The Ecological Role of Deadwood in Natural Forests

Abstract

Veteran and dead trees at different stages of decay have an important ecological role to play in conserving forest biodiversity and are recognized as Pan-European indicators of a sustainable management.Dying and dead trees, either standing or fallen and at different stages of decay, are valuable habitats (providing food, shelter and breeding conditions, etc.) for a large number of rare and threatened species: saproxylic insects, invertebrates, lichens, bryophytes, birds and mammals. Hollow trees, in particular, provide suitable microhabitats for mammals (e.g. rodent species, squirrels, martens, bat species and wild cats) and cavity-nesting birds (e.g. woodpecker, tit and owl species).In natural forests in Romania, deadwood is associated with several relict, rare and protected animal species (e.g. Rhysodes sulcatus, R. americanus, Cerambyx cerdo, Lucanus cervus, Rosalia alpina, Camponotus herculeanus). Many lichens (Parmelia, Peltigera and Lobaria species) indicate the continuity of natural forests and the presence of more than 20 species of fungi contribute to the ever-present processes of decay. Large quantities of deadwood (50-130 m 3 /ha) also play a significant role in forest nutrient cycles, carbon budgets, soil morphology and natural regeneration. Natural forests in Romania provide exceptional conditions for research into the ecological role of deadwood habitats.

Deadwood in Forest Ecosystems

“…In many cases, deadwood is associated with relict, rare and protected species (Radu, 2007), and therefore, it is regarded as a key feature for the preservation of many threatened species (Ranius et al, 2003). The recognition of the deadwood importance for biodiversity has led to the incorporation of its quantitative parameters in biodiversity monitoring programmes (Humphrey et al, 2004), e.g.…”

“…In traditional systems, nearly every piece of wood would have been utilised (Mössmer, 1999;Butler et al, 2002). While large deadwood was usually extracted from the forests during stand tending (Radu, 2007), small wood pieces and leftovers were often burnt (Travaglini & Chirici, 2006). This intense forest exploitation has led to a substantial decrease of deadwood quantities (Travaglini & Chirici, 2006).…”

“…North American researchers were the first to recognise the importance of deadwood presence in forest ecosystems (Radu, 2007). Already in the first half of the twentieth century several authors (e.g.…”

Tourists’ perception of deadwood in mountain forests

“…Consequently, in the traditional management of forests logs and snags were removed during the silvicultural treatments (i.e. thinning or final cutting) in order to protect forest ecosystems from forest fire, disasters, pests and insects' attacks (Radu 2006). Deadwood was considered to be the cause of biotic and abiotic disturbances, an obstacle to forest management activities (i.e.…”

Assessing and Harmonizing Lying Deadwood Volume with Regional Forest Inventory Data in Wallonia (Southern Region of Belgium)

“…Moreover it represents an important carbon pool [3,4] that might even enhance natural regeneration [5], increase bark beetle dispersion [6], increase soil stability [7], or improve the quality of aquatic ecosystems [8]. On the other hand amounts of deadwood are often judged insufficient in comparison to what is observed in old growth forests.…”