Epixylic diversity in an old-growth boreal forest is influenced by dynamic substrate attributes

Quantifying the factors influencing wood-inhabiting species in boreal forests is crucial for better understanding of their ecology and conservation needs. We estimated influence substrate attributes on epixylic diversity logs Picea abies, Betula pubescens, B. pendula, Populus tremula Pinus sylvestris a mixed European old-growth forest with high availability continuity. The number different taxonomic groups respect log was generalized linear models. composition communities analysed using non-metric multidimensional scaling subsequent environmental fitting. Additionally, we calculated interaction networks (tree) plants lichens. Species richness per decreased increasing height above ground increased amount accumulated litter. True epixylics were most sensitive to position ground. Aspen conifer harbored highest rare lichens liverworts. Birch hosted mainly wide amplitude. whole community specialization index order lichens, liverworts, mosses, vascular plants. Tree identity associated (bark cover, pH etc.) as well ‘dynamic’ (accumulation litter, wood decomposition time since tree death) influenced total number, diversity, communities. Our results indicate importance various age forests.