Table 5 - In the Forest
The forest habitat is a complex ecosystem of trees, bushes, plants, animals, and microorganisms. Forests are a particularly important part of the global ecosystem because they can store and purify water, absorb carbon, contribute to climate stabilization, and also serve as a source of wood and other resources. Unfortunately, forests are among the most endangered habitats on Earth: deforestation, slash-and-burn agriculture, climate change, and other human activities have led to a significant decline in many forests worldwide.
The dark gold of the forest
From honeydew to forest honey
Forest honey does not come from collected blossom nectar, but from honeydew, the secretion from sap-sucking insects. Forest honey holds a special position among honey varieties. It has a dark color and a particularly spicy aroma.
Mimicry in the insect kingdom
Master of deception
Flies have only one pair of wings, unlike bees. Some species of flies mimic the appearance of wasps or bees to appear intimidating – this is called mimicry. A particularly beautiful example is the dung bee.
The diverse helpers in the ecosystem
The invaluable role of beneficial organisms
What are beneficial organisms? A beneficial organism is defined as an organism that is beneficial to the environment and/or humans – particularly through pest control, plant pollination, or improving soil quality. Well-known examples of beneficial organisms include (wild) bees, ladybugs, bats, hedgehogs, and earthworms.
Beneficial Insect Finder!
Do you think of any more beneficial insects?
The Natural Forest Reserves in Karwendel
Primeval Forests in Miniature!
In the Karwendel Nature Park, there is not only a multitude of different forest types but also some very old and valuable forest stands. Therefore, a declared goal of the nature park is to preserve these old forest stands. To that end, so-called natural forest reserves and cells are established.
Natural forest reserves are primeval forest-like parts of the forest that are destined for the natural development of the forest ecosystem and in which any direct interference is avoided. They contribute to the preservation and natural development of biodiversity and serve research, education, and teaching. So far, there are 542 hectares of natural forest reserves in the Karwendel Nature Park (as of February 2024) – and more are to follow!
More information about rare forest communities in the natural forest reserve.
If you want to learn more about the historical woodwork here in the Karwendel region, be sure to visit the Holzerhütte Museum in Scharnitz!
THE POPULAR
Willow
– Salix caprea –
- Characteristics: grows bushy or as a tree, up to 9 m high, male and female flowers on different plants (dioecious), flowers appear before the leaves bud
- Habitat: clearings, forest edges, open soils, from valley floors to the alpine zone
- Uses: play a significant role for insects and birds, flowering willows provide nectar and pollen in spring, buds serve as bird food in winter, leaves as well as occurring aphids serve as larval food
- Blooming period: February to April
THE DRUMMER
Black Woodpecker
– Dryocopus martius –
- Characteristics: up to 46 cm, the largest woodpecker in Europe, black plumage with a bright red crown (male) or red nape patch (female)
- Habitat: coniferous and mixed forests with populations of old beech and pine trees. Lifestyle | It "hammers" out a new, high nesting hole each year that is 30 to 55 cm deep in old trees. There, it lays up to 6 eggs at the end of March. After 28 days, the chicks leave the nest. The nest is later inhabited by other cavity-nesting birds, wild bees, bats, or dormice. It feeds on insect larvae and pupae that live on the tree (e.g., bark beetles and longhorn beetles), as well as spiders, ants, and small snails.
- Observation Tip: The male attracts attention with a loud "drumming" and marks its territory with it, during the mating season also a 10 to 20-syllable "love call" is audible
- Observation Time: year-round
THE CLIMBER
Treecreeper
– Certhia familiaris –
- Characteristics: 12 to 13 cm in size, 9 g light, among the smallest birds in Central Europe, belly underside silvery-white, upper side and crown brown with white-beige spots, long curved beak, elongated hind toe
- Habitat: Forest areas (coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests), parks, and green spaces
- Behavior: Breeding season is from March to July. Up to 8 chicks leave the nest after 14 days but are still cared for for some time. The nest is located behind loose bark. For food, it pecks beneath tree bark for spiders and insects with its curved beak, supporting itself with its long hind toe and stiff tail feathers against the trunk. It climbs the bark in jerky, small jumps and flies to the base of another tree upon reaching the top. This way, it can climb up to 3 km along trees daily!
- Observation tip: well visible when searching for food on tree trunks
- Observation time: year-round