A Dead Tree: Teeming with Life

November 3, 2020 Asnani Bhawana 'G' for GREEN: Colour of Todays 1416

When we imagine a forest, we think of trees, plants, shrubs, algae, insects, animals, butterflies, mushrooms, flowers, creepers and many more living beings that lend vibrancy to this wonderful aspect of nature.

Dead trees are referred to as ‘snags’. What happens when a tree dies in the forest? No one removes it, let alone destroys it, by burning or burying; it is just left to be. Of what good is a dead tree? Well, when a tree dies, the tree itself may have ceased to live, but it continues to foster an intricate ecosystem of biota that is truly enthralling. A dead tree is valuable habitat for a host of other species like birds, insects and reptiles. It hosts algae, lichen and moss which in turn provide food and sustenance to a host of other  organisms. That is why in informed societies where forests are part of conservation plans, dead trees-whether standing or fallen-are left undisturbed, to exist cheek-by-jowl with other constituents of the forest. A tree that has been dead for a very, very long time might start disintegrating with sustained exposure to sunlight, rain, moisture and wind. Even when it disintegrates. It turns into valuable compost with minerals and roughage that enriches the soil of the forest.

The North-western Illinois Forestry Association lists at least 38 species of birds ‘that excavate nest holes or use existing holes in dead or dying tree cavities and 29 species of mammals that use tree cavities for various purposes.’ Snags with dried up branches are favourite perches for birds like vultures, as they serve as good vantage points to spot prey. Other birds known for their musical skills perch on the branches and practise their vocals. Snags are favourites of woodpeckers that drum away, signalling their territory.

Trees are regarded as sacred in all cultures, faiths and religions. They are worshipped, prayed to, and there are ceremonies that pay tribute to trees and their life-giving nature. this is perhaps why recently, in an urban set up, when a 100 year old Fir Tree was to be cut down in Berkeley,California, members of neighbouring Buddhist monastery organised a little ceremony to thank the tree and the wildlife associated with it for all their contributions and read out a touching farewell notice for having to cut it down. Local authorities had decided to cut down the tree, as it had grown old and weak, posing danger to pedestrians and neighbours.

Heng Sure. Reverend at the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery wrote the following tribute: ‘To the Grand and Nobel Douglas Fir on Grant and Bancroft Streets and to all beings living in this tree-birds, animals, insects, spirits and other.’

Matter referenced:

The Speaking Tree, Times of India, Ahmedabad, Tuesday, 30th June, 2020.

By: Dr. Bhawana Asnani.

Happy to see Reviews, Additions, Suggestions and Comments, further.

 

About Asnani Bhawana 286 Articles
Assistant Professor, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat

40 Comments

  13. Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch since I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! Florette Theo Louella

  14. Hi there. I discovered your blog by the use of Google whilst looking for a similar subject, your web site came up. It appears to be great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks to visit then. Laurie Itch Gensmer

  20. I am so happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc. Ranee Franklyn Bartle

  22. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase. Bernadine Quinn Junette

  32. Wish I could enter. Not subscribed to Facebook, Twitter etc. Grew up in St. Pete and remember downtown pier being much different. Stayed at Alden as a child and enjoy going back now at 66 years old Gennifer Nicolai Aba

  33. A great post. I agree with your thought that we have many purposes in life. And you closing paragraph is good advice, just pick something and do who knows what it will lead us too. Essa Barbabas Freddie

  34. I have been browsing on-line greater than 3 hours today, but I by no means found any fascinating article like yours. It is lovely value enough for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the web will likely be a lot more helpful than ever before.| Maryrose Chick Tiphani

  37. You actually ensure it is seem quite simple along with your
    presentation however I find this matter to get actually a very important factor
    which I really believe I may by no means understand. It sort of feels too complicated
    and very broad to me. I’m developing a look forward for the next submit, I’ll make an attempt to
    get the dangle than it!

    my web-site :: binder bulk

Leave a Reply