The dead wood forests, a consequence of drought, have ceased to be dead nature to become a unique opportunity for local biodiversity. This is because they often become food for the microbiota or become the new home for the vast amount of animals and plants that live there, such as birds, mammals, insects, and reptiles.
The trees in full decomposition often have a quite mistaken reputation from what they actually are, as many believe these remains are a source of pests or fire hazards. However, the reality is quite the opposite.
According to research led by CREAF and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), the dead wood generated is much more diverse, thus hosting greater biodiversity. The study revealed that stands affected by mortality have 83% more dead wood, either with more fallen trees or standing dead trees, which have a 23% variety of decomposing dead wood.
This results in a greater diversity of habitats that provide different benefits to animals such as food, shelter, or burrows, which are essential for many species of flora and fauna. A clear example of this is the woodpeckers, the oak jewel beetle Phenillus robusturs, or the beetle. Furthermore, these forests have a greater number of microenvironments that make them more resistant to new disturbances.
The benefits of dead wood forests. Photo: Pixabay.
Dead wood can become a new home
According to the report, trees dead from drought create wood that can become a lifesaver for biodiversity. This leads nature to start teeming with life in places where there was none before, which would be an indication that nature can recover.
To reach this conclusion, researchers visited 20 forests of Scots pine, which suffered the consequences of tree mortality episodes during the last decade.
Dead trees serve as homes for many species of animals and plants.
Drought for the environment: good or bad?
The researchers argue that disturbances in ecosystems, considered “disasters,” can be part of the dynamics and are an opportunity to create new habitats.
However, the problem arises when the frequency or intensity of disturbances increases, as in some cases it was shown that the process of promoting heterogeneity in the forest structure and its diversity can vary depending on the local climate.
While dead wood may represent a potential danger for humans due to the risk of fire, the truth is that for nature it is quite the opposite, as it offers a new opportunity for life to flourish.
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