Field guide to tree-related microhabitats
Rita Bütler, Thibault Lachat, Frank Krumm, Daniel Kraus, Laurent Larrieu
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Bütler R., Lachat T., Krumm F., Kraus D., Larrieu L. (2020) Field guide to tree-related microhabitats. Descriptions and size limits for their inventory. Birmensdorf: Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL. 58 p.
Order print version Field guide to tree-related microhabitats ¶
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Online only: Field guide to tree-related microhabitats (2nd ed., 2024)
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2nd revised edition online only ¶
Brief summary ¶
A habitat tree is defined as a tree bearing at least one tree-related microhabitat. A tree-related microhabitat (abbreviated as TreM) is a morphological feature present on a tree, which is used by sometimes highly specialised species during at least a part of their life cycle. These features may create shelters, breeding spots or crucial hibernating or feeding places for thousands of species. Various biotic or abiotic events can create tree-related microhabitats: for example, a falling rock could injure the bark, lightning could strike a tree and crack open the wood, or a woodpecker could dig a breeding cavity in the trunk. For some TreMs like vertebrate nests or witches’ broom, the tree is merely a physical support. Only morphological features that are known to have a direct link with one or more associated species are classified as TreMs.
To reinforce biodiversity in a stand and thus improve its resilience, it makes sense to know which tree-related microhabitats are present, and to preserve and favour them through adapted management practices.
This field guide describes 47 different tree-related microhabitats and classifies them into 15 groups and seven types. The guide also indicates recommended minimum inventorying sizes for each TreM and gives information about its frequency of occurrence and its replacement rate in the stand.
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Imprint ¶
Managing Editor ¶
Martin Moritzi
Swiss Federal Institute WSL
Zürcherstrasse 111
CH-8903 Birmensdorf
martin.moritzi(at)wsl.ch
Publisher ¶
Swiss Federal Institute WSL
Zürcherstrasse 111
CH-8903 Birmensdorf
The WSL is a research institute of the ETH Domain.
Concept ¶
The Merkblatt für die Praxis (ISSN 1422-2876, digital ISSN 2296-4428) summarises key findings from WSL research and provides guidelines for best practice. The series is aimed at forestry and nature conservation groups, authorities, schools and interested laypersons.
French editions are published in the series Notice pour la practique (ISSN 2813-6071). Italian and English editions appear occasionally in the series Notizie per la pratica (ISSN 1422-2914) and WSL Fact Sheet (ISSN 2624-8069).