Researchers from Jagiellonian University use 19th-century military maps to identify ecologically valuable areas in the Carpathians, discovering forests unchanged for 170 years.
Historical Maps Unveil Hidden Treasures
Geographers from Jagiellonian University in Kraków have utilized 19th-century Austrian military maps to identify ecologically valuable areas in the Carpathian Mountains. Dr. Dominik Kaim and Dr. Ewa Grabska-Szwagrzyk revealed that 40% of the Carpathian region, spanning 20,000 km² from Cieszyn to Przemyśl, comprises forests that have remained untouched for 170 years. Their findings, published in “Conservation Letters,” highlight the importance of these historical maps in pinpointing areas that could potentially be designated as protected zones.
Implications for Future Conservation Efforts
The research demonstrates that ancient maps can serve as crucial tools for conservation planning. Kaim and Grabska-Szwagrzyk’s work shows that many of these longstanding forests are expansive, with some areas in the Bieszczady and Beskid Żywiecki mountains covering up to 100 km². This historical perspective, combined with modern data from the State Forests’ Database, can help guide future efforts in expanding protected areas in Poland. By identifying forests with a median tree age of 90 years, the researchers emphasize the need for interdisciplinary approaches to conservation, encouraging further studies using lidar technology and botanical research.