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Specialisation and diversity of multiple trophic groups are promoted by different forest features
Author(s) -
Pe Caterina,
Allan Eric,
Soliveres Santiago,
FelipeLucia María R,
Gossner Martin M,
Seibold Sebastian,
Simons Nadja K.,
Schall Peter,
Plas Fons,
Manning Peter,
Manzanedo Rubén D.,
Boch Steffen,
Prati Daniel,
Ammer Christian,
Bauhus Jürgen,
Buscot François,
Ehbrecht Martin,
Goldmann Kezia,
Jung Kirsten,
Müller Jörg,
Müller Jörg C.,
Pena Rodica,
Polle Andrea,
Renner Swen C.,
Ruess Liliane,
Schönig Ingo,
Schrumpf Marion,
Solly Emily F.,
Tschapka Marco,
Weisser Wolfgang W.,
Wubet Tesfaye,
Fischer Markus
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
ecology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.852
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1461-0248
pISSN - 1461-023X
DOI - 10.1111/ele.13182
Subject(s) - species richness , trophic level , ecology , biodiversity , abundance (ecology) , temperate forest , temperate rainforest , forest management , geography , community structure , taxon , biology , temperate climate , agroforestry , ecosystem
While forest management strongly influences biodiversity, it remains unclear how the structural and compositional changes caused by management affect different community dimensions (e.g. richness, specialisation, abundance or completeness) and how this differs between taxa. We assessed the effects of nine forest features (representing stand structure, heterogeneity and tree composition) on thirteen above‐ and belowground trophic groups of plants, animals, fungi and bacteria in 150 temperate forest plots differing in their management type. Canopy cover decreased light resources, which increased community specialisation but reduced overall diversity and abundance. Features increasing resource types and diversifying microhabitats (admixing of oaks and conifers) were important and mostly affected richness. Belowground groups responded differently to those aboveground and had weaker responses to most forest features. Our results show that we need to consider forest features rather than broad management types and highlight the importance of considering several groups and community dimensions to better inform conservation.