Distribution area of Juniperus oxycedrus L. in Central Spain (Madrid)

Abstract

The Iberian populations of Juniperus oxycedrus L. subsp. oxycedrus have been studied by several authors who consider their condition as unfavourable. In the Madrid Region, current status, dynamic and distribution area are unknown even when their populations, specifically those who form arborescent shrubs, are included in the type 5210 (Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC). These formations are developed in austere Mediterranean mountain typical of agro ecosystems of high value that have interesting dynamics of recolonization, especially in those areas where agricultural and livestock systems have suffered a setback. This study aims to understand the distribution of juniper in the region of Madrid as the first step to identify and assess the dynamic changes in recent decades. To update the cartography of this species the available information has been checked and completed with photointerpretation and fieldwork. Based on this cartography and the information relating to the physical and biotic variables four types of juniper were differentiated by multivariate methods. On the other hand, two types of dynamics were recognized and it was studied in depth the genesis of changes produced in these forests in the last decades.