Examination of box (Buxus sempervirens L.) in Northwest Anatolia, Turkey: a contribution for the preservation of biological diversity and nature conservation
2003
Colak, A.H. (Istanbul University, Istanbul (Turkey). Departement of Silviculture)
Following thousands of years of continuous destruction the most extensive stands of semi-natural forest in Turkey today occur in the northwest of the country. However, the shrub flora in these semi-natural mixed forest stands demonstrate that they have been altered by human activity. As a result of forest management, some shrubs now extend over a greater area than conditions would have allowed in the natural course of things. In contrast, other species, e.g. box, have been decimated and have a much reduced distribution. This species has been selected as an example for ecological, biological and sivicultural research. Within the framework of this research, practical guidelines were also drawn up for general requirements for nature conservation and management. Particular attention was paid to the ecology of the regeneration of box (suitable sites for regeneration, radiation intensity for germination, seed properties, fruit) as well as its root system and habitat requirements (soil). Based on these results, box was classified as a «K strategist». Ignorance of the characteristics of this species and inappropriate silvicultural practices have resulted in it being placed on the Turkish Red List. If the recently rediscovered ideas of close-to-nature silviculture are to be implemented, the great economic and ecological significance of this shrub should be recognized. Greater awareness should also be raised of woodland succession, not only in theory but also in practice.
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