Forest transition and biogeographic meaning of the current laurel forest landscape in Canary Islands, Spain

Abstract

This study provides a geographical synthesis of the current natural landscape dynamics of the Canarian laurel forest based on the results of a biogeographic study of its structure, composition, and dynamics. Historical socioeconomic changes and recent environmental conservation strategies have led to natural forest dynamics that make it necessary to change our current scientific conception of the Canarian laurel forest landscape. According to the forest transition theory, in the protected areas of Anaga and Teno Rural Parks (Tenerife) and Garajonay National Park (La Gomera), the forest reaction to the gradual abandonment of economic activity reveals how strongly human activity has shaped the features of the laurel forest, which traditionally has been considered to be relatively untouched by humankind. How natural disturbances have affected this forest over the past few years has also contributed to a better understanding of its dynamics. This study explains the key patterns of spontaneous dynamics in the Canarian laurel forest to enrich our understanding of this forest and its landscape, while highlighting the importance of human activity as the catalyst for its current vigorous dynamics.

Keywords:

• forest landscape dynamics
• historical land uses
• forest transition
• laurel forest
• subtropical cloud forest
• Canary Islands

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science [SEJ2006-15029-C03-03. I+D+I] and Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation [CSO2009-14116-C03-03. I+D National Plan].