Assessment of biodiversity indicators in beech forests with diverse management systems in the Italian Apennines

In this study we evaluated the effects that currently in-use sylvicultural practices have on the tree features affecting biodiversity indicators in high beech forests in the Tuscan Apennines. The field work was carried out in five study areas: three areas with different age managed with the uniform shelterwood system, one area managed with the single tree selection system, and one unmanaged area. In each area, we selected a plot of 2500 m2 where data was gathered about forest characteristics and biodiversity indicators. Specifically, for each area we analyzed the stand structural attributes, and microhabitats occurrence, distribution and diversification of saproxylic and non- saproxylic beetles and birds. Our results show that sylvicultural practices have led to a simplification of the forest complexity in managed sites compared to the old-growth site. The amount of deadwood and the diversity of microhabitats were substantially lower in the managed sites than in the old-growth forest. However, the beetles´ species richness and diversity in the managed sites was comparable with that in the old-growth forest. Our findings provide evidence of the importance of both managed and unmanaged forests for the conservation of biodiversity, supporting the necessity to develop management practices able to combine forest production and biodiversity conservation in montane beech forests