Leśne Prace Badawcze

Kózkowate (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Biebrzańskiego Parku Narodowego i jego otuliny

2026-04-24T08:40:58+00:00

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution, habitat preferences, host plants, and other aspects of the biology of longhorn beetles, as well as to identify threats to individual species and propose measures for their mitigation within the Biebrza Valley, particularly in Biebrza National Park (BbNP). The paper presents the results of field research conducted between 1982 and 2025 (with periodic breaks) in the Biebrza Valley (NE Poland). A total of 95 Cerambycidae species were recorded in the study area, representing 48% of the Polish longhorn beetle fauna. Ninety-two species were found within the BbNP boundaries, while three species were recorded from its buffer zone exclusively. The highest species richness was observed in the Middle Basin (83 species) and the Lower Basin (78 species), whereas the Upper Basin yielded 54 species. The most widely distributed species was Strangalia attenuata, recorded in sixteen UTM squares (10×10 km) and common in all three Biebrza basins. Stenurella nigra occurred in fourteen squares, while Grammoptera ruficornis, Rhagium mordax, and S. melanura were found in thirteen squares. Among the longhorn beetle species identified in the Biebrza Valley, eleven were classified as very rare and should be considered as „species of special concern”. These included Cerambyx scopolii, Cyrtoclytus capra, Molorchus marmottani, Euracmaeops septentrionis, Leptura thoracica, Lepturalia nigripes, Aegomorphus obscurior, Exocentrus stierlini, Oberea euphorbiae, O. pupillata, and Saperda similis. Among all recorded cerambycid species, 76 were documented based on rearing from plant material (dead wood, twigs etc.) of various host plants. These comprised 24 plant species: 21 woody plants – trees and shrubs – and three herbaceous species. Broad-leaved trees and shrubs were dominant, as only two coniferous species (Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies) were confirmed as hosts.The highest number of species developed on Quercus robur (23), followed by P. sylvestris and P. abies (17), Salix spp. (12), Betulapendula and Alnus glutinosa (11 each). Other plant species hosted between one and nine Cerambycidae species. The species withthe broadest host plant range were Rhagium mordax (eight species), Saperda scalaris (six), and both Anaesthetis Testaceaand S. attenuata (five each). Noteworthy host associations included Clytus arietis on Frangula alnus, A. obscurior on A. glutinosa,and Exocentrus punctipennis on Q. robur. Two species found in the Biebrza Valley – C. scopolii and L. thoracica – are under partial protection in Poland. Several other species are included in the Polish Red List of Threatened and Endangered Animals, including L. nigripes, classified as Critically Endangered (CR), and L. thoracica as Vulnerable (VU). L. thoracica is also listed among the relic saproxylic beetles of Central Europe in the group of relics sensu stricto. No major threats have been identified for most saproxylic Cerambycidae species, with one exception. Comparison of recent data (2021–2025) with earlier records (1982–2011) has revealed concerning signs of a declining trend in the local population of A. obscurior. Threats were also identified for certain species developing in herbaceous plants. These include: −ecological succession (encroachment of woody vegetation in open areas leading to increased shading), accelerated by drainageand lowering of groundwater levels; a threat to, for example, Agapanthia intermedia, O. euphorbiae, and Phytoecia virgula; −lack of suitable host trees or shrubs for infestation, such as sun-exposed oaks (A. obscurior, C. scopolii), fire weakened/killedbirches (L. nigripes), and old honeysuckle shrubs (O. pupillata); −disruption in the continuity and regeneration of host plants, potentially leading to the degradation of breeding habitats,especially for A. obscurior and, to a lesser extent, for C. scopolii, which can develop in other tree species; −small population size and isolation, which pose threats for species such as C. scopolii, L. nigripes, and O. euphorbiae;entomological poachin; −illegal collection of imagines or larvae with their host material (infested wood) of collector-attractive species. Documentedcases include attempts at illegall collection of A. obscurior. For certain species (e.g. A. obscurior, C. scopolii, L. nigripes), active conservation measures are essential to preserve theirpopulations. For most saproxylic species, passive conservation is highly effective if the protected area is sufficiently large. It is recommended that such protection be implemented in forests with a natural or near-natural character, or in those with the potential to become natural (e.g. parts of the Grzędy forest, the Las Trzyrzeczki tree stand, and the Kopciowe complex). The immediate acquisition of ecologically valuable areas (sites of rare Coleoptera occurrence) currently in private or military ownership within or around BbNP is strongly advised. Monitoring is proposed for one saproxylic beetle species (C. capra) and one species developing in herbaceous plants (O. euphorbiae).

Bogatkowate (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) Biebrzańskiego Parku Narodowego i jego otuliny

2026-04-24T08:41:07+00:00

The aim of the study was to examine the distribution and various aspects of the biology of Buprestidae species, as well as to identify threats to individual species and indicate methods for their mitigation in the Biebrza Valley, particularly in Biebrza National Park (BbPN). The paper presents the results of research conducted between 1982 and 2025 (with breaks) in the Biebrza Valley (NE Poland). In the study area, 44 Buprestidae species were recorded (41 species in BbPN), representing approximately 47% of Poland’s fauna in this beetle family. The most widely distributed species in the Biebrza Valley are: Trachys minutus, Agrilus viridis, A. angustulus, A. betuleti, and A. sulcicollis. Among the Buprestidae present in the Biebrza Valley, eight very rare species (so-called „species of special concern”) have been identified: Agrilus guerini, A. kaluganus, A. nicolanus, Anthaxia manca, Habroloma nanum, Lamprodila decipiens, Poecilonota variolosa, and Trachys troglodytes. For 27 Buprestidae species, 25 host plants for their larvae have been determined, including 21 species (or genera) of trees and shrubs and four herbaceous plant species. Notably, new host plants have been discovered for the larvae of Dicerca alni – Padus avium, and Coraebus elatus – Potentilla erecta. Two species recorded in the Biebrza Valley are listed on the Red List of Threatened and Endangered Animals in Poland: Agrilus integerrimus in the Near Threatened (NT) category, and A. guerini in the Data Deficient (DD) category. Dicerca alni is listed among the relict saproxylic beetles of Central Europe, classified as a relict sensu lato. In general, no major threats have been identified for saproxylic jewel beetle species. The main threats to species developing on herbaceous plants are: 1) climate instability and water scarcity in consecutive years, which endanger hygrophilous fauna such as Coraebus elatus, which develops on Comarum palustre; 2) large-scale mowing of vegetation with snow groomers, which destroys sensitive plants in low peatlands and consequently eliminates the developmental base for species associated with these plants (e.g., Coraebus elatus); 3) ecological succession (mainly the overgrowth of open areas with woody vegetation and increased shading), which threatens, among others, Coraebus elatus, Habroloma nanum, Trachys fragariae, T. scrobiculatus, and T. troglodytes; 4) isolation of small populations of a given species, as is the case, for example, with H. nanum. Various active conservation measures have been proposed, such as mechanical removal of woody plants that shade valuable open areas, mowing, and grazing. The use of prescribed burning to maintain open areas has also been suggested. Monitoring several of the most valuable species representing different ecological habitats (Agrilus guerini, Coraebus elatus, Habroloma nanum, Poecilonota variolosa) has been recommended to assess the effectiveness of the conservation methods applied.

Określenie defoliacji świerka pospolitego na podstawie zobrazowań lotniczych pozyskanych przy pomocy bezzałogowego statku powietrznego

2026-04-24T08:41:09+00:00

The assessment of tree crown defoliation is a key component of forest health monitoring and forms the basis for reporting under the ICP Forests programme. Currently, direct field assessment remains the standard, but the development and increased availability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s) offer the possibility of partially replacing field assessment with remote methods. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of RGB images obtained by drone for determining the degree of defoliation of Norway spruce (Picea abies) crowns in accordance with ICP Forests guidelines and to compare these results with standard field assessment. The study included spruce trees (≥ 60 years) from two populations: mountain (Szklarska Poręba Forest District) and lowland (Płońsk Forest District). For each tree, two types of photographs were taken: vertical (from above the top, at a height of approx. 5 m) and oblique (from the side, showing the entire crown). The sample included individuals assigned to five categories of crown damage, including dead trees. The photographs were used for remote assessment, and sample images as well as and a diagram of the photography method are presented in Figures 1A/1B–2A/2B. The results were compared with a reference assessment conducted in the field for the same trees, carried out in parallel with the aerial surveys under comparable lighting and phenological conditions. Imaging was performed using a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom drone. A team of 12 experts (assessors with monitoring experience), who were briefly trained and independently estimated crown defoliation based on 120 images for each type of shot. The assessments were recorded on forms and then compared with the reference assessment. Statistical analyses included both percentage compliance and compliance with damage class assignments (Tables 1 – 2). Operationally, it took about 1–2 minutes to take a complete set of photographs of one tree, saving time compared to standard field inspection. The results indicate that oblique images more accurately reflect the condition of tree crowns than vertical images. The average agreement between damage classes and field assessments for oblique images was 56% and 46% for vertical images. For oblique shots, the highest agreement was observed in damage category 3 (66%), while for vertical shots it was in category 5. The lowest accuracy was recorded in category 2 (oblique images) and category 1 (vertical images), (Tables 1–2 respectively). Error analysis showed a moderate tendency to overestimate the degree of defoliation (14 cases, average +6.79%) compared to underestimations (10 cases, average −3.84%) (Figures 3–4). Regarding population, the differences between sites indicated a smaller overestimation in the mountain population (2.87%) than in the lowland population (7.47%) (Figures 5–8). Furthermore, 62% of all assessments (for both site types) differed from the reference assessment by ≤ 5 percentage points, confirming the practical usefulness of the method. The results show that the using BSP in defoliation assessment can significantly support forest health monitoring, especially in stands with dense canopy cover and in areas that are difficult to access. The method is repeatable, operationally fast and feasible in practice, although its use may be limited by compositional factors such as crown overlap and obstructed side visibility in dense stands. Further research should take into account the influence of lighting conditions, flight altitude and configuration.

Przeziernik węgierski Chamaesphecia hungarica (Tomala, 1901) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) – występowanie w Polsce i uwagi dotyczące biologii

2026-09-02T12:28:48+00:00

The aim of this study was to identify the distribution of the Hungarian clearwing moth, Chamaesphecia hungarica
(Tomala, 1901), in Poland and to provide additional information on its biology. Potential host plants, specifically large Euphorbia spp. growing along rivers, were surveyed. Field observations and captures of adults were conducted, along with analyses of plant shoots and roots for preimaginal stages. The study found that C. hungarica is trophically associated with the rare Shining spurge Euphorbia lucida Waldst. et Kit., but does not inhabit the marsh spurge E. palustris L. It was also demonstrated that this moth lays its eggs on the lower part of the stem rather than on inflorescences or leaves, as previously suggested by literature data. Twenty-six localities of C. hungarica were identified, including several new occurrences in the eastern, central, and western Poland. This southern species likely migrated from the southeast, moving north and west along the valleys of major rivers – the San, Bug, Vistula, Warta, and Oder. The habitats of C. hungarica are characterized, and the impact of climate warming on its host plant is discussed. Factors limiting C. hungarica populations, including parasitoids
and predators, are briefly addressed. Finally, the conservation of the species is discussed, and new information on its bionomics is provided.

Możliwości wykorzystania atraktantów do monitorowania liczebności populacji drzewotocza japońskiego Xylosandrus germanus (Bldf., 1894) w lasach gospodarczych

2026-09-07T12:15:06+00:00

Xylosandrus germanus (Bldf., 1894) is an invasive ambrosia beetle native to Southeast Asia that has spread widely across North America and Europe. In Poland, the species was first recorded in 1998 and is now distributed throughout almost the entire country, where it poses an increasing threat to forest stands and timber quality due to its polyphagy and ability to colonize weakened trees and freshly harvested wood. Despite its growing importance, no systematic monitoring based on dedicated attractants has previously been conducted in Poland. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of selected commercial and experimental attractants for monitoring populations of X. germanus under Polish climatic conditions. Field experiments were conducted in 2025 in two forest districts in eastern Poland, Krasiczyn and Świdnik, located in areas with long-term high population densities of X. germanus. Four attractants were tested: the commercial products, Econex Ethanol 125 ml and Xylowit, as well as two experimental formulations, Variant A and Variant 1/B. Attractants were deployed in white six-funnel IBL-3 traps installed at a height of approximately 2 m above ground. Study sites were established in mixed, fir-dominated stands (Krasiczyn Forest District) and in mixed, pine-dominated stands (Świdnik Forest District). A total of 36 traps (nine replicates per attractant) were used from 6 May to 5 August, covering most of the X. germanus beetle flight activity. Differences between trap catches with different attractants were analysed using generalised linear mixed models with a negative binomial distribution, with trap location included as a random effect. A total of 9,292 individuals of X. germanus were captured during the experiment. Traps baited with Econex Ethanol 125 ml captured the highest number of beetles and differed significantly from all other treatments (p < 0.001) (Fig. 2). Xylowit showed intermediate effectiveness, while no significant differences were found between the two experimental variants (A and 1/B), which exhibited the lowest capture rates. Additionally, 159 specimens of the quarantine species Anisandrus maiche (Kurentsov, 1941) were recorded, highlighting the broader applicability of ethanol-based attractants for detecting invasive ambrosia beetles. The superior performance of Econex Ethanol 125 ml is primarily due to its high ethanol release rate, a key factor in attracting ambrosia beetles associated with ethanol-emitting decaying wood. The results confirm that maintaining a sufficiently high ethanol emission in attractants is critical for reliable monitoring of X. germanus. The experimental attractants, which have lower release rates, require further optimisation before they can be recommended for population monitoring. This study presents the first evaluation of attractants for trapping X. germanus in Poland and shows that IBL-3 traps baited with Econex Ethanol 125 ml are suitable for both detection and monitoring of this invasive species. Early deployment of traps, preferably from the second half of April, is recommended to fully assess the flight dynamics of X. germanus. The use of effective ethanol-based attractants may also facilitate the early detection of other invasive ambrosia beetles, thereby supporting forest protection and biosecurity efforts.

Modelowanie węgla w ekosystemach leśnych – przegląd narzędzi

2026-04-24T08:41:02+00:00

The primary objective was to compare the structure, functionality, and applicability of five models commonly used in Europe – Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector (CBM-CFS3), EFIMOD, European Forest Information SCENario Model (EFISCEN), CO2FIX, and CASMOFOR – under conditions relevant to Poland. The scope of the work included analysis of forest biomass dynamics, mortality, decomposition of dead organic matter, soil carbon pools, and simulation of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. The review was based on published literature and supplemented by a systematic comparison of model assumptions. The main features of the models are summarised in Tables 1 and 2, while differences in growth, mortality, decomposition, and disturbance handling are presented in Tables 3–6. The methodology involved a structured review of model architecture and input data requirements, emphasising their capacity to simulate forest growth and carbon balance. CBM-CFS3 was identified as the most advanced in handling disturbances and land-use change, offering a wide range of modules and disturbance matrices. EFIMOD integrates tree-level growth processes with soil dynamics via the ROMUL module, explicitly capturing C/N interactions. EFISCEN, based on matrix structures, allows large-scale simulations at landscape and European levels but is less precise for uneven-aged stands. CO2FIX and CASMOFOR use simpler cohort approaches, suitable for stand-level simulations, with CASMOFOR focusing on afforestation scenarios and short-term carbon balance. Figures and tables show that the models differ significantly in the representation of tree growth, mortality, and decomposition, with EFIMOD providing the highest spatial resolution and EFISCEN ensuring scalability to policy-level applications. The results highlight that each model offers distinct strengths. CBM-CFS3 provides detailed decomposition and disturbance modules, EFIMOD excels in linking tree and soil processes, while EFISCEN is most effective for large-scale scenario analysis. CO2FIX and CASMOFOR remain practical tools for stand-level management and afforestation monitoring. Despite these differences, no universal “best” model could be identified. Instead, model selection depends on research objectives, data availability, and spatial scale. A consistent conclusion is that the use of statistical measures such as RMSE, NSE, and R², combined with ecological validation (carbon balance, life cycles, response to disturbances), is essential for evaluating model efficiency. In summary, the comparative analysis (Tables 1-6) demonstrates that forest carbon cycle modelling is highly diversified, ranging from simple balance models to complex disturbance-oriented systems. Fragmentation of approaches creates challenges for harmonisation at European and national levels. Nevertheless, adopting hybrid evaluation frameworks can improve methodological consistency and enhance the role of carbon models in supporting climate policy and sustainable forest management.

Czterdzieści lat strefowej ochrony gatunków w polskich lasach Część 2. Zagadnienia przyrodnicze

2026-09-02T12:55:40+00:00

The main objective of this series of articles is to present the range and complexity of aspects and problems associated
with the implementation of zonal species protection in Polish forests between 1983 and 2024, which may be useful
for its further improvement. The aim of this publication, the second in the series, is to address the natural issues concerning
the functioning of protection zones in forests.
The research methodology is consistent throughout the entire series of articles. A review of legal acts from 1983 to 2024,
a systematic literature review, and the snowball method were used. A systematic review of literature from 1984 to 2023
was conducted using the bibliographic database of the Forest Research Institute (keywords: ‘ochron* strefow*’, ‘stref* ochron*’)
and the SCOPUS database (keywords: ‘zonal protection’ AND ‘Poland’; ‘zone protection’ AND ‘Poland’). From the results
obtained (483 items), 28 publications were selected after further screening and used to varying extents in different parts of the series
of articles; in this article, 27 items were used. Together with the literature identified through using the snowball method, these
works were thoroughly examined for the aspects and issues of zonal protection in forests that they present.
This article addresses issues such as the list of zonal species (Appendix 1), protected sites, intensity of zonal protection
(Table 1), geographical distribution of zones, quality of trees and forests in zones or used by zonal species, threats to zonal species
(including predation – Table 2, economic activities, zone penetration), the impact of zone protection on the situation of protected
species, as well as of other species and habitats.
It can be noted that most data and information have been published on the zonal protection of birds, while significantly fewer
publications address the zonal protection of selected lichens, mammals, and reptiles, and there are no references to protected plants
and insects. This gap should be addressed to reliably confirm the purpose and effectiveness of the zone protection introduced
for these groups, and to further improve it. While the concept of protection zones is valid, it should be noted that such zones do not
always guarantee a species' survival in a given location. This is because survival depends on numerous biotic, abiotic,
and anthropogenic factors and conditions, both within the zone and in other areas used by the species protected by the zone.
Therefore, awareness of this fact and broader cooperation are needed, not only from foresters, but also from private owners
of forests and open areas used by zonal species, as well as from the wider society that uses forests.

Dokonania i udział Lasów Państwowych w ochronie przyrody

2026-09-07T13:16:25+00:00

This paper presents the achievements of the State Forests in various forms of nature conservation throughout their 100-year history, from 1924 to 2024. It shows how the ideological and legal foundations of nature conservation have changed and evolved, as well as the trends, objectives, forms, locations and practical methods used to address conservation needs and tasks.
In species conservation, the list of plant, animal, and fungal species subject to strict and partial protection in Poland has expanded on an exceptionally large scale; this now covers a total of 1,816 organism taxa, of which approximately 70% are associated with forest ecosystems and lands. Alongside the oldest form of nature conservation – the protection of ancient and exceptionally large trees designated as natural monuments – new forms were established under the Nature Conservation Act (1991): ecological sites, documentation sites, and nature and landscape complexes. The quantitative development of individual forms of nature conservation and their share in areas managed by the State Forests is presented. A significant increase in the number and area of nature reserves is shown, from the yew reserve in Wierzchlas established in 1827 to the current total of 131,000 ha within State Forest lands, which accounts for 74% of the total area of all such reserves in the country. The presentation covers the development of national parks, starting with Białowieża National Park (1932), up to the current 23 parks with a total area of 315,000 hectares, as well as the proportion of forested land within their boundaries and the role of the State Forests in their establishment – both historically and today. The development of new forms of area-based nature conservation is discussed: landscape parks, protected landscape areas, and the European Natura 2000 ecological network. For several years, the implementation of the proposals and guidelines contained in European Union documents – the European Green Deal and the Nature Restoration Law – has been underway in forests; the problems and difficulties associated with their implementation in Polish forestry are discussed.
Issues related to public forest education on nature conservation conducted by the State Forest employees are highlighted, as well as the relationship between nature conservation and forest management and protection, and the financing of statutory and nonstatutory (large-scale) nature conservation. It is noted that, in total, nature conservation tasks on forest lands administered across an area of 7.4 million hectares are constantly increasing and account for an estimated 70% of the country’s overall nature conservation efforts. The State Forests spend an estimated 1.5 billion PLN on the tasks for which they are responsible in carrying out nature conservation. Due to the growing needs and expectations of society, nature conservation in forests is becoming an increasingly demanding, knowledge-intensive, difficult, and costly task for forestry services.

Występowanie i rola ekologiczna grzyba Puccinia komarovii w Polsce – konsekwencje dla ochrony przyrody

2026-09-08T07:16:28+00:00

Puccinia komarovii Tranzschel (1936) is a pathogenic fungus of the family Pucciniaceae, whose natural hosts are plants
of the genus Impatiens. In Poland, its only host is the invasive small-flowered balsam, Impatiens parviflora. This study provides
a synthesis of current knowledge on the distribution of this fungus species in Poland, its population dynamics, and its ecological
significance in the context of nature conservation. The analysis was based on data collected from the 1990s to 2025, the results
of the latest molecular studies, and data from the relevant literature.
The first record of P. komarovii in Poland dates back to 1934 (Silesia region). Recent studies have confirmed the widespread
presence of the pathogen in numerous national parks: Wigry (over 250 sites), Drawa, Wielkopolska, Wolin, Świętokrzyski, Gorce,
Słowiński, Roztocze, Pieniny, and Góry Stołowe (Table 1), as well as in other areas, particularly in southern Poland (Table 2, Fig. 1).
Detailed observations conducted in Drawa National Park (DPN) and Wigry National Park (WPN) revealed significant variation
in infection intensity. In selected locations, the proportion of infected plants ranged from 25% to 100%. Molecular analyses
of isolates confirmed that the Polish populations belong to the subspecies P. komarovii var. komarovii and revealed genetic diversity
in comparison with isolates from the Wielkopolska region.
The pathogen exhibits high host specificity; no infections of the native common balsam Impatiens noli-tangere were recorded during
the three-year study. Infection causes significant host weakening, including reduced biomass and reproduction, and, under conditions
of high pathogen pressure, seedling mortality reaching 100%. These results confirm the potential of P. komarovii
as a natural factor limiting the expansion of I. parviflora in Polish forest ecosystems. Further research should focus on monitoring
the population dynamics and genetic variability of this fungus.

Grzyby zasiedlające bagno zwyczajne (Ledum palustre L.) w Wigierskim Parku Narodowym

2026-04-24T08:41:05+00:00

torfowiska, fitopatogeny, bioindykatory, peat bogs, phytopathogens, bioindicators, climate change, zmiany klimatu

Skład wiosenno-letniego pokarmu myszołowa Buteo buteo z terenu Ojcowskiego Parku Narodowego

2026-09-07T12:35:53+00:00

The aim of this study was to present the composition of the spring-summer diet of the Common Buzzard Buteo buteo in Ojców National Park (southern Poland).
In 2006-2010, the composition of the common buzzard diet was studied during the spring-summer period (breeding season) using two methods: (1) mainly by collecting pellets and prey remains from beneath occupied nests and trees where the birds roost, and (2) additionally by observing predators with their captured prey.
A total of 120 prey items were identified, belonging to 29 taxa/19 species, with a total biomass of over 9.6 kg (tab. 1). The weighted average body mass of the prey was 80.1 g (0.6-1400 g) (tab. 1). Its diet was dominated by mammals in terms of numbers (65.8% of the individuals and 24.4% of the consumed biomass) and by birds in terms of biomass (19.2% of the individuals and 72% of the biomass). The remainder was made up of amphibians (3.3% and 2.5% respectively), reptiles (1.7% and 1% respectively) and insects (10% and 0.1% respectively) (tab. 1). A statistically significant difference was noted between the number and biomass of the individual classes of animals hunted by the Common Buzzard (p = 0.001) (fig. 1). The most frequently caught prey was the Common Vole Microtus arvalis (42.5% of the individuals and 14.6% of the biomass) (tab. 1). The food niche breadth was FNB = 2.43.
In the spring-summer period, the common buzzards in Ojców National Park showed the characteristics of a food generalist, hunting a wide range of prey, but the basis of its diet was small mammals, including the most frequently caught common voles.

Pamięci Elżbiety Suwary-Jędrykiewicz

2026-04-24T08:41:12+00:00

Obce gatunki drzew leśnych a hodowla lasu w Polsce

2026-09-02T12:05:21+00:00

Polish forestry, as part of sustainable and multifunctional forest management, primarily uses native forest tree species
(Fig. 1). From the perspective of forest silviculture, the most important issue in commercial forests is the cultivation objective and
its implementation. The breeding objective is mainly determined by habitat conditions, including soil and climate. The optimal
species composition is selected according to the fertility of the habitat. In Polish forests, alongside nearly 15 native forest tree
species of economic importance, there are about 30 introduced species, most of which were introduced experimentally in the 19th
century.
Prussian forestry, represented by Professor Schwappach from Eberswalde, pioneered the introduction of alien tree species
in Polish forests. Between 1886 and 1895, they conducted a large-scale campaign to assess the suitability of 46 tree species, mainly
from North America and Japan, for Central European forest conditions. The invaluable aspect of these experiments lies in over 130
years of acclimatisation to local habitat conditions and in the fact that many of these alien species, growing in mixture with various
native forest tree species, now allow assessment in terms of cultivation and ecology. Currently, in the face of global climate change,
many European countries are experiencing the decline of existing species, including spruce, which is also disappearing from
foothill and mountain regions. There is now an urgent search for new forest tree species and their varieties in order to create forests
that are resistant to progressive climate change and to test new origins of alien species.
With numerous native species present, it is worth noting that the share of introduced species that have acquired specific functions
in Polish forests – namely, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), and red
oak (Quercus rubra L.) – is negligible compared to the share of native forest tree species in Poland, amounting to only a few
percent of the total area. Species introduced in Poland are characterised by their widespread distribution throughout the country.
Although they occur in many habitat types, to achieve the required wood production, they must be located in suitable and strictly
defined habitat conditions. Black locust occupies the largest area among the introduced species, with nearly 10,000 ha in stands
covering over 270,000 ha, with an average share of approximately 3.5%. The second largest in terms of area is red oak, which
occupies almost 14,000 ha in stands covering over 80,000 ha, with an average share of 0.16%.
Both black locust and red oak are included in the national Polish list of invasive species due to certain undesirable
characteristics: black locust exhibits significant regrowth, while red oak produces leaf fall that, due to poor decomposition,
can negatively impact the soil. It is important to refer to the definitions of alien species and invasive alien species. According to
Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council, each Member State shall, based on long-term
observation and scientific research, determine which species are invasive; this list does not include woody species.
Douglas fir is a particularly demanding species in forest silviculture when young, as it is not resistant to late and winter frosts
and is readily browsed by deer. On the other hand, several factors favour its introduction. The first undeniably positive
characteristic of Douglas fir is its high productivity (Fig. 4). At 100 years of age, Douglas fir has approximately twice the stock
of pine trees in the initial assessment. Given its productivity and high acclimatisation ability, it would be worthwhile to analyse
the possibilities of expanding the habitat variants into which it can be introduced as an admixture species.
Douglas fir should not have a significant impact on native forest phytocenoses and is acceptable in Polish “Zasady Hodowli
Lasu” (2023) [Principles of Silviculture] in stands amounting to 10% in all forest regions. Other alien species were not included
in this document.
Polish forests have retained those introduced species that are best acclimatised to local habitat conditions. In addition
to the three species mentioned above, which have some forestry use, there are also numerous other species that foresters regard
primarily as experimental. One example is the area covered by western redcedar, whose productivity in suitable habitats exceeds
that of Douglas fir and whose ability to form mixed stands with native species appears to be the highest. However, in the context
of ongoing climate change, it is necessary to seek species with lower rainfall requirements and greater tolerance of higher
temperatures. These are mainly species that prefer southern geographical locations. Among others, these include the sweet chestnut
(Castanea sativa Mill.), Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.), and cork oak (Quercus suber L.). So far, these species have been treated
as park, ornamental, or botanical garden collections. In Poland, species such as cork oak and maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton)
are also discussed, but no large-scale programmes have been undertaken to test these species, and the possibility of cultivating them
is still considered only in theory and with great caution. At present, our geographical location protect us from the effects of climate
change, but if anomalies such as insufficient and uneven rainfall throughout the year persist, we will soon have to seek alternatives
to our native tree species.

Przyrodnicze aspekty potencjalnego rozwoju energetyki wiatrowej na terenach leśnych w Polsce

2026-09-08T08:01:51+00:00

The impact of wind power installations on the natural environment, including forest ecosystems, has been
investigated for a considerable period of time. Based on currently available data, the authors conclude that operating wind turbines within forest areas poses a significant threat to forest environments, particularly to flying animals, including legally protected species. The reviewed studies indicate that wind power plants situated in forests have substantial potential to affect both the natural environment and the landscape. It has been found that siting wind farms in forested areas, which are
typically characterised by high biodiversity, further increases the environmental risks commonly associated with such
installations. Locating wind energy facilities in forests has also generated social controversy in countries where such
investments are being implemented, primarily in Germany and the Scandinavian countries, and is frequently opposed
by environmental protection organisations and scientific experts. In their conclusions, the authors state that although lower procedural costs and the anticipated greater ease of obtaining permits for publicly owned land may encourage investors to plan such developments in forest areas, the confirmed higher environmental costs – compared with constructing wind turbines in open landscapes – necessitate a critical assessment of the justification for such investments.