A study involving ForestPaths researchers, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution looks at how forest disturbances - like storms, fires, and insect outbreaks - shape habitat conditions for Europe's large herbivores.

The research team combined GPS tracking data from 3,069 animals (European bison, moose, red deer and roe deer) with satellite-based maps covering nearly four decades of forest disturbance across the continent. This allowed them to assess not just whether these species use disturbed areas, but how that use changes over time, across seasons, and depending on the size and severity of the disturbance.

All four species showed an overall increase in habitat suitability in disturbed areas, in some cases persisting for 35 years or more, though the timing and strength of the response varied by species. European bison and roe deer responded most strongly right after a disturbance event, while moose and red deer showed a delayed but longer-lasting response. All species favoured smaller disturbance patches, likely because they offer easier access to both forage and cover.

Looking across current and potential species ranges between 2000 and 2023, the researchers found that the recent increase in forest disturbance rates across Europe has generally improved habitat conditions for these species, with the effect varying by region.

The authors note that this has practical implications: as disturbance rates are expected to keep rising under climate change, forest and wildlife managers will need to weigh habitat benefits for large herbivores against the potential for increased conflicts with forestry.

Read the full study.