EBENN

What is the Effect of Non-Native Tree Species Plantations on Biodiversity in Temperate and Tropical Forest Ecosystems ? A systematic review

 

Climate change, particularly through changes in rainfall patterns and distribution and the resulting upsurge in pests, is having a profound impact on French forests. To preserve biodiversity and the associated ecosystem services, French forests need to be able to adapt to climate change. Modifying the species composition of forest stands, by introducing non-native species (i.e. those that do not live naturally in the biogeographical area under consideration) that are potentially better adapted to future climatic conditions, is one of the guidelines adopted in forest management schemes and plans. In order to monitor the pressure exerted by plantations of non-native tree species on biodiversity, it is necessary to quantify their effects. The aim of the systematic review is therefore to produce a synthesis of effects, and to attempt to identify which planted non-native tree species generate the greatest effect on forest biodiversity, and in which configurations.