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<p>Old-growth attributes, including large trees, complex canopy architecture, and varied tree-related microhabitats, are crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem health in Himalayan forests, yet their early expression is poorly understood. In this study, tree-related microhabitats were assessed as robust indicators of structural complexity and ecological continuity to capture early development of forest maturity and resilience. <i>Cedrus deodara</i> (Roxb. ex D. Don) G. Don was investigated in the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, Western Himalayas, India, using forty 10&#xa0;m-radius plots and 120 dominant trees across three forest ranges. Epiphytic crypto- and phanerogams were the most prevalent microhabitats. Generalized linear mixed models identified canopy class and DBH as significant predictors. A 10&#xa0;cm DBH increase yielded a 0.016 unit rise in richness and 0.010 in abundance, demonstrating the biological significance of larger trees as keystone structures supporting habitat diversity. Moderately closed canopies enhanced richness by 0.919 units and abundance by 0.602 units, while open canopies increased richness by 1.003 units. These results highlight the importance of structural habitat features for ecosystem health and the value of tree-related microhabitats as sensitive, early indicators of biodiversity. The conservation of large trees, maintaining canopy diversity, and geo-tagging for long-term monitoring is recommended. By linking management actions to global targets such as CBD, IPBES, and SDG 15, this study positions biodiversity-oriented forest management in the Western Himalayas within international conservation and restoration frameworks. This emphasizes the broader significance for sustainable ecosystem stewardship.</p>

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Tree-related microhabitats as indicators of old-growth attributes and ecosystem health in Western Himalayan Cedar forests

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月13日

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  • Radhika Sood,
  • Somidh Saha,
  • Shalini Dhyani

摘要

Old-growth attributes, including large trees, complex canopy architecture, and varied tree-related microhabitats, are crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem health in Himalayan forests, yet their early expression is poorly understood. In this study, tree-related microhabitats were assessed as robust indicators of structural complexity and ecological continuity to capture early development of forest maturity and resilience. Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D. Don) G. Don was investigated in the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, Western Himalayas, India, using forty 10 m-radius plots and 120 dominant trees across three forest ranges. Epiphytic crypto- and phanerogams were the most prevalent microhabitats. Generalized linear mixed models identified canopy class and DBH as significant predictors. A 10 cm DBH increase yielded a 0.016 unit rise in richness and 0.010 in abundance, demonstrating the biological significance of larger trees as keystone structures supporting habitat diversity. Moderately closed canopies enhanced richness by 0.919 units and abundance by 0.602 units, while open canopies increased richness by 1.003 units. These results highlight the importance of structural habitat features for ecosystem health and the value of tree-related microhabitats as sensitive, early indicators of biodiversity. The conservation of large trees, maintaining canopy diversity, and geo-tagging for long-term monitoring is recommended. By linking management actions to global targets such as CBD, IPBES, and SDG 15, this study positions biodiversity-oriented forest management in the Western Himalayas within international conservation and restoration frameworks. This emphasizes the broader significance for sustainable ecosystem stewardship.