Light availability and phorophyte identity drive epiphyte species richness and composition in mountain temperate forests

Wierzcholska, Sylwia; Łubek, Anna; Dyderski, Marcin K.; Horodecki, Paweł; Rawlik, Mateusz; Jagodziński, Andrzej M.

doi:10.1016/j.ecoinf.2024.102475

Ecological Informatics

2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2024.102475

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Light availability and phorophyte identity drive epiphyte species richness and composition in mountain temperate forests

Sylwia Wierzcholska,

Anna Łubek,

Marcin K. Dyderski

et al.

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2024

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Cited by 3 publications

References 55 publications

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Bryophytes in managed lowland forests of Slovakia (Central Europe): looking into species diversity across different forest types

Mišíková,

Mišík

2024

Biodivers Conserv

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The majority of the woodland area in Central Europe is composed of managed forests. Although the species diversity and composition, particularly in older forests, may be similar to those of natural or close-to-nature forests, intensive forestry and other human activities have adverse impacts on biodiversity. The present study focused on bryophyte diversity in managed lowland forests, as these have received less attention compared to other types of forests. Our research targeted the area located within the Borská nížina Lowland in south-western Slovakia. In total, 37 forest sampling plots (SPs) were selected, representing five different forest types, namely Quercus, Fraxinus, Robinia, Pinus, and mixed forests. Multivariate statistical analyses were conducted across these forest types to demonstrate variations in bryophyte species richness, composition, and functional traits. Overall, 60 species of bryophytes were identified, of which five were liverworts and 55 were mosses. Epiphytes were the most abundant substrate group in deciduous and mixed stands, while epigeic species prevailed in Pinus forests. Considering environmental factors, the bryophyte diversity was influenced mostly by the forest type and area size of SPs. Clear differences in species composition were observed when comparing coniferous and deciduous stands, as well as non-native Robinia forests and native tree stands. Overall, intensive forest management results in a high concentration of hemerophilous and nitrophilous species, along with the absence of rare and threatened mosses and liverworts. Nevertheless, by adhering to proper management methods, even managed forests can provide suitable habitats for various bryophytes.

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Bryophytes in managed lowland forests of Slovakia (Central Europe): looking into species diversity across different forest types

Mišíková,

Mišík

2024

Biodivers Conserv

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I want to climb to the tops of trees! Factors facilitating the development of ivy vines in central European forests

Wyka,

Dyderski,

Grzędzicka

et al. 2024

Forestry: An International Journal of Forest Research

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Lianas, which are considered to form tree-related microhabitats, are known as important elements of tropical forests; however, their ecological function and relationships with host trees (phorophytes) in temperate forests are poorly known. This gap in knowledge stems from a low species diversity and abundance of lianas in temperate forests. An exception is common ivy (Hedera helix), which is widely distributed and is currently increasing its abundance in temperate forests. In this study, we examined the relationships between ivy vines with features of their phorophytes, using Central European upland mixed forests as an example. We assess the presence and density of ivy within 69 study plots, established in the forest interior and ecotone. We use generalized linear mixed-effects models to assess drivers of ivy’s presence and its density, while accounting for the tree diameter at breast height, bark roughness, and the canopy light transmittance. We show that ivy is able to grow on nearly all tree species, although it prefers phorophytes with rough bark and a large diameter. Large generative individuals (ivy vines that produce fruits) were found mostly on veteran trees (usually oaks, alders, or pines). For its growth, ivy requires tree phorophytes with only a moderate transparency of light through the tree crowns, which is likely related to evergreen leaves that enable ivy vines to also develop during leaf-off periods. The features of phorophytes preferred by ivy indicate that the vine finds optimal conditions for development in old patches of tree stand, often in areas inaccessible or unprofitable for forest management. We propose using large and fruiting ivy vines as indicators of old-growth forests that deserve protection, which would be in line with the current policy of sustaining and restoring close-to-natural forests in Europe.

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Cryptogams species diversity of mountain forest springs of the Stołowe Mountains National Park

Łubek,

Wierzcholska,

Dyderski

et al. 2024

Acta Myc

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Spring areas are specific habitats characterized by higher humidity, which favors the presence of a range of living organisms. We have studied three types of mountain forest springs (Piceo-Alnetum, Carici remotae-Fraxinetum, and Equiseto sylvatici-Piceetum abietis communities) of the Stołowe Mountains National Park (Poland), focusing on the species diversity of lichens and bryophytes. In terms of the diversity of cryptogam species, mountain forest springs exhibit a large pool of shared species. This similarity is most notable between the Piceo-Alnetum and Carici remotae-Fraxinetum associations. The highest number of species was found in Piceo-Alnetum. The results indicate that species richness of lichens and bryophytes was significantly higher in ash and alder springs. This high species richness was associated with the presence of Alnus species, Acer pseudoplatanus, and Fraxinus excelsior trees. Springs in mountainous areas serve as important hotspots for cryptogam species diversity, particularly for valuable species such as those that are protected, endangered, or relics of ancient forests. In the spring areas studied, only one invasive bryophyte species was found.

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Light availability and phorophyte identity drive epiphyte species richness and composition in mountain temperate forests

Cited by 3 publications

References 55 publications

Bryophytes in managed lowland forests of Slovakia (Central Europe): looking into species diversity across different forest types

Bryophytes in managed lowland forests of Slovakia (Central Europe): looking into species diversity across different forest types

I want to climb to the tops of trees! Factors facilitating the development of ivy vines in central European forests

Cryptogams species diversity of mountain forest springs of the Stołowe Mountains National Park

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