The Forest diversity project was created at the Department of Forest Ecology at the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences (Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague). A team of scientists at the Department has been studying, among other things, forest ecosystems within the European temperate zone. The research has focused on forests unaffected by humans and subsequently also on the application of the acquired knowledge into the conditions of Czech forests.
If we were to express what characterises and unites the forests unaffected by humans (i.e., primary forests) in one word it would certainly be ‘diversity’. These forests host coniferous and deciduous tree species of different sizes (height and thickness) and ages. It is no wonder that a wide range of organisms are well suited to such conditions.
What is all about?
We see the sense in habitat trees mapping, which is why we intent to create an online database of habitat trees (with the help of a mobile application) as they are important elements supporting biodiversity. The data are based on the inputs of individuals from conservation and forestry institutions, as well as those of members of public interested in nature and its protection. The potential of using the data for scientific purposes applies in the case of all inputs. If, for example, we were able to map larger areas, point records of the habitat trees could be used to model the occurrence of important species of organisms bound to deadwood.
In summary, the ‘Forest diversity’ project and the consequently collected data shell contribute towards raising awareness regarding the importance of habitat trees in endangered species protection as well as the necessity to protect them and to behave responsibly in their vicinity. This is an important prerequisite for the presence of habitat trees within the landscape and in suitable places in urban areas.
A comprehensible and user-friendly form was opted for to make it available for education of even the youngest children. The interactive habitat tree on the main page enables exploring individual tree microhabitats, the gallery of forest species with drawings and description, and the forest ‘pick a pair’ memory game makes it easier for children to remember the names of forest species. Map the habitat trees with us!
