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Forests
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Forest Biodiversity Conservation
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Forest Biodiversity Conservation

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Biodiversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 12425

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Maxim Bobrovsky

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Guest Editor
Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems of Soil Science of RAS, Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Institutskaya Str., Pushchino 142290, Russia
Interests: ecosystem ecology; biodiversity; conservation biology; soil; historical land-use
Dr. Larisa Khanina

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Guest Editor
Institute of Mathematical Problems of Biology of RAS, Branch of the Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics of Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Prof. Vitkevich Str., Pushchino 142290, Russia
Interests: forest ecology; plant and soil ecology; biodiversity assessment; element cycles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Natalya Ivanova

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Guest Editor
Institute of Mathematical Problems of Biology of RAS, Branch of the Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics of Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Prof. Vitkevich Str., Pushchino 142290, Russia
Interests: forest ecology; biodiversity informatics; remote sensing in ecology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Widespread forest ecosystems have traditionally been perceived to be uniform in structure and relatively species-poor when compared to aquatic, meadow, or ruderal communities. However, recent inquiries challenge this conventional belief, prompting fundamental questions about the true biodiversity of forests. What should the biodiversity of a forest look like? How did it appear before extensive human activities altered these environments?

Recent discoveries suggest that natural forest landscapes should encompass a diverse range of habitats, including glades to meadows, water bodies, and forest communities at varying successional stages. This diversity also extends to forests featuring gap-mosaic, deadwood, and treefalls with uprooting. All of these habitats together have the potential to harbor the entire species pool of the region. To improve our understanding, we seek contributions that investigate changes in alpha, spatial, and temporal beta diversity of any organisms in various communities embedded in a forest landscape. Furthermore, we are keen to explore the diversity observed in forested islands amidst non-forested landscapes, such as parks in urban areas, woodlands in forest–steppe or forest–tundra regions, and fragmented forests.

Our Special Issue invites contributions delving into various facets of forest biodiversity. We invite authors to submit papers that examine taxonomic, structural, and functional diversity across:

  • Old growth and intact forests;
  • Forests in non-forested landscapes;
  • Floodplain and coastal forests;
  • Forests at different successional stages;
  • Forests affected by natural and human-induced impacts.

We especially, but not exclusively, welcome contributions related to temporal and spatial beta diversity, including historical and long-term biodiversity dynamics, as well as shifts in community-level net abundance.

Dr. Maxim Bobrovsky
Dr. Larisa Khanina
Dr. Natalya Ivanova
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • plant diversity
  • fungal diversity
  • animal diversity
  • soil fauna diversity
  • spatial beta diversity
  • temporal beta diversity
  • dynamics of biodiversity
  • environmental conditions

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 30080 KiB  
Article
Spatial Distribution Pattern and Factors Influencing the Endangered Plant Tetracentron sinense Oliv.
by Rui Chen, Xuemei Zhang, Yumin Shu, Qinsong Liu, Jun Zhang, Hongyan Han and Xiaohong Gan
Forests 2025, 16(1), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16010159 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 538
Abstract
Tetracentron sinense is a tall deciduous tree and represents the only remaining species of Tetracentron. Currently, the spatial distribution pattern of T. sinense and its associated influencing factors remain unclear, thus hindering its protection and rational utilization. In this study, we employed [...] Read more.
Tetracentron sinense is a tall deciduous tree and represents the only remaining species of Tetracentron. Currently, the spatial distribution pattern of T. sinense and its associated influencing factors remain unclear, thus hindering its protection and rational utilization. In this study, we employed the point pattern method to analyze the spatial distribution patterns of four representative populations of T. sinense distributed in Baima Snow Mountain, Dafengding, Leigong Mountain, and Foping in China. The results reveal that the T. sinense populations in Baima Snow Mountain, Dafengding, and Leigong Mountain exhibited an aggregated distribution on small (0–10 m) or specific scales, with their spatial distribution patterns shifting from aggregated to random as the scale increased. In contrast, the population of T. sinense in Foping showed a random distribution at all scales. In relation to the factors influencing the spatial distribution patterns of T. sinense, we found that young trees played a crucial role and had a substantial impact on their distribution. Furthermore, adult trees contributed to the aggregated distribution of T. sinense saplings on smaller scales (0–10 m). Additionally, we identified Acer erianthum, Prunus conradinae, and Rhododendron anthosphaerum as key associated species that influenced the formation of spatial distribution patterns of T. sinense. Finally, air humidity and soil moisture content were found to exert a significant effect on the spatial distribution patterns of T. sinense populations. For the protection of T. sinense in situ, it is necessary to increase the number of young trees, enhance the availability of microhabitat factors for its seedlings, and utilize key companion species to promote heterogeneity, which can optimize resource utilization and foster population rejuvenation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Biodiversity Conservation)
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14 pages, 2686 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Diversity of Corticolous Lichens Associated with Tree Trunks in the Understories of Four Tropical Dry Forests of the Atlántico Department in Colombia
by Pierine España-Puccini, Juan P. Gómez, Amner Muñoz-Acevedo, Daniel Posada-Echeverría and María C. Martínez-Habibe
Forests 2024, 15(11), 2000; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15112000 - 13 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 960
Abstract
Tropical dry forests (TDFs) are unique ecosystems with high biodiversity, including a rich variety of lichen species. Lichens are sensitive to environmental changes and can serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health. This study examined the diversity of lichen communities at four TDF sites [...] Read more.
Tropical dry forests (TDFs) are unique ecosystems with high biodiversity, including a rich variety of lichen species. Lichens are sensitive to environmental changes and can serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health. This study examined the diversity of lichen communities at four TDF sites in the Atlántico Department of Colombia. More than 700 tree lichen specimens were collected and identified at the four sites. A total of 135 species of lichens were identified, of which 19 are possibly undescribed. The most diverse sites were Usiacurí and Repelón, both protected areas with relatively well-preserved forests. The findings of this study demonstrate that the Atlántico TDFs host a large diversity of lichens, with a significant number of records of new species. The observed differences in species composition between sites highlight the importance of habitat heterogeneity and anthropogenic pressures on lichen communities. The results emphasize the need for conservation strategies to protect these ecologically valuable lichen communities within the Atlántico TDFs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Biodiversity Conservation)
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26 pages, 10877 KiB  
Article
Phytosociological Analysis of the Boreal Oligotrophic Pine Forests in the Southern Ural Region (Russia)
by Vasiliy Martynenko, Pavel Shirokikh, Elvira Baisheva, Albert Muldashev, Nikolay Fedorov, Svetlana Zhigunova and Leniza Naumova
Forests 2024, 15(8), 1461; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15081461 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1066
Abstract
Floristic composition and syntaxonomy of the boreal oligotrophic pine forests covering vast areas in the boreal, hemiboreal, and temperate zones of continental Eurasia still remain poorly studied in the Southern Ural region. Using the Braun–Blanquet approach and TURBOVEG and JUICE software, the phytocoenotic [...] Read more.
Floristic composition and syntaxonomy of the boreal oligotrophic pine forests covering vast areas in the boreal, hemiboreal, and temperate zones of continental Eurasia still remain poorly studied in the Southern Ural region. Using the Braun–Blanquet approach and TURBOVEG and JUICE software, the phytocoenotic diversity of boreal oligotrophic pine forests of the Southern Ural region was studied, and their position in the system of ecological and floristic classification of Eurasian vegetation was determined. Geobotanical data on boreal oligotrophic pine forests of Europe, including the European part of Russia; the Southern Urals; and Siberia were compared. A new alliance of oligotrophic boreal pine forests Brachypodio pinnati-Pinion sylvestris all. nov. hoc loco is described. The communities of this new alliance (i.e., five associations from the Southern Ural region) are characterized by a special floristic composition, occupying an intermediate position between the typical European oligotrophic pine forests of the alliance Dicrano-Pinion (Libbert 1933) Matuszkiewicz 1962 and oligotrophic (mainly psammophilous) South Siberian pine forests of the alliance Hieracio-Pinion Anenkhonov et Chytrý 1998. The communities of the alliance Brachypodio pinnati-Pinion sylvestris prefer to grow on poor soils with different moisture conditions. Due to intensive forestry activities, the distribution area of these forests has decreased, and these communities have been replaced by secondary birch forests. We have proposed a set of conservation measures to preserve these communities. A new association of oligotrophic pine forests Psephello sumensis-Pinetum sylvestris ass. nov. hoc loco is also described. These communities from the Kurgan region of Western Siberia were ordered into the alliance Dicrano-Pinion. It confirms the idea that the distribution area of this alliance may reach Siberia. Unlike the Southern Ural pine forests of the alliance Brachypodio pinnati-Pinion sylvestris, the recovery of these West Siberian pine forests after felling is quite high, and these communities do not require special measures for their protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Biodiversity Conservation)
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14 pages, 6731 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Morphological and Physicochemical Diversity of Carob (Ceratonia siliqua, Fabaceae) Germplasm from Algeria
by Oussama Smaili, Nadjiba Chebouti-Meziou, Francesco Scollo, Stefano La Malfa, Alessandra Gentile, Gaetano Distefano, Leonardo Paul Luca and Chiara Catalano
Forests 2024, 15(8), 1423; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15081423 - 13 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1251
Abstract
Despite the economic and ecological importance of the carob tree, few studies are available on the morphological characterization and chemical composition of carob in Algeria. This has resulted in the lack of selection of commercial cultivars of high seed and sugar content. The [...] Read more.
Despite the economic and ecological importance of the carob tree, few studies are available on the morphological characterization and chemical composition of carob in Algeria. This has resulted in the lack of selection of commercial cultivars of high seed and sugar content. The present study aims to assess the diversity of 11 wild and 1 cultivated carob populations in various regions of Algeria, characterized by diverse geographical and climatic conditions. The final objective is to assess the diversity of neglected carob plants that exhibit superior fruit quality traits and/or are well adapted to different pedoclimatic conditions. The current study focuses on analyzing pod and seed diversity by investigating 12 morphological and 5 physiochemical traits. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences between populations (p < 0.001) for all traits studied, indicating high morphological and chemical variability among these carob populations. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to study the relationship between these traits and the geographical origin. High seed yields characterized wild populations, whereas cultivated populations were rich in sugar. Based on morphological traits of pods, seeds and chemical compositions, a hierarchical clustering grouped the carob populations into four groups. The findings of this study represent a significant advancement towards establishing effective cultivar breeding programs in Algeria. They demonstrate that the germplasm examined in this research exhibits an optimal level of morphological and chemical diversity, which is instrumental in the identification of specific traits of both commercial and environmental significance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Biodiversity Conservation)
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13 pages, 3267 KiB  
Article
Modelling Distribution of an Endangered Longhorn Beetle, Callipogon relictus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), in Northeast Asia
by Alexander Kuprin, Nicolaj Shevchenko and Vladislava Baklanova
Forests 2024, 15(4), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040598 - 26 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1694
Abstract
Based on our own field data and using modeling of modern potential ranges (in the MaxEnt program), an assessment of the spatial distribution of the rare representative of the longhorn beetle family, Callipogon (Eoxenus) relictus Semenov 1899, was conducted in northeast [...] Read more.
Based on our own field data and using modeling of modern potential ranges (in the MaxEnt program), an assessment of the spatial distribution of the rare representative of the longhorn beetle family, Callipogon (Eoxenus) relictus Semenov 1899, was conducted in northeast Asia (220 geographic locations). The generated maps of the potential range of C. relictus demonstrate a high likelihood of the species’ presence in the upland areas of southern far east Russia, the provinces of northeastern China, and the Korean Peninsula. Field data also indicate the extensive association of the species with undisturbed broadleaf and coniferous–broadleaf forests in northeast Asia. Maps of the potential distribution of C. relictus in northeast Asia have been compiled based on four climate change scenarios from the present time to 2070. Under all of the climate scenarios used, it is shown that suitable habitats for the species will persist in certain areas of Primorsky Krai, as well as neighboring provinces of the People’s Republic of China and a small enclave on the Korean Peninsula in Gangwon-do province. Significant reduction in suitable conditions for the rare longhorn beetle will occur in the rest of its distribution range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Biodiversity Conservation)
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16 pages, 3503 KiB  
Article
Evidence for the Use of Karst Tiankengs as Shelters: The Effect of Karst Tiankengs on Genetic Diversity and Population Differentiation in Manglietia aromatica
by Yishan Yang, Jianmin Tang, Xianliang Zhu, Lipo Pan, Rong Zou, Yunsheng Jiang and Xiao Wei
Forests 2024, 15(4), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040576 - 22 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4269
Abstract
Karst tiankengs in China are globally significant locations for studying ecological environments and plant diversity. However, there are few reports on how the unique geographical environment of tiankengs affects plant genetic diversity and genetic structure. This study used Hyper-seq gene sequencing technology to [...] Read more.
Karst tiankengs in China are globally significant locations for studying ecological environments and plant diversity. However, there are few reports on how the unique geographical environment of tiankengs affects plant genetic diversity and genetic structure. This study used Hyper-seq gene sequencing technology to develop large-scale genomic SNPs of Manglietia aromatica, both within and outside the tiankengs. Its aim was to investigate the impact of tiankengs on the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the M. aromatica population. The analysis results indicate that the genetic diversity of the populations within the tiankeng (π = 0.2044) is higher than that of the populations outside of it (π = 0.1671), indicating that the tiankengs have a positive impact on species diversity. The genetic differentiation coefficient (FST) between the populations inside and outside the tiankeng was 0.0534 and the FST values of populations within the tiankeng were 0.077, 0.082, and 0.141, meaning that the genetic variation in the tiankengs is very high. The genetic similarity outside the tiankengs is also very high, indicating that the tiankengs are effectively preserving the genetic diversity of M. aromatica. Furthermore, the gene introgression analysis results gave no proof of gene flow between the three tiankeng populations. This suggests that the tiankengs not only protect species diversity, but also hinder gene flow between populations to some extent. However, this hindrance may gradually subside with the evolution of the tiankengs. The genetic structure analysis revealed that the M. aromatica population in Guangxi, China, can be classified into three subpopulations. The first is the tiankeng subpopulation, including all the populations in tiankengs. The second subpopulation consists of populations surrounding the tiankengs. These two subpopulations are distributed in Leye County in northwestern Guangxi, China, and are very close to each other. The third is the Huanjiang subpopulation, which is located far away from the tiankengs. Considering the direction of gene flow and genetic structure, it is speculated that the populations in the tiankengs evolved from the populations near the pit mouth. This study confirms that the tiankengs are shelters and provide a suitable habitat for the endangered plant M. aromatica, because its genetic diversity is well conserved and the species is well adapted to the habitat within the tiankengs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Biodiversity Conservation)
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18 pages, 1769 KiB  
Article
Response of Forest Bird Communities to Managed Landscapes in the Acadian Forest
by Lisa A. Venier, Kevin Porter, Gregory Adams, Kenneth McIlwrick and Emily Smenderovac
Forests 2024, 15(1), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15010184 - 17 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1537
Abstract
The loss of mature forests is a known stressor of forest management on biodiversity. Mature forests provide unique habitat for forest birds. Here, we examine the capacity of mature forest stands embedded in an intensively managed landscape to provide habitat for landbird species [...] Read more.
The loss of mature forests is a known stressor of forest management on biodiversity. Mature forests provide unique habitat for forest birds. Here, we examine the capacity of mature forest stands embedded in an intensively managed landscape to provide habitat for landbird species that are associated with mature, unfragmented habitats. We carry this out by comparing bird communities in forest stands in three landscapes with a gradient of management activity. We examined community-level indicators (richness, diversity, abundance and community structure), and trait-level indicators (species groups associated with cavity nesting, mature forests, interior forests and area sensitivity). We found no obvious negative effects on bird communities, species and trait groups in forest stands in the most intensively managed landscape relative to the less intensively managed landscapes. Our ability to draw inferences about the influence of management intensity is limited due to lack of replication; however, these results do provide evidence that mature forest stands within intensively managed landscapes can provide valuable habitat to mature forest associates. There are often trade-offs between generating wood products from the forest and the provision of mature forest habitats. Research on forest birds can provide some of the necessary information for assessing the size and shape of those trade-offs and help to inform the conversation about the desired structure, function and composition of forests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Biodiversity Conservation)
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