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[Ancientness and maturity: two complementary qualities of forest ecosystems].
Eugénie Cateau1, Laurent Larrieu2, Daniel Vallauri3
1INPT/ENSAT/EI Purpan, UMR 1201 Dynafor, École d'ingénieurs de Purpan, université de Toulouse, 75, voie du TOEC, BP 57611, 31076 Toulouse cedex 3, France.
Comptes Rendus Biologies
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Forest ancientness and maturity are key naturalness indicators, often confused. This study clarifies terminology and proposes thresholds, finding 29% of French forests are ancient woodlands.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Forest Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Forest ecosystems possess qualities of ancientness and maturity, crucial components of naturalness.
- These qualities are significantly influenced by human impact and are frequently subject to terminological confusion.
- Clarifying these terms is essential for accurate forest ecosystem assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize international literature and propose an adapted French terminology for forest ancientness and maturity.
- To explain the concepts of ancientness and maturity concerning biodiversity and soil characteristics.
- To establish potential thresholds for defining forest ancientness and maturity.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis and terminology adaptation.
- Explanation of ancientness and maturity concepts for biodiversity and soil.
- Analysis of French forest data to assess ancientness and maturity.
Main Results:
- A proposed French terminology for forest ancientness and maturity based on international literature.
- Identification of potential thresholds for defining these forest qualities.
- Analysis revealed approximately 29% of French forests qualify as ancient woodland.
- Less than 3% of even-aged forests exceed typical harvesting age.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a clearer understanding and terminology for forest ancientness and maturity.
- Established thresholds offer a basis for evaluating forest naturalness and human impact.
- A significant portion of French forests exhibits ancient woodland characteristics, while mature even-aged forests are scarce.
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