The occurrence of cavities in fruit trees: effects of tree age and management on biodiversity in traditional European orchards

Grüebler, Martin U.; Schaller, Sabrina; Keil, Herbert; Naef‐Daenzer, Beat

doi:10.1007/s10531-013-0581-6

Cited by 30 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…There may also be a larger variation in the number of cavities in wet than dry forests . These variations could be explained by different habitat attributes, such as forest stand characteristics (tree species composition and tree density), topographic position, and stochastic disturbance (Lindenmayer et al 1993;Gibbons and Lindenmayer et al 1997;Fan et al 2003;Grüebler et al 2013;McLean et al 2015;Altamirano et al 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Do tree cavity density and characteristics vary across topographical habitats in the tropics? A case study from Xishuangbanna, southwest China

Liu¹,

Tang²,

Chen³

et al. 2019

Silva Fenn.

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Despite the influence of cavities on the survival and distribution of cavity-dependent fauna, the variation in the density and characteristics of tree cavities across different habitat types in tropical forests is unknown. In this study, we surveyed 26â312 living trees from 376 species and compared cavity density and characteristics (height, size, type, and orientation) across five habitat types (valley, low-slope, high-slope, high-gully, and high-plateau) in a 20-hectare tropical rainforest in southwest China. From a total of 2047 cavities, we found that cavity density was mainly driven by habitat rather than tree species richness or diameter at breast height (DBH), and the characteristics of cavities were not uniformly distributed across habitats. Cavities were significantly more abundant in high- and low-slope than high-plateau habitats. Compared with other habitats, more âbutt hollowâ cavity types were found in high-slope habitat and they occurred at a lower tree height, whereas more âcrackâ cavities were found in low-slope habitat and they had a narrower entrance diameter. Although the mean orientation of cavities faced towards the northeast, cavity orientation varied significantly across habitat types. Our results indicate that certain types of cavities are concentrated in specific habitat types, which can provide avenues for forest management and biodiversity conservation. We highlight the importance of habitat heterogeneity in providing resources for cavity nesters.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Do tree cavity density and characteristics vary across topographical habitats in the tropics? A case study from Xishuangbanna, southwest China

Liu¹,

Tang²,

Chen³

et al. 2019

Silva Fenn.

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“…Drivers include land-use intensification, land conversion, and the lack of recognition and appreciation of certain landscape elements and ecosystem components for their outstanding and multiple ecological and social values. Large old trees are highly vulnerable keystone ecological structures (reviewed by Manning et al 2006Manning et al , 2009; the hollowing process and the aging bark are characteristic components of these trees, making them crucial habitats for a large number of associated species, such are saproxylic organisms, as well as for animal species using cavities for breeding or other purposes (e.g., Read 2000; Manning et al 2006;Cockle et al 2012;Grüebler et al 2013;Lonsdale 2013;Müller et al 2014;Butler 2014;Falk 2014). Large old trees are biological legacies, representing biological and ecological continuity of genetic resources and habitats for a variety of organisms (e.g., Manning et al 2006Manning et al , 2009.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental determinants of the old oaks in wood-pastures from a changing traditional social–ecological system of Romania

Moga

Samoilă

Öllerer

et al. 2016

Ambio

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Large, old trees are keystone ecological structures, their decline having disproportional ecological consequences. There is virtually no information available regarding the status and occurrence of old trees in traditional cultural landscapes from Eastern Europe. In this study, we explore the environmental determinants of the old oaks found in wood-pastures from a changing traditional rural landscape from Central Romania. Both the old oaks and the wood-pastures harboring them have exceptional cultural, historical, and ecological values, yet are vulnerable to landuse change. We surveyed 41 wood-pastures from Southern Transylvania and counted the old oaks in them. We then related the number of old oaks from these wood-pastures to a set of local and landscape level variables related to woodpastures. We found 490 old oaks in 25 wood-pastures. The number of old oaks was positively related to the size of the wood-pasture and the amount of pasture and forest around it (500 m buffer), and negatively related to the proximity of the village. Furthermore, we found a significant interaction between the effects of sheepfolds in the wood-pasture and the size of the wood-pasture on the number of old trees, indicating a negative influence of sheepfolds on the number of old trees in smaller sized wood-pastures. There is an increasing risk for losing old trees in the traditional cultural landscapes due to the lack of formal recognition of these trees. Therefore, while presenting the positive example of local initiatives and citizen science, we argue for an urgent development and implementation of conservation policies along with education strategies targeting the old trees and rural communities from the changing traditional cultural landscapes of Eastern Europe.

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“…What's worth mentioning, decay-cavities occur as a result of removal of large branches. Decay-cavities are featured more often in trees of low vitality and with woodpecker-cavities than in trees of high vitality or without woodpecker-cavities [65]. From another site presence of saproxylic beetles in the cavities is positively associated with tree height and a high degree of damage at the root collar, what could be a factor increasing risk level, and negatively with the presence of hole-nesting birds [66].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transit verus Nature. Value Depreciation of Road Alleys. Case study: Gamerki-Jonkowo, Poland

Suchocka¹,

Błaszczyk²,

Juźwiak³

et al. 2019

Preprint

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Road alleys, especially on areas of Warmia (north-east Poland), are multifunctional features in open landscapes. They serve as ecological corridors connecting habitats and play an important role in sustaining ecological stability. However, multiple road authorities claim that tree-lined routes are a threat for traffic safety and therefore should be removed. The aspect of safety seems to be crucial to them, significantly overwhelming alley benefits. The vitality problems of the trees (which are mainly mature and aging) deliver arguments to cutting them down. The aim of this paper is examination of environmental and natural value of the road alleys (based on a 14 km long-distance of the Gamerki -Jonkowo road), and verification of the degree of hazard posed by trees designated for cutting because of safety reasons. The six-examination framework for the research was developed. Tree risk assessment and vitality evaluation, pulling tests, examination of protected beetle species -hermit beetle, the lichens species, and examination of bat fauna were performed. The results revealed no trees in the resignation phase and confirmed that the alley is a unique natural and landscape habitat with protected species of lichens, a few bats species and valuable insect species, among others hermit beetle (Osmoderma barnabita) existing there. The environmental value of the alley is, therefore, hard to overestimate and cannot be perceived only as a component of the road infrastructure. The maintenance of the trees seems to be essential when taking into account environmental stability of the region.

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The occurrence of cavities in fruit trees: effects of tree age and management on biodiversity in traditional European orchards

Cited by 30 publications

References 38 publications

Do tree cavity density and characteristics vary across topographical habitats in the tropics? A case study from Xishuangbanna, southwest China

Do tree cavity density and characteristics vary across topographical habitats in the tropics? A case study from Xishuangbanna, southwest China

Environmental determinants of the old oaks in wood-pastures from a changing traditional social–ecological system of Romania

Transit verus Nature. Value Depreciation of Road Alleys. Case study: Gamerki-Jonkowo, Poland

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