ASSESSMENT AND PROTECTION OF TREE MICROHABITATS DURING FINAL FELLINGS

Abstract

The inventory of trees left for biodiversity conservation was conducted in 2023–2024. In the planned final felling areas of the Varėna regional division - Musteika, Kaniava, and Perloja forestry districts—tree microhabitats were identified using the microhabitat catalog. A total of 53 final felling plots were identified. The highest average conservation value score by diameter was recorded in the 7th diameter group. The majority of trees left for biodiversity conservation were Scots pines. The most common tree microhabitat was the coarse bark structure. The highest conservation value score (658 CVS) was recorded in the future final felling plots within the Kaniava forestry district, with scores calculated per 10 ha area.