A CREAF-led study shows that colonization by holm oak and other broadleaf species in the Iberian Peninsula is occurring much faster than previously thought, the main causes being reductions in forest management and climate change.
In many ecosystems, fire promotes a greater variety of species of plants and animals since it creates a more diverse set of environments. The positive effects of fire cannot be generalized to all aspects of an ecosystem; profound knowledge about the local species and fire regime is crucial. Insights from the study are useful for planning management of forest biomass fuel, controlled burnings, and forest fire suppression.
