Jena, March 18, 2026. A recent study involving the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena demonstrates how significantly the respective forest type influences native bird life across all seasons. The findings provide important scientific foundations for future forest management.
- Research Topic: Influence of forest types on bird communities throughout the year.
- Participating Research Institutions: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Northwest German Forest Research Institute.
- Methodology: Passive acoustic recordings of bird calls, analyzed by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Core Statement: A mosaic of different forest structures and a targeted selection of tree species promote year-round bird diversity.
AI-Supported Evaluation of Bird Calls
Bird communities in forests are not static but change significantly over the course of a year due to migration patterns, breeding seasons, and overwintering. The research team used passive acoustic recording devices to capture the soundscape in various forest areas over long periods. To evaluate these enormous amounts of data, Artificial Intelligence was used, which could precisely recognize and assign specific bird calls. The result: Despite seasonal fluctuations, the differences in bird populations between the various forest types remain clearly recognizable at all times.
Important Findings for Forest Management
The study underscores the high responsibility of forestry in preserving biodiversity. In particular, decisions regarding the choice of tree species have a direct impact on the animal inhabitants. Especially against the background of the current and urgently needed forest restructuring, the scientists recommend creating a mosaic of diverse forest structures. Such structural diversity offers different bird species the necessary niches and food sources to ensure high diversity throughout the entire year.
Background: Forest Restructuring and Biodiversity in the Region
Forest restructuring is also a central topic in the region around the Saaletal. Forests on the slopes of the Kernberge or in the Rautal suffer from changing climatic conditions and dry years. Forestry offices are therefore increasingly relying on climate-resilient, structurally rich mixed forests instead of error-prone monocultures. The current results from the Universität Jena and iDiv confirm that this landscape structural change not only serves to preserve the trees but is a decisive factor for the protection of native fauna. iDiv, in which the Jenaer university is significantly involved, has been conducting internationally recognized research for years on the complex relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Source:
Forest type shapes bird communities all year round
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.