Influence of Forest Structural Complexity and Management Intensity on Woodpecker Communities in Mediterranean Chestnut (<i>Castanea sativa</i>) Forests
Mediterranean chestnut forests represent ecologically and economically important systems that support biodiversity while providing timber, non-timber forest products, and cultural services. However, traditional management practices are undergoing substantial shifts, with potential implications for f...
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Ecologies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4133/6/2/37 |
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| author | Alexandra Demertzi Christina Gerontidou Nikolaos Gogolos Anastasios Bounas |
| author_facet | Alexandra Demertzi Christina Gerontidou Nikolaos Gogolos Anastasios Bounas |
| author_sort | Alexandra Demertzi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Mediterranean chestnut forests represent ecologically and economically important systems that support biodiversity while providing timber, non-timber forest products, and cultural services. However, traditional management practices are undergoing substantial shifts, with potential implications for forest structure and biodiversity. This study investigates how variation in forest structure and management intensity influences woodpecker communities in chestnut-dominated forests on Mount Paiko, northern Greece. Standardized surveys were conducted at 26 sites stratified by management intensity, and structural forest characteristics such as tree diameter, basal area, and deadwood volume were quantified. Species richness, abundance, and habitat use (feeding and nesting signs) were assessed in relation to these variables. Seven woodpecker species were detected, with distinct differences in species composition across management types. Feeding activity was positively associated with mean tree diameter, while basal area showed a significant negative correlation with woodpecker diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed species-specific preferences along structural gradients, highlighting the association of the Black and Lesser Spotted woodpeckers with larger-diameter trees and deadwood-rich stands. Our results underscore the role of structural heterogeneity in supporting diverse woodpecker assemblages and highlight the need to integrate biodiversity conservation into chestnut forest management, particularly through selective retention of large trees and deadwood elements. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a78d00d5e4624cd6b0af2f4437ac73fd |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2673-4133 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Ecologies |
| spelling | doaj-art-a78d00d5e4624cd6b0af2f4437ac73fd2025-08-20T03:27:28ZengMDPI AGEcologies2673-41332025-05-01623710.3390/ecologies6020037Influence of Forest Structural Complexity and Management Intensity on Woodpecker Communities in Mediterranean Chestnut (<i>Castanea sativa</i>) ForestsAlexandra Demertzi0Christina Gerontidou1Nikolaos Gogolos2Anastasios Bounas3Department of Forest and Natural Environment Sciences, School of Geosciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 66100 Drama, GreeceIndependent Researcher, 54633 Thessaloniki, GreeceDepartment of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, GreeceDepartment of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, GreeceMediterranean chestnut forests represent ecologically and economically important systems that support biodiversity while providing timber, non-timber forest products, and cultural services. However, traditional management practices are undergoing substantial shifts, with potential implications for forest structure and biodiversity. This study investigates how variation in forest structure and management intensity influences woodpecker communities in chestnut-dominated forests on Mount Paiko, northern Greece. Standardized surveys were conducted at 26 sites stratified by management intensity, and structural forest characteristics such as tree diameter, basal area, and deadwood volume were quantified. Species richness, abundance, and habitat use (feeding and nesting signs) were assessed in relation to these variables. Seven woodpecker species were detected, with distinct differences in species composition across management types. Feeding activity was positively associated with mean tree diameter, while basal area showed a significant negative correlation with woodpecker diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed species-specific preferences along structural gradients, highlighting the association of the Black and Lesser Spotted woodpeckers with larger-diameter trees and deadwood-rich stands. Our results underscore the role of structural heterogeneity in supporting diverse woodpecker assemblages and highlight the need to integrate biodiversity conservation into chestnut forest management, particularly through selective retention of large trees and deadwood elements.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4133/6/2/37cavity-nesting birdschestnutdeadwoodforest ecologyforest managementGreece |
| spellingShingle | Alexandra Demertzi Christina Gerontidou Nikolaos Gogolos Anastasios Bounas Influence of Forest Structural Complexity and Management Intensity on Woodpecker Communities in Mediterranean Chestnut (<i>Castanea sativa</i>) Forests Ecologies cavity-nesting birds chestnut deadwood forest ecology forest management Greece |
| title | Influence of Forest Structural Complexity and Management Intensity on Woodpecker Communities in Mediterranean Chestnut (<i>Castanea sativa</i>) Forests |
| title_full | Influence of Forest Structural Complexity and Management Intensity on Woodpecker Communities in Mediterranean Chestnut (<i>Castanea sativa</i>) Forests |
| title_fullStr | Influence of Forest Structural Complexity and Management Intensity on Woodpecker Communities in Mediterranean Chestnut (<i>Castanea sativa</i>) Forests |
| title_full_unstemmed | Influence of Forest Structural Complexity and Management Intensity on Woodpecker Communities in Mediterranean Chestnut (<i>Castanea sativa</i>) Forests |
| title_short | Influence of Forest Structural Complexity and Management Intensity on Woodpecker Communities in Mediterranean Chestnut (<i>Castanea sativa</i>) Forests |
| title_sort | influence of forest structural complexity and management intensity on woodpecker communities in mediterranean chestnut i castanea sativa i forests |
| topic | cavity-nesting birds chestnut deadwood forest ecology forest management Greece |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4133/6/2/37 |
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