19. DEAD WOOD BIODIVERSITY
DEAD WOOD BIODIVERSITY
BOTANICAL CARD
Dead wood is mainly found in woods and in intact forests, that is, not managed by man. These are mainly trunks and branches that have fallen to the ground but also stumps, and they constitute a precious resource for the forest ecosystem.
This microhabitat is rich in biodiversity. Animals, bacteria and fungi find a rich source of nourishment and refuge here, but wood also serves as a substrate for the growth of mosses and lichens.
Many dead bacteria and fungi proliferate on dead wood and are capable of decomposing lignin and cellulose into their basic components, polymers that are very complex and difficult for animals to digest.
The bark beetles are small wooden beetles; they are just one of the many examples and they are very important because with their demolition action they contribute significantly to its decomposition, and are at the same time an essential source of nourishment for birds, bats and lizards.
The woodpecker digs cavities in the dead wood to look for insects to eat and these holes are then used as a shelter for small animals: frogs, lizards, snakes, salamanders and squirrels.
A very important function of dead wood is to protect the soil from erosion as well as to represent a water reserve for moss and lichen.
The natural defense against avalanches or rock falls should not be underestimated.
Unfortunately, dead wood causes disorder and danger for hikers and, usually, these are the reasons why it is removed from the woods frequented and managed by man.
Bibliography:
http://www.provinz.bz.it/daksy/it/ambienti_naturali/alberi_senescenti.html
https://www.waldwissen.net/wald/tiere/insekten_wirbellose/wsl_xylobionte_kaefer/index_IT