Atlas of Habitats

individual

0.2 m³

at 0 m

48.2ºN

A39 [ample] cavity

wood

excavating

rough

mammals

A39 [ample] cavity

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Introduction

Austria
Prater Park
48.2047° N, 16,4091° E
16/06/2024, 3:00pm

An empty cavity inside a dead tree offers a natural refuge for various animal species. In the Prater, a large public park in Vienna, such cavities can become vital shelters for wildlife seeking safety and a stable microclimate. These ground-level tree cavities are essential components of the park’s ecosystem, offering temporary or permanent homes to species in need of protection.

Micro Climate

The microclimate inside a tree cavity is quite stable compared to its exterior environment. The thick bark and decayed wood provide insulation, protecting the interior from extreme temperature changes. Tree cavities also offer protection from moisture, sheltering its inhabitants from rainfall. However, the decayed wood inside the cavity still retains some moisture, which can help regulate its humidity levels, creating a suitable microhabitat for certain insects or fungi that thrive in moist conditions.

Material

The primary material making up the cavity comes from the dead tree itself. The tree’s structure consists of decayed wood that has been softened by time and environmental conditions. As the tree decomposes, the inner heartwood breaks down, creating the hollow space. The surrounding bark, though no longer alive, can still offer some structural protection to the cavity. The inside of the cavity is typically composed of a mix of rotting wood fibers and organic matter that has been blown in, such as leaves or soil.

Location

The Prater, located in Vienna’s second district, is a vast public park. This green space provides a diverse environment that includes forests, open meadows, and bodies of water. Dead trees and fallen logs are common in the park’s more forested sections, offering habitats like this cavity. The Prater’s temperate climate, with its warm summers and cold winters, creates ideal conditions for a variety of species to be able to inhabit tree cavities as seasonal shelters.

Construction

The formation of a tree cavity is usually a natural process. In this case, the hollow was likely formed through decay caused by fungi or bacteria, or perhaps it was supported by insects boring into the tree in search of food. Over time, as the wood softens and decays, the cavity grows, eventually becoming a space that can be used as a home by various species.