Identifiering av lek- och övervintringsområden för lax (Salmo salar) och öring (Salmo trutta) i Klarälven
Old hollow trees of oak contain a large amount of wood mould. Unfortunately, these trees have in the last century been greatly reduced in numbers. It has resulted in that species that depend on these habitats, saproxylic species, have become at risk to decrease in numbers or die out regionally. Previous studies have shown that the volume of wood mould is an important factor for occurrence and population size of saproxylic organisms. The aim of the present study was to examine how the volume of wood mould varies among ash (Fraxinus excelsior), lime (Tilia sp.), maple (Acer platanoides), aspen (Populus tremula) and oak (Quercus robur). The measurements were wood mould depth, internal cavity diameter, internal cavity height, circumference, and if white or brown rot was the dominating mould fungus. In total 23 ashes, 20 limes, 24 maples, 24 aspens and 21 oaks in the vicinity of Motala (Östergötland) were measured. The results show that there were significant differences between tree species concerning the volumes of wood mould. The oak accommodated larger volumes than the other species. The ash, however, had a larger volume than oak at the same circumference. The study shows ash could be a complement to the oak in conservation plans. Since the ash generally holds a larger volume then the oak at the same circumference, this implies the possibility that the ash can be suitable for saproxylic organisms at an earlier stage. In the isolated fragments of the landscape the possibility for survival may then increase for species that are dependent of these habitats.