Ecology and history of a wooded landscape in southern Spain

Abstract

An extensive oak woodland, of about 1000 km2, dominated by evergreen cork oak (Quercus suber) and semideciduous Q. canariensis, is found in southern Spain, near the Strait of Gibraltar, and contrasts with the paradigm of deforested Mediterranean mountains. Several factors, ecological, geographical and historical, have contributed to the origin and maintenance of this forested landscape. The rough relief and the acidic, nutrient-poor soils (derived from Oligo-Miocene sandstone) made tbis area unsuitable for cultivation. The oceanic influence favours the growth of oak trees. In particular, the cork oak is well suited to acidic soils and the humid Mediterranean climate. Three historical milestones seem relevant to the preservation of this woodland. Its location at a frontier during medieval times (thirteenth to fifteenth centuries) discouraged villages and reduced human pressure on the woodland resources. The rise of the value of cork he1ped to preserve the cork oak woodland during early nineteenth century industrial times. Contemporary consciousness about the conservation of woodland landscapes (somewhat unusual in the Mediterranean region) led to their designation as Los Alcornocales (meaning 'The cork oak woodlands') Natural Park, devoted to the development of the region.