engleski

Birds and carabid beetles in beech forests of different age in Papuk Nature Park, Croatia

Birds and carabid species diversity between beech forests of different age (50, 80-100 and 150 year old), placed in Papuk Nature Park, were investigated. Point-count bird census technique was carried out on 15 sites and pitfall traps for carabid beetles sampling were exposed on 9 of them. Mean individual biomass (MIB values) of carabid beetles were calculated as indicators of forest succession and stability. Circular plot method was used for estimation of habitat parameters. Species diversity, birds’ density and beetles biomass increased with the age of the stands, with the highest values recorded in unmanaged 150 year old forests. Certain bird species (hole-nesters and dead wood specialist) as White-backed Woodpecker were found only in unmanaged forest. Large bodied carabid species (over 30 mm length) were dominant in structurally complex habitats in the unmanaged 150 year old forests. Tree-felling and removal of dead wood were found as the main threats to birds. Based on the results we suggest 1) MIB as a useful tool for evaluation of forest management ecological impact, 2) the selective cutting or group harvesting to become forest management practice in managed beech forests, adjoined with assuring at least 30 m3/ha of dead wood in all forest stands.

MIB; body size; white-back woodpecker

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