Totholz und Wurzelteller – Lebensräume voller Überraschungen
Stolberg
Where a tree falls, a new habitat is created: dead wood is not waste in the forest, but an important part of the ecosystem.
For uprooted trees and their root plates create small landscapes of roots, exposed soil, and depressions that clearly differ from the surrounding forest floor.
The upper area of a root plate often warms up more than the surrounding area. Reptiles, insects, and wild bees use these sunny spots to hunt or build their nests. In the hollow below, areas remain moist for longer; sometimes small water pockets form – an attraction for amphibians and many small animals. The dense root network also provides sheltered places, such as for nests and hiding spots.
Over time, the wood is broken down by fungi, bacteria, and numerous small animals. This creates habitats for specialized species that would be absent without dead wood.
