Forest management, ecological continuity and bird protection in 19th century Germany: a systematic review

摘要

In Central Europe, ancient woodland sites with a long ecological continuity are regarded as especially valuable habitats and often stand out as biodiversity hotspots. This is particularly true for deciduous forests with over mature oak (Quercus robur, Q. petraea) and beech (Fagus sylvatica) trees, which are frequently parts of protected areas. But even before the term ecological continuity was introduced and the importance of over mature trees for biodiversity was widely recognized, there have been early 19th century approaches to protect veteran trees and deciduous woodland for aesthetical and historical reasons. With regard to forest birds and bats, already around 1800 utilitarian conservation efforts were made to protect species that were known to be natural enemies of arthropod pests. Already in those days forest scientists called for the preservation of old hollow trees for the purpose of protecting insectivorous birds and bats. Such trees became later known as habitat trees.