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In this article we present an application of the IBP index (Potential Biodiversity Index), used for assessing potential biodiversity in forest stands. The proposed index is based on the score of ten factors: seven are related to forest management (structural particularities of the forest) and three are related to environmental context. The study was conducted in a mixed forest located in Ursoaia area from Frasin, Suceava Forest Department, Romania. The factors were evaluated in 96 plots from 6 forest stands, 3 of them included in a scientific reservation, and 3 are timber production stands. The index values were calculated for each plot, and further for each forest stand. Index values varied from a stand to another, also within the same stand, from one sample plot to another according to the specific feature identified in each plot. The index values were higher in the stands included in the scientific reservation. This is explained by the number of tree species, the high number of large trees, the vertical structure of the stands, the amount of dead wood. IBP – index is a good tool to evaluate the forest biodiversity. The results can be analyzed for longer periods of time, and also may indicate the factors that can be improved by specific actions

Buxbaumia viridis is a well-known species of decaying deadwood, which is protected in Europe. All previous studies dealing with the ecology of B. viridis rely on the sporophyte generation because the gametophyte generation is allegedly undetectable. Recent advances have shown that the protonemal stage, including gemmae, is recognizable in the field, thereby considerably modifying our perception of the species’ range and habitat. In France, we demonstrate the existence of independent protonemal populations, with the implication that the range of B. viridis is widely underestimated. Sporophytes and sterile protonema do not share the same ecological requirements. The sporophyte stage was found in montane zones, almost exclusively in coniferous forests, and on well-decayed wood. The sterile protonemal stage extends to lower elevations, in broad-leaved forests, and on wood in a less advanced state of decay. Our results suggest that the humidity could be one of the most relevant explanatory variables for the occurrence of sporophytes. Opening of the canopy seems to promote sporophyte development. Previous anomalous observations of B. viridis growing on humus or bark might be explained by the presence of a protonemal population that is able to produce sporophytes under rarely occurring but favorable climatic events.

Buxbaumia viridis is a well-known species of decaying deadwood, which is protected in Europe. All previous studies dealing with the ecology of B. viridis rely on the sporophyte generation because the gametophyte generation is allegedly undetectable. Recent advances have shown that the protonemal stage, including gemmae, is recognizable in the field, thereby considerably modifying our perception of the species' range and habitat. In France, we demonstrate the existence of independent protonemal populations, with the implication that the range of B. viridis is widely underestimated. Sporophytes and sterile protonema do not share the same ecological requirements. The sporophyte stage was found in montane zones, almost exclusively in coniferous forests, and on well-decayed wood. The sterile protonemal stage extends to lower elevations, in broad-leaved forests, and on wood in a less advanced state of decay. Our results suggest that the humidity could be one of the most relevant explanatory variables for the occurrence of sporophytes. Opening of the canopy seems to promote sporophyte development. Previous anomalous observations of B. viridis growing on humus or bark might be explained by the presence of a protonemal population that is able to produce sporophytes under rarely occurring but favorable climatic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]