Logging to “salvage” economic returns from forests affected by natural disturbances has become increasingly prevalent globally. Despite potential negative effects on biodiversity, salvage logging is often conducted, even in areas otherwise excluded from logging and reserved for nature conservation, inter alia because strategic priorities for post‐disturbance management are widely lacking. A review of the existing literature revealed that most studies investigating the effects of salvage logging on biodiversity have been conducted less than 5 years following natural disturbances, and focused on non‐saproxylic organisms. A meta‐analysis across 24 species groups revealed that salvage logging significantly decreases numbers of species of eight taxonomic groups. Richness of dead wood dependent taxa (i.e. saproxylic organisms) decreased more strongly than richness of non‐saproxylic taxa. In contrast, taxonomic groups typically associated with open habitats increased in the number of species after salvage logging. By analysing 134 original species abundance matrices, we demonstrate that salvage logging significantly alters community composition in 7 of 17 species groups, particularly affecting saproxylic assemblages. Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that salvage logging is not consistent with the management objectives of protected areas. Substantial changes, such as the retention of dead wood in naturally disturbed forests, are needed to support biodiversity. Future research should investigate the amount and spatio‐temporal distribution of retained dead wood needed to maintain all components of biodiversity.

1 We analyse the factors controlling seedling establishment of Scots pine at its southernmost geographical limit (southern Spain), by monitoring emergence, survival and growth for up to 4 years in the microhabitats to which seeds are dispersed. Naturally established seedlings were monitored in two mountain ranges, and experimental sowings were performed both in woodlands and in adjacent successional shrublands into which the forest could expand. 2 Emergence was high in all microhabitats, although it was highest under the canopy of shrubs. Overall survival was low, with c. 90% of seedlings dying in the first growing season (c. 98% after several growing seasons). Survival differed among microhabitats, being highest under shrubs and extremely low (or zero) under pines or in bare soil. 3 Seedling growth was the highest in areas of bare soil, intermediate under shrubs, and very low under pines. 4 Establishment under pines was prevented by both mortality and poor performance, and good performance cannot counteract high mortality in the open. Shrubs, however, acted as nurse plants, buffering summer drought without reducing radiation to levels critical for growth, and protecting seedlings from ungulate trampling, hail and frost heave. 5 Patterns of recruitment were similar for woodland stands and successional shrublands. In addition, patterns of survival for naturally established seedlings were similar to those of seedlings originating from experimental sowings. 6 Juveniles were positively associated with shrubs but negatively with bare soil or areas below pine canopies. The facilitative effect of shrubs on seedling survival therefore changes the spatial pattern of recruitment from that determined by germination. 7 Overall, processes controlling seedling establishment in these southern Scots pine forests differ sharply from those operating in its main distribution area. The comparison among contrasting geographical ranges may contribute to an understanding of the role of environmental conditions in the balance between competition and facilitation, and assist in forecasting plant regeneration responses to global climate change.