Forest fires in cork oak (Quercus suber L.) stands in Portugal

Abstract

Fire and cork can be considered both the most serious problem and the most valuable resource of Portuguese forests. The existence of important areas of burned cork oak stands resulting from severe fire seasons in recent years is an environmental problem which deserves special attention. This paper makes a multidisciplinary survey of the problem of burned cork oak stands focusing on: the dimensions of the problem in Portugal, the remarkable resistance of cork oak to fire, the post‐fire management of cork oak stands, and the economic and ecological effects of fire in cork oak stands. Particular emphasis is given to knowledge gaps in this context.

Keywords:

• Cork oak
• Fire
• Portugal

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Ana Reis from Direcção‐Geral dos Recursos Florestais for advice and data contributing to this paper. The ongoing study at Tapada Nacional de Mafra is founded by FCT (Fundação para a Ciênciae Tecnologia), research contract POCTI/AGR/61407/2004.