Centuries-old oak groves are perishing in Belavezhskaya Pushcha. Scientists explained what is happening
In the National Park "Belavezhskaya Pushcha", a significant deterioration in the condition of old oak forests is being recorded. As scientists have found out, centuries-old trees simply cannot withstand new climatic challenges.
Oak grove in Belavezhskaya Pushcha. Photo: Telegram channel of the Institute of Experimental Botany of the National Academy of Sciences
The condition of overmature (very old) forests was assessed by employees of the Laboratory of Ecosystem Optimization and Monitoring of the Institute of Experimental Botany of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. As reported by the institution's Telegram channel, researchers conducted monitoring at seven permanent observation points in the pine and oak formations of the forest — that is, in large forest areas where these particular tree species have historically dominated.
The assessment of the current state of ecosystems was carried out based on bioindicative parameters. This is a research method in which the health of the environment is determined not through complex chemical analyses of soil or air, but by the external appearance, growth rate, and general well-being of the living organisms themselves — in this case, trees.
The results of the study showed that the oak stands are in a weakened state. At the same time, experts note an interesting detail: the condition of pedunculate oak (or common oak) is assessed significantly worse than the condition of the rarer sessile oak and other accompanying forest species, such as hornbeam, maple, linden, aspen, and spruce.
Scientists name several reasons for this situation at once. Firstly, the trees are affected by natural aging and the consequences of drought periods in recent years, which severely impact moisture-loving ecosystems.
The absence of sanitary measures in protected areas also has a negative impact.
Among the main threats to the Pushcha's oak groves, researchers highlight the development of phytopathogens — disease-causing fungi and bacteria dangerous to trees. In addition, the forest suffers from insect pests and grazing by wild animals, which in scientific terminology is called a zoogenic factor.
Comments
Колькі дзесяцігоддзяў пройдзе, каб вырасціць некалькі пакаленняў дарослых дрэў?
Тым больш, размова зараз не пра "каб нешта расло" - можна знайсці і больш паўднёвыя культуры, а каб захаваць натуральныя (першабытныя) лясы.