Red-listed species and indicators: vascular plants in woodland key habitats and surrounding production forests in Sweden.

摘要

A study was conducted during 1993-98 in 2 areas of the hemi-boreal vegetation zone in southern Sweden (Roslaglen and Smaland) to investigate woodland key habitats (WKHs) and compare these with the surrounding production forests in terms of the presence and abundance of red-listed and indicator vascular plant species. In addition, the way vascular plant flora differs between 2 forest regions with different densities of WKHs was studied (Roslaglen with 4 times more WKHs than Smaland). The degree of association between indicator species and red-listed species was also analysed. Both areas were dominated by Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies. A total of 2370 recordings were made in 25 WKHs (45 ha) and in 74 ha of production forest. Differences in vascular plant flora were small between WKHs and production forests within areas but were substantial for production forests between areas. Only one red-listed vascular plant species was found and in very small numbers. It is concluded that vascular plants arenot optimal to use as indicators of WKHs and that some species should be omitted from the indicator list. Methods to discern indicator species are discussed and the results are applied to practical forestry and conservation.