Fichtelberg about the former composition of the forest. The main tree species of the Hercynian mixed forest of the highlands - the silver fir ("Abies alba"), European beech ("Fagus sylvatica") and Norway spruce ("Picea abies") - occurred in roughly equal proportions of around 30% on the ridgelines. Old church records and forest assessments contain descriptions of the original condition of the forest, showing that the Fichtelberg was covered by mixed forest consisting of the aforementioned tree species. The present dominance of the spruce is primarily a result of human influence. Improper management such as deforestation and high populations of game steadily
Cicindela sylvatica Cicindela sylvatica Cicindela sylvatica is a tiger beetle, commonly known as the wood tiger beetle or heath tiger beetle. It is the largest of the British tiger beetles with a length of between . It is black in colour with a blue tinge, more pronounced on the underside, and sometimes appears with a bronze sheen. The beetle occurs throughout Europe with the exception of the Mediterranean and the extreme north. In the UK, it is found in England. The beetle has been given priority status under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) and has been included in the English