Assessing coastal habitats with Juniperus sp. pl. in the Iberian Peninsula and on the Balearic Islands

Abstract

Coastal habitats with Juniperus sp. pl. represent the mature stage in the ecological succession of dune ecosystems. Maritime junipers (Juniperus macrocarpa), prickly junipers (J. navicularis) and caudate junipers (J. turbinata subsp. turbinata) are dominant in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands communities. This study analyses the biogeographical distribution of 12 habitats, the biotopes they occupy (stabilised sands, coastal cliffs), their biological value, natural and anthropogenic threats and the risk category, according to the IUCN scale, which varies from vulnerable habitats to those in danger of extinction. Half the studied habitats are classified as vulnerable and others endangered. The latter corresponds to small populations located in southeast and east Spain and on the Balearic Islands. Isolation, together with poor seed viability and several anthropic factors, contribute to these communities’ vulnerability.

Keywords:

• Habitat
• Juniperus
• Iberian Peninsula
• Balearic Islands
• dune ecosystem
• conservation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.