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The European Forest Plant Species List (EuForPlant): Concept and applications
Author(s) -
Heinken Thilo,
Diekmann Martin,
Liira Jaan,
Orczewska Anna,
Schmidt Marcus,
Brunet Jörg,
Chytrý Milan,
Chabrerie Olivier,
Decocq Guillaume,
De Frenne Pieter,
Dřevojan Pavel,
Dzwonko Zbigniew,
Ewald Jörg,
Feilberg Jon,
Graae Bente Jessen,
Grytnes JohnArvid,
Hermy Martin,
Kriebitzsch WolfUlrich,
Laiviņš Māris,
Lenoir Jonathan,
Lindmo Sigrid,
Marage Damien,
Marozas Vitas,
Niemeyer Thomas,
Paal Jaanus,
Pyšek Petr,
Roosaluste Elle,
Sádlo Jiří,
Schaminée Joop H.J.,
Tyler Torbjörn,
Verheyen Kris,
Wulf Monika,
Vanneste Thomas
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of vegetation science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1654-1103
pISSN - 1100-9233
DOI - 10.1111/jvs.13132
Subject(s) - vegetation (pathology) , generalist and specialist species , liana , ecology , biodiversity , geography , biome , temperate rainforest , high forest , taiga , species richness , habitat , floristics , forest management , biology , ecosystem , medicine , pathology
Question When evaluating forests in terms of their biodiversity, distinctiveness and naturalness, the affinity of the constituent species to forests is a crucial parameter. Here we ask to what extent are vascular plant species associated with forests, and does species’ affinity to forests vary between European regions? Location Temperate and boreal forest biome of Northwestern and Central Europe. Methods We compiled EuForPlant, a new extensive list of forest vascular plant species in 24 regions spread across 13 European countries using vegetation databases and expert knowledge. Species were region‐specifically classified into four categories reflecting the degree of their affinity to forest habitats: 1.1, species of forest interiors; 1.2, species of forest edges and forest openings; 2.1, species that can be found in forest as well as open vegetation; and 2.2, species that can be found partly in forest, but mainly in open vegetation. An additional “O” category was distinguished, covering species typical for non‐forest vegetation. Results EuForPlant comprises 1,726 species, including 1,437 herb‐layer species, 159 shrubs, 107 trees, 19 lianas and 4 epiphytic parasites. Across regions, generalist forest species (with 450 and 777 species classified as 2.1 and 2.2, respectively) significantly outnumbered specialist forest species (with 250 and 137 species classified as 1.1 and 1.2, respectively). Even though the degree of shifting between the categories of forest affinity among regions was relatively low (on average, 17.5%), about one‐third of the forest species (especially 1.2 and 2.2) swapped categories in at least one of the study regions. Conclusions The proposed list can be used widely in vegetation science and global change ecology related to forest biodiversity and community dynamics. Shifting of forest affinity among regions emphasizes the importance of a continental‐scale forest plant species list with regional specificity.