Ecology and biology of birds in the Białowieża Forest: a 40-year perspective

A 40-year study of the Białowieża Forest's avifauna reveals that its bird communities exhibit primeval ecological traits, including stability over time, high species richness, and low densities. These features are linked to natural processes such as predation pressure, abundant nesting sites for cavity-nesting birds, and pulsed food resources driven by rodent outbreaks. The research highlights the critical role of maintaining old-growth forest conditions to preserve this unique ecosystem. Threats like tree stand rejuvenation, dead wood removal, fragmentation, and changes in tree species composition are identified as significant risks to the forest's ecological integrity.

Czeszczewik, D., & Walankiewicz, W. (2016). Ecology and biology of birds in the Białowieża Forest: a 40-year perspective. Forest Research Papers, 77(4), 332–340. https://doi.org/10.1515/frp-2016-0034