Evaluation and long-term conservation perspectives of woodland key habitat bryophyte and lichen indicators in Latgale [Latvia]
2015
Mezaka, A., Rezekne Higher Educational Institution (Latvia). Research Inst. for Regional Studies | Putna, S., Nature Conservation Agency, Sigulda (Latvia) | Erta, I., State Forest Service, Riga (Latvia)
Nowadays human impact to habitats and species are stronger then ever before. Latvia is typical example of fragmented landscape, where forest patches are mixed with agricultural land and waterbodies. Latgale is one of typical such a fragmented landscape parts of Latvia. Around 6.41 % of Latgalian forests were evaluated as Woodland Key Habitats (WKHs) or potential WKHs (PWKHs) after WKH inventory. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the current status and draw the further perspectives of WKH bryophyte and lichen indicator species conservation in Latgale. Data were analyzed with Generalized Linear model. In total 16 WKH types, suitable for bryophyte and lichen indicator species existence were identified in Latgale. As a result WKH type, forest stand age and area were significant factors influencing bryophyte and lichen specialist and indicator species richness in forest stand level. WKH status did not provide any official conservation status for habitats or species based on current legislation in Latvia. Therefore establishment of conservation areas as microreserves for habitats and species and Nature Reserves in areas, with high (P)WKH density is an effective tool for their long-term conservation in Latgale. Further scientific studies of bryophytes, lichens and WKHs are necessary for planning the best conservation scenarios taking into account also forest ecosystem services.
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