Forest as Capercaillie’s habitat: applied research efforts and new management experiences

Abstract

Abstract:Forest as Capercaillie's habitat: applied research efforts and new management experiences. Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) is considered as an indicator species for naturally open coniferous forests, with high proportions of old and open stands. At present, Capercaillie conservation status is threatened in all its central European distribution range: the species has narrow habitat preferences and large spatial requirements and it is particularly susceptible to changes in landscape and habitat use. Forestry practices are commonly considered as the major factor influencing Capercaillie's population dynamics, though direct human disturbance is another threat of considerable impact. Increasing loss and fragmentation of suitable habitats have resulted in small populations with different levels of connectivity, up to complete isolation. Preservation, restoration and improvement of the habitat are the most important conservation measures to ensure the long-term survival of Capercaillie populations. Integrating silvicultural practices with specific environmental requirements of this forest grouse is therefore of crucial importance. Some results of recent research and conservation efforts carried out in central-eastern Alpine Arc of Switzerland and Italy are presented here, based on different research approaches. Preliminary experiences of management guidelines applied to conservation strategy of such a symbolic species are also commented. A conservation strategy recently developed by Regione Lombardia is discussed. Secondly, two studies developed in the frame of a research project concerning "A metapopulation model of Capercaillie in the Swiss Alps" are presented, referring to different spatial scale (forest stand and landscape). A specific Action Plan at Swiss national level will be developed based on the main results of this project. Finally implementation of Special Forest Reserves is described, as a possible long-term tool for protecting and conserving Capercaillie populations.Keywords: Gallo cedrone, Gestione forestale, Selvicoltura, Conservazione degli habitat, Riserva speciale forestale.

Modeling Italian forests: state of the art and future challenges

“…The link between input and output variables is often based on empirical relationships or multivariate and multicriteria analysis. Examples were given in the fields of fire risk prediction (e.g., Ventura et al 2001, Laneve & Cadau 2007, Camia 2009), habitat suitability (Boitani et al 2002, Fiorese et al 2005, Brugnoli & Brugnoli 2006, and plant species distribution in response to climate change scenarios (Attorre et al 2008).…”