An ecological comparison between ancient and other forest plant species ofEurope, and the implications for forest conservation

An analysis is presented of the ecological characteristics of ancient fores t plant species in deciduous forests of Europe. Twenty-two literature sourc es were used to generate a list of 132 ancient forest plant species, descri bed from at least eight countries in Europe. The affinity for ancient fores ts of these species differs considerably from country to country, but they have a definite ecological profile. There is a significant difference in th e response of the ancient forest plant species compared with other forest p lant species for a variety of ecological characteristics, based on Ellenber g indicators, plant strategies and phytosociological associations. Ancient forest plant species tend to be more shade-tolerant than the other forest p lant species; dry and wet sites are avoided. They are typical of forest sit es with an intermediate pH and nitrogen availability. Geophytes and hemicry ptophytes are more frequent amongst ancient forest plant species. The stres s-tolerant plant strategy type is significantly more abundant under the anc ient forest species than expected when compared with other forest plant spe cies and vice versa for the competitive plant strategy. This distinct ecolo gical profile suggests that ancient forest plant species may be considered as a guild. The poor ability of these species to colonize new forest sites may be attributed to a complex of interacting variables: limited dispersal abilities (many have a short-distance dispersal strategy), low diaspore pro duction and recruitment problems (e.g. low competitive ability). The region al variation in ancient forest plant species suggests that regional lists a re more appropriate for assessing the nature conservation value of forests than one global European list. Due to their distinct ecological profile and low colonizing abilities, ancient forest plant species may be considered a s important biodiversity indicators for forests. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.