetation in addition to deer abundance and design species-specific plans to reduce browsing on woody plant taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manisha Bhardwaj
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and ManagementUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Ilse Storch
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and ManagementUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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Horváth CV, Kovács B, Tinya F, Schadeck Locatelli J, Németh C, Crecco L, Illés G, Csépányi P, Ódor P. A matter of size and shape: Microclimatic changes induced by experimental gap openings in a sessile oak-hornbeam forest. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 873:162302. [PMID: 36822430 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Forest management integrating nature conservation aspects into timber production focuses increasingly on small-scale interventions. However, the ecological consequences of gap cuttings remain ambiguous in oak-dominated forests. In the Pilis Gap Experiment, we analyze how combinations of different gap shapes (circular and elongated), and gap sizes (150 m2 and 300 m2) affect the microclimate and biota of a mature sessile oak-hornbeam forest in Hungary. We first report the changes in direct and diffuse light, soil moisture, daily air and soil temperatures, and relative air humidity in the experimental cuttings in the vegetation season directly following their implementation. Diffuse light had a central maximum and a concentric pattern. Direct light was distributed along a north-south gradient, with maxima in northern gap parts. Soil moisture was determined by gap shape: it increased significantly in the center of circular gaps, with multiple local maxima in the southern-central parts of large circular gaps. Its pattern was negatively related to direct light, and larger spatial variability was present in circular than in elongated gaps. The daily mean air temperatures at 1.3 m increased in all, especially in large gaps. Soil and ground-level temperatures remained largely unchanged, reflecting on light and soil moisture conditions affecting evaporative cooling. Relative humidity remained unaltered. Even though the opening of experimental gaps changed microclimatic conditions immediately, effect sizes remained moderate. Gap size and gap shape were both important determinants of microclimate responses: gap size markedly affected irradiation increase, gap shape determined soil moisture surplus, while soil and air temperatures, and air humidity depended on both components of the gap design. We conclude that 150-300 m2 sized management-created gaps can essentially maintain forest microclimate while theoretically providing enough light for oak regeneration; and that the manipulation of gap shape and gap size within this range are effective tools of adaptive management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csenge Veronika Horváth
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Alkotmány út 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary.
| | - Bence Kovács
- Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Alkotmány út 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary; Department of Plant Systematics, Ecology and Theoretical Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Flóra Tinya
- Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Alkotmány út 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary
| | - Julia Schadeck Locatelli
- Centre of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Németh
- Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Alkotmány út 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary
| | - Lorenzo Crecco
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Forestry and Wood, Via Valle della Quistione 27, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Gábor Illés
- University of Sopron, Forest Research Institute, Várkerület 30/A, 9600 Sárvár, Hungary
| | - Péter Csépányi
- Pilis Park Forestry Company, Mátyás k. u. 6, 2025 Visegrád, Hungary
| | - Péter Ódor
- Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Alkotmány út 2-4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary; University of Sopron, Forestry Faculty, Institute of Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u. 4, 9400 Sopron, Hungary
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Mazziotta A, Borges P, Kangas A, Halme P, Eyvindson K. Spatial trade-offs between ecological and economical sustainability in the boreal production forest. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 330:117144. [PMID: 36586374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Economically-oriented forestry aims to sustain timber harvest revenues, while ecologically-oriented management supplies suitable habitat for species using deadwood as primary habitat. As these objectives are conflicting, planning for economic and ecological sustainability involves compromise and trade-offs. We analyze the spatial trade-offs between the economic value from timber harvesting and the volume of deadwood in the boreal forest. We assess these trade-offs from three perspectives: (1) landscape characteristics, affected by conservation strategies; (2) forest management promoting either economic or ecological values; (3) uncertainty in inventory errors undermining the estimate of the two sustainability objectives. To reveal the tradeoffs between the forest economic and ecological values we simulated and optimized a production landscape in Finland 30 years into the future accounting for uncertainty in biomass and deadwood inventories. We found that, with a limited reduction in timber harvesting (7%), (i) the amount of deadwood increased more in non-aggregated (45%) than in aggregated (16%) stands, (ii) constraining stands in adjacent areas further increased deadwood (21%) respect to the matrix and (iii) 7% of connected stand area harbored ≥20 m3/ha deadwood supporting survival of near-threatened species. Our results demonstrate that the structure of the landscape for biodiversity can be improved with limited economic losses. However, improving habitat configuration requires larger economic losses than only increasing habitat amount, but its ecological benefits are larger both for common and red-listed species. We found that management oriented towards stand aggregation not only creates connected areas with high deadwood of high value biodiversity but also improves the value of the whole matrix by decreasing intensive timber harvesting and energy wood collection. Finally, we found that uncertainties alter the estimate of the potential of the forest landscape to supply deadwood, and this can affect the choice of management actions to allocate over the landscape. To conclude, our results demonstrate the trade-offs between economic forest use and conservation are affected differently by landscape characteristics, forest management and uncertainty in inventory errors. As such these drivers should be considered when optimizing the forest for multiple uses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paulo Borges
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annika Kangas
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Joensuu, Finland
| | - Panu Halme
- Dept. of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; School of Resource Wisdom, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Kyle Eyvindson
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki, Finland; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Ås, Norway
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5
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Konczal AA, Derks J, de Koning JHC, Winkel G. Integrating nature conservation measures in european forest management - An exploratory study of barriers and drivers in 9 european countries. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 325:116619. [PMID: 36343397 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Integrative forest management approaches, aiming to combine the provision of multiple forest ecosystem services in the same forest area, are popular forest management concepts in Europe. Their understanding and application varies, however, across the continent. This paper looks at one dimension of integrative forest management approaches in particular - the integration of nature conservation measures into forest management; focusing on its understanding and application, as well as current and future social, technological, ecological, economic and political factors enabling or hampering this integration. Drawing on 42 qualitative in-depth interviews with national experts and forest practitioners, our study provides insights into the integration of nature conservation measures into forest management systems aimed at wood production and the provision of other forest ecosystem services under various conditions. Across the investigated countries, the main factors perceived to facilitate this integration are the personal motivations and knowledge of forest managers and their long-term economic thinking related to the resilience of the forest in the face of climate and societal change. In turn, the main factors perceived as hampering the integration are current wood-market demands, and a lack of (public) financial incentives. Public pressure is also perceived as an important influencing factor, which can both impede or support integration. Other ambiguous factors include societal knowledge and related knowledge gaps, relationships between local stakeholders, and the legal framework in which forest management operates. The study concludes with suggestions of how to enhance the uptake of the integration of nature conservation measures into forest management in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata A Konczal
- European Forst Institute, Bonn Office, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 7, 53113, Bonn, Germany; Forest and Nature Conservation Policy Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, Postbus 47, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Jakob Derks
- European Forst Institute, Bonn Office, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 7, 53113, Bonn, Germany; Forest and Nature Conservation Policy Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, Postbus 47, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes H C de Koning
- European Forst Institute, Bonn Office, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 7, 53113, Bonn, Germany; Department of Geosciences & Natural Resource Management, Copenhagen University, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Georg Winkel
- European Forst Institute, Bonn Office, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 7, 53113, Bonn, Germany; Forest and Nature Conservation Policy Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, Postbus 47, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Shaw T, Schönamsgruber S, Cordeiro Pereira JM, Mikusiński G. Refining manual annotation effort of acoustic data to estimate bird species richness and composition: The role of duration, intensity, and time. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9491. [PMID: 36398198 PMCID: PMC9663670 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Manually annotating audio files for bird species richness estimation or machine learning validation is a time-intensive task. A premium is placed on the subselection of files that will maximize the efficiency of unique additional species identified, to be used for future analyses. Using acoustic data collected in 17 plots, we created 60 subsetting scenarios across three gradients: intensity (minutes in an hour), day phase (dawn, morning, or both), and duration (number of days) for manual annotation. We analyzed the effect of these variables on observed bird species richness and assemblage composition at both the local and entire study area scale. For reference, results were also compared to richness and composition estimated by the traditional point count method. Intensity, day phase, and duration all affected observed richness in decreasing respective order. These variables also significantly affected observed assemblage composition (in the same order of effect size), but only the day phase produced compositional dissimilarity that was due to phenological traits of individual bird species, rather than differences in species richness. All annotation scenarios requiring equal sampling effort to point counts yielded higher species richness than the point count method. Our results show that a great majority of species can be obtained by annotating files at high sampling intensities (every 3 or 6 min) in the morning period (post-dawn) over a duration of two days. Depending on a study's aim, different subsetting parameters will produce different assemblage compositions, potentially omitting rare or crepuscular species, species representing additional functional groups and natural history guilds, or species of higher conservation concern. We do not recommend one particular subsetting regime for all research objectives, but rather present multiple scenarios for researchers to understand how intensity, day phase, and duration interact to identify the best subsetting regime for one's particular research interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Shaw
- Geobotany, Faculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | | | | | - Grzegorz Mikusiński
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and ManagementUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- School for Forest ManagementSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesSkinnskattebergSweden
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7
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Aszalós R, Thom D, Aakala T, Angelstam P, Brūmelis G, Gálhidy L, Gratzer G, Hlásny T, Katzensteiner K, Kovács B, Knoke T, Larrieu L, Motta R, Müller J, Ódor P, Roženbergar D, Paillet Y, Pitar D, Standovár T, Svoboda M, Szwagrzyk J, Toscani P, Keeton WS. Natural disturbance regimes as a guide for sustainable forest management in Europe. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2596. [PMID: 35340078 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In Europe, forest management has controlled forest dynamics to sustain commodity production over multiple centuries. Yet over-regulation for growth and yield diminishes resilience to environmental stress as well as threatens biodiversity, leading to increasing forest susceptibility to an array of disturbances. These trends have stimulated interest in alternative management systems, including natural dynamics silviculture (NDS). NDS aims to emulate natural disturbance dynamics at stand and landscape scales through silvicultural manipulations of forest structure and landscape patterns. We adapted a "Comparability Index" (CI) to assess convergence/divergence between natural disturbances and forest management effects. We extended the original CI concept based on disturbance size and frequency by adding the residual structure of canopy trees after a disturbance as a third dimension. We populated the model by compiling data on natural disturbance dynamics and management from 13 countries in Europe, covering four major forest types (i.e., spruce, beech, oak, and pine-dominated forests). We found that natural disturbances are highly variable in size, frequency, and residual structure, but European forest management fails to encompass this complexity. Silviculture in Europe is skewed toward even-aged systems, used predominately (72.9% of management) across the countries assessed. The residual structure proved crucial in the comparison of natural disturbances and silvicultural systems. CI indicated the highest congruence between uneven-aged silvicultural systems and key natural disturbance attributes. Even so, uneven-aged practices emulated only a portion of the complexity associated with natural disturbance effects. The remaining silvicultural systems perform poorly in terms of retention compared to tree survivorship after natural disturbances. We suggest that NDS can enrich Europe's portfolio of management systems, for example where wood production is not the primary objective. NDS is especially relevant to forests managed for habitat quality, risk reduction, and a variety of ecosystem services. We suggest a holistic approach integrating NDS with more conventional practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Réka Aszalós
- Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Vácrátót, Hungary
| | - Dominik Thom
- Ecosystem Dynamics and Forest Management Group, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
- Institute of Silviculture, Department of Forest- and Soil Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Tuomas Aakala
- School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Per Angelstam
- School for Forest Management, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skinnskatteberg, Sweden
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | | | | | - Georg Gratzer
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomáš Hlásny
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Klaus Katzensteiner
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Bence Kovács
- Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Vácrátót, Hungary
| | - Thomas Knoke
- Institute of Forest Management, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Laurent Larrieu
- University of Toulouse, INRAE, UMR DYNAFOR, Castanet-Tolosan, France
- CNPF-CRPF Occitanie, Tarbes, France
| | - Renzo Motta
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences (DISAFA), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Jörg Müller
- Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Rauhenebrach, Germany
- Bavarian Forest National Park, Grafenau, Germany
| | - Péter Ódor
- Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Vácrátót, Hungary
| | - Dušan Roženbergar
- Department of Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Yoan Paillet
- University Grenoble - Alpes, INRAE, LESSEM, Saint-Martin-D'Hères, France
| | - Diana Pitar
- National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry "Marin Dracea", Voluntari, Romania
| | - Tibor Standovár
- Department of Plant Systematics, Ecology and Theoretical Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miroslav Svoboda
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jerzy Szwagrzyk
- Department of Forest Biodiversity, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Philipp Toscani
- Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Economics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - William S Keeton
- Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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Kyaschenko J, Strengbom J, Felton A, Aakala T, Staland H, Ranius T. Increase in dead wood, large living trees and tree diversity, yet decrease in understory vegetation cover: The effect of three decades of biodiversity-oriented forest policy in Swedish forests. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 313:114993. [PMID: 35413650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In Sweden, the majority of forest area has been altered by industrial forestry over the decades. Almost 30 years ago, a shift towards biodiversity-oriented forest management practices occurred. Here we took advantage of long-term data collected by the Swedish National Forest Inventory to track developmental changes in forest structural components over this time. We assessed changes in structural components that play an important role in biodiversity (dead wood, large living trees, tree species composition, and understory vegetation) in four forest types with descending tiers of biodiversity protection: protected areas, woodland key habitats, low-productivity forests and production forests. Overall, we found a positive trend in the volumes of dead wood and large living trees, as well as in tree species diversity, while there was a general decline in understory vegetation coverage. Most observed changes were consistent with the intended outcomes of the current forest policy, adapted in the early 1990s. The implementation of retention forestry is likely driving some of the observed changes in forest structural components in the south. In contrast, we observed no changes in any of the focal structural components in the north, which could be attributed to the ongoing clear-cutting of forests previously managed less intensively. Dead wood and large living trees increased not only in managed, but also in unmanaged forests, likely reflecting historical management. The increased tree species diversity can be explained through current forest management practices that encourages maintenance of additional tree species. Decreasing understory vegetation coverage in both dense managed and unmanaged forests suggests that factors other than forestry contribute to the ongoing changes in understory vegetation in Swedish forests. Overall, the observed increase in structural components has not yet been reflected in documented improvements for red-listed forest species, which may be due to delays in species responses to small improvements, as well as a lack of detailed monitoring. Similarly, the increased availability of forest structural components might still be insufficient to meet the specific habitat requirements of red-listed species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kyaschenko
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Ecology, Box 7044, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Joachim Strengbom
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Ecology, Box 7044, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Adam Felton
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Box 190, 234 22 Lomma, Alnarp, Sweden.
| | - Tuomas Aakala
- University of Eastern Finland, School of Forest Sciences, Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland.
| | | | - Thomas Ranius
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Ecology, Box 7044, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
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9
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Basile M. Rare species disproportionally contribute to functional diversity in managed forests. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5897. [PMID: 35393488 PMCID: PMC8989941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09624-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional diversity is linked with critical ecosystem functions, yet its relationship with numerical diversity, e.g. species richness, is not fully understood. The mechanisms linking changes of species richness, e.g. random and non-random species losses and gains, with changes of functional diversity become more relevant in the face of rapid environmental changes. In particular, non-random species changes including rare species may affect functional diversity, and the overall ecosystem function, disproportionately compared to random species changes including common species. In this study, I investigated how changes in numerical diversity of bird assemblages are related to functional diversity, and how the environment, and in particular forest management, influences such a relationship. I collected bird count data in the extensively-managed forest landscape of the Black Forest (Germany), at 82 sampling sites over three years. Data included species richness and abundance per site, and functional traits related to diet and habitat type for each species to compute functional diversity. By partitioning numerical diversity changes into five components using Price Equations, I calculated the contribution of random and non-random species losses and gains, and the abundance of common species, to functional diversity. Then I modelled these contributions as a function of several environmental variables describing broad forest conditions, and including forest management intensity. I found that, beside the major contribution of random species losses to functional diversity, non-random species losses also play a role, indicating that rare species that contribute more to functional diversity are often lost earlier than common species. The overall contribution to functional diversity of species losses is larger than that of species gains, pointing toward an ongoing simplification of the forest bird assemblage. Among all Price components, random species gains were influenced by management intensity, while other components were not influenced by any management variable. This highlight that potential conservation actions may not be effective in halting ecosystem functioning decline, as species gains do not result in increased functional diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Basile
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany. .,Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111, 8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland. .,Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204, Sempach, Switzerland.
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10
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Tiebel M, Mölder A, Plieninger T. Conservation perspectives of small-scale private forest owners in Europe: A systematic review. AMBIO 2022; 51:836-848. [PMID: 34545552 PMCID: PMC8847644 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01615-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Private forest owners are the main forest ownership group within Europe, and important conservation values have been found on their land. Yet, small plot sizes, societal heterogeneity, and structural changes impede developing and implementing effective conservation programs in private forests. We present a systematic literature review focusing on small-scale private forest owners and their perspectives on nature conservation by synthesizing research approaches, social-ecological drivers, and policy recommendations. Conservation perspectives were positively related to female gender, higher levels of education, formalized forest management, an active relation to the forest, and ecological values of the property. In contrast, high age, rural orientation, economic forest management factors, large parcel size, and economic and sentimental property values negatively influenced conservation perspectives. Applying a natural resource conflict management framework, we synthesized recommendations covering three dimensions: substance, procedure, relationship. Considering perspectives of small-scale private forest owners in current forestry decision-making has great potential to strengthen sustainable forest management that integrates nature conservation and resource use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Tiebel
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, University of Göttingen, Platz der Göttinger Sieben 5, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Mölder
- Department of Forest Nature Conservation, Northwest German Forest Research Institute (NW-FVA), Prof.-Oelkers-Straße 6, 34346 Hann. Münden, Germany
| | - Tobias Plieninger
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, University of Göttingen, Platz der Göttinger Sieben 5, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
- Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, University of Kassel, Steinstraße 19, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany
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11
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Helbach J, Frey J, Messier C, Mörsdorf M, Scherer‐Lorenzen M. Light heterogeneity affects understory plant species richness in temperate forests supporting the heterogeneity-diversity hypothesis. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8534. [PMID: 35222947 PMCID: PMC8858222 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most important drivers for the coexistence of plant species is the resource heterogeneity of a certain environment, and several studies in different ecosystems have supported this resource heterogeneity-diversity hypothesis. However, to date, only a few studies have measured heterogeneity of light and soil resources below forest canopies to investigate their influence on understory plant species richness. Here, we aim to determine (1) the influence of forest stand structural complexity on the heterogeneity of light and soil resources below the forest canopy and (2) whether heterogeneity of resources increases understory plant species richness. Measures of stand structural complexity were obtained through inventories and remote sensing techniques in 135 1-ha study plots of temperate forests, established along a gradient of forest structural complexity. We measured light intensity and soil chemical properties on six 25 m² subplots on each of these 135 plots and surveyed understory vegetation. We calculated the coefficient of variation of light and soil parameters to obtain measures of resource heterogeneity and determined understory plant species richness at plot level. Spatial heterogeneity of light and of soil pH increased with higher stand structural complexity, although heterogeneity of soil pH did not increase in conditions of generally high levels of light availability. Increasing light heterogeneity was also associated with increasing understory plant species richness. However, light heterogeneity had no such effects in conditions where soil resource heterogeneity (variation in soil C:N ratios) was low. Our results support the resource heterogeneity-diversity hypothesis for temperate forest understory at the stand scale. Our results also highlight the importance of interaction effects between the heterogeneity of both light and soil resources in determining plant species richness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Helbach
- Geobotany, Faculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Julian Frey
- Chair of Remote Sensing and Landscape Information SystemsFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Present address:
Chair of Forest GrowthFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Christian Messier
- CEF, ISFORTUniversité du Québec en Outaouais et à MontréalMontréalCanada
| | - Martin Mörsdorf
- Geobotany, Faculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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12
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Species co-occurrence and management intensity modulate habitat preferences of forest birds. BMC Biol 2021; 19:210. [PMID: 34556096 PMCID: PMC8459526 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01136-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Species co-occurrences can have profound effects on the habitat use of species, and therefore habitat structure alone cannot fully explain observed abundances. To account for this aspect of community organization, we developed multi-species abundance models, incorporating the local effect of co-occurring and potentially associated species, alongside with environmental predictors, linked mainly to forest management intensity. We coupled it with a landscape-scale analysis to further examine the role of management intensity in modifying the habitat preferences in connection with the landscape context. Using empirical data from the Black Forest in southern Germany, we focused on the forest bird assemblage and in particular on the cavity-nesting and canopy-foraging guilds. We included in the analysis species that co-occur and for which evidence suggests association is likely. Results Our findings show that the local effect of species associations can mitigate the effects of management intensity on forest birds. We also found that bird species express wider habitat preferences in forests under higher management intensity, depending on the landscape context. Conclusions We suspect that species associations may facilitate the utilization of a broader range of environmental conditions under intensive forest management, which benefits some species over others. Networks of associations may be a relevant factor in the effectiveness of conservation-oriented forest management. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01136-8.
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Asbeck T, Kozák D, Spînu AP, Mikoláš M, Zemlerová V, Svoboda M. Tree-Related Microhabitats Follow Similar Patterns but are More Diverse in Primary Compared to Managed Temperate Mountain Forests. Ecosystems 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-021-00681-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe impact of forest management on biodiversity is difficult to scrutinize along gradients of management. A step towards analyzing the impact of forest management on biodiversity is comparisons between managed and primary forests. The standardized typology of tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) is a multi-taxon indicator used to quantify forest biodiversity. We aim to analyze the influence of environmental factors on the occurrence of groups of TreMs by comparing primary and managed forests. We collected data for the managed forests in the Black Forest (Germany) and for the primary forests in the Western (Slovakia) and Southern Carpathians (Romania). To model the richness and the different groups of TreMs per tree, we used generalized linear mixed models with diameter at breast height (DBH), altitude, slope and aspect as predictors for European beech (Fagus sylvatica (L.)), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.)) and silver fir (Abies alba (Mill.)) in primary and managed temperate mountain forests. We found congruent results for overall richness and the vast majority of TreM groups. Trees in primary forests hosted a greater richness of all and specific types of TreMs than individuals in managed forests. The main drivers of TreMs are DBH and altitude, while slope and aspect play a minor role. We recommend forest and nature conservation managers to focus: 1) on the conservation of remaining primary forests and 2) approaches of biodiversity-oriented forest management on the selection of high-quality habitat trees that already provide a high number of TreMs in managed forests based on the comparison with primary forests.
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Augustynczik ALD. Habitat amount and connectivity in forest planning models: Consequences for profitability and compensation schemes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 283:111982. [PMID: 33508551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.111982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Adjacency relationships are pervasive in forest planning problems, especially the ones related to the selection of habitat networks for biodiversity conservation. Two main approaches are applied in the planning of these conservation actions: i) selection grounded on the island biogeography theory, where connected habitats are preferred and ii) selection grounded in the habitat amount hypothesis, where the amount of habitat is enforced in local landscapes, regardless of their spatial distribution. Because the presence of connectivity requirements in the creation of habitat networks impose more stringent limitations on the search for optimal solutions, they are expected to cascade to the total benefit from harvesting revenues and, consequently, to the costs of the habitat networks. The ecological implications of these approaches have been investigated, whereas the economic consequences of imposing connectivity remain unclear. Here, I address this issue and investigate the costs of selecting habitat networks in multiple forest landscapes in central Europe, applying these two approaches. To this end, a conic optimization model is proposed, to find minimum cost allocations of forest reserves. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis on the optimal allocation is conducted, regarding the size of the habitat network required and the level of heterogeneity in forest profitability within the landscapes. The results show that habitat networks amounting to 10% of the forest area may be created with up to 5.5% reduction in the total Net Present Value (NPV), with a higher cost when connectivity is imposed (6.5%). The cost of connectivity, however, may increase in landscapes with high heterogeneity in forest profitability and with the minimum amount of habitat required. In conclusion, habitat selection must be tailored to local conditions and weight the additional costs of imposing connectivity against the requirements of the target species and the expected ecological benefits.
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Kirsch JJ, Sermon J, Jonker M, Asbeck T, Gossner MM, Petermann JS, Basile M. The use of water-filled tree holes by vertebrates in temperate forests. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer-Justine Kirsch
- J.-J. Kirsch, M. Jonker and M. Basile (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0237-5482) ✉ , Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management, Univ. of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. MJ also at: Forest Research Inst. of Baden-Württemberg (FVA), Frei
| | - Jana Sermon
- J. Sermon, Kölner Büro für Faunistik, Köln, Germany
| | - Marlotte Jonker
- J.-J. Kirsch, M. Jonker and M. Basile (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0237-5482) ✉ , Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management, Univ. of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. MJ also at: Forest Research Inst. of Baden-Württemberg (FVA), Frei
| | - Thomas Asbeck
- T. Asbeck (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4786-9312), Chair of Silviculture, Univ. of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin M. Gossner
- M. M. Gossner (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1516-6364), Forest Entomology, Swiss Federal Research Inst. WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Jana S. Petermann
- J. S. Petermann, Dept of Biosciences, Univ. of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Marco Basile
- J.-J. Kirsch, M. Jonker and M. Basile (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0237-5482) ✉ , Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management, Univ. of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. MJ also at: Forest Research Inst. of Baden-Württemberg (FVA), Frei
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16
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Combining Tree Species Composition and Understory Coverage Indicators with Optimization Techniques to Address Concerns with Landscape-Level Biodiversity. LAND 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/land10020126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sustainable forest management needs to address biodiversity conservation concerns. For that purpose, forest managers need models and indicators that may help evaluate the impact of management options on biodiversity under the uncertainty of climate change scenarios. In this research we explore the potential for designing mosaics of stand-level forest management models to address biodiversity conservation objectives on a broader landscape-level. Our approach integrates (i) an effective stand-level biodiversity indicator that reflect tree species composition, stand age, and understory coverage under divergent climate conditions; and (ii) linear programming optimization techniques to guide forest actors in seeing optimal forest practices to safeguard future biodiversity. Emphasis is on the efficiency and effectiveness of an approach to help assess the impact of forest management planning on biodiversity under scenarios of climate change. Results from a resource capability model are discussed for an application to a large-scale problem encompassing 14,765 ha, extending over a 90-years planning horizon and considering two local-climate scenarios. They highlight the potential of the approach to help assess the impact of both stand and landscape-level forest management models on biodiversity conservation goals. They demonstrate further that the approach provides insights about how climate change, timber demand and wildfire resistance may impact plans that target the optimization of biodiversity values. The set of optimized long-term solutions emphasizes a multifunctional forest that guarantees a desirable local level of biodiversity and resilience to wildfires, while providing a balanced production of wood over time at the landscape scale.
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Biodiversity response to forest management intensity, carbon stocks and net primary production in temperate montane forests. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1625. [PMID: 33452277 PMCID: PMC7810709 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80499-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Managed forests are a key component of strategies aimed at tackling the climate and biodiversity crises. Tapping this potential requires a better understanding of the complex, simultaneous effects of forest management on biodiversity, carbon stocks and productivity. Here, we used data of 135 one-hectare plots from southwestern Germany to disentangle the relative influence of gradients of management intensity, carbon stocks and forest productivity on different components of forest biodiversity (birds, bats, insects, plants) and tree-related microhabitats. We tested whether the composition of taxonomic groups varies gradually or abruptly along these gradients. The richness of taxonomic groups was rather insensitive to management intensity, carbon stocks and forest productivity. Despite the low explanatory power of the main predictor variables, forest management had the greatest relative influence on richness of insects and tree-related microhabitats, while carbon stocks influenced richness of bats, birds, vascular plants and pooled taxa. Species composition changed relatively abruptly along the management intensity gradient, while changes along carbon and productivity gradients were more gradual. We conclude that moderate increases in forest management intensity and carbon stocks, within the range of variation observed in our study system, might be compatible with biodiversity and climate mitigation objectives in managed forests.
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18
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Demant L, Bergmeier E, Walentowski H, Meyer P. Suitability of contract-based nature conservation in privately-owned forests in Germany. NATURE CONSERVATION 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.42.58173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The successful implementation of contract-based nature conservation in privately-owned forests requires a framework of reasonable operational measures. Our study aimed at developing such a framework by; 1) defining forest conservation objects including structures, processes, and habitat types, 2) assessing their conservation value based on the need for, and worthiness of, protection, 3) reviewing the suitability of contract-based measures for conservation. Overall, we defined 67 conservation objects, with 8 of them used as case studies: deadwood, habitat trees, natural succession after large-scale disturbance, coppice-with-standards, bog and fen woodlands, dry sand pine forests, and beech forests. We considered contract-based conservation suitable if, within the contract period, outcomes of measures resulted in ecological upgrading or avoidance of value loss. We identified contract-based conservation suitable for 42 combinations of objects and measures. Our approach of assessing the potential of contract-based measures for forest conservation is novel with regards to its broad range of objects, defined criteria, and various contract periods. It can help to progress conservation and improve outcomes of measures, especially in privately-owned forests in Germany. Further prerequisites are sufficient financial resources, effective administration, consultancy and the mid- to long-term stability of funding programmes.
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Moderate- to High-Severity Disturbances Shaped the Structure of Primary Picea Abies (L.) Karst. Forest in the Southern Carpathians. FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11121315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research Highlights: Past disturbances occurred naturally in primary forests in the Southern Carpathians. High- and moderate-severity disturbances shaped the present structure of these ecosystems, which regenerated successfully without forestry interventions. Background and Objectives: Windstorms and bark beetle outbreaks have recently affected large forest areas across the globe, causing concerns that these disturbances lie outside the range of natural variability of forest ecosystems. This often led to salvage logging inside protected areas, one of the main reasons for primary forest loss in Eastern Europe. Although more than two-thirds of temperate primary forests in Europe are located in the Carpathian region of Eastern Europe, knowledge about how natural disturbances shape the forest dynamics in this region is highly essential for future management decisions. Material and Methods: We established our study in a primary forest valley situated in the centre of the largest temperate primary forest landscape in Europe (Făgăraș Mountains). A dendrochronological investigation was carried out to reconstruct the natural disturbance history and relate it to the present forest structure. Results: The dendrochronological analysis revealed high temporal variability in the disturbance patterns both at the patch and stand level. Moderate severity disturbance events were most common (20–40% of canopy disturbed in 60% of the plots) but high severity events did also occur (33% of the plots). Regeneration was spruce-dominated and 71% of the seedlings were found on deadwood microsites. Conclusions: We conclude that the current structure of the studied area is a consequence of the past moderate-severity disturbances and sporadic high-severity events. The peak in disturbances (1880–1910) followed by reduced disturbance rates may contribute to a recent and future increase in disturbances in the Făgăraș Mts. Our findings show that these disturbance types are within the range of natural variability of mountain spruce forests in the Southern Carpathians and should not be a reason for salvage logging in primary forests from this area.
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Mölder A, Schmidt M, Plieninger T, Meyer P. Habitat-tree protection concepts over 200 years. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:1444-1451. [PMID: 32281122 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The protection and sustainable management of habitat trees is an integral part of modern forest nature conservation concepts such as retention forestry. Bats, cavity-nesting birds, arboreal marsupials, and many different saproxylic species depend on habitat trees and their great variety of microhabitats and old-growth characteristics. With a focus on insights from temperate forests, we traced the development of habitat-tree protection over 200 years. The idea was first conceptualized by foresters and natural scientists in the early 19th century. At that time, utilitarian conservation aimed to protect cavity trees that provided roosts and nesting holes for insectivorous bats and birds. By the second half of the 19th century, habitat-tree protection was well known to foresters and was occasionally implemented. Knowledge of the protection of large old trees, a special kind of habitat tree, for sociocultural and aesthetic reasons developed similarly. But, many foresters of that time and in the following decades fundamentally rejected protection of habitat trees for economic reasons. Beginning in the 1970s, forest conservation and integrative forest management became increasingly important issues worldwide. Since then, the protection of habitat trees has been implemented on a large scale. Long-term views on the development of conservation concepts are important to inform the implementation of conservation today. In particular, historical analyses of conservation concepts allow the testing of long-term conservation outcomes and make it possible to study the resilience of conservation approaches to changing social or ecological conditions. We encourage all conservation ecologists to assess the practical and conceptual impact of the initial ideas that led to modern conservation concepts in terms of long-term biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Mölder
- Department of Forest Nature Conservation, Northwest German Forest Research Institute (NW-FVA), Hann. Münden, Germany
| | - Marcus Schmidt
- Department of Forest Nature Conservation, Northwest German Forest Research Institute (NW-FVA), Hann. Münden, Germany
| | - Tobias Plieninger
- Chair for Social-Ecological Interactions in Agricultural Systems, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Meyer
- Department of Forest Nature Conservation, Northwest German Forest Research Institute (NW-FVA), Hann. Münden, Germany
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Knuff AK, Staab M, Frey J, Dormann CF, Asbeck T, Klein AM. Insect abundance in managed forests benefits from multi-layered vegetation. Basic Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Predicting Tree-Related Microhabitats by Multisensor Close-Range Remote Sensing Structural Parameters for the Selection of Retention Elements. REMOTE SENSING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/rs12050867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The retention of structural elements such as habitat trees in forests managed for timber production is essential for fulfilling the objectives of biodiversity conservation. This paper seeks to predict tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) by close-range remote sensing parameters. TreMs, such as cavities or crown deadwood, are an established tool to quantify the suitability of habitat trees for biodiversity conservation. The aim to predict TreMs based on remote sensing (RS) parameters is supposed to assist a more objective and efficient selection of retention elements. The RS parameters were collected by the use of terrestrial laser scanning as well as unmanned aerial vehicles structure from motion point cloud generation to provide a 3D distribution of plant tissue. Data was recorded on 135 1-ha plots in Germany. Statistical models were used to test the influence of 28 RS predictors, which described TreM richness (R2: 0.31) and abundance (R2: 0.31) in moderate precision and described a deviance of 44% for the abundance and 38% for richness of TreMs. Our results indicate that multiple RS techniques can achieve moderate predictions of TreM occurrence. This method allows a more efficient and objective selection of retention elements such as habitat trees that are keystone features for biodiversity conservation, even if it cannot be considered a full replacement of TreM inventories due to the moderate statistical relationship at this stage.
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Basile M, Asbeck T, Pacioni C, Mikusiński G, Storch I. Woodpecker cavity establishment in managed forests: relative rather than absolute tree size matters. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Basile
- M. Basile (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0237-5482) ✉ , G. Mikusiński and I. Storch, Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management, Univ. of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, DE-79106 Freiburg, Germany. GM also at: Dept of Ecology, Swedis
| | - Thomas Asbeck
- T. Asbeck, Chair of Silviculture, Univ. of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cesare Pacioni
- C. Pacioni, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine – UNICAM Univ. of Camerino, Camerino (MC), Italy
| | - Grzegorz Mikusiński
- M. Basile (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0237-5482) ✉ , G. Mikusiński and I. Storch, Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management, Univ. of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, DE-79106 Freiburg, Germany. GM also at: Dept of Ecology, Swedis
| | - Ilse Storch
- M. Basile (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0237-5482) ✉ , G. Mikusiński and I. Storch, Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management, Univ. of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, DE-79106 Freiburg, Germany. GM also at: Dept of Ecology, Swedis
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Storch I, Penner J, Asbeck T, Basile M, Bauhus J, Braunisch V, Dormann CF, Frey J, Gärtner S, Hanewinkel M, Koch B, Klein A, Kuss T, Pregernig M, Pyttel P, Reif A, Scherer‐Lorenzen M, Segelbacher G, Schraml U, Staab M, Winkel G, Yousefpour R. Evaluating the effectiveness of retention forestry to enhance biodiversity in production forests of Central Europe using an interdisciplinary, multi-scale approach. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:1489-1509. [PMID: 32076529 PMCID: PMC7029101 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retention forestry, which retains a portion of the original stand at the time of harvesting to maintain continuity of structural and compositional diversity, has been originally developed to mitigate the impacts of clear-cutting. Retention of habitat trees and deadwood has since become common practice also in continuous-cover forests of Central Europe. While the use of retention in these forests is plausible, the evidence base for its application is lacking, trade-offs have not been quantified, it is not clear what support it receives from forest owners and other stakeholders and how it is best integrated into forest management practices. The Research Training Group ConFoBi (Conservation of Forest Biodiversity in Multiple-use Landscapes of Central Europe) focusses on the effectiveness of retention forestry, combining ecological studies on forest biodiversity with social and economic studies of biodiversity conservation across multiple spatial scales. The aim of ConFoBi is to assess whether and how structural retention measures are appropriate for the conservation of forest biodiversity in uneven-aged and selectively harvested continuous-cover forests of temperate Europe. The study design is based on a pool of 135 plots (1 ha) distributed along gradients of forest connectivity and structure. The main objectives are (a) to investigate the effects of structural elements and landscape context on multiple taxa, including different trophic and functional groups, to evaluate the effectiveness of retention practices for biodiversity conservation; (b) to analyze how forest biodiversity conservation is perceived and practiced, and what costs and benefits it creates; and (c) to identify how biodiversity conservation can be effectively integrated in multi-functional forest management. ConFoBi will quantify retention levels required across the landscape, as well as the socio-economic prerequisites for their implementation by forest owners and managers. ConFoBi's research results will provide an evidence base for integrating biodiversity conservation into forest management in temperate forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Storch
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and ManagementFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Johannes Penner
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and ManagementFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Thomas Asbeck
- Chair of SilvicultureFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Marco Basile
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and ManagementFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Jürgen Bauhus
- Chair of SilvicultureFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Veronika Braunisch
- Forest Research Institute of Baden‐Württemberg (FVA)FreiburgGermany
- Conservation BiologyInstitute of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Carsten F. Dormann
- Biometry and Environmental System AnalysisFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Julian Frey
- Chair of Remote Sensing and Landscape Information SystemsFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | | | - Marc Hanewinkel
- Chair of Forestry Economics and Forest PlanningFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Barbara Koch
- Chair of Remote Sensing and Landscape Information SystemsFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Alexandra‐Maria Klein
- Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape EcologyFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Thomas Kuss
- Forest Research Institute of Baden‐Württemberg (FVA)FreiburgGermany
| | - Michael Pregernig
- Chair of Sustainability GovernanceFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Patrick Pyttel
- Chair of SilvicultureFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Albert Reif
- Chair of Site Classification and Vegetation ScienceFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | | | - Gernot Segelbacher
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and ManagementFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Ulrich Schraml
- Forest Research Institute of Baden‐Württemberg (FVA)FreiburgGermany
| | - Michael Staab
- Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape EcologyFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Georg Winkel
- Resilience ProgrammeEuropean Forest InstituteBonnGermany
| | - Rasoul Yousefpour
- Chair of Forestry Economics and Forest PlanningFaculty of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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A Comparison of the Formation Rates and Composition of Tree-Related Microhabitats in Beech-Dominated Primeval Carpathian and Hyrcanian Forests. FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11020144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Primeval forests in the temperate zone exist only as a few remnants, but theses serve as important reference areas for conservation. As key habitats, tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) are of intense interest to forest ecologists, but little is known about their natural composition and dynamics in different tree species. Beech forms a major part of the temperate forests that extend from Europe, home to European beech Fagus sylvatica L. (Fs), eastward to Iran, where Oriental beech Fagus orientalis Lipsky (Fo) is the dominant species. In this study, we compared TreMs in primeval forests of both species, using data from Fo growing in 25 inventory plots throughout the Hyrcanian forest belt in Iran and from Fs growing in a 9 ha permanent plot in the Uholka Forest of Ukraine. TreMs based on 47 types and 11 subgroups were recorded. Beech trees in the Hyrcanian forest had a higher mean diameter at breast height (dbh) than beech trees in Uholka and contained twice as many TreMs per hectare. Although the mean richness of TreMs per TreM bearing tree was similar in the two species, on the basis of the comparison single trees in two groups (n = 405 vs. 2251), the composition of the TreMs clearly differed, as the proportions of rot holes, root-buttress concavities, and crown deadwood were higher in the Hyrcanian Forest, and those of bark losses, exposed heartwood, and burrs and cankers higher in Uholka Forest. Estimates of TreMs dynamics based on dbh and using Weibull models showed a significantly faster cumulative increase of TreMs in Fo, in which saturation occurred already in trees with a dbh of 70–80 cm. By contrast, the increase in TreMs in Fs was continuous. In both species, the probability density was highest at a dbh of about 30 cm, but was twice as high in Fo. Because of limitations of our study design, the reason behind observed differences of TreM formation and composition between regions remains unclear, as it could be either result of the tree species or the environment, or their interaction. However, the observed differences were more likely the result of differences in the environment than in the two tree species. Nevertheless, our findings demonstrate that the Hyrcanian Forest, recently designated as a natural heritage site in Iran, is unique, not only as a tertiary relict or due to its endemic trees, herbs and arthropods, but also because of its TreMs, which form a distinct and rich habitat for associated taxa, including endemic saproxylic species.
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