Nature and environment - Conservation - Forest biodiversity - Forest ecosystems
Why is deadwood often left lying or standing in near-natural forests?
Correct!
Dead trees are by no means useless to a forest. Deadwood is one of the most important habitats in a near-natural forest. Woodpeckers, beetles, wild bees, bats, and many other animals use dead trunks and branches as food, shelter, or nesting sites. Numerous fungi, mosses, and lichens are also specialized for deadwood. As the wood slowly decays, nutrients return to the soil. For this reason, deadwood is deliberately not completely removed in many protected areas.
Deadwood provides food, shelter, and habitat for many animals, fungi, and plants.
