Demografía y calidad del hábitat de "Tetraclinis articulata" en el sureste ibéricomodelos y aplicaciones

Résumé

The open stands of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters are unique forest formations and a priority habitat to be preserved in the European Union (code 9570) because of their limited distribution range, located mainly in SE Iberian Peninsula. European populations of this species were historically threatened by a number of detrimental anthropogenic impacts, including mining, logging, fires and overgrazing. Nevertheless, as a result of the scientific and technical efforts made to improve the knowledge and conservation status of their populations, population numbers in the “Sierras de Cartagena y La Unión” have been increasing in recent years. This thesis aims to identify the key parameters influencing the demographic dynamics of the species, culminating in a dynamic model helpful to establish new management policies and which is also capable of modelling its current detrimental pressures (fire, overgrazing and competition with Pinus halepensis). In addition, the results of an experimental competition elimination assay within the framework of the LIFE-Tetraclinis-Europe project are reported, and the applicability of the habitat quality index for the species is discussed. To conclude, proposals for management and adaptation to global change are made in order to enhance Tetraclinis articulata populations in the southeastern Iberian Peninsula.