Species diversity and species composition of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens – a comparison of managed and unmanaged beech forests in NE Germany

Abstract

SummaryThe impact of forest management on the species diversity and species composition of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens in beech forests (Fagus sylvatica) of NE Germany was analysed. The investigations were carried out in one unmanaged and in one managed forest, with 45 sample plots of 400 m 2 each. In the sample plots, the presence of the epiphytes on 2 -4 randomly chosen trees (100 trees per forest) and seven environmental variables were recorded. The total number of species and the mean lichen density per mantle area was higher in the unmanaged forest than in the managed forest. Regression analyses and DCA revealed the diameter at breast height (dbh) as the most important factor affecting the species diversity and species composition in both forest types. The dbh was positively correlated with the number of growth anomalies and with the bark roughness of the phorophytes and thus a good indicator for the habitat quality. Moreover, the light conditions had a significant impact on the species composition in both forests types and on the species diversity in the managed forest. In particular, epiphytes demanding shady conditions and a consistent humidity may suffer from the abrupt exposition to radiation and the lower humidity after logging. Species typical for the unmanaged forest and most rare species must be considered as stenoecious as they demand the shady and humid conditions of the forest interior and grow on old, large trees. With the aim of sustaining the diversity of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens, forest management should ensure the continuous occurrence of big trees above the target diameter. In addition, a single tree selection felling method should be applied to minimise strong changes in the microclimate. ZusammenfassungArtenvielfalt

Influence of forest management on epiphytic lichens in a temperate beech forest of northern Italy

“…Other authors found significant differences of species richness between intensive and extensive management regimes (Dettki and Esseen, 1998) or between managed and unmanaged forests (Friedel et al, 2006), indicating that not intensively managed or undisturbed stands host a richer lichen flora. Our non-significant differences between the two types of management were probably related to the relatively long rotation period of the shelterwoodcut sites, which allowed the development of species-rich communities dominated by crustose pioneer lichens and common generalist species.…”

Patterns of β-diversity and similarity reveal biotic homogenization of epiphytic lichen communities associated with the spread of black locust forests

“…In general, epiphytic lichens are known to be sensitive to forest habitat disturbance (Aude and Poulsen, 2000;Giordani, 2012;Hauck et al, 2013;Johansson, 2008;Nascimbene et al, , 2013aPyk€ al€ a, 2004) their response often being detectable in terms of replacement of forest specialists with generalist species (Friedel et al, 2006;Matteucci et al, 2012;Nascimbene et al, 2007;Rogers and Ryel, 2008). Severe shifts in lichen composition are also associated with the invasion of alien trees, such as black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), that replace native temperate forests .…”

Richness of Lichen Species, Especially of Threatened Ones, Is Promoted by Management Methods Furthering Stand Continuity

“…No studies have included different regions, management types and developmental stages, along with detailed information on site conditions [13]. Furthermore, rather than addressing all lichen species in defined areas of differently managed forests, only corticolous species on individual trees were usually recorded [18], [19]. In addition, studies on the effects of stand age or stand characteristics on lichen species richness are rare outside Fennoscandia, where case studies have been carried out (e.g.…”