Alpine coniferous forests and their birds

Coniferous forests at high altitude tend to support fewer bird species than lower-lying montane mixed forests. The remarkably high species numbers found in some studies can be explained by an exceptionally rich forest structure resulting from storms or bark beetle outbreaks. Species composition in sub-Alpine coniferous forests is particularly interesting in several respects. On the one hand, species typical of northern, Alpine regions such as Three-toed Woodpecker or Eurasian Pygmy-owl coexist with birds whose main distribution is in southern Europe, such as Citril Finch and Western Bonelli’s Warbler. On the other hand, the open and semi-open forests at the upper tree line and on the margins of farmland are hugely important for species like Tree Pipit or Lesser Whitethroat, which rely on open terrain with scattered trees.

In Switzerland, but presumably also in neighbouring Alpine countries, montane coniferous forests are one of the most important habitats for European bird conservation. A total of 37 bird species have proportionally large populations in Switzerland, so our country has a particular responsibility for their conservation. The Alpine species Water Pipit, Alpine Accentor, White-winged Snowfinch and Yellow-billed Chough head this list, but several species typical of sub-Alpine coniferous forests, such as Ring Ouzel, Citril Finch, Northern Nutcracker, Coal Tit and Boreal Owl also occur in Switzerland in higher numbers than would be expected given the size of the country.

For centuries, mountain forests have been used to a greater or lesser extent by humans, often locally in the form of mixed agri-silvicultural systems, with grazed woodland taking up large areas. But timber was also put to large-scale commercial use, i.e. sold as raw material to lowland areas, or used as fuel in the smelting of locally mined metal ores. From the late 19th century, however, life began to change radically in many ways for the inhabitants of mountain areas, with changes also affecting silviculture and therefore forest development. First, timber gradually lost its significance as a fuel and building material and was replaced by other materials such as coal and steel. From then on, few mountain forests were used for large commercial timber operations. The development that began then continues to this day and is mainly characterised by a strong increase in the growing stock and in old-growth stands, but also an increase in deadwood. In addition, large expanses of cultivated land were abandoned during the 20th century, mainly less productive areas. A substantial increase in wooded area followed – another trend that continues until today.

The consequences of these changes for forest birds are only partly reflected in the survey results. The increase in the growing stock has presumably improved conditions for woodpeckers and other cavity breeders in particular. The population index for the Crested Tit did indeed increase considerably between 1999 and 2016 in forests above 1500 m, in contrast to the index below that altitude. On the other hand, the increase in the growing stock has led to denser and darker forests, which is thought to be one of the main reasons for the decline of the Western Capercaillie. It is further likely that forest encroachment on former farmland has led to positive trends in species associated with young forests, but also to negative trends in species of open and semi-open terrain. Data from Ticino do in fact indicate that the abandonment of Alpine pastures and the resulting changes in vegetation may have contributed to the negative trends in Black Grouse populations.

The overwhelming majority of species in sub-Alpine coniferous forests are widespread and not threatened. Many have even expanded their breeding range in the past decades, or their populations have increased. How the situation develops from here depends mainly on the future anthropogenic use of these forests. Will the increase of old-growth elements and deadwood continue? Or will energy scarcity lead to a renewed exploitation or even over-exploitation of timber? And how will climate change affect sub-Alpine coniferous forests and their birds? There are no definite answers, but monitoring the forests and their avifauna will continue to be of central importance in the future to provide a sound basis for decision making.

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