The vegetation of ancient forests

Abstract

French forest surface area has doubled since the XIXth Century. Consequently, at least half of this area was previously used as cropland, pasture or heathland. Based on a study in the Jura mountains, we show the key role played by this ancient land-use history on present biodiversity in forest ecosystems. Some plants, called ancient woodland species, are restricted to previously undisturbed areas, whereas recent woodland species are more frequent on previously cultivated lands. We discuss the causes behind such a long-term maintenance of forest memory, namely soil changes and differences in dispersal capacity between ancient and recent woodland species. Finally, a compilation of ancient forest woodland species is proposed.