An open and georeferenced dataset of forest structural attributes and microhabitats in central and southern Apennines (Italy)

Francesco Parisi; Saverio Francini; Costanza Borghi; Gherardo Chirici

doi:10.1016/j.dib.2022.108445

An open and georeferenced dataset of forest structural attributes and microhabitats in central and southern Apennines (Italy)

Data Brief. 2022 Jul 8:43:108445. doi: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108445. eCollection 2022 Aug.

Authors

Francesco Parisi¹, Saverio Francini^{1

2}, Costanza Borghi¹, Gherardo Chirici^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Agriculture, GeoLAB - Laboratory of Forest Geomatics Food, Environment and Forestry, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy.
² Fondazione Per il Futuro delle Città, Firenze, Italy.

Abstract

Forests cover 30% of the Earth's landmass, host 80% of the biodiversity on land, and represent one of the main sinks of carbon. Studying forest ecosystems and dynamics is more crucial than ever now that the climate is changing. On the other hand, forest structural attributes and microhabitats data acquisition is challenging, and require huge efforts. Here we provide a georeferenced dataset of living trees, deadwood, and microhabitats referring to 199 plots (13 m radius), collected between 2012 and 2018, and located over six Apennine mountainous forest types across Italy. The dataset we provide promotes collaboration among researchers and improves the possibilities to analyze the evolution of forest ecosystems.

Keywords: Beech; Broadleaved mixed forest; Chestnut; Ecological indicators; Forest ecosystems; Mediterranean mountains; Silver fir.