Old forests foster biodiversity; Lithuanian research highlights need to protect ancient woods from intensive management.
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Old and mature forests possess multi-level and localized biodiversity, which is amplified by the regenerative power of dead wood. When old trees fall, they create open spaces while simultaneously becoming habitats for other organisms, supporting species like spotted orchid, hellebore, and trifoliate anemone in Italian ancient woods, with fungi also being a significant element. Fungi are vital as they decompose organic matter, completing the metabolic cycle and forming symbiotic relationships that aid plant nutrition. Researchers in Lithuania discovered nine new fungal species in the Moniškis forest, highlighting the unique biodiversity preserved by old forests and advocating for their protection against intensive exploitation. While efforts are underway to protect ancient woods in Lithuania, only about 1% of its forest area is protected, with much of it threatened by management practices that treat forests like agricultural fields, removing fallen trees and debris essential to mature ecosystems. Furthermore, traditional forestry methods are often inadequate for climate change adaptation and biodiversity loss. A contrast is drawn between Italy, which historically used forests intensively before largely ceasing such use, and Lithuania, which has recently increased its exploitation of forests primarily for economic reasons.
