Study of vertical and horizontal forest structure in Mt. Ainos National Park, Cephalonia Island, Greece

Abstract

The analysis of the horizontal and internal/vertical structure (profile) of the forest and forested areas of Mt. Ainos National Park on Cephalonia Isl. is presented in this study. The horizontal structure of the forest and forested areas of Mt. Ainos National Park concerned the spatial distribution of the land-cover categories, which have been used in established forestry practices during approximately the last twenty years (1990-2009). The evaluation of the results shows a decrease of the Abies cephalonica forest and an increase of the pasture areas through time. A modern vegetation map of the National Park has been produced through this study from satellite data collected in 2009, with the assistance of remote sensing and GIS. The vertical structure of the Abies cephalonica forest stand of Mt. Roudi of the National Park was assessed, using data collected in sampling plots. The analysis provided data for important stand density indices that can help authorities in planning sustainable management interventions in the entire forest area.