Descriptipn of an Ecosystem

Description of an ecosystem

One of the oldest conservation areas in Hungary and indeed in Europe is the Great Forest of Debrecen (Local name: Nagyerdő). The more than a thousand hectare area of centuries old common oaks, European hornbeams and silver limes is carpeted by lily of the valley each spring. The old trees found in the area provide a wide variety of habitats for many animal, plant and fungal species. Also as green plants, through photosynthesis and nutrient accumulation, they play the role of the producers in the ecosystem. Primary consumers, the herbivores such as locusts, great capricorn beetles and european roe deers feed on them. Insects are eaten by birds, for example the Eurasian wren, the flycatcher, or the woodpeckers and also the martens; all of them represent the secondary consumers. The northern goshawk and the common buzzard can be found on the top of the foodchain. Fungi, like the parasol mushroom form mycorrhiza with the roots of the trees, while detritivore animals and decomposer microorganisms complete the food cycle.

However the vitality and biodiversity of the Great Forest is not as flourishing as it was a long time ago because on account of human activity its health and wildlife have degraded. It is continually damaged by fire and grazing, also due to excessive logging, vegetation becomes sparse. Recently clear-cuttings and species replacements prevented the development of the forest. The invasive alien plant species and the planted ones are not able to maintain the original condition of the woods and so to provide appropriate living space for the native flora and fauna. There is furthermore a rapid decline in groundwater level due to sewerage and the increased industrial and drinking water needs of the city. A large cemetery and a pharmaceutical factory are taking away further territory from wildlife and there is still chemical pollution to be added to the list of factors, that cause the decay of the Great Forest.