Contribution of Natural and Anthropogenic Factors to the Formation of Spatial Structure and Composition of Forest Cover in the Moscow Region

Identification of the leading factors determining forest cover differentiation is a still understudied topic in ecology and biogeography. This study’s objective is to assess the contribution of natural and anthropogenic factors to the formation of modern forest cover diversity on the example of the Moscow region. As a result of classification of 1032 field relevés, 13 vegetation community types were identified based on the dominant forest-forming tree species and phytocenotic spectra of plants in subordinate layers. Using statistical methods, the heterogeneity of the identified community types’ floristic composition and the accuracy of their classification were assessed, and the ordination of communities in the ecological framework was done. The relationship of community types with biotopic local factors was analysed using Ellenberg scales. Most pairs of identified community types differed significantly by the results of Duncan’s test (p < 0.05) for all biotope properties. A list of indicator species for the identified community types (IndVal) was compiled. It was also shown that the most significant local factors determining the identified community types were soil acidity, nutrient abundance and moisture. At the upper spatial level, community variability was studied in relation to external environmental factors based on global spatial databases, and the relationship with individual forest cover fragmentation indicators was assessed. Among the most significant factors were the climatic ones (average annual temperatures and precipitation). Terrain (elevation above sea level) also significantly affected the composition of communities. Anthropogenic factors (distance from settlements, forest cover fragmentation) had a smaller impact on the differentiation of community types compared to natural ones.