Tree Cavity Resources in Spruce-Pine Managed and Protected Stands of the Białowieża Forest, Poland

Forest management significantly reduces the availability of tree cavities, critical resources for wildlife. In the Białowieża Forest, Poland, cavity density was highest (12.5 per hectare) in protected national park stands and lowest (3.0 per hectare) in managed forests. Most cavities were found in dead pine trees, with their basal area being a key predictor of cavity presence. The study highlights the importance of retaining or creating pine snags to sustain cavity resources in commercial coniferous forests, offering a practical solution for conservation efforts.

Walankiewicz, W., Czeszczewik, D., Stański, T., Sahel, M., & Ruczyński, I. (2014). Tree Cavity Resources in Spruce-Pine Managed and Protected Stands of the Białowieża Forest, Poland. Natural Areas Journal, 34(4), 423–428. https://doi.org/10.3375/043.034.0404