Biodiversity assessment at Finsjöbrännan, Småland

Study the biodiversity at Finsjöbrännan, the site of a significant forest fire in Småland, to understand how fire events impact species diversity and ecosystem recovery. This project will focus on the immediate and long-term effects of the fire on various taxa, including plants, insects, birds, fungi, and soil microorganisms, and how these ecosystems recover over time.

Project outline:

1. Baseline biodiversity survey: Conduct an initial survey to document the current biodiversity at the burnt site and in adjacent unburnt areas as a control. Record plant species, insects, birds, fungi, and soil microorganisms.

2. Fire impact assessment: Compare biodiversity data between the burnt and unburnt areas to identify the immediate impact of the fire on species richness, abundance, and community structure.

3. Long-term biodiversity monitoring: Establish permanent plots within the burnt area to monitor changes in biodiversity over time. Conduct regular surveys (e.g., annually) to track succession stages, species colonization, and ecosystem recovery.

4. Resilience and recovery dynamics: Study the role of different taxa in the recovery process. For example, assess how insect communities (e.g., ants, beetles) and fungi (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi) contribute to soil health and vegetation regrowth.

5. Habitat and microclimate analysis: Measure changes in habitat structure (e.g., canopy cover, ground cover) and microclimate (e.g., soil temperature, moisture) in the burnt area.

6. Implications for forest management and conservation: Use findings to inform forest management practices, focusing on the role of natural fires and controlled burns in maintaining biodiversity.

Expected outcomes

This project will contribute to understanding the role of fire in shaping biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. It will offer insights into how species and ecosystems respond to fire events, guiding future forest management practices to enhance biodiversity conservation and promote climate-resilient forest landscapes.