The Effects of the Selective Removal of Adjacent Trees on the Diversity of Oak-Hosted Epiphytes and Tree-Related Microhabitats.

ABSTRACT: Restoration efforts to maintain oak-dominated habitats and enhance biodiversity often employ selective thinning, but its long-term effect on multiple taxa remains unclear. This study examines the effects of halo thinning around pedunculate oak on epiphytic and tree-related microhabitat (TreM) diversity in the boreal-nemoral forest zone. We revisited nine sites in Latvia with 150-331-year-old oaks, where thinning was conducted in 2003-2004. Epiphyte species composition and cover were assessed, and TreMs were evaluated using standardised methods. Diversity indices (Hill numbers, q = 0; 1; 2; 3) and statistical models (LMMs, Poisson GLMMs) were used to analyse the effects of thinning on species richness and TreM occurrence. Halo thinning over the past 20 years has not caused significant diffe

SUBMITTER: Liepina AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11548538 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature