Defining population structure and environmental suitability for the conservation of Pinus leucodermis Antoine in central Mediterranean areas

Abstract

The Italian populations and communities of Pinus leucodermis Antoine were studied in the Pollino National Park (Calabria/Basilicata, southern Italy). The relationships between the structure of P. leucodermis populations, and physical and biotic factors were evaluated. The species revealed a three-component pattern in the studied areas. Each component is characterized by a specific spatial distribution, community composition and population structure. The mature populations of P. leucodermis showed low recruitment rates. Moreover, we recorded young populations of P. leucodermis, which mostly occur close to the lower part of its altitudinal range, suggesting a downward expansion that appears to be connected with fire events. A suitability model based on Mahalanobis distances was built using topographic and climatic continuous variables. The predictive model showed that P. leucodermis occurs in less than 10% of its potential distribution area within the Pollino National Park. The species does not appear to be endangered at the regional level. However, its conservation status in Italy is affected by a restricted range (28 km²), by its isolation with respect to the species in the Balkan peninsula, and by the difficulties in originating durable populations in suitable areas.

Key words:

• Calabria
• conservation
• Mahalanobis distances
• population structure
• suitability models
• threatened flora

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Prof Carlo Blasi for critical comments on a first version of the manuscript; Dr Lorenzo Peruzzi is also acknowledged for his help in the field work.

We acknowledge the authorities of the Pollino National Park for financial support.