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 m3/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.