About the project
The Forest diversity project was created at the Department of Forest Ecology at the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences (Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague). A team of scientists at the Department has been studying, among other things, forest ecosystems within the European temperate zone. The research has focused on forests unaffected by humans and subsequently also on the application of the acquired knowledge into the conditions of Czech forests.
If we were to express what characterises and unites the forests unaffected by humans (i.e., primary forests) in one word it would certainly be ‘diversity’. These forests host coniferous and deciduous tree species of different sizes (height and thickness) and ages. It is no wonder that a wide range of organisms are well suited to such conditions.
Why habitat trees?
Many forest dwellers’ lives depend on such conditions for food, shelter, or breeding and are often endangered and/or protected; e.g., various species of birds, insects, or lichens (their list is available in the gallery of forest species). The total variety of animal and plant species is called biodiversity. It is closely related to so-called habitat trees, which are trees notable for their unusual dimensions or old age. They may be already dead but still standing presenting a great opportunity for colonisation by wood-decomposing insects or fungi. This can be considered a rebirth of the tree that continuously creates further conditions for new visitors. Flowing sap, falling bark, holes created by broken branches that may be filled with water, crown deadwood, hollow trunks, etc. are the major tree microhabitats that are present until the tree completely decays. A large number of such microhabitats has been described according to recognised scientific methodology and you can discover them on the habitat tree available on the main page.
Where do the habitat trees belong?
It is clear that habitat trees are an indispensable element in the forest cycle and are a ‘key’ to biodiversity support and protection. Trees of significant dimensions and respectable age are a desired element not only in the forest, but also in the urban environment. However, it is necessary to eliminate all safety risks that could lead to injury.
Unfortunately, habitat trees are not seen as a desirable element everywhere. They are often considered as unwanted features in commercial forests due to the presence of many microhabitats that are considered as ‘defects’ hence contributing towards tree’s poor timber quality (also thanks to advanced age). Nevertheless, it is necessary to inform about the importance of habitat trees and to continue with an intensive education about the practice of ecological forestry, which is a forestry management concept that, amongst other biodiversity enhancing activities, aims to protect the habitat trees. It is important to note that habitat trees certainly have their place not only in primary forests and protected areas, but also in commercial forests where they are necessary to be considered.
What is all this about?
We see the sense in habitat trees mapping, which is why we intent to create an online database of habitat trees (with the help of a mobile application) as they are important elements supporting biodiversity. The data are based on the inputs of individuals from conservation and forestry institutions, as well as those of members of public interested in nature and its protection. The potential of using the data for scientific purposes applies in the case of all inputs. If, for example, we were able to map larger areas, point records of the habitat trees could be used to model the occurrence of important species of organisms bound to deadwood.
In summary, the ‘Forest diversity’ project and the consequently collected data shell contribute towards raising awareness regarding the importance of habitat trees in endangered species protection as well as the necessity to protect them and to behave responsibly in their vicinity. This is an important prerequisite for the presence of habitat trees within the landscape and in suitable places in urban areas.
A comprehensible and user-friendly form was opted for to make it available for education of even the youngest children. The interactive habitat tree on the main page enables exploring individual tree microhabitats, the gallery of forest species with drawings and description, and the forest ‘pick a pair’ memory game makes it easier for children to remember the names of forest species. Map the habitat trees with us!
Scientific definition of habitat tree and tree-related microhabitats
Habitat trees can be considered as those trees with at least one microhabitat that are morphological structures are used by a range of species (but at least one species) in a certain part of their life cycle for shelter, mating or as a source of food. Microhabitats are created as a result of biotic and abiotic factors - for example, falling rocks can create bark injury, lightning can cause wood cracks, and woodpeckers can create hollows in the tree trunk. The tree also serves as a physical support for certain type of microhabitats such as nests or epiphytic plants (self-feeders growing on living organisms). Each microhabitat provides specific conditions that depend on its characteristics, such as size, position on the tree, degree of decomposition of the surrounding wood, tree vitality, light levels, etc. Each of the species bound to tree microhabitats prefers a specific type of microhabitat. The more microhabitats there are in a certain area, the more species can find favourable living conditions. In order to increase biodiversity, it is important to know which microhabitats are found in a certain area and subsequently ensure their protection as well as an appropriate management.
ILLUSTRATIONS AND ANIMATIONS:
- Habitat tree with background - Natálie Lackovičová
- Gallery of forest species and project logo - Klára Grančičová
- Promotional clip - Petra Kasnarová
- Catalog of tree-related microhabitats - sources used with kind permission:
The project has been initiated and funded by the institution:
