B. Papp szerk.: Studia Botanica Hungarica 33. 2002 (Budapest, 2002)
Bebya, S.: The fir forests of the Caucasus Mountains and considerations on their preservation
Studia bot. hung. 33, pp. 71-81, 2002 THE FIR FORESTS OF THE CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS AND CONSIDERATIONS ON THEIR PRESERVATION S. BEBYA Botanical Institute, Abkhazian Academy of Sciences 384933 Sukhum, Gulia St. 22, Republic of Abkhazia Multi-year studies of the forest formation processes in the virgin Abies nordmanniana forests reveal new facts on the origins and recent distribution of the fir forest communities in the Caucasus mountains. Characteristics of the biological background, seed-bearing, natural renewal, and "life strategy" of this species, the structure and dynamics of the Abies forests as well as ways of their rational use and protection are discussed. Key words: Abies nordmanniana, age dynamics, Caucasus, conservation, forest types, formation, relict, renewal, seed-bearing, strategy, virgin forests INTRODUCTION The study of the virgin forests of the Caucasus Mountains, with attention to the stands of the native fir species, Abies nordmanniana (Stev.) Spach, has special significance in the practice of botanical and forestry investigations in Abkhazia, as well as in other areas of the region. The knowledge accumulated so far provides enormous material for comprehending the basic dynamics of the plant cover of the whole mountain range. The author's main focus of the work has been devoted to understanding and explaining the origins, development, and forest formation processes of the Abies forests. The ancient stands of Abies nordmanniana (Stev.) Spach, that grow in considerably large areas (about 3,200 km 2 ) on the upper mountain zone of the western Caucasus, reveal a great deal of originality and peculiarity. They are one of the most productive and richest forest communities in easternmost Europe. They have a great role in soil and water conservation, and have climate regulating functions that effect the whole region. They also provide habitat for rare natural complexes and support a good number of endemic plants and other wildlife. They are perhaps the most characteristic and most important component in the montane landscapes of the Caucasus. However, commercial exploitation of these Abies forests has reached an alarming rate, which has led to significant disturbance, even disorder, and decreasing productivity in them. Furthermore, this threatens the future existence of these once untouched Abies stands. In addition, logging and clearcutting in these forests
