Assessing the spatiotemporal overlap amongst animal species living in sympatry helps to shed light on mechanisms of interspecific coexistence. We analysed the spatiotemporal coexistence in a predator–prey system through multiyear camera trapping, in a mountainous protected area of southern Italy (January 2012–January 2017). Temporal activity patterns and their interspecific overlap, as well as spatial overlap, were estimated for a top predator, that is the wolf Canis lupus, three species of wild ungulates, four mesocarnivores, one small herbivore, livestock and humans. A wide nocturnal temporal overlap was detected between the wolf and almost all the other species (71–91%). The highest temporal (91%) and spatial (63%) overlaps were reported between the wolf and the red fox Vulpes vulpes. For wolf‐ungulate pairs, the highest temporal overlap (88%) was reported for the wild boar Sus scrofa, its local main prey. Considering all the other species pairs, spatial overlap was low (i.e. lower than 45%), whereas temporal overlap was substantial (71–91%). Our findings support a significant role of interspecific spatial partitioning in shaping coexistence amongst considered species, which might be influenced by differences in spatial distribution of different food resources.
Changes in soil properties related to natural regeneration of silver fir (Abies alba, Mill.) in small (185 m 2 ) and medium (410 m 2 ) gaps, in the Calabria Apennines (Southern Italy), were studied 2 years after gap creation. The organic matter within the medium gaps decayed more rapidly than those in the small gaps. Among the microenvironmental variables and soil properties, soil temperature was most strongly positively related to organic matter decomposition rates. Medium gaps had high soil temperature and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmittance, and low soil moisture. Within medium gaps, we found a great amount of phenolic compounds and a low content of organic matter and humic acids. These results indicate that in the medium gaps mineralization of organic matter was more important than humification. In contrast, in small gaps, the great amount of organic matter, the high content of humic acid and the values of humification index suggested that in these gaps the humification process of organic matter prevailed. Within small gaps, we observed more silver fir regeneration than medium gaps. Difference in organic matter content, particularly in the amount of phenolic compounds, may account for differences observed in natural regeneration of silver fir between small and medium gaps.
In Mediterranean regions, climate change increasingly affect tree species distributions. Conifer forests under continuing disturbance show a more rapid shift to dominance by beech and other temperate broadleaves. Thus, there is an urgent need to conserve coniferous vegetation to avoid local extinction. Gap opening has profound effects on the structure and dynamics of most forests and may represent a sustainable way to restore coniferous ecosystems in Mediterranean habitats. What kind of artificial canopy opening is the most sustainable and effective means for restoring coniferous ecosystem functions? We explored the efficacy of artificial gaps in regeneration and dynamics of coniferous in Mediterranean environment. We examined how regeneration of different tree species is associated with soil environmental conditions and how gaps of different sizes influence the ecology and management of Mediterranean forest. Specifically, we analyzed gap disturbance in silver fir and black pine stands, as they dominate central and southern Italian forests. We demonstrated a specificity between gap size and coniferous species regeneration, indicating that small gaps (about 200 m 2 ) favor silver fir regeneration, while black pine, depending on its subspecies, regenerates both in small and medium gaps (about 500 m 2 ). Further, we found that gap characteristics (age and shape) and suitable substrate availability are the primary factors affecting seedling establishment. Our results provide functional information to design a silvicultural system useful to manage the natural regeneration of Mediterranean forest minimizing the environmental and visual impact.
First observations on dead wood in Calabrian pine (Pinus laricioPoiret
IntroduzioneLa presenza di piante morte in bosco rappresenta secondo i canoni della selvicoltura tradizionale un elemento di negatività e per questo devono essere rimosse: per motivi fitosanitari, per il maggior rischio di incendio, per una maggiore sicurezza ai fini della fruibilità turistica, per motivi economici e sociali legati ai diritti di legnatico che gravano sui boschi pubblici. Inoltre nella gestione del bosco, questi soggetti costituiscono una fonte di disturbo e di impatto psicologico negativo (la presenza di una quantità eccessiva di legno morto al suolo produce insicurezza e paura -Ammer 1988, Nosswitz 1998). Nello stesso tempo viene riconosciuto il valore e il significato degli alberi morti in piedi dal punto di vista estetico-paesaggistico, culturale ed etico-religioso
The purpose of this paper is to highlight a case study of forest restoration in the Pomieri Wood area (Madonie regional park, Sicily), consisting of a relict population of sessile oak (Quercus petraea subsp. austrothyrrenica Brullo, Guarino & Siracusa). To assess the functionality of the stand some biological indicators were taken into consideration: dendrometric-structural, floristic-vegetation, ecological, fructification, natural regeneration, disturbances. They reveal a state of degradation after a long period of overexploitation of resources. Forest restoration would lead to the regaining of the cultural value of the Pomieri wood by management authorities and local populations. Then a series of measures are to be carried out providing for the removal of degradation factors (grazing, illegal cuttings) and restoring stand density, biodiversity and ecological functionality
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