The role of planted forests in the provision of habitat: an Irish perspective

Cormac J. O’Callaghan, Sandra Irwin, Kenneth A. Byrne, John O’Halloran

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The continued decline of natural forests globally has increased interest in the potential of planted forests to support biodiversity. Here, we examine the potential conservation benefits of plantation forests from an Irish perspective, a country where remaining natural forests are fragmented and degraded, and the majority of the forest area is comprised of non-native Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) plantations. We examine the true value of Irish plantation forests to native biodiversity, relative to remaining natural forest fragments, and to prior and alternative land use to afforestation. We find that plantation forests provide a suitable surrogate habitat primarily for generalist species, as well as providing habitat for certain species of conservation concern. However, we find that plantation forests provide poor habitat for native forest specialists, and examine potential management strategies which may be employed to improve habitat provision services for this group.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3103-3124
Number of pages22
JournalBiodiversity and Conservation
Volume26
Issue number13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2017

Keywords

  • Biodiversity
  • Forest generalist
  • Forest specialist
  • Habitat
  • Ireland
  • Plantation forests

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