Succession in forest ecosystems disturbed by the Siberian moth in Central Siberia

Reshetnev Siberian State University of Science and Technology, 660037, Krasnoyarsk, Russia

^* Corresponding author: Nadezha21@mail.ru

Abstract

The article presents the findings of field studies conducted in coniferous forests that were subjected to mass defoliation by caterpillars of the Siberian moth between 2015 and 2018 in the taiga zone. The loss of tree crowns by more than 75% resulted in the complete loss of functional sustainability and a degradation of dark coniferous stands (stands dominated by Siberian fir, Siberian pine and Siberian spruce). The study yielded findings nine years after the outbreak began, including an assessment of the forest stand's current state, the mortality rate, and the volume of deadwood. The succession scenario encompasses a series of stages, including the natural restoration of the forest through the change of species (from coniferous to deciduous trees) and active swamping processes. Consequently, for an extended period, the study area will continue to present a significant risk in terms of fire hazard and environmental degradation.