Primary forest distribution and representation in a Central European landscape: Results of a large-scale field-based census

摘要: Abstract Given the global intensification of forest management and climate change, protecting studying forests that develop free direct human intervention—also known as primary forests—are becoming increasingly important. Yet, most countries still lack data regarding distribution. Previous studies have tested remote sensing approaches a promising tool for identifying forests. However, their precision is highly dependent on quality resolution, which vary considerably. This has led to underestimation abundance distribution in some regions, such temperate zone Europe. Field-based inventories methodologies conduct these assessments are inconsistent; incomplete or inaccurate mapping increases vulnerability systems continued loss from clearing land-use change. We developed comprehensive methodological approach forests, it within one Europe’s hotspots abundance: Carpathian Mountains. From 2009 2015, we conducted first national-scale census covering entire 49,036 km2 area Slovak Republic. analyzed patterns representativeness potential vegetation types remnants. further evaluated conservation status extent loss. Remaining small, fragmented, often do not represent natural vegetation. identified 261 localities. they only 0.47% total forested area, 0.21% country’s land area. The spatial pattern was clustered. Primary tended escape anthropogenic disturbance sites with higher elevations, steeper slopes, rugged terrain, greater distances roads settlements. stands montane mixed subalpine spruce more abundant compared broadleaved Notably, several habitat completely missing (e.g., floodplain forests). More than 30% remaining strictly protected, harvesting occurred at 32 localities study period. Almost all logging inside protected areas, underscoring critical this part Effective strategies urgently needed stop rapid fragmentation Our based precise, field-based surveys widely applicable transferrable other fragmented landscapes.