Bengt‑Gunnar Jonsson and Jennie Sandström

Professor of biology and Doctor of biology

A forest is so much more than a collection of trees – it is made up of all of the living creatures within it, not least of which are the minute organisms. That is one of the reasons to protect the few remaining natural forests, says biologists Bengt-Gunnar Jonsson and Jennie Sandström. 

Dead Trees Are Full of Life

There are various perceptions regarding what a forest is, and what a healthy and fully alive forest looks like. According to Jonsson and Sandström, a well kempt and "tidy" forest is not necessarily the best if you desire a forest teeming with life.

– The idea that you are supposed to "take care" of the forest, for example by removing dead wood is completely wrong. A "pretty" forest that looks like a hall of pillars is neither beneficial from the forest's perspective, nor from that of its inhabitants. Those who wish to favour many endangered species ought to care for all dead wood. Dead trees are actually teeming with life and are immensely important for biodiversity. The forest is not merely a collection of trees. The forest is the sum total of all the plants and animals within it. All of these inhabitants might not return if we fell the trees, says Bengt-Gunnar Jonsson.

An Ecosystem Change

The most alarming thing is that the deforestation of woodlands with a high natural value that is taking place at such a breakneck speed. A mere 200 years ago the forests looked vastly different, but since the dawn of industrialism so much has changed. You might even say that an ecosystem change has taken place. This change has occurred extremely fast. In the mountain forest area, only a thin stretch of natural forest remains.

– The extinction of species is progressing rapidly now. We need to remind ourselves that extinct species will not return, ever. Many people think that it is possible to restored lost species, but this is simply not true. Far too few forests with a low level of human impact now remain, and those forests are amazing and have an intrinsic value. They also offer humanity unbelievably much, says Jennie Sandström.

Photographer: Carola Nordbäck