The regeneration status of the endangered Acer opalus subsp. granatense throughout its geographical distribution in the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

Acer opalus subsp. granatense is an endemic endangered tree with a wide but fragmented distribution in the Mediterranean mountains. The persistence of its small populations often depends on just a few adults, and consequently is highly vulnerable to factors limiting recruitment. In this paper, we examined the regeneration status of this maple in 16 populations throughout its whole geographical distribution in the Iberian Peninsula. Age and size structures were analysed as indicators of the viability of the species. Additionally, we studied the effects of herbivory by ungulates and the role of shrubs as nurse plants in maple regeneration dynamic. Our results show that A. opalus subsp. granatense has active recruitment throughout its range in the Iberian Peninsula. Shrubs served as the main microsites for recruitment, not only for early establishment but also for long-term survival. However, ungulates heavily damaged maple saplings in all locations and microhabitats. A direct consequence of herbivory is the uncoupling of age and size structures, saplings becoming older but not higher, possibly affecting population turnover in the long term. We suggest that the conservation of the small populations of Acer opalus subsp. granatense heavily depends on the control of herbivory pressure throughout the maple distribution area.