Interacciones planta-animal en la regeneración de Quercus pyrenaica: ecología y gestión

Abstract

Perea, R., San Miguel, A., Gil, A. 2014. 2014. Plant-animal interactions in the regeneration of Quercus pyrenaica: Ecology and management. Ecosistemas 23(2): 18-26. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.2014.23-2.04

Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) forests and woodlands are found almost exclusively in the Iberian Peninsula. Their sexual regeneration is strongly compromised as a result of the predominance of coppice stands. The abandonment of the historical exploitation of root and stump sprouts (for firewood, charcoal, etc.) has caused the degradation of most Q. pyrenaica stands, which show evidence of overstocking, top-drying and growth stagnation. This study aims to summarize the state of the art of the main plant-animal interactions involved in the sexual regeneration of Quercus pyrenaica in order to provide scientific bases for adequate management and conservation practices. Some animal species (jays, wood mice, nuthatches) play an important role in the effective dispersal of acorns, and contribute to a greater gene flow and the colonization of new areas. However, the current increase in the density of wild ungulate populations (deer, wild boar, etc.) is one of the main threats since ungulates reduce the amount of acorns available for germination and limit seedling growth and survival. Additionally, there are multi-trophic interactions (e.g. acorn-predator-disperser) and facilitation processes (seedling-shrub) that reveal the importance of multiple relationships in the natural regeneration of oaks. Finally, some management recommendations are given to facilitate the sexual regeneration of oak systems so that the predominant situation of stagnation and decay can be reverted.