Exploring the multiple drivers of alpha and beta-diversity dynamics in Europe’s primary forests: Informing conservation strategies

• Published in: Forest ecology and management Vol. 571; p. 122229
• Main Authors: Ferenčík, Matej, Hofmeister, Jeňýk, Mikoláš, Martin, Buechling, Arne, Gloor, Rhiannon, Kozák, Daniel, Topercer, Ján, Pavlin, Jakob, Petriţan, Ion Catãlin, Bače, Radek, Dúhová, Daniela, Frankovič, Michal, Janda, Pavel, Kameniar, Ondrej, Markuljaková, Katarína, Mejstřík, Marek, Pardus, Ivo, Wiezik, Michal, Wieziková, Adela, Svoboda, Miroslav
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-11-2024
• Subjects: Beta-diversity; Forest-dwelling taxa; Old-growth forests; Saproxylic species; Species turnover; Western Carpathians; Old-growth forests; Species turnover; Beta-diversity; Forest-dwelling taxa; Saproxylic species; Western Carpathians
• ISSN: 0378-1127
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2024.122229

Addressing the scope of biodiversity loss is a societal issue. However, consensus regarding effective management practices to attenuate species extinction is lacking. An assessment of spatial variation in species assemblages (beta-diversity) provides a promising framework for informing forest landscape planning. Within the context of recent European Union biodiversity conservation goals, this research demonstrates an application of beta-diversity theory to understand spatial patterns in the distribution of a suite of environmentally-sensitive taxa within Europe’s remaining best-preserved primary forests. We sampled the local community composition (alpha-diversity) of four taxonomic groups (birds, epiphytic and epixylic lichens, saproxylic beetles, and deadwood-inhabiting fungi) to estimate corresponding levels of beta-diversity, as well as the underlying spatial components of nestedness and turnover. To identify particularly sensitive sites on the landscape that are potentially important for multiple species, we assessed beta-diversity congruence among the taxonomic groups. To elucidate critical abiotic factors and resource attributes underpinning biodiversity patterns, we regressed observed levels of local species richness against selected habitat variables. Results show that levels of beta-diversity were high and predominantly driven by spatial turnover, particularly for dispersal-limited organisms having relationships with deadwood. Beta-diversity was lowest for the avian group, reflecting their mobility. The lichen and fungal groups were correlated in terms of beta-diversity and turnover likely due to similar resource requirements. Variation in deadwood attributes (volume, decay stage) was significantly related to the local species richness of beetle and lichen communities. We identified occurrences of several threatened (red-listed) species that were similarly associated with deadwood substrates. We suggest that the beta-diversity patterns and habitat associations revealed by our analyses provide baseline data for comparison with managed systems. In particular, our findings highlight the importance of dead trees and logs for biodiversity conservation, suggesting a need for management strategies that retain an abundant and diverse supply of deadwood in forested landscapes.
•Levels of beta-diversity were high and predominantly driven by spatial turnover.•Each primary forest fragment had a unique species composition.•Spatial turnover was significantly higher than nestedness.•Forest maturity significantly influenced the occurrence of red-listed species.•Deadwood variability is more critical for forest-dwelling taxa than its volume.