Abstract
Prunus lusitanica L. is a paleotropical relic species with an Ibero-Maghrebian distribution, which is presently considered as an endangered species, recognized by the Natura 2000 Network (92/43/EEC) as a priority habitat for conservation in Europe. The mountains in the Portuguese mainland central region offer the best location for this species to occur. The main objective of this study is to measure the current conservation status of the communities of P. lusitanica, through the collection of field data, such as the number of existing individuals of each population and their location, which will then be comparatively analyzed based on the previous literature, published at least 15 years ago. Soil characterization analysis was carried out and the main threats to conservation were identified. As a result, a decline of approximately 40% was observed in the number of individuals and in the quality of their habitat. The main threats to their conservation were found to be the seasonal occurrence of rural fires and the expansion of invasive species, such as Acacia dealbata Link and Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle. Finally, we present the main management methodologies that should be considered for the valorization of this important vegetational relic in the central region of mainland Portugal.
Highlights
The area under study is located on the reliefs of the central region of mainland Portugal, covering the area occupied by Serra da Estrela, Serra da Lousã, Serra de Alvéolos, Serra
The fieldwork resulted in the observation of almost 10,000 individuals of P. lusitanica in the central region of mainland Portugal (Table 2)
The communities of P. lusitanica in the central region of mainland Portugal are in sharp decline, with the loss of approximately 40% of individuals in 15 years
Summary
With the evolution of the Mediterranean climate conditions to actual standards in the Iberian Peninsula, characterized mainly by the accentuation of a summer drought period, the Laurissilva forest has undergone a sharp reduction in its occupation area throughout southern Europe and, in the Mediterranean basin [3,4,5]. For this reason, the communities of P. lusitanica are currently refugees in certain specific locations with very particular conditions, where the orography allows for a greater atmospheric humidity and mild temperatures to occur [6,7]. This forest can be characterized by exhibiting persistent leafy vegetation, similar to to what happens today in in some well-preserved slopes in in thethe north of of the vegetation, similar what happens today some well-preserved slopes north
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