Non-woody life-form contribution to vascular plant species richness in a tropical American forest

We provide total vascular plant species counts for three 1-ha plots in deciduous, semi-deciduous and evergreen forests in central Bolivia. Species richness ranged from 297 species and 22,360 individuals/ha in the dry deciduous forest to 382 species and 31,670 individuals/ha in the evergreen forest. Orchidaceae, Pteridophyta and Leguminosae were among the most species-rich major plant groups in each plot, and Peperomia (Piperaceae), Pleurothallis (Orchidaceae) and Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae), all epiphytes, were the most species-rich genera. This dominance of a few but very diverse and/or widespread taxa contrasted with the low compositional similarity between plots. In a neotropical context, these Central Bolivian forest plots are similar in total species richness to other dry deciduous and humid montane forests, but less rich than most Amazonian forests. Nevertheless, lianas, terrestrial herbs and especially epiphytes proved to be of equal or higher species richness than most other neotropical forest inventories from which data are available. We therefore highlight the importance of non-woody life-forms (especially epiphytes and terrestrial herbs) in Andean foothill forest ecosystems in terms of species richness and numbers of individuals, representing in some cases nearly 50% of the species and more than 75% of the individuals. These figures stress the need for an increased inventory effort on non-woody plant groups in order to accurately direct conservation actions. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Phytogeography of the bryophyte floras of oak forests and páramo of the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica

Aim Central America is a biogeographically interesting area because of its location between the rich and very different biota of North and South America. We aim to assess phytogeographical patterns in the bryophyte floras of oak forests and páramo of the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica. Location Tropical America, in particular the montane area of Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica. Methods The analysis is based on a new critical inventory of the montane bryophyte flora of Cordillera de Talamanca. All species were assigned to phytogeographical elements on the basis of their currently known distribution. Absolute and percentage similarities were employed to evaluate floristic affinities. Results A total of 401 species [191 hepatics (liverworts), one hornwort, 209 mosses] are recorded; of these, 251 species (128 hepatics, one hornwort, 122 mosses) occur in oak forests. Ninety‐three per cent of all oak forest species are tropical in distribution, the remaining 7% are temperate (4%) and cosmopolitan (3%) species. The neotropical element includes almost 74% of the species, the wide tropical element (pantropical, amphi‐atlantic, amphi‐pacific) only 19%. A significant part of the neotropical species from oak forests are species with tropical Andean‐centred ranges (27%). As compared with bryophyte species, vascular plant genera in the study region are represented by fewer neotropical, more temperate and more amphi‐pacific taxa. Bryophyte floras of different microhabitats within the oak forest and epiphytic bryophyte floras on Quercus copeyensis in primary, early secondary and late secondary oak forest show a similar phytogeographical make‐up to the total oak forest bryophyte flora. Comparison of oak forest and páramo reveals a greater affinity of the páramo bryophyte flora to temperate regions and the great importance of the páramo element in páramo. Surprisingly, oak forests have more Central American endemics than páramo. Main conclusions (1) Providing first insights into the phytogeographical patterns of the bryophyte flora of oak forests and páramo, we are able to confirm general phytogeographical trends recorded from vascular plant genera of the study area although the latter were more rich in temperate taxa. (2) Andean‐centred species are a conspicuous element in the bryophyte flora of Cordillera de Talamanca, reflecting the close historical connection between the montane bryophyte floras of Costa Rica and South America. (3) High percentages of Central American endemics in the bryophyte flora of the oak forests suggest the importance of climatic changes associated with Pleistocene glaciations for allopatric speciation.     

Forest classification in an Amazonian rainforest landscape using pteridophytes as indicator species

Habitat classification systems are poorly developed for tropical rainforests, where extremely high plant species richness causes numerous methodological difficulties. We used an indicator species approach to classify primary rainforest vegetation for purposes of comparative wildlife habitat studies. We documented species composition of pteridophytes (ferns and fern allies) in 635 plots (2×100 m) along 8 transects within a continuous rainforest landscape in northeastern Peruvian Amazonia. Considerable floristic variation was found when the data were analyzed using multivariate methods. The obtained forest classification was interpreted with the help of indicator value analysis and known soil preferences of the pteridophyte species. The final classification included four forest types: 1) inundated forests, 2) terrace forests, 3) intermediate tierra firme forests and 4) Pebas Formation forests. This rapid and relatively simple vegetation classification technique offers a practical, quantitative method for large-scale vegetation inventory in complex rainforest landscapes.     

东北山地次生林鸟类多样性的研究

山地次生林是东北地区半山区重要的生态环境。随着森林的采伐,次生林越来越多,与人类的关系也越来越密切。有关次生林鸟类多样性的研究,国内报道甚少。我们于1983—1984年4—7月在吉林省蛟     

Classification and Mapping of Coenotic Diversity of Forests

The proposed approach to the study of regularities of spatial variability of plant cover and to mapping forest vegetation is illustrated by the example of European Russia. It is shown that remote sensing and GIS technologies require particular standards of plant cover classification and reflection in maps. The given principles of classification and compilation of explications for maps of forest cover enable an assessment of its status and dynamics and a comparison of materials of different scales. We use the ecological–phytocoenotic approach to classifying forest vegetation. The specified units correspond to the categories of the main classifications of plant cover used in Russian geobotanics. In our classification, we have verified some parameters and the semantics of the mapped units, using satellite images, for their definite identification and interpretation. The elaborated approach to the classification and mapping of forest cover is applied for the study of the diversity of spruce forests under different climatic conditions in two regions, where they occupy about 20% of the total area. The first example characterizes the northern taiga subzone of forests of eastern Fennoscandia in the center of Murmansk oblast, and the second one represents the subzone of broad-leaved–coniferous forest in the southwest of Moscow oblast.     

Relationships of bird community structure and species distributions to two environmental gradients in the northern boreal forest

Few studies have explicitly examined avian community structure in the North American northern boreal forest Herein we report upon the results of bird surveys in mature stands of boreal forest in the Great Clay Belt Ontario. Canada We related trends in avian community structure and individual bird species abundance to two environmental gradients described in a landbase classification scheme called the Forest Ecosystem Classification a moisture and a nutrient-richness gradient Variation in environmental characteristics is limited in the Ontario Clay Belt and this was reflected in short environmental gradient lengths However major trends in avian community structure were strongly associated with the nutrient-richness gradient axis summarized by this scheme Analyses of avian community composition indicated a continuum from moist coniferous habitats to drier aspen-dominated mixed woodlands with several bird species occurring in varying abundances across the width of both gradients 48 of the 58 species examined showed statistically significant associations with at least one of the two multivariate gradient axes A smaller proportion of short-distance migrant species were associated with these gradients than were species in either the neotropical migrant or resident categories We used a multivariate variable (habitat breadth) to compare degree of habitat specialization across different migratory groups A large proportion of neotropical migrants showed a high degree of habitat specialization m mature Clay Belt forests, and neotropical species with small habitat breadths were more commonly associated with habitats dominated by broad-leaved deciduous tree species than either short-distance or permanent resident species We discuss our findings in relation to the post-glacial history of the Clay Belt region     

Temporal variation in the influence of forest succession on caterpillar communities: A long‐term study in a tropical dry forest

Forest succession can influence herbivore communities through changes in host availability, plant quality, microclimate, canopy structure complexity and predator abundance. It is not well known, however, if such influence is constant across years. Caterpillars have been reported to be particularly susceptible to changes in plant community composition across forest succession, as most species are specialists and rely on the presence of their hosts. Nevertheless, in the case of tropical dry forests, plant species have less defined successional boundaries than tropical wet forests, and hence herbivore communities should be able to persist across different successional stages. To test this prediction, caterpillar communities were surveyed during eight consecutive years in a tropical dry forest in four replicated successional stages in Chamela, Jalisco and Mexico. Lepidopteran species richness and diversity were equivalent in mature forests and early successional stages, but a distinctive caterpillar community was found for the recently abandoned pastures. Species composition tended to converge among all four successional stages during the span of eight years. Overall, our results highlight the importance of both primary and secondary forest for the conservation of caterpillar biodiversity at a landscape level. We also highlight the relevance of long‐term studies when assessing the influence of forest succession to account for across year variation in species interactions and climatic factors. Abstract in French is available with online material.     

Bird species diversity in forest understory: Analysis of mist-net samples

Summary Mist-netted samples of forest understory birds in neotropical (Costa Rica) and temperate (Illinois) forests (during spring migration) supported certain earlier observations: the neotropical understory sample contained more species, more rare species, and more species that use resources not sufficiently available in temperate forest.During spring migration in Illinois, the number of bird species in a mist-netted sample of the community approaches (albeit temporarily) that of neotropical forests and is sometimes even equivalent. But the constitution of these samples seems to be quite different in different regions. Costa Rican samples showed greater within-habitat variability and individual recapture distances were shorter, implying a greater local patchiness of bird distributions than in Illinois in spring.     

广西常绿阔叶林分类系统及特点

常绿阔叶林是广西分布最广泛、最为复杂多样的植被类型.遵循《中国植被》一书的植被分类原则,并参考宋永昌先生的《中国常绿阔叶林分类试行方案》.根据高级单位以生态外貌、中级单位以优势度类型、低级单位以特征种组的分类原则,将广西常绿阔叶林划分出5个植被亚型、11个群系组和102个群系.在5个植被亚型中,典型常绿阔叶林和季风常绿...     

Classification,species richness,and environmental relations of monsoon rain forest in northern Australia

A floristic classification for monsoon rain forest vegetation in the Northern Territory, Australia, is derived based on comprehensive floristic inventory and environmental data. Allied aims include relating the floristic classification to Australia-wide structural and floristic schema, documenting species richness, and exploring site-environmental relations. TWINSPAN classification and complementary DCA analysis of a data set comprising 1219 sites x 55 9 rain forest taxa yielded 16 floristic assemblages. A diagnostic floristic key to these groups is presented. Eight groups describe rain forests associated with sites of perennial moisture; eight groups are associated with seasonally dry landforms. The structural typology of Australian rain forests is found wanting when applied to relatively simple monsoon rain forest communities. Rain forest patches are mostly less than 5 ha in size; maximum species richness is ca. 135 species per patch. Two major environmental gradients are identified through indirect gradient analysis: a primary latitudinal-moisture gradient and a subsidiary topographic-drainage gradient. Given the demonstrated tolerance of monsoon rain forest to a broad range of environmental conditions, the question remains: why is this vegetation type so restricted in occurrence in northern Australia?     

基于高分辨率与高光谱遥感影像的北亚热带马尾松及次生落叶树种的分类

利用遥感数据开展森林资源树种的分类对森林资源的监测、森林可持续经营及生物多样性研究都有重要意义。该文以江苏南部丘陵地区的北亚热带天然次生林为研究对象, 利用LiCHy (LiDAR、CCD、Hyperspectral)集成传感器同期获取的高分辨率和高光谱数据, 进行冠幅识别和多个层次的树种分类: 首先, 对高分辨率影像进行基于边缘检测的多尺度分割, 提取出单木冠幅; 其次, 对高光谱影像进行特征变量提取, 并对提取出的特征变量利用信息熵原理选取优化特征变量; 然后, 分别利用全部特征变量和经优化的重要特征变量对森林树种及森林类型进行预分类; 最后, 在预分类结果中加入单木冠幅信息对森林树种及森林类型进行重分类, 并分析分类结果的精度。研究表明: 1)利用全部特征变量进行4个典型树种分类时, 总体精度为64.6%, Kappa系数为0.493; 而针对森林类型的分类精度为81.1%, Kappa系数为0.584。2)利用选取的优化特征变量分类精度略低于利用全部特征变量的分类精度, 其中对4个典型树种分类时, 总体精度为62.9%, Kappa系数为0.459; 而针对森林类型的分类精度为77.7%, Kappa系数为0.525。通过集成传感器同期获取的高分辨率和高光谱数据可以有效地进行北亚热带森林的树种分类及森林类型的划分。     

Classification of Pinus massoniana and secondary deciduous tree species in northern subtropical region based on high resolution and hyperspectral remotely sensed data

Aims Using remote sensing data for tree species classification plays a key role in forestry resource monitoring, sustainable forest management and biodiversity research.Methods This study used integrated sensor LiCHy (LiDAR, CCD and Hyperspectral) to obtain both the high resolution imagery and the hyperspectral data at the same time for the natural secondary forest in south Jiangsu hilly region. The data were used to identify the crown and to classify tree species at multiple levels. Firstly, tree crowns were selected by segmenting high-resolution imagery at multiple scales based on edge detection; secondly, characteristic variables of hyperspectral images were extracted, then optimization variables were selected based on the theory of information entropy. Tree species and forest types were classified using either all characteristic variables or optimization variables only. Finally, tree species and forest types were reclassified along with the tree crowns information, and the accuracy of classification was discussed. Important findings Based on all available characteristic variables, the overall accuracy for four typical tree species classification was 64.6%, and the Kappa coefficient was 0.493. The overall accuracy for forest types classification was 81.1%, and the Kappa coefficient was 0.584. Based on optimization variables only, the overall accuracy for four typical tree species classification dropped to 62.9%, and the Kappa coefficient was 0.459. The overall accuracy for forest types classification was 77.7%, and the Kappa coefficient was 0.525. Obtaining both high resolution image and hyperspectral data at the same time by integrated sensor can increase overall accuracy in classifying forest types and tree species in northern subtropical forest.     

中国热带森林植被类型研究历史和划分探讨

热带森林是我国森林植被的重要组成部分,明确其森林植被类型分类对于生物多样性维持机制研究和保护管理等都具有重要意义。该文以中国热带森林植被分类研究中存在的问题为出发点,通过阐述我国各省区植被类型分类的研究历史,在综合考虑多种生物和非生物影响因素的基础上,提出一个新的热带森林植被类型分类框架以供探讨。结果表明:(1)尽管针对我国热带森林的分布范围和群落特征等都已开展了诸多研究,但对我国热带森林植被类型的划分依据和分类体系仍存在争议。(2)尽管我国的热带森林都处于季风气候区带内,但许多热带地区的森林植被类型并不只是受季风影响,而是气候带、关键气候因子、地形、土壤反馈和物种适应等多种因素共同作用的结果。(3)我国的热带森林植被包括5个植被型,即非典型性热带雨林、热带季雨林、热带山地雨林、热带山顶苔藓矮林(热带云雾林)和热带针叶林,其中热带季雨林植被型包含4种植被亚型[热带落叶季雨林、热带半落叶(半常绿)季雨林、热带常绿季雨林和热带石灰岩(石山)季雨林]。(4)阐明了上述热带森林植被型和植被亚型在我国各省区的分布情况,并提出未来有必要对人工恢复后的热带森林进行评估和植被类型划分。综上所述,该文提出一个新的热带森林植被类型分类框架,以期为今后基于不同地区开展热带森林比较研究提供参考。     

Effects of human disturbance on liana community diversity and structure in a tropical rainforest,Malaysia: implication for conservation

Aim Due to the important role of lianas in the functioning of forest ecosystem, knowledge of the factors that affect them are important in the management of forests. Currently, there are conflicting reports on the response of liana communities to disturbance, calling for more research in the area. The present study was carried out to investigate the response of liana diversity and structure to human disturbance within two major forests in the Penang National Park, Malaysia. The study also looked at the implication of the findings for conservation.Methods A total of 15 40 × 40-m 2 (or 40-m × 40-m) plots each were randomly located across a range of habitats in a primary forest and disturbed secondary forest. Trees with diameter at breast height ≥10 cm were examined for lianas with diameter ≥2 cm. Both lianas and trees were enumerated and compared between the two forests. Diversity and structural variables of lianas were compared between the two forests using the t -test analysis. Tree abundance was also compared between the two forests with t -test, while linear regression analysis was run to determine the effects of tree abundance on liana abundance.Important findings A total of 46 liana species belonging to 27 genera and 15 families were identified in the study. Human disturbance significantly reduced liana species richness and species diversity in the secondary forest. Liana abundance remained the same in both forests whereas liana basal area was significantly higher in the primary forest. Twiners and hook climbers were significantly more abundant in the primary and secondary forest, respectively. Large diameter lianas were more abundant in the primary forest compared with the secondary forest. The diameter distribution of most families in the primary forest followed the inverted J-shaped curve whereas only a few of the families in the secondary forest did so. Tree abundance was significantly higher in the primary forest. The abundance of lianas significantly depended on tree abundance in all the forests. The study has provided evidence of negative effects of human disturbance on liana diversity and structure that does not auger well for biodiversity in the forest. In view of the critical role of lianas in maintaining biodiversity in the forest ecosystem, lianas in the national park should be protected from further exploitation.     

青藏高原高寒区阔叶林植被固碳现状、速率和潜力

为明晰青藏高原高寒区阔叶林植被碳储量现状及其动态变化特征, 利用森林资源清查数据和标准样地实测数据, 估算了青藏高原高寒区(青海和西藏两省区)阔叶林植被的碳储量、固碳速率和固碳潜力。结果表明: 2011年青藏高原高寒区阔叶林植被碳储量为310.70 Tg, 碳密度为89.04 Mg·hm^-2。六类阔叶林型(栎(Quercus)林、桦木(Betula)林、杨树(Populus)林、其他硬阔林、其他软阔林和阔叶混交林)中, 阔叶混交林的碳储量最大, 杨树林碳储量最小; 其他硬阔林碳密度最大, 其他软阔林碳密度最小。空间分配上碳储量和碳密度表现为: 乔木层>灌木层>凋落物层>草本层>枯死木层。不同龄级碳储量和碳密度总体表现为随林龄增加逐渐增大的趋势。阔叶林碳储量从2001年的304.26 Tg增加到2011年的310.70 Tg, 平均年固碳量为0.64 Tg·a^-1, 固碳速率为0.19 Mg·hm^-2·a^-1。不同林型固碳速率表现为其他软阔林最大, 其他硬阔林最小; 不同龄级表现为成熟林最大, 幼龄林最小。阔叶林乔木层固碳潜力为19.09 Mg·hm^-2, 且不同林型固碳潜力表现为栎林最大, 桦树林最小。三次调查期间阔叶林碳储量逐渐增加, 主要原因是近年来森林保护工程的开展使阔叶林生长健康良好。     

High compatibility between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities and seedlings of different land use types in a tropical dry ecosystem

We conducted this study to explore limitations for the establishment of mycorrhizal associations in disturbed areas of the tropical dry ecosystem in the Chamela region of Jalisco, Mexico. Specifically, we: (1) assessed the diversity and composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities through spore morphospecies identification in three common land uses (primary forest, secondary forest, and pasture), (2) tested the inoculum potential of the AMF communities and the effect of water stress on the establishment of mycorrhizal associations in seedlings of various plant species, and (3) explored the importance of AMF community composition on early seedling development. Soil and root samples were taken from 15 random points in each of three plots established in two primary forests, two 26-year-old secondary forests, and two 26-year-old pastures. We expected that because of soil degradation and management, pastures would have the lowest and primary forests the highest AMF species richness. We found evidence for changes in AMF species composition due to land use and for higher morphospecies richness in primary forests than in secondary forests and pastures. We expected also that water stress limited plant and mycorrhizal development and that plants and AMF communities from secondary forests and pastures would be less affected by (better adapted to) water stress than those from the primary forest. We found that although all plant species showed biomass reductions under water stress, only some of the plant species had lower mycorrhizal development under water stress, and this was regardless of the AMF community inoculated. The third hypothesis was that plant species common to all land use types would respond similarly to all AMF communities, whereas plant species found mainly in one land use type would grow better when inoculated with the AMF community of that specific land use type. All plant species were however equally responsive to the three AMF communities inoculated, indicating that all plants established functionally compatible AMF in each community, with no preferences. The results suggest that early seedling growth and mycorrhizal development in secondary forests and pastures is not likely limited by diversity, quantity, or quality of mycorrhizal propagules but by the high temperature and water stress conditions prevailing at those sites.     

Carbon storage and potentials of the broad-leaved forest in alpine region of the Qinghai- Xizang Plateau,China

Aims
Our objective was to explore the vegetation carbon storages and their variations in the broad-leaved forests in the alpine region of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau that includes Qinghai Province and Xizang Autonomous Region.
Methods
Based on forest resource inventory data and field sampling, this paper studied the carbon storage, its sequestration rate, and the potentials in the broad-leaved forests in the alpine region of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.
Important findings
The vegetation carbon storage in the broad-leaved forest accounted for 310.70 Tg in 2011, with the highest value in the broad-leaved mixed forest and the lowest in Populus forest among the six broad-leaved forests that include Quercus, Betula, Populus, other hard broad-leaved species, other soft broad-leaved species, and the broadleaved mixed forest. The carbon density of the broad-leaved forest was 89.04 Mg·hm^-2, with the highest value in other hard broad-leaved species forest and the lowest in other soft broad-leaved species forest. The carbon storage and carbon density in different layers of the forests followed a sequence of overstory layer > understory layer > litter layer > grass layer > dead wood layer, which all increased with forest age. In addition, the carbon storage of broad-leaved forest increased from 304.26 Tg in 2001 to 310.70 Tg in 2011. The mean annual carbon sequestration and its rate were 0.64 Tg·a^-1 and 0.19 Mg·hm^-2·a^-1, respectively. The maximum and minimum of the carbon sequestration rate were respectively found in other soft broad-leaved species forest and other hard broad-leaved species forest, with the highest value in the mature forest and the lowest in the young forest. Moreover, the carbon sequestration potential in the tree layer of broad-leaved forest reached 19.09 Mg·hm^-2 in 2011, with the highest value found in Quercus forest and the lowest in Betula forest. The carbon storage increased gradually during three inventory periods, indicating that the broad-leaved forest was well protected to maintain a healthy growth by the forest protection project of Qinghai Province and Xizang Autonomous Region.     

次生林概念与生态干扰度

近一个世纪强烈的人为干扰使世界范围内的原始林面积锐减,次生林已成为中国乃至世界森林资源的主体.虽然在文献与现实中"次生林（Secondary forest）"被广泛使用,但次生林的概念在各个国家,甚至同一国家或地区以及各种不同文献中存在相互矛盾的情况,这给次生林研究与经营实践带来诸多不便;而不准确的次生林定义也为与各个层次的决策制定者及公众之间的交流带来了障碍.本文在查阅大量国内外关于次生林概念文献的基础上,结合近年来关于次生林生态与经营研究实践,综合分析了次生林概念的不确定性,同意以往次生林定义中的基本内涵,并认为：次生林是由于人为破坏性干扰或异常自然干扰使原始林固有的林分结构、物种组成或基本功能发生了显著变化,经过天然更新或人工诱导天然更新恢复形成的林分.但该定义中仍存在着很多不确定性, 如:怎样的干扰为"人为破坏性干扰"和"异常自然干扰";"林分结构、物种组成或基本功能"发生了怎样的变化为"显著变化";"人工诱导天然更新"中"人工"参与的成分比例如何等.次生林概念是在20世纪初由植物演替学家提出,当时未考虑干扰的持续性;而实际上,无论是次生林还是原始林,均是森林生态系统演替过程中的某一状态,在现代森林生态系统研究中,应重新规范"次生林"的概念.考虑到"次生林"定义的不确定性或困难性,建议使用"森林自然度"或"森林生态系统成熟度"或"森林干扰度"来表达现实森林所处的状态,但该方面的研究与实践尚需加强.     

Ecosystem classification and inventory maps as surrogates for ground beetle assemblages in boreal forest

Aims We compare performance of ecosystem classification maps and provincial forest inventory data derived from air photography in reflecting ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) biodiversity patterns that are related to the forest canopy mosaic. Our biodiversity surrogacy model based on remotely sensed tree canopy cover is validated against field-collected ground data.Methods We used a systematic sampling grid of 198 sites, covering 84 km 2 of boreal mixedwood forest in northwestern Alberta, Canada. For every site, we determined tree basal area, characterized the ground beetle assemblage and obtained corresponding provincial forest inventory and ecosystem classification information. We used variation partitioning, ordination and misclassification matrices to compare beetle biodiversity patterns explained by alternative databases and to determine model biases originating from air photo-interpretation.Important findings Ecosystem classification data performed better than canopy cover derived from forest inventory maps in describing ground beetle biodiversity patterns. The biodiversity surrogacy models based on provincial forest inventory maps and field survey generally detected similar patterns but inaccuracies in air photo-interpretation of relative canopy cover led to differences between the two models. Compared to field survey data, air photo-interpretation tended to confuse two Picea species and two Populus species present and homogenize stand mixtures. This generated divergence in models of ecological association used to predict the relationship between ground beetle assemblages and tree canopy cover. Combination of relative canopy cover from provincial inventory with other geo-referenced land variables to produce the ecosystem classification maps improved biodiversity predictive power. The association observed between uncommon surrogates and uncommon ground beetle species emphasizes the benefits of detecting these surrogates as a part of landscape management. In order to complement conservation efforts established in protected areas, accurate, high resolution, wide ranging and spatially explicit knowledge of landscapes under management is primordial in order to apply effective biodiversity conservation strategies at the stand level as required in the extensively harvested portion of the boreal forest. In development of these strategies, an in-depth understanding of vegetation is key.