Ancient trees present structural and functional characteristics fundamental for sustaining
complex and unique assemblages of species. They are a resource globally threatened by
both intensive land uses and lack of recruitment. Their disappearance would involve not
only the loss of majestic organisms with high intrinsic value, but may also result in the
disappearance of rare and endangered species. Italy is currently implementing a new list of
noteworthy ancient trees (ie monumental trees) and the preliminary results of this new …