jäännöspuut

Jäännöspuut, sometimes referred to as "legacy trees" or "veteran trees," are a crucial ecological concept in forestry and conservation. They represent individual trees that are deliberately left standing in a managed forest area, often after a harvest. The primary purpose of leaving jäännöspuut is to enhance biodiversity and ecological continuity within the forest ecosystem.

These trees typically possess certain characteristics that make them valuable. They are often older, larger, and may show signs of decay, such as hollows or dead branches. These features provide essential habitat and resources for a wide range of organisms, including insects, fungi, mosses, lichens, and various bird and mammal species. For example, dead wood and hollows offer shelter, nesting sites, and food sources.

The practice of retaining jäännöspuut is a key component of many sustainable forestry models. It helps to maintain habitat connectivity and provides a link to older forest structures. By preserving these veteran trees, forest managers aim to ensure that the forest remains a complex and dynamic environment, supporting a greater variety of life than a uniformly young or even-aged stand. This approach acknowledges the importance of structural diversity in forest ecosystems and contributes to the long-term health and resilience of the forest.