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Forests
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Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions in Forests
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Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions in Forests

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Biodiversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2025) | Viewed by 3758

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gabriel Murariu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Sciences and Environment, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
Interests: statistical approach; numerical approach; biodiversity analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Lucian Dinca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry “Marin Dracea”, Eroilor 128, 077190 Voluntari, Romania
Interests: forest ecology; forest soils; forest ecosystems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biodiversity is an essential characteristic of forest ecosystems. Unlike other ecosystems, forest ecosystems are characterized by high and stable biodiversity. The functions of ecosystems in forests have been articulated and studied, especially in recent decades. These two characteristics of forest ecosystems form the foundation of current scientific studies, which is why this Special Issue aims to provide an overview of the most recent advances in the field and to offer young or experienced researchers the opportunity to publish their most relevant findings.  

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Plants or animal biodiversity in forests;
  • Interaction between species and environment conditions (climate, including climate changes; air, water, soil, etc.);
  • Improving and preserving the genetic diversity of species;
  • Policy, science, and practice in the field of ecosystems and landscape;
  • Ecology, biodiversity, and forestry management.

Dr. Gabriel Murariu
Dr. Lucian Dinca
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • forests
  • biodiversity
  • environment
  • ecology
  • management

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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31 pages, 2831 KiB  
Article
Structural Diversity and Biodiversity of Forest and Hedgerow in Areas Managed for Pheasant Shooting Across the UK
by Peter R. Long, Leo Petrokofsky, William J. Harvey, Paul Orsi, Matthew W. Jordon and Gillian Petrokofsky
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081249 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 345
Abstract
Management for pheasant shooting is a widespread land use in the UK, with potential implications for forest and hedgerow habitats. This study evaluates whether sites managed for pheasant shooting differ ecologically from similar sites not used for shooting. A systematic evidence evaluation of [...] Read more.
Management for pheasant shooting is a widespread land use in the UK, with potential implications for forest and hedgerow habitats. This study evaluates whether sites managed for pheasant shooting differ ecologically from similar sites not used for shooting. A systematic evidence evaluation of comparative studies was combined with a spatial analysis using remote sensing data (2010–2024). The literature review identified only 32 studies meeting strict criteria for comparability, revealing inconsistent and often weak evidence, with few studies reporting detailed forest management or statistically robust outcomes. While some studies noted increased or decreased biodiversity associated with pheasant shooting, the evidence base was generally of low quality. Remote sensing assessed forest structural and spectral diversity, intactness, and hedgerow density across 1131 pheasant-managed and 1131 matched control sites. Biodiversity data for birds, plants, and butterflies were sourced from GBIF records. Structural diversity and hedgerow density were significantly higher on pheasant-managed sites, while no significant differences were found in forest spectral diversity, intactness, or biodiversity indicators. Pheasant management may shape certain habitat features but has limited demonstrable effects on overall biodiversity. Further field-based, controlled studies are required to understand causal mechanisms and inform ecologically sustainable shooting practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions in Forests)
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15 pages, 1463 KiB  
Article
Climate Vulnerability Analysis of Marginal Populations of Yew (Taxus baccata L.): The Case of the Iberian Peninsula
by Jhony Fernando Cruz Román, Ricardo Enrique Hernández-Lambraño, David Rodríguez-de la Cruz and José Ángel Sánchez-Agudo
Forests 2025, 16(6), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16060931 - 1 Jun 2025
Viewed by 544
Abstract
Climate change poses a significant threat to the persistence of rear-edge populations, which are located at the margins of a species’ distribution range and are particularly vulnerable to environmental shifts. This study focuses on Yew (Taxus baccata L.) in the Iberian Peninsula, [...] Read more.
Climate change poses a significant threat to the persistence of rear-edge populations, which are located at the margins of a species’ distribution range and are particularly vulnerable to environmental shifts. This study focuses on Yew (Taxus baccata L.) in the Iberian Peninsula, representing the southernmost extent of its range, where warming temperatures and decreasing moisture may compromise its survival. Our research aims to assess the climate sensitivity and habitat variability of Yew, addressing the hypothesis that future climate scenarios will significantly reduce the species’ climatic suitability, particularly in southern and low-altitude regions, and that this reduction will negatively impact individual growth performance. We used species distribution models (SDMs) based on ecological niche modeling (ENM) to project the current and future distribution of suitable habitats for Yew under two climate scenarios (SSP126 and SSP585). The models were calibrated using bioclimatic variables, and the resulting suitability maps were integrated with field data on individual growth performance, measured as basal area increment over the last five years (BAI5). The ensemble model showed high predictive performance, highlighting precipitation seasonality and annual mean temperature as the most influential variables explaining the climatic suitability distribution in the Iberian Peninsula. Our results indicate a substantial reduction in suitable habitats for Yew, especially under the high-emission scenario (SSP585), with southern populations experiencing the greatest losses. Furthermore, individual growth was positively correlated with climatic suitability, confirming that populations in favorable habitats exhibit better performance. These findings highlight the vulnerability of rear-edge populations of Yew to climate change and underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies, including the identification of climatic refugia and the potential use of assisted migration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions in Forests)
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33 pages, 7353 KiB  
Article
Floristic and Anatomical Diversity of Crataegus ambigua C.A.Mey. ex A.K.Becker Populations in Different Areas of the Arid Mangystau Region (Kazakhstan)
by Akzhunis Imanbayeva, Margarita Ishmuratova, Nurzhaugan Duisenova, Meruert Sagyndykova, Aidyn Orazov and Ainur Tuyakova
Forests 2025, 16(4), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040585 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 570
Abstract
This study investigates the anatomical adaptations and ecological plasticity of C. ambiguus in extreme environmental conditions by analyzing the structural characteristics of its leaves and annual shoots collected from 12 populations in the arid regions of Mangystau, including Western Karatau, Northern Aktau, and [...] Read more.
This study investigates the anatomical adaptations and ecological plasticity of C. ambiguus in extreme environmental conditions by analyzing the structural characteristics of its leaves and annual shoots collected from 12 populations in the arid regions of Mangystau, including Western Karatau, Northern Aktau, and the Tyubkaragan Peninsula. Microscopic and statistical analyses revealed significant variability in key anatomical traits, including epidermal thickness, collenchyma, primary cortex, and vascular bundle area, highlighting the species’ adaptive responses to drought, high solar radiation, and limited water availability. The epidermal thickness ranged from 14.85 µm (Pop_12 Botakan) to 22.51 µm (Pop_6 Samal), demonstrating xeromorphic adaptations for reducing transpiration. At the same time, the vascular bundle area varied from 286.06 × 10−3 mm2 (Pop_3 Emdikorgan) to 528.51 × 10−3 mm2 (Samal), indicating differences in water transport efficiency across populations. Despite substantial anatomical variation, the low coefficients of variation (0.31%–6.31%) suggested structural stability, reinforcing C. ambigua’s ability to maintain functional integrity under environmental stress. Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) confirmed that environmental factors such as soil type, elevation, and water availability significantly influenced anatomical traits. Floristic analysis revealed distinct patterns of species richness, with the highest diversity recorded in Pop_4 and Pop_7, while Pop_12 and Pop_9 exhibited lower diversity, indicating potential vulnerability. Furthermore, the identified anatomical traits could serve as key markers for selecting drought-resistant genotypes in afforestation and restoration programs. This study also highlighted the need for the long-term monitoring of C. ambigua populations to assess the impact of climate change on structural adaptations. These findings offer a framework for integrating ecological and genetic studies to refine conservation strategies for xerophytic species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions in Forests)
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Review

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18 pages, 1311 KiB  
Review
Bite by Bite: How Ungulate Browsing Shapes North America’s Forest Future
by Darius Hardalau, Vladut Stefanescu, Mindaugas Bakševičius, Michael Manton, Charles Ruffner, Gediminas Brazaitis, Georgeta Ionescu and Ovidiu Ionescu
Forests 2025, 16(7), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071079 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 473
Abstract
Ungulate browsing represents a contemporary issue for forest development, influencing forest regeneration, composition, and management practices across the world, especially in North America. This review synthesizes findings from 101 studies conducted between 1980 and 2025 to examine patterns of herbivory damage through browsing [...] Read more.
Ungulate browsing represents a contemporary issue for forest development, influencing forest regeneration, composition, and management practices across the world, especially in North America. This review synthesizes findings from 101 studies conducted between 1980 and 2025 to examine patterns of herbivory damage through browsing by moose, elk, white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, and bison. Despite regional variation, high ungulate density consistently emerges as the primary factor driving browsing intensity and ecological and economic impact, leading to decreased social acceptance of coexistence with ungulates. This review highlights the selective suppression of palatable species such as balsam fir, red oak, and white cedar, leading to shifts toward less-preferred conifers. Preventive and control measures, ranging from fencing and repellents to regulated hunting, are widely implemented but vary in effectiveness and social acceptability. Although predator presence is an evident controlling factor, it was not statistically associated in this review with reduced browsing, nor with behavioral or trophic cascade effects. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of integrated management strategies that combine silvicultural adaptation, population control, and, where feasible, predator reintroduction to ensure forest resilience and sustainability in the face of increasing pressure from climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions in Forests)
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26 pages, 2867 KiB  
Review
Understanding the Ecosystem Services of Riparian Forests: Patterns, Gaps, and Global Trends
by Lucian Dinca, Gabriel Murariu and Mariana Lupoae
Forests 2025, 16(6), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16060947 - 4 Jun 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1366
Abstract
Riparian forests are usually situated between terrestrial and aquatic systems. They play an essential role in the health of the environment and in providing complex ecosystem services. This is especially essential in arid and semi-arid regions. However, despite these facts, riparian ecosystems are [...] Read more.
Riparian forests are usually situated between terrestrial and aquatic systems. They play an essential role in the health of the environment and in providing complex ecosystem services. This is especially essential in arid and semi-arid regions. However, despite these facts, riparian ecosystems are underexplored in the specialty literature. As such, the purpose of this study is to address this gap by synthesizing the current knowledge about riparian forests, using both a bibliometric analysis and a qualitative literature approach. This analysis allowed us to identify six main ecosystem services provided by riparian forests: biodiversity support, carbon sequestration, water quality regulation, slope stability, pollution mitigation, and sociocultural benefits. Furthermore, we have emphasized local challenges (deforestation, agricultural expansion, a lack of policies). Connecting ecological knowledge with a socio-cultural context is the first step in creating a strong foundation for the adequate management of these essential ecosystems, while also supporting their conservation, development and climate resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions in Forests)
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