Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Biodiversity Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 February 2023) | Viewed by 39208

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Special Issue Editors

National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry “Marin Dracea”, Eroilor 128, 077190 Voluntari, Romania
Interests: forest soils; land recovery; ecology of forest species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Forest Research Institute - BAS 132, Kl. Ohridski Blvd. 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: forest ecology and management; urban forestry; adaptation strategies; social forest policy; soil science; carbon dynamics; ecosystem services; biodiversity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Forest ecosystems contribute to human wellbeing and the economy through the complex ecosystem services they provide. Sustainable and regular supply of ecosystem services by forests requires excellent knowledge of the functional and biological diversity in these complex ecosystems. This is related to the management of forests which evolves over time in order to face the current challenges. One of the major challenges in forest management is the sustainability of the resource itself, while the challenge for the conservation of biological diversity is to secure a minimum set of strategically located primary forests in representative areas having high diversity and endemism.

This Special Issue provides a platform to highlight new research and significant advances in assessing the forest ecosystem conditions and ecosystem services and to outline concepts and solutions for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. The topic is open to contributions from forest ecosystems worldwide. However, a major focus will be given to forests in mountainous regions, as here the link between conservation and forest/land use is particularly complex. This further extends to all the ecosystem service categories offered by forest ecosystems.

The current issue deals with topics such as ecological variability, climate change, forest management practices, forest conservation, and restoration. We also welcome significant contributions for ecological methods for forest exploitation, remote sensing applications in forestry, management and innovative practices for invasive species and tree pathogens, urban forests, and the management of forests after natural disturbances.

Dr. Lucian Dinca
Prof. Dr. Miglena Zhiyanski
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • forest management
  • functional diversity
  • ecology and regional biological diversity
  • ecosystem services
  • economic evaluation
  • biodiversity conservation

Published Papers (19 papers)

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Editorial

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7 pages, 1370 KiB  
Editorial
Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation: Introduction to the Special Issue
by Lucian Dinca and Miglena Zhiyanski
Diversity 2023, 15(10), 1078; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15101078 - 11 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1155
Abstract
Forest ecosystems contribute to human wellbeing and the economy through the complex ecosystem services they provide [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 9994 KiB  
Article
Valuation of the Diversity of Native Plants and the Cultural-Archaeological Richness as an Integrative Approach for a Potential Use in Ecotourism in the Inter-Andean Valley of Cusco, Southern Peru
by Isau Huamantupa-Chuquimaco, Yohny Luz Martinez Trujillo and Edilberto Orosco Ucamayta
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060760 - 09 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1299
Abstract
In recent years, ecological tourism has become very important as it contributes significantly to sustainable development. In order to assess the potential for ecotourism and cultural-archaeological attributes, we studied the plant diversity of 10 traditionally visited natural routes of the valley of Cusco, [...] Read more.
In recent years, ecological tourism has become very important as it contributes significantly to sustainable development. In order to assess the potential for ecotourism and cultural-archaeological attributes, we studied the plant diversity of 10 traditionally visited natural routes of the valley of Cusco, Peru. Plant gamma diversity was represented by 384 species of vascular plants, with 220 genera, and 69 families; the most diverse were: Asteraceae with 93 species, Poaceae (36), and Fabaceae (15). The species with the highest frequency in the 10 routes are: Amaranthus caudatus, Escallonia resinosa, Stenomesson pearcei, and Baccharis buxifolia. Route 2 (Picol-Huaqoto) was the one with the greatest alpha diversity with 120 species. The CHAO-1 richness estimator estimates a gamma diversity of 570 species for all of the Cusco Valley. The Bray–Curtis beta diversity shows a high similarity (55%) and three floristic groups as determined by a non-metric multidimensional analysis (NMDS) and cluster analysis. The highest concentration of flowering plant species is grouped mainly during the rainy season (R2 = 0.19), and this relationship is significantly different from the dry season (p < 0.005). The integrative biological–cultural analysis identified routes R8, R10, R6, R7, and R2 as those with the greatest potential for ecotourism use in the Cusco Valley. The plant diversity and cultural–archaeological offerings along the tourist routes documented in this study present significant opportunities for the city of Cusco to attract both national and foreign tourists. Additionally, this study highlights the importance of prioritizing conservation and preservation efforts for these areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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16 pages, 1480 KiB  
Article
Functional Traits and Local Environmental Conditions Determine Tropical Rain Forest Types at Microscale Level in Southern Ecuador
by Omar Cabrera, Pablo Ramón, Bernd Stimm, Sven Gunter and Reinhard Mosandl
Diversity 2023, 15(3), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15030420 - 13 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1272
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to determine the heterogeneity of tropical mountain rain forests along a micro-altitudinal gradient scale, integrating species functional traits in the separation of communities. To achieve this, a forest area of 13 ha in the Biological Reserve [...] Read more.
The main objective of this study was to determine the heterogeneity of tropical mountain rain forests along a micro-altitudinal gradient scale, integrating species functional traits in the separation of communities. To achieve this, a forest area of 13 ha in the Biological Reserve of San Francisco was monitored. First, we performed non-metric multidimensional analyses, and afterwards, we looked for correlations between plot altitude and characteristics of the forest (basal area, the number of species, the number of trees ≥20 cm diameter at breast height, per hectare, the forest canopy opening) were associated. To determine which characteristics significantly influence the separation of forest “communities”, we used a multivariate canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Finally, we carried out the “Four Corners” analysis, combining abundance matrices, traits and environmental variables. We confirmed that the altitude and some associated characteristics are the key factors for the formation of two forest types. In addition, we determined that the inclusion of species functional traits confirms the separation of forest communities, and that elevation and its associated environmental variables function over relatively small areas and scales. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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13 pages, 3358 KiB  
Article
The Necessity of Maintaining the Resilience of Peri-Urban Forests to Secure Environmental and Ecological Balance: A Case Study of Forest Stands Located on the Romanian Sector of the Pannonian Plain
by Serban Chivulescu, Nicolae Cadar, Mihai Hapa, Florin Capalb, Raul Gheorghe Radu and Ovidiu Badea
Diversity 2023, 15(3), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15030380 - 06 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1070
Abstract
Climate change’s negative effects, such as rising global temperatures and the disruption of global ecological ecosystems as a direct effect of rising carbon emissions in the atmosphere, are a significant concern for human health, communities, and ecosystems. The condition and presence of forest [...] Read more.
Climate change’s negative effects, such as rising global temperatures and the disruption of global ecological ecosystems as a direct effect of rising carbon emissions in the atmosphere, are a significant concern for human health, communities, and ecosystems. The condition and presence of forest ecosystems, especially those in peri-urban areas, play an essential role in mitigating the negative effects of climate change on society. They provide direct benefits to the residents of large cities and their surrounding areas, and they must be managed sustainably to protect all their component ecosystems. This research was carried out in the forests of Lunca Muresului Natural Park and Bazos Arboretum, located in the Romanian sector of the Pannonian Plain, near urban agglomerations. The results showed high variability in the stands. Using the height-to-diameter ratio indicator concerning dbh and species, a strong Pearson correlation was registered (between 0.45 and 0.82). These values indicate the high stability of these stands, providing positive human–nature interactions such as recreational or outdoor activities (and a complementary yet indirect use value through attractive landscape views). Protecting these ecosystems offers a so-called insurance policy for the next generations from a climate change standpoint. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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11 pages, 1692 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Biological Characteristics of Soil as Indicator for Sustainable Rehabilitation of a Post-Bauxite-Mining Land
by Aurelia Oneț, Radu Brejea, Lucian Dincă, Raluca Enescu, Cristian Oneț and Emanuel Besliu
Diversity 2022, 14(12), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14121087 - 09 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1339
Abstract
This paper presents a study of the microbial abundance in post-bauxite-mining land soil from Zece Hotare, Bihor county, Romania. The soil samples were collected from 12 soil variants, in the year 2020, after 15 years of long-term restoration. Some chemical parameters and bacterial [...] Read more.
This paper presents a study of the microbial abundance in post-bauxite-mining land soil from Zece Hotare, Bihor county, Romania. The soil samples were collected from 12 soil variants, in the year 2020, after 15 years of long-term restoration. Some chemical parameters and bacterial numbers of six groups of microorganisms were determined in the restored mining land, and these characteristics were compared with those of the soil from a beech forest situated in an adjacent area unaffected by bauxite exploitation. On the basis of the total number of microorganisms belonging to each group studied, the bacterial potential of the soil quality was assessed, calculating the bacterial soil quality index (BSQI), while the Shannon diversity index and the Jaccard distance were applied to show the level of bacterial diversity. The characteristics of the studied chemical and microbiological parameters determined in the beech adjacent area were very similar to those observed in the high-level plateau, low-level plateau, and Black locust areas, indicating similar soil conditions; therefore, the ecological reconstruction 15 years ago, had a very favorable impact on restoration in some affected areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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19 pages, 1665 KiB  
Article
Plant Diversity along an Urbanization Gradient of a Tropical City
by Balqis Aqila Alue, Noraine Salleh Hudin, Fatimah Mohamed, Zahid Mat Said and Kamarul Ismail
Diversity 2022, 14(12), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14121024 - 24 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1998
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the plant diversity, plant traits, and environmental variables along the tropical urbanization gradient in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. The study areas comprised 12 sampling plots sized 1 km2 that represented different urbanization intensities. Urbanization intensity was quantified as [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the plant diversity, plant traits, and environmental variables along the tropical urbanization gradient in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. The study areas comprised 12 sampling plots sized 1 km2 that represented different urbanization intensities. Urbanization intensity was quantified as the percentage of the built-up area within a 1 km2 area. A total of 96 woody plant species belonging to 71 genera and 42 families were found in the study areas. In general, species diversity, richness, and evenness declined significantly as urbanization intensity increased. The number of native species reduced by 67.6% when urbanization intensity increased from wildland to suburban while the non-native species remained stable along the urbanization gradient. Regarding the plant traits, tree height decreased with increasing urbanization intensity, while no significant result was found for specific leaf areas. All environmental factors were significantly associated with urbanization where air temperature and light intensity showed a positive relationship with increasing urbanization intensity while the opposite trend was found for air humidity. This study emphasizes the importance of built-up areas as the predictor of native species in the tropics. The findings of this study may help town planners and policymakers to create more sustainable urban development in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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19 pages, 5635 KiB  
Article
Selection of Elms Tolerant to Dutch Elm Disease in South-West Romania
by Dănuț Chira, Florian G. Borlea, Florentina Chira, Costel Ș. Mantale, Mihnea I. C. Ciocîrlan, Daniel O. Turcu, Nicolae Cadar, Vincenzo Trotta, Ippolito Camele, Carmine Marcone and Ștefania M. Mang
Diversity 2022, 14(11), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14110980 - 15 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1921
Abstract
Ophiostoma novo-ulmi continues to be one of the most dangerous invasive fungi, destroying many autochthonous elm forests and cultures throughout the world. Searching for natural genotypes tolerant to Dutch elm disease (DED) is one of the main objectives of silviculturists all over the [...] Read more.
Ophiostoma novo-ulmi continues to be one of the most dangerous invasive fungi, destroying many autochthonous elm forests and cultures throughout the world. Searching for natural genotypes tolerant to Dutch elm disease (DED) is one of the main objectives of silviculturists all over the northern hemisphere in order to save the susceptible elms and to restore their ecosystem biodiversity. In this regard, the first trial was established between 1991 and 1994, in south-west Romania (Pădurea Verde, Timișoara), using three elm species (Ulmus minor, U. glabra, and U. laevis) with 38 provenances. A local strain of Ophiostoma novo-ulmi was used to artificially inoculate all elm variants and the DED evolution was observed. Furthermore, in 2018–2021 the trial was inventoried to understand the local genotype reaction to DED in the local environmental conditions after almost 30 years. The outcomes of the present study proved the continuous presence of the infections in the comparative culture and its proximity, but the identified pathogen had a new hybrid form (found for the first time in Romania) between O. novo-ulmi ssp. americana x O. novo-ulmi ssp. novo-ulmi. Wych elm (U. glabra) was extremely sensitive to DED: only 12 trees (out of 69 found in 2018) survived in 2021, and only one tree could be selected according to the adopted health criteria (resistance and vigour). The field elm (U. minor) was sensitive to the pathogen, but there were still individuals that showed good health status and growth. In contrast, the European white elm (U. laevis) proved constant tolerance to DED: only 15% had been found dead or presented severe symptoms of dieback. Overall, the results of this study report the diverse reactions of the Romanian regional elm genotypes to DED over the last three decades, providing promising perspectives for improving the presence of elms in the forest ecosystems of the Carpathian basin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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23 pages, 3617 KiB  
Article
Understory Vegetation Dynamics in Non-Native Douglas Fir Forests after Management Abandonment—A Case Study in Two Strict Forest Reserves in Southwest Germany
by Steffi Heinrichs, Michaela Dölle, Torsten Vor, Patricia Balcar and Wolfgang Schmidt
Diversity 2022, 14(10), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14100795 - 24 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1474
Abstract
The non-native Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is widely distributed in Europe and promoted by forestry due to its assumed resistance against climate change. An increasing cultivation area is, however, viewed critically by nature conservation as negative effects on native biodiversity and [...] Read more.
The non-native Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is widely distributed in Europe and promoted by forestry due to its assumed resistance against climate change. An increasing cultivation area is, however, viewed critically by nature conservation as negative effects on native biodiversity and naturalness are expected. We investigated plant species diversity and composition in two strict forest reserves (SFR) dominated by Douglas fir in southwest Germany. These reserves were established in the years 2001/2002 to study the development of Douglas fir forests after management abandonment. Vegetation surveys were conducted in 2005 and repeated in 2017. We used re-survey data from a nearby SFR dominated by native tree species as a reference. The understory vegetation showed consistent development after management abandonment, irrespective of tree species identity and origin. It became less diverse and more shade-tolerant over time due to missing soil disturbance and decreasing light availability. In contrast to a native canopy, though, Douglas fir promoted the share of generalist species. Regeneration of Douglas fir largely decreased in the SFRs underlining its competitive weakness against native tree species, mainly against European beech (Fagus sylvatica). Thereby, regeneration patterns of Douglas fir in the SFR were similar to those observed in the native range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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23 pages, 3694 KiB  
Article
Which Are the Best Site and Stand Conditions for Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.) Located in the Carpathian Mountains?
by Lucian Dinca, Mirabela Marin, Vlad Radu, Gabriel Murariu, Romana Drasovean, Romica Cretu, Lucian Georgescu and Voichița Timiș-Gânsac
Diversity 2022, 14(7), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14070547 - 07 Jul 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2379
Abstract
Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is one of the most valuable and productive tree species across European mountains, that accomplish multiple economic, protective and ecologic functions. Alongside spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), silver fir is [...] Read more.
Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is one of the most valuable and productive tree species across European mountains, that accomplish multiple economic, protective and ecologic functions. Alongside spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), silver fir is a characteristic species for the Romanian Carpathians. Although silver fir tree is recommended for the diversification of forests in order to increase the resistance to climate change, it is very sensitive to climatic excesses, especially those that proceed rapidly. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate both the environmental conditions and stand characteristics of fir from five mountain ranges of the Romanian Carpathians. The study is based on data recorded over a period of 10 years (1990–2000). As such, a total of 77,251 stands that occupy 211,954 hectares have been investigated in regard to silver fir behaviour. MATLAB scripts were used for analysing consistent data volumes as well as the impact of eight factors on the silver fir productivity (altitude, field aspect, field slope, soil type, participation percentage, road distance, structure and consistency). Our analysis has revealed that higher silver fir productivity is found at altitudes of up to 1200 m, on mid and upper slopes, on NW field aspects, on eutric cambisols and dystric cambisols, with a 10–20% participation in stand composition and in relatively-even aged stands with a full consistency. This study offers valuable insights for forest managers that require comprehensive information in adopting effective strategies to enhance forest resilience under climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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11 pages, 1452 KiB  
Article
Differential Effects of Tree Species on Soil Microbiota 45 Years after Afforestation of Former Pastures
by Richard Gere, Mikuláš Kočiš, Ján Židó, Dušan Gömöry and Erika Gömöryová
Diversity 2022, 14(7), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14070515 - 25 Jun 2022
Viewed by 1379
Abstract
Several decades ago, many former pastures in Central Europe were afforested or colonized by trees after being abandoned. Knowledge of the effects of tree species on soil properties is important for planning of the composition of future forests. In this regard, a research [...] Read more.
Several decades ago, many former pastures in Central Europe were afforested or colonized by trees after being abandoned. Knowledge of the effects of tree species on soil properties is important for planning of the composition of future forests. In this regard, a research location in Vrchdobroč (Central Slovakia), which is former agricultural land used as pasture, enables the exploration of ecosystem processes and properties in stands of different tree species after afforestation. The goal of our study was to find out whether changes in soil properties, including soil microbial activity and diversity among different stands, were already observable 45 years after the afforestation, and how the effects differed among stands of different tree species. The study was conducted in the pure stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesi (Mirb.) Franco), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.). Multivariate analyses of physico-chemical soil properties indicated an overlap between the soils under the Douglas fir and the spruce, but a clear separation of beech from sycamore. In general, both microbial activity and diversity were, surprisingly, highest under the Douglas fir, followed by the sycamore, with the beech and the spruce showing mostly lower values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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47 pages, 16383 KiB  
Article
Whole System Data Integration for Condition Assessments of Climate Change Impacts: An Example in High-Mountain Ecosystems in Rila (Bulgaria)
by Kostadin Katrandzhiev, Kremena Gocheva and Svetla Bratanova-Doncheva
Diversity 2022, 14(4), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14040240 - 25 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2262
Abstract
To study climate impacts, data integration from heterogeneous sources is imperative for long-term monitoring in data sparse areas such as the High Mountain Ecosystems in the Rila Mountain, Bulgaria—difficult to both access and observe remotely due to frequent clouds. This task is especially [...] Read more.
To study climate impacts, data integration from heterogeneous sources is imperative for long-term monitoring in data sparse areas such as the High Mountain Ecosystems in the Rila Mountain, Bulgaria—difficult to both access and observe remotely due to frequent clouds. This task is especially challenging because discerning trends in vegetation location, condition and functioning requires observing over decades. To integrate the existing sparse data, we apply the Whole System framework adapted nationally in the Bulgarian Methodological Framework for Mapping and Assessment of ecosystem services. As the framework mainly relies on field data, we complement it with remote sensing vegetation indices (NDVI, NDWI and NDGI) for 42 years, together with Copernicus High Resolution Layer products and climate change reanalysis data for 40 years. We confirmed that the Whole System framework is extensible and semantically, ontologically and methodologically well suited for heterogeneous data fusion, co-analysis, reanalysis and joint interpretation. We found trends in ecosystem extent and functioning, in particular species composition, in line with climate change trends since around 1990 and exclusively attributable to climate change since 2015. Furthermore, we specified a data crosswalk between habitats and ecosystems at Level 3 (ecosystem subtype), and define new candidate indicators suitable for remotely monitoring climate change’s effects on the ecosystems’ extent and condition, as candidates for inclusion in the methodological framework. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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17 pages, 4262 KiB  
Article
Plant Species Turnover on Forest Gaps after Natural Disturbances in the Dinaric Fir Beech Forests (Omphalodo-Fagetum sylvaticae)
by Blanka Ravnjak, Jože Bavcon and Andraž Čarni
Diversity 2022, 14(3), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030209 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2131
Abstract
We studied species turnover and changes of ecological conditions and plant strategies on forest gaps created by natural disturbances (sleet, windthrow). We studied five forest gaps and a control plot within in the Dinaric silver fir-beech forest in the southern part of Slovenia. [...] Read more.
We studied species turnover and changes of ecological conditions and plant strategies on forest gaps created by natural disturbances (sleet, windthrow). We studied five forest gaps and a control plot within in the Dinaric silver fir-beech forest in the southern part of Slovenia. Forest gaps varied in age and size. The total number of recorded species in gaps was 184, with the highest number (106) at the largest forest gap and with the 58 species at the control locality in a juvenile beech forest. Forest gaps were predominantly colonised mostly by species of understory, forest margins, and forest clearings. The species presented in all forest gaps are representatives of the understory of beech forests. Species colonising forest gaps prefer habitats with more sunlight, medium wet to dry soil, and are tolerant to high daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations. In gaps, the community of plant species has a competitive strategy, which is also complemented with a stress-tolerator strategy. We determined that a forest gap represents a significant habitat patch, especially for those plant species which were not present there before. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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27 pages, 4767 KiB  
Article
Damage and Tolerability Thresholds for Remaining Trees after Timber Harvesting: A Case Study from Southwest Romania
by Ilie-Cosmin Cântar, Cătălin-Ionel Ciontu, Lucian Dincă, Gheorghe Florian Borlea and Vlad Emil Crişan
Diversity 2022, 14(3), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030193 - 06 Mar 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2379
Abstract
The present study analyses the damage of remaining trees after timber harvesting from 24 logging sites from southwest Romania. The purpose was to establish tolerability thresholds within which damaged trees recover in a short amount of time, reducing the possibility of further rot [...] Read more.
The present study analyses the damage of remaining trees after timber harvesting from 24 logging sites from southwest Romania. The purpose was to establish tolerability thresholds within which damaged trees recover in a short amount of time, reducing the possibility of further rot apparition and tree health deterioration. Observations were resumed after the growing season had passed. Healed damage was analysed in regard to damage type, width, orientation and tree circumference. By using the ratio between the width of healed damage and the circumference of trees as experimental variants, equations were elaborated to determine the tolerance threshold of trees in logging. This is expressed as a maximum value between the damage width and the damaged tree circumference for which the damage is curable. The correlation between the circumference and the abovementioned relation was analysed, and differences between the values of the analysed relation for different cardinal orientations of the damage were statistically tested. The value of this ratio, which can be considered a tolerance threshold for trees in logging, records values of 0.09 (for thinnings, for cuttings to increase the light availability for regeneration and for final cuttings from shelterwood systems) and 0.10 (for first-intervention cuttings, as well as preparatory and seed cutting from shelterwood systems or selections systems). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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11 pages, 855 KiB  
Article
Conservation of Genetic Diversity of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in a Central European National Park Based on cpDNA Studies
by Paweł Przybylski, Anna Tereba, Joanna Meger, Iwona Szyp-Borowska and Łukasz Tyburski
Diversity 2022, 14(2), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14020093 - 28 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2365
Abstract
In the old pine stands of national parks, it is possible to observe genetic processes in a state free from disturbance by humans. Studies of this type make it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the conservation of genetic variation and its transfer [...] Read more.
In the old pine stands of national parks, it is possible to observe genetic processes in a state free from disturbance by humans. Studies of this type make it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the conservation of genetic variation and its transfer between generations. The present study was conducted in the largest national forest park in Poland, located in the Central European pine area. The oldest stands of Kampinos National Park and their natural descendants were selected for detailed analyses. The main objective of the study was to compare the mother pine stand, excluded from forest management, with its progeny generations on the basis of their chloroplast DNA (cpDNA), which was used as a diagnostic tool. The results demonstrate significant genetic difference between the maternal and progeny generations of the studied sites. The degree of variation observed in the maternal generation haplotypes in the present study was found to be reduced in the next generation. A significant proportion of the genetic diversity of the studied stands was also lost in the subsequent progeny generation. The obtained results allow conclusions to be drawn about the genetic processes taking place in valuable old-growth forests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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15 pages, 2413 KiB  
Article
Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Robinia pseudoacacia Depending on the Origin of Different Geographic Provenances
by Andrea M. Roman, Alina M. Truta, Oana Viman, Irina M. Morar, Velibor Spalevic, Catalina Dan, Radu E. Sestras, Liviu Holonec and Adriana F. Sestras
Diversity 2022, 14(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14010034 - 06 Jan 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3217
Abstract
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is recognised as a forest species of interest due to its multiple uses. The management of forest genetic resources and their efficient conservation suffer from variations in traits and start with seed germination. The aim of the [...] Read more.
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is recognised as a forest species of interest due to its multiple uses. The management of forest genetic resources and their efficient conservation suffer from variations in traits and start with seed germination. The aim of the current study was to investigate the germination of seeds obtained from plus trees selected in eight Romanian provenances, as well as to investigate the influence of the origin upon plants’ growth and development. Two experiments were undertaken to test seed germination: one treatment involved water-soaked seeds and heat/cold treatment, while the other treatment was based on sulphuric acid, at different concentrations (50, 70, 90%). The results were correlated with the morphological analysis of the seeds. Satu-Mare had the lowest germination rate within both treatments. Sulphuric acid did not improve seed germination as much as the heat treatment. The highest germination rate occurred for the water and temperature treatment on seeds from Bihor provenance (68.2%). The most distant provenance was Bihor, in inverse correlation with Bistrița Năsăud and grouped separately within the hierarchical dendrogram of cluster analysis based on the analysed parameters of the provenances investigated. The results demonstrated that the genotypes and environmental heterogeneity of the seed origin within the provenances may finally result in different performances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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24 pages, 11601 KiB  
Article
Perceptions of Local Inhabitants towards Land Management Systems Used in the Rainforest Area of Ecuador: An Evaluation Based on Visual Rating of the Main Land Use Types
by Alex Vinicio Gavilanes Montoya, Danny Daniel Castillo Vizuete and Stelian Alexandru Borz
Diversity 2021, 13(11), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110592 - 18 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1858
Abstract
Land management policy and practice affects a wide segment of stakeholders, including the general population of a given area. This study evaluates the perceptions of local inhabitants towards the land management systems used in the rainforest area of Ecuador—namely, unmanaged (natural) forest, managed [...] Read more.
Land management policy and practice affects a wide segment of stakeholders, including the general population of a given area. This study evaluates the perceptions of local inhabitants towards the land management systems used in the rainforest area of Ecuador—namely, unmanaged (natural) forest, managed forest, croplands, and pasturelands. Data collected as ratings on 12 pictures were used to check the aggregated perceptions by developing the relative frequencies of ratings, in order to see how the perception rating data were associated with the types of land management systems depicted by the pictures, and to see whether the four types of land management could be mathematically represented by a clustering solution. A distinctive result was that the natural forests were the most positively rated, while the managed forests were the least positively rated among the respondents. It seems, however, that human intervention was not the landscape-related factor affecting this perception, since croplands and pasturelands also received high ratings. The ratings generated a clear clustering solution only in the case of forest management, indicating three groups: natural forests, managed forests, and the rest of the land management systems. Based on the results of this study, a combination of the four land use systems would balance the expectations of different stakeholders from the area, while also being consistent to some extent with the current diversity in land management systems. However, a more developed system of information propagation would be beneficial to educate the local population with regards to the benefits and drawbacks of different types of land management systems and their distribution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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16 pages, 1685 KiB  
Article
Silvicultural Management System Applied to Logged Forests in the Brazilian Amazon: A Case Study of Adaptation of Techniques to Increase the Yield and Diversity of Species Forestry
by Agust Sales, Marco Antonio Siviero, Sabrina Benmuyal Vieira, Jorge Alberto Gazel Yared, Ademir Roberto Ruschel and Márcio Lopes da Silva
Diversity 2021, 13(11), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110509 - 20 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2369
Abstract
The existence of degraded forests is common in the Eastern Amazon. The maintenance of these forests standing and the recovery of their productivity play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity, storage and carbon sequestration. However, the management techniques currently employed are [...] Read more.
The existence of degraded forests is common in the Eastern Amazon. The maintenance of these forests standing and the recovery of their productivity play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity, storage and carbon sequestration. However, the management techniques currently employed are designed for natural forests in the first harvest cycle or lightly explored and do not apply adequately to forests that have gone through several harvest cycles. Therefore, adaptations and the establishment of new management criteria that take into account other characteristics of these types of forests are necessary to ensure their sustainability. The objective of this study was to propose a silvicultural management system that has the potential to recover and perpetuate the productivity of an intensively logged tropical forest. A forest census was carried out on 535.6 ha for trees with dbh ≥ 25 cm. With these data, the following two treatments were designed: (1) criteria: the BDq method was applied from B = 9.8 m2 ha−1, D = 100 cm and q = 2. The criteria for standing wood commercialization were, in this order, first, Health; second, Tree Stem; third, Tree Density and fourth, dbh ≥ 105 cm. (2) Control: the planning was in accordance with Brazilian regulations. For the cost–benefit and sensitivity analysis, the Net Present Value (NPV) was used and a projection of ±20% was made in the commercial price of standing wood. In the criteria treatment, a higher number of trees and species destined for the commercialization of standing wood was verified in relation to the control treatment, showing a greater diversity of species. In the criteria treatment, NPV was positive and superior to the control treatment in all scenarios. The proposed silvicultural management system with an object of an explored and enriched forest, with criteria for harvesting trees with a minimum cut diameter of 25 cm, proved to be viable to generate economic returns and with conservationist potential for the continuous supply of forest products and maintaining biodiversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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Review

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14 pages, 1214 KiB  
Review
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) in Romanian Forestry
by Alexandru Liviu Ciuvăț, Ioan Vasile Abrudan, Cristiana Georgeta Ciuvăț, Cristiana Marcu, Adrian Lorenț, Lucian Dincă and Bartha Szilard
Diversity 2022, 14(10), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14100780 - 21 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2105
Abstract
This paper presents a literature review of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and the knowledge accumulated by Romanian foresters and researchers, covering species propagation, stand management, and vulnerability issues. As highlighted by numerous authors, black locust manifests dual features, both as an [...] Read more.
This paper presents a literature review of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and the knowledge accumulated by Romanian foresters and researchers, covering species propagation, stand management, and vulnerability issues. As highlighted by numerous authors, black locust manifests dual features, both as an exogenous species and one that is already naturalized. The main drivers for this species’ expansion in Romania is its ecological adaptability on degraded lands, fast growth, and high biomass yields, in addition to other economic benefits. Black locust plantations and coppices also offer an important range of ecosystem services such as CO2 sequestration, landscape reclamation, fuel wood, or maintaining traditional crafts in regions with little to no forest cover. Highlighted disadvantages include short lifespan, invasiveness when introduced on fertile sites, and dieback in drought/frost prone areas. The results of extensive research and studies are captured in technical norms, although aspects such as species genetics, invasive potential, and adaptation to climate change dynamics call for more research and optimizing in species management. As Romania rallies its efforts with those of the international community in order to address climate change and desertification, black locust stands out as a proven solution for reclaiming degraded lands when native species are not an alternative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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25 pages, 1135 KiB  
Review
Noninvasive Genetics Knowledge from the Brown Bear Populations to Assist Biodiversity Conservation
by Iulia Baciu, Ancuta Fedorca and Georgeta Ionescu
Diversity 2022, 14(2), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14020121 - 08 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2537
Abstract
Genetic monitoring has proven helpful in estimating species presence and abundance, and detecting trends in genetic diversity, to be incorporated in providing data and recommendations to management authorities for action and policy development. We reviewed 148 genetics research papers conducted on the bear [...] Read more.
Genetic monitoring has proven helpful in estimating species presence and abundance, and detecting trends in genetic diversity, to be incorporated in providing data and recommendations to management authorities for action and policy development. We reviewed 148 genetics research papers conducted on the bear species worldwide retrieved from Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. This review aims to reveal sampling methodology and data collection instructions, and to unveil innovative noninvasively genetic monitoring techniques that may be integrated into the genetic monitoring of a large bear population. In North American studies, hair samples were collected more often than faeces, whereas in Europe, both faeces and hair samples surveys are recommended, usually focusing on faeces. The use of the Isohelix sample collection method, previously tested locally and, if suitable, applied at the national level, could generate numerous advantages by reducing shortcomings. Additionally, dogs trained for faeces sampling could be used in parallel with hunting managers, foresters, and volunteers for sample collection organised during autumn and winter. It was stated that this is the best period in terms of cost-efficiency and high quality of the gathered samples. We conclude that large-scale noninvasive genetic monitoring of a large bear population represents a challenge; nevertheless, it provides valuable insights for biodiversity monitoring and actions to respond to climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)
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