Exploring the multiple drivers of alpha and beta-diversity dynamics in Europe's primary forests: Informing conservation strategies

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60460709%3A41320%2F24%3A100402" target="_blank" >RIV/60460709:41320/24:100402 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2024.122229" target="_blank" >http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2024.122229</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2024.122229" target="_blank" >10.1016/j.foreco.2024.122229</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Exploring the multiple drivers of alpha and beta-diversity dynamics in Europe's primary forests: Informing conservation strategies

Original language description

Addressing the scope of biodiversity loss is a societal issue. However, consensus regarding effective management practices to attenuate species extinction is lacking. An assessment of spatial variation in species assemblages (beta-diversity) provides a promising framework for informing forest landscape planning. Within the context of recent European Union biodiversity conservation goals, this research demonstrates an application of betadiversity theory to understand spatial patterns in the distribution of a suite of environmentally-sensitive taxa within Europe's remaining best-preserved primary forests. We sampled the local community composition (alphadiversity) of four taxonomic groups (birds, epiphytic and epixylic lichens, saproxylic beetles, and deadwoodinhabiting fungi) to estimate corresponding levels of beta-diversity, as well as the underlying spatial components of nestedness and turnover. To identify particularly sensitive sites on the landscape that are potentially important for multiple species, we assessed beta-diversity congruence among the taxonomic groups. To elucidate critical abiotic factors and resource attributes underpinning biodiversity patterns, we regressed observed levels of local species richness against selected habitat variables. Results show that levels of beta-diversity were high and predominantly driven by spatial turnover, particularly for dispersal-limited organisms having relationships with deadwood. Beta-diversity was lowest for the avian group, reflecting their mobility. The lichen and fungal groups were correlated in terms of beta-diversity and turnover likely due to similar resource requirements. Variation in deadwood attributes (volume, decay stage) was significantly related to the local species richness of beetle and lichen communities. We identified occurrences of several threatened (red-listed) species that were similarly associated with deadwood substrates. We suggest that the beta-diversity patterns and habitat associations revealed by our analyses provide baseline data for comparison with managed systems. In particular, our findings highlight the importance of dead trees and logs for biodiversity conservation, suggesting a need for management strategies that retain an abundant and diverse supply of deadwood in forested landscapes.

Czech name

—

Czech description

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Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

—

OECD FORD branch

40100 - Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries

Project

<a href="/en/project/GA22-31322S" target="_blank" >GA22-31322S: Long-term disturbance dynamics as drivers of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of primary forest communities</a><br>

Continuities

P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)<br>S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach

Publication year

2024

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

Forest Ecology and Management

ISSN

0378-1127

e-ISSN

0378-1127

Volume of the periodical

571

Issue of the periodical within the volume

10.0

Country of publishing house

NL - THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS

Number of pages

10

Pages from-to

1-10

UT code for WoS article

001316590400001

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-85202553690