Abstract
The southeast Iberian Peninsula is the only place in the European Community where Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters populations are native. In this area, the optimal ecological niche for this species is occupied by Pinus halepensis (Miller). The increasing intensity of extreme drought events induced by climate change causes severe declines in pine forests, while providing expansion opportunities for established Tetraclinis populations. Within the framework of the LIFE-TETRACLINIS project, a study has been designed to simulate the pine forest decline effects on the population dynamics of this protected species. This work investigates the effects of decreasing competition on T. articulata specimens with limited reproductive activity. To induce the reproductive activity of these specimens through increasing the availability of light, the surrounding pines were removed within a 15 m radius. Increased light availability was modelled using “Light Detection And Ranging” (LiDAR) data, and changes in the main reproductive parameters were registered throughout the study period. A significant increase in the reproductive population was achieved, as well as the cones produced per specimen and the recruitment. Findings obtained are promising for the habitat management in continental Europe and enhancing this forest system’s resilience to extreme drought events and climate change.
Highlights
IntroductionDrought-induced forest decline is a global phenomenon potentially driven by climate change [1]
The greater role played by diffuse compared to direct irradiation during the recruitment process seems to support this idea. This experiment proves that competition for solar irradiation is a major factor conditioning the reproductive activity of T. articulata
Pinus halepensis behavior changes from a competitor to a facilitator species, increasing Tetraclinis articulata recruitment
Summary
Drought-induced forest decline is a global phenomenon potentially driven by climate change [1]. In the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, these events have induced severe decline episodes in forests mostly dominated by Pinus halepensis Miller (Aleppo pine) [4,5]. This is especially true for species located at their limits of distribution and whose climatic suitability may be compromised by these events [6]. Forest management in Iberian Peninsula needs to take into account the predicted impacts in the context of climate change [7]
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