Aveiro researchers find forest certification can benefit wildlife, with gaps remaining

Researchers at the University of Aveiro's CESAM centre reviewed global studies on how forest certification affects animal conservation and added a case study of certified or soon-to-be-certified Portuguese forests. They found a positive link between wildlife diversity and features such as varied tree, shrub and herb cover and the presence of water. Practices such as keeping dead wood, controlled burning and protecting riverside zones may help many animal groups. The evidence is mostly European and centred on birds and mammals, and benefits vary by species and region. The authors call for long-term monitoring and for certification to work alongside Natura 2000 and wider conservation policy.