Folia Oecologica, an international scientific journal, publishes peer-reviewed, original research on forest ecology science. While the emphasis is on forest ecosystems, the journal covers a wide range of topics from the underlying biology to the conservation aspects of forest and nature. The Journal publishes full-text papers, short communications and review articles. Folia Oecologica is indexed/covered in Elsevier Products (Scopus™), Web of Science and other databases. We encourage submission of papers that will be of strong interest and value to the Journal’s international readership, and they should offer a distinct, novel contribution. Research papers should clearly outline an existing knowledge gap and articulate how the findings address this deficit, including the practical implications for all ecosystems where trees, shrubs and herbs found in forest can grow. This journal provides immediate open access to its content under the Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. Authors who publish with this journal retain all copyrights except for commercial rights (transfer of commercial rights) and agree to the terms of the above-mentioned CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license.
Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Forest Ecology
This journal provides immediate open access to its content under the Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. Authors who publish with this journal retain all copyrights except for commercial rights (transfer of commercial rights) and agree to the terms of the above-mentioned CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license.
Chronicle: We recall Assoc. Prof. Ing. Dr. h. c. František Benčať, DrSc.(18. 9. 1929-17. 1. 2010)
On January 20, 2010, many representatives of the botanic public as well as the wide public of Topoľčianky said the last goodbye to Assoc. Prof. Ing. Dr. h. c. F'rantišek Benčať, DrSc.
Copyright (c) 2010 Ferdinand Tokar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Assessment of vegetative phenological phases of European beech(Fagus sylvatica L.) in relation to effective temperature during periodof 1992-2008 in Czechia
The paper presents the results of long-term phenological observations of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) running in years 1992-2008 across the phenological network of the Czech Hydro-meteorological Institute, abbr. CHMI, in original language Český hydrometeorologický ústav. The data assembled over this period were used for identification of timing of the following vegetative phenophases: bud burst (BBCH 07), first leaves 100% (BBCH 15), leaf colouring 10% (BBCH 92), leaf fall 100% (BBCH 97). The stations are situated at altidudes from 165m (Lednice) to 1,102 m (Modrava). The mean date obtained for onset of bud burst is from April 12th to May 7t (on average April 22n4), the mean date for onset of the first leaves 100% is from April 29h to May 17th (on average May 7th), the mean date for onset of leaf colouring is from September 12a to October 14th (on average September 24th ), and the mean date for onset of leaf fall 100% is from October 9 to December 8 (on average November 7th). The trend analysis of bud burst stage showed a declining trend - that means a shift of phenological phases towards earlier date (5.7 days). On the other side, the phenophase of leaf fall 100% manifested an increasing trend - that means a shift of phenological phase to later date (6.1 days). The vegetation season is getting longer. The totals of effective temperatures were used as a bio-climatological criterion for assessment of dependence of phenological phases on meteorological variables. The above mentioned totals were obtained as subtotals of average daily temperatures higher than 0 °C, 5 °C, 8 °C and 10 °C (TS0, TS5, TS8, TS10). The average temperature total for bud burst TSO was found from 286.2 ℃ (Lednice, 165m a.s.l.) to TS0 = 144.2 °C (Modrava, 1,102m a.s.l.). The other effective temperature totals for the average day of bud burst are: TS5 = 71.5 °C; TS8 = 21.4 °C; TS10 = 7.2 °C (Lednice); TS5 = 20.0 °C; TS8 = 4.4 °C; TS10= 1.6 °C (Modrava). The highest temperature total for leaf fall was from TS0 = 3,822.4 °C (Lednice); the lowest TS0 = 1845.9 °C (Modrava).
Copyright (c) 2010 Lenka Hájková, Jiří Nekovář, Dáša Richterová (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Phenotypic variation in chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) natural populationsin Hyrcanian forest (north of Iran), revealed by leaf morphometrics
Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is marginally distributed - as a rare species, in Hyrcanian forest, located in the north of Iran. In Iran, this species is economically important for timber and nut production, therefore its conservation is very necessary. However, no information exists on its variability in the Iranian chestnut populations. The aim of this study is to survey the variability in leaf morphology of three chestnut natural populations. Twenty trees per a population and forty leaves per a tree were sampled, data of nine characteristics (lamina length, lamina width, petiole length, distance from leaf base to the leaf maximum width, tooth width, tooth length, tooth distance, vein (count variable), teeth (counted variable) and four characteristic ratios (leaf length/leaf width, leaf length/petiole length, leaf length/distance from leaf base to the widest point, distance from leaf base to the leaf widest point/petiole length), were recorded. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to separate inter-relationships into statistically independent basic components. Most of the variation (85%) was explained by the first four components, and leaf size emerged as the most important variable in the corresponding eigenvectors. We used one-way ANOVA on the scores of the factors extracted in the PCA. These analyses revealed significant between-population differences with regard to most of factors. The results of discriminant analysis showed a high percentage of correctly classified cases in all actual populations (in total 93%). The patterns of leaf plasticity exhibited low values for all parameters. We concluded that leaf parameters are suitable variables for detecting levels of phenotypic variability among chestnut natural populations. The high diversity observed in the populations is very important for the conservation of the species genetic resources.
Copyright (c) 2010 Mehrdad Zarafshar, Moslem Akbarinia, Piero Bruschi, Sieid Mohsen Hosseiny, Hamed Yousefzadeh, Mehdi Taieby, Ali Sattarian (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Population dynamics of spruce bark beetle in a nature reserve in relationto stand edges conditions
Over the period 2006-2009 spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus [L.]) population was monitored after two windstorm events in a nature reserve in Slovak Ore Mountains. The monitoring was carried out with pheromone traps in three different forest edges: 1) edge of wind-felled trees area, 2) disturbed stand edge and 3) undisturbed stand edge. The one-way ANOVA confirmed statistically significant differences among stand edges in each year and a post-hoc test was applied. In first two years after the primary disturbance the most attractive for spruce bark beetle was the edge of wind-felled trees area. After two years from the primary disturbance the most attractive became the disturbed stand edge. The undisturbed stand edge showed a similar attractivity for spruce bark beetles almost over the whole monitoring period.
Copyright (c) 2011 Pavel Mezei, Rastislav Jakuš, Miroslav Blaženec, Slávka Belánová, Ján Šmídt (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Results of monitoring the vegetative phenological phasesof European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in 1991-2006
There are presented results of a sixteen-year study of vegetative phenological phases in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the area of he Drahanska vrchovina Upland. The results of the monitoring show different starts and durations of phenological phases in individual years. A large range was noted in spring phenological phases. The start and duration of autumnal phenological phases has more regular character. The annual variability in the start and course of phenological phases in beech shows that in addition to genetie factors, also external conditions, particularly meteorological factors, participate in their start and duration. Relationships between the start of phenological phases and changing meteorological parameters are expressed with the sum of effective air temperatures higher than 5°C. Also growth phases were evaluated in relation to vegetative phenological phases. On the basis of the results obtained it is evident that in recent years, the growth of the sum of effective air temperatures occurs, particularly in the autumnal season with extension of the growing season, which can result in the disturbance of physiological functions causing, in such a way, forest decline. Results of phenological monitoring can contribute to explain effects of climatic changes on the stability of forest stands.
Copyright (c) 2007 Emilie Bednářová, Lucie Merklová (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Methodological overview to hemispherical photography, demonstratedon an example of the software GLA
This contribution provides a literature overview concerning minimising the two main error sources at shooting and evaluating hemispherical photographs with the aid of the software Gap Light Analyser 2.0. It deals with matcrialisation of the process in which these phenomena arise. The point is at determining the exposure time and thresholding (determining the optimum brightness value for the pixel as the threshold for distinguishing between the foliage and the sky patches on a hemispherical photograph).
Copyright (c) 2008 Benjamín Jarčuška (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
In the article by Zarafshar, M., Akbarinia, M., Bruschi, P., Hossciny, S.M., Youscfzadch, H., Taicby, M., Sattarian, A., titled Phenotypie variation in chestnut (Castanca sativa Mill.) natural populations in Hyrcanian forest (north of Iran), revealed by leaf morphometrics (Folia oecol., 37: 113-121), one of the authors' names was spelled incorrectly. Sieid Mohsen Hosseiny should have been spelled Seyed Mohsen Hosseini. The publisher apologises for any confusion caused.
Copyright (c) 2011 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Copyright (c) 2013 Editorial office (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Juhásová, Gabriela, Doc. Ing. CSc., a senior research worker at the Institute of Forest Ecology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Zvolen, Associated Professor at the Slovak Agricultural University in Nitra
Copyright (c) 2026 Tokár Ferdinand (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Apical shoot propagation of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. in Vietnam: a conservation-oriented approach to overcome the limitations of lateral cuttings
Taxus wallichiana Zucc. is an endangered medicinal tree species valued for its production of paclitaxel, but its conservation is constrained by overexploitation and poor natural regeneration. This study evaluated the feasibility of propagating T. wallichiana by apical cuttings under nursery conditions as a conservation-oriented alternative to seed propagation and lateral cuttings. Two-year-old donor plants subjected to apical shoot removal produced a cumulative 25.93 ± 0.84 suitable shoots per plant after 12 months, providing a reliable source of propagules. Rooting performance was significantly affected by IBA concentration, rooting substrate, and cutting length. Among the tested treatments, 1.0% IBA was the most effective concentration for root induction. The best rooting performance was obtained in a substrate containing 25% sand and 75% coir dust, with a rooting percentage of 90.00 ± 5.00%, 8.13 ± 0.12 roots per cutting, and a mean root length of 4.83 ± 0.24 cm. Apical cuttings 10–15 cm in length rooted better than 15–20 cm cuttings. For nursery growth, potting media containing 75% soil + 25% coir dust or 50% soil + 50% coir dust gave the best performance, with 100% survival and plant heights of 30.93 ± 0.66 cm and 30.33 ± 0.56 cm, respectively. After 18 months, cutting-derived plants reached 81.43 ± 2.13 cm in height and 1.15 ± 0.05 cm in basal diameter, outperforming seed-derived seedlings. These findings indicate that apical cutting is a promising propagation approach for conservation and restoration of T. wallichiana.
Changes in soil physical properties and understory vegetation in abandoned skidding trails
Skidding trails are primary pathways for transporting harvested timber from stumps to landings near forest roads. While they function as temporary routes for logging, their construction can alter ecological dynamics, potentially affecting plant regeneration, diversity, and species composition. This study investigated the physical properties of soil specifically bulk density, soil moisture, saturation, and field capacity as well as the biodiversity of understory vegetation within abandoned skidding trails in the Hazarjarib forest of Iran. Four skidding trails of varying ages (15, 25, 35, and 45 years past-skidding) were selected for the analysis. At each logging route, three plots were established; for each plot, an off-route control plot was placed nearby. To assess the richness and diversity of understory vegetation, we employed various metrics including evenness, Margalef richness index, and the Simpson, Shannon, and Sorenson diversity indices. Results showed that there is significant difference in all investigated soil parameters between the skidding trails and the untrafficked areas (control) except skidding trail with 45 years. The 15-years skidding trail exhibited the highest bulk density (1.80 g cm–3), while the 45-year skidding trail showed the lowest (1.46 g cm–3). This suggests that after 45 years since the last skidding, the bulk density has decreased and is now comparable to that of the untrafficked control area. Also, we observe a higher diversity of species and genera in the control areas compared to the skidding trials.
Status and development trends of Scots pine plantations outside the species areal in Bulgaria
Our study attempted to find a spatial analogue of the anticipated climate change in present times by investigating the status and development trends of four half-century-old man-made Scots pine stands outside the species areal in Central and North-Eastern Bulgarian lowlands. Stand composition, competition intensity, stand stability, site quality, tree mortality and ecosystem fit according to nationally established standards, were evaluated and growth correlations with climatic variables were analysed. Two stands experiencing an ongoing dieback were distinguished, regardless of the good productivity potential of the trees (Stand 2) or the low competition pressure and good mechanical stability maintained (Stand 1). The other 2 plantations showed either no mortality (Stand 4) or mortality due to self-thinning (Stand 3), forming a relatively productive and dense pure Scots pine stand (Stand 4) or a mixed, highly productive stand with diverse composition and good structure and stability (Stand 3). Tree growth was positively affected by the summer and the annual precipitation amounts, while negative correlation was found with the summer heat moisture index. Our investigation revealed that pine growth still can be sustained even in a slightly humid climate, if a high productivity level and good stand structure are assured, that indicates the overall capability of the species to adapt. However, the Scots pine trees are not able to adapt to relatively dry environmental conditions, suitable for lowland thermophilic species such as oaks, where the stands collapse when the heat-moisture balance worsens.
Ecological assessment of an unprotected natural forest area in São Miguel Island (Azores) and its potential conservation value
Relevant habitats occurring outside protected areas act as buffers for nearby reserves and provide valuable ecosystem services. In the Azores, 24% of the land is protected, but important biodiversity areas remain outside these boundaries. In this study, we assessed an area adjacent to São Miguel Island Natural Park, classified as natural vegetation. Plant and bird species were listed, 5 × 5 m plots used to characterise the plant communities and indicator species. Dendrometry approaches were used to study the invasive dynamics of Clethra arborea. Results exhibited two different plant communities: a Laurus azorica forest invaded by C. arborea; and a Calluna vulgaris scrubland with a rich herbaceous layer. Both communities reflected past human disturbances, possibly linked with collection of top-soil as substrate for pineapple cultivation. The results also confirmed that relevant areas for biodiversity exist outside protected areas in the Azores, and if restored, can potentially support biodiversity conservation.
Activity patterns of mammals in commercial plantations of South-central Chile
Commercial plantations have been recognized worldwide as “green deserts” due to their low biological diversity. This fact is explained by the low availability of resources, which would result in a change in the interactions between species. While changes in occupancy among species in plantations have been documented, little is known about their species’ temporal ecology, as competitors, predators or prey. We studied the activity patterns of the mammals of Pinus radiata plantations. We used photo-trapping to explore their temporal patterns and the overlap among species. Five native and three exotic mammal species were detected, as well as humans. The broader temporal niche breadth was shown by pudu deer (a dwarf deer but still the largest native prey) and the domestic dog. While the temporal overlap was high among similar-sized species, they differed in their use of space. Among prey, birds were the most abundant, and their activity patterns were essentially diurnal. Ecological aspects of the species are discussed, both in relation to the temporal flexibility of the species and the structural complexity of the study area.
A probabilistic habitat–suitability overlap framework (HMI) reveals spatial bias in MaxEnt models of West African forest butterflies
Species distribution models (SDMs) are widely used to infer potential species ranges, yet their ecological reliability in rapidly transformed landscapes remains poorly understood. We applied Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modelling to estimate the potential distribution of twelve forest-specialist butterfly species of high commercial value across West Africa, with a focus on Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Liberia, based on bioclimatic covariates. Models showed good predicted performance (mean jackknife AUC = 0.854, significantly better than random; null model test p < 0.01), driven by both precipitation-related variables (i.e. precipitation seasonality; 57.4% of explained variance in model predictions) and temperature-related variables (annual mean temperature, 33%). However, spatial predictions showed limited concordance with contemporary forest cover: 45.23% in Liberia but only 4.69% in Cote d’Ivoire and 6.42% in Ghana. Key refugia such as Taï Forest (Cote d’Ivoire) were partially underpredicted. To evaluate whether the observed agreement between predicted habitat suitability and forest cover reflects genuine ecological associations or is instead driven by spatial bias, we developed a probabilistic framework in which the expected overlap is defined as the product of forest availability and suitability probability. Building on this null expectation, we derived a Habitat Matching Index (HMI), expressed as the ratio between observed and expected overlap, allowing us to quantify deviations from random spatial association and to distinguish ecological signal from patterns generated by habitat availability alone. HMI values differed markedly among countries (Côte d’Ivoire: 0.319; Ghana: 0.570; Liberia: 1.407), demonstrating that apparent model performance is strongly influenced by forest extent rather than ecological fidelity alone. These findings reveal a fundamental limitation of climate-based SDMs: high statistical accuracy does not necessarily imply ecological realism. Integrating habitat availability into model evaluation provides a critical correction, improving inference in heterogeneous and rapidly changing tropical landscapes. We advocate combining climatic, land-cover, and species-specific data to enhance SDM reliability in conservation biogeography.
Climate change impacts on the distribution of deciduous forests in the Central Highlands of Vietnam
The spatial distribution of deciduous forests (DF) in Vietnam is relatively restricted. However, these ecosystems play a pivotal role in overall ecosystem structure and function. This study aimed to assess the environmental drivers governing the distribution of DF in Vietnam under climate change scenarios. Our results show that DF currently occupies a relatively narrow climatic niche spanning approximately 10,496.49 km2, predominantly in the Central Highlands. Precipitation of the driest month, temperature seasonality, and elevation emerged as the dominant predictors of DF distribution. Projected climatic niche contraction for the period 2081–2100 ranged from 7.6% (SSP245) to 33.2% of the current climatically suitable area (SSP585). This decline is primarily associated with increased precipitation during the coldest quarter and greater temperature variability. These findings underscore the need for targeted and proactive conservation strategies for DF in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, where the already limited suitable habitats are particularly susceptible to climate-driven range contractions.
Biodiversity restoration potential: a comparative study of native species regeneration in natural forests and Liquidambar excelsa plantation forests
The identification of natural succession and regeneration processes is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem stability in sustainable forest management. This study investigated the biodiversity and regeneration of natural forests and Liquidambar excelsa (Noronha) Oken plantations. Tree species richness (dbh ≥ 10 cm) in natural forests was found to be significantly higher (44 species) than in plantation forests (5 species, 4 of which were natural recruits). Although tree density was higher in natural forests, basal area was lower than in plantations. At the regeneration (sapling) level, species richness did not differ significantly between the two forest types, with a moderate diversity index and high evenness, and a species similarity of 60.7%. However, sapling density and basal area were higher in the plantation forests. For understory vegetation, species richness was also not significantly different, but the diversity index was higher in the natural forests. Both shared a very high species similarity (75.6%), despite the greater density and cover in the natural forests. The successful recruitment of native species into plantations is more influenced by environmental factors such as proximity to natural forest seed sources and topography, rather than by the forest type itself. This is demonstrated by the discovery of L. excelsa seedlings in natural forests and the presence of several native species that have successfully regenerated in plantation forests, indicating the potential for biodiversity restoration.
Current knowledge on hemi-parasitic yellow mistletoe (Loranthus europaeus Jacq.)
In spite of marked economical impact on forest timber production, more aspects of yellow mistletoe (Loranthus europaeus Jacq.) performance remain unknown and can inspire further research. This review comprehences current knowledge on taxonomical classification of this hemi-parasite, anatomy and morphology of its organs, its biological cycle and population ecology, effects on host-tree performance as well as its pharmaceutical potential. Based on it, gaps in the knowledge, particularly those with potential to be applied in management of this species, were outlined
Environmental conditions of new sites of Morchella steppicola Zerova (Ascomycetes, Morchellaceae) in Slovakia (Central Europe)
The steppe morel (Morchella steppicola) was the subject of a study in Slovakia, a country that represents the northern limit of its distribution in this part of Central Europe. A total of 30 sites were selected for the collection of environmental data and information on current landscape management practices. The soils at the studied sites are predominantly neutral to slightly alkaline in nature, exhibiting a pH range of 6.6–7.75 with an average value of 7.25. These soils are primarily derived from loess or sandstones. The sites represent thermophilic habitats, predominantly in the form of pastures or dry steppic grasslands, situated at altitudes ranging from 97 to 326 metres above sea level. Among 30 studied sites, eight are characterised by the presence of man-made landscape features. The threats to habitats of M. steppicola in Slovakia are discussed, with reference to the cessation of grazing at some sites and the potential overgrowing by shrubs and trees, resulting in forests.
Germination of Pinus maximartinezii seeds from two relict populations: effects of morphological attributes, seed origin, and pre-germination treatments
Pinus maximartinezii is an endemic and endangered Mexican pinyon pine highly restricted, only two relict populations are currently known. Effective conservation of this species requires the development of reliable seedling propagation protocols, but germination of P. maximartinezii seeds is problematic, likely due to water-impermeable seed coats. Methods to enhance germination are therefore necessary, yet this aspect remains poorly understood and understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mechanical and chemical scarification treatments on seed germination, linking treatment effectiveness with seed morphological traits and origin to identify, in turn, the influence of these factors. Provenances differed in seed size and seed coat thickness, thereby affecting water imbibition and germination dynamics. Seeds from Juchipila (Zacatecas) had thinner seed coats (1.4 mm) and imbibed water more rapidly (0.10 g H2O g–1 h–1), and germinated readily without any treatment (71.7%). In contrast, seeds from La Muralla (Durango) had slightly thicker coats (1.5 mm), imbibed more slowly (0.07 g H2O g–1 h–1) and required scarification to improve their relative low germination percentage (59.1%). Findings highlight the relevance of seed morphological traits and origin in defining effective pre-germination protocols for P. maximartinezii.
Soil types influence early shoot and root growth of Neolamarckia macrophylla (Roxb.) Bosser (Red laran) seedlings
Neolamarckia macrophylla, commonly referred to as red laran, has not been extensively studied in Sabah, Malaysia. This species is known for its rapid maturation and pest resistance, making it a viable option for plantations because of its adaptability and profitability. This study examined the growth of N. macrophylla in cocopeat, poor soil, topsoil, and organic amendments under rhizotron conditions. The application of cocopeat enhanced the root size and morphology through soil moisture retention and facilitating adequate aeration. Notably, nutrient-deficient soils caused the seedlings to develop thicker stems and larger leaves, indicating the plant’s resilience in nutrient-poor environments. Optimal root development was observed when the topsoil was combined with rice husk. These findings suggest that N. macrophylla is well-suited for reforestation and land rehabilitation, particularly when appropriate soil amendments are utilised.
Non-native Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) in Rome’s largest urban parks: nest density, host tree characteristics, and management recommendations
Non-native Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) are invasive birds widely distributed in European urban parks. Studying the nesting sites of urban populations is mandatory since these areas often serve as initiation of colonization processes in surrounding non-urban environments, posing a risk to agricultural crops and commercially valuable orchards. Therefore, understanding the density and distribution of nesting sites, as well as the structural characteristics of both the nests and their host trees, becomes crucial. In this study, we surveyed all Monk Parakeet nests in the five largest urban parks in Rome. Our data provides new insights for urban habitats supporting previous findings on nest-tree selection in Monk Parakeets. We recorded 66 nests on 30 trees belonging to four ornamental species: Cedrus libani, Phoenix canariensis (or P. dactylifera), Pinus pinea, and Trachycarpus fortunei. Cedars and palms were the most frequently used host trees, with nest density varying among parks (2 nests per 10 hectares, approximately). Nests were typically located at heights of around 13–14 meters, and parakeets showed a preference for taller trees with larger trunk diameters. These larger trees offer increased stability (e.g., during adverse weather) and, for highly social species like this, allow to build nests in higher (and then sure) positions, in terms of group dynamics and predator avoidance. Differences in tree architecture may account for the variation in relative nest height (nest height/tree height ratio, %) among species: in palms, nests are placed higher in the canopy (87.76% ± 7.03) compared to those in cedars (64.7% ± 16.4). Cedars hosted a significantly greater number of nests per tree (2.8 nests/tree ± 1.82; n = 20 nest trees) compared to palms. Our findings, combined with citizen-science data, could contribute to more effective management and control strategies—not only within urban parks but also at finer spatial scales, such as private gardens and residential areas.
Influence of forest stand on the reproductive biology of the edible dormouse Glis glis
In this study, carried out between 2018 and 2024, we investigated how stand species composition, stand age, and tree mast cycles affect selected life functions of the edible dormouse. A total of 81 nesting boxes were installed in eight study plots in south-western Poland in an area of low hills covered by deciduous and mixed forests. The locations varied in tree species composition and stand age. The number of inspections conducted annually ranged from 1 to 7. A total of 208 dormice (including 128 juveniles from 28 litters) were recorded. There was no association between the average number of litters per year and stand age, but there was a clear difference in this trait between oak and beech forests (in favour of the former). The number of litters increased in mast years, while the total number of dormice observed in mast and non-mast years did not differ significantly. Juveniles outnumbered adults in seeded years, but the difference was not significant. The study showed that nest boxes were more readily occupied in younger stands. More nest boxes were occupied in oak forests than in beech forests.
Effect of culture media on radial growth and fructification of ophiostomatoid fungi isolated from bark beetles
Ophiostomatoid fungi are important associates of bark beetles (Scolytinae) and cause sapstain and tracheomycosis in trees. We examined the growth and fructification of seven species from the genera Ophiostoma, Graphilbum, Leptographium, and Grosmannia, isolated from bark beetle species of the genera Ips, Orthotomicus, and Pityogenes collected from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Ten isolates were cultivated on water agar (WA), malt extract agar (MEA), MEA with tyrosol (T), and MEA with vitamins (biotin, thiamine, pyridoxine) to determine the optimal medium for growth and fructification. Radial growth varied significantly among media and isolates. The fastest radial growth was observed on MEA supplemented with tyrosol at 0.5 µL per 250 mL (T0.5). Fructification of Ophiostoma minus and Leptographium piceaperdum was significantly higher on the nutrient-poor WA, MEA with tyrosol, and vitamin-enriched MEA than on plain MEA. The results highlight the importance of medium composition for fungal fructification and provide a basis for optimizing fungal development under different conditions.
Non-target small mammal communities in invertebrate pitfall traps: effects of season, habitat, and elevation
Despite considerable endeavours of scientists to avoid it, non-target species are frequently trapped for ecological and conservation research. Nevertheless, these data can provide valuable insights into how ecosystems function. Small mammals not targeted for epigeic fauna research were caught in pitfall traps over 20 years. At 186 sites between 2003 and 2023, 1,091 specimens of 21 species of insectivores and small rodents (Eulipotyphla, Rodentia) were caught in such traps. Our results show: (i) abundance of small mammals is affected by season, habitat, and elevation level; (ii) species richness of small mammals is affected by habitat and elevation levels and not by season. The efficiency of pitfall traps was compared with snap traps and live traps for sampling small mammals, where the results suggested significant differences in species richness only between pitfall and snap traps. The assemblage of small mammals found in pitfall traps was completely separated from that in live and snap traps. Capturing small mammals in pitfall traps is suitable for determining species richness for faunistic research in specific territories.
The consequences of pasture abandonment for the Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) in the mountains of Slovakia
Pasture abandonment plays important role in rapid changes of mountain alpine habitats in Europe. The Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus alpestris Brehm) is very sensitive to these changes. Its abundance is declining in western European mountains. However, there is little data from Slovakia. This study confirmed that old, abandoned pastures with high, dense vegetation, limit breeding of the Ring Ouzel due to decreased prey availability. In contrast, the pastures abandoned not long ago, may temporarily play a role of source of the Ring Ouzel population. The most suitable breeding sites were characterized by short green vegetation, patches of easily penetrable bare soil, and moss in green grass. The data predict fast decline in breeding populations of the Ring Ouzel in Slovakia.
Spatial distribution and host preferences of Fomes fomentarius and F. inzengae in Europe: A review
Globally, wood-decay fungi are important ecological component of forests and woody plants. However, the traditional morphospecies, such as Fomes fomentarius, often show cryptic diversity. The traditional concept of the morphospecies comprises two delimited species, namely F. fomentarius s.str. and F. inzengae. In this review the spatial distribution and some ecological features of both species in Europe were characterized. In total, 259 records (139 F. inzengae and 120 F. fomentarius s.str., respectively) were analyzed from different localities in 29 countries. The two species are found almost all over Europe and there is no clear geographical segregation of these species, but the species show different host preferences. While F. fomentarius s.str. primarily colonizes Fagus and Betula, F. inzengae has a remarkably broad host range (Abies, Acer, Aesculus, Alnus, Betula, Carpinus, Castanea, Fagus, Fraxinus, Juglans, Olea, Platanus, Populus, Prunus, Quercus, Salix, Sorbus, and Tilia). Acer, Alnus, Betula, Fagus, and Populus are the five host genera common to both fungal species.
Seasonal flight activity and the length of the generation period of selected Noctuidae (Lepidoptera) –extent and causes of variation
The variability in the timing of spells of flight activity was monitored in 25 monovoltine and 10 bivoltine species of Noctuidae (Lepidoptera) by evaluating their catches in a light trap operated nightly from April to November 1967–1995. We determined the day when 50% of the individuals of a particular generation were caught, T0.5. The intraspecific ranges of variability in T0.5 were 9 to 37 days, 29 to 41 days and 25 to 53 days in the monovoltine and the first and second generations of the bivoltine species, respectively. Annual changes in T0.5 were strongly correlated between species whose flight activity occurred during a similar period of the season. For bivoltine species, the abundance and T0.5 of the first and second generations were correlated. We calculated, for each species and generation, the length of the generation period (GP), i.e., the time from T0.5 of generation n to T0.5 of generation n+1. This quantity was then converted to the sum of degree-days above 10.7 °C (the thermal threshold for the development of Noctuidae) accumulated under natural conditions. The temporal sequences of these recalculated lengths of the GP were significantly correlated in 91% of the pairs of monovoltine species and in 98% of the pairs of first-generation bivoltine species. The correlations between the lengths of the GP confirmed that temperature determines the periodicity of flight activity, but this effect is modified by photoperiod.
Network structure of phytophagous insects associated with Theobroma bicolor (macambo) in an agroforestry system of the Peruvian Amazon
Plant-insect interactions play a crucial role in shaping ecosystem structure and dynamics. In the present study, we describe the network structure of phytophagous insects associated with individual Theobroma bicolor in an agroforestry system of the Peruvian Amazon. Network analysis showed higher specialization and modularity than expected by null models, suggesting distinct insect assemblages with unique interactions. At the species level, Chrysomelidae sp. and Antiteuchus tripterus had higher degree and centrality, likely due to their greater mobility and ability to connect different segments of the network. Our findings highlight the high specialization in the phytophagous insect-Theobroma bicolor network. Understanding these interaction patterns can help identify key species and develop management strategies for biodiversity conservation in agroforestry systems.
Soil mycobiome structure across central and peripherial zones in a pecan nut agroecosystem [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch]
Using ITS1-based metabarcoding, we investigated the structure of the soil fungal communities in the central and peripheral zones of a 25-hectare pecan nut (Carya illinoinensis) orchard located in the arid region of Coahuila, Mexico. While environmental conditions such as soil moisture and temperature varied between zones, physicochemical soil properties (pH, organic carbon, total carbon, organic matter, electrical conductivity, and zinc) remained homogeneous. A total of 4,443 fungal OTUs were detected at 97% similarity. Alpha diversity indices did not differ significantly between zones. The fungal community was dominated by the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, with Pezizomycetes, Dothideomycetes, and Agaricomycetes as dominant classes. No statistically significant differences in beta diversity or community composition were found between zones (PERMANOVA p = 0.662). Redundancy analysis also revealed no clear clustering by zone, though localized differences were observed. Our findings suggest that agronomic management in this system promotes environmental homogeneity, leading to relatively uniform fungal communities. This exploratory study highlights the need for future research incorporating comparisons with adjacent natural ecosystems to better assess spatial patterns and potential edge effects in agroecosystems.