Ökologische Folgen von Waldbränden in der Südschweiz

Forest fires evoke ambivalent feelings: fire may act
on one side as a destroyer of plants, animals, human
settlements and infrastructure and on the
other side it can also provide ecological benefits in
terms of regeneration and biodiversity regulation
in forest ecosystems. Forest fire is a common phenomenon
in Southern Switzerland (Canton Ticino)
where most fires occur in the sweet chestnut stands
(Castanea sativa). In this contribution, we present
the result of our study on post-fire diversity and
functionality of chestnut coppices. Fire frequency
and fire regime widely influence the physiognomy
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of the forests, creating a mosaic of differently open
forest patches. In addition fire-adapted species has
been detected in the study area. The mosaic of forest
stands has beneficial effects for biodiversity
and ecosystems function. Creating or recreating a
mosaic of open and closed forest patches should
thus be an objective for nature conservation and
forest management (for instance by applying the
traditional coppice management approach to the
chestnut forests).