We use our own cookies and third parties ones to offer our services and collect statistical data. If you continue browsing the internet you accept them. More information

Accept
en ESCA
Back
31-03-2025

Investigating the resilience of Mediterranean forests

Mediterranean ecosystems have historically demonstrated a great capacity for resilience in the face of natural disturbances such as fires and droughts. However, the increase in the frequency and intensity of these phenomena, combined with increasing aridity, is testing the limits of their adaptability. Researcher Enric Batllori, from the Biodiversity Research Institute at the University of Barcelona, studies how Mediterranean forests and scrublands respond to these disturbances and what factors determine their capacity for recovery. 

The impact of climate change on forest regeneration 

Fires are recurrent in the Mediterranean, and many species have developed mechanisms to regenerate after fire. But what happens when this scenario is combined with an extreme drought? For years, Batllori has analyzed the interaction between climate disturbances and the resilience of terrestrial ecosystems. Through his research, the researcher has analyzed how the location of populations within their climatic niche influences their resistance to disturbances. His studies have shown that forests located at the limits of their climatic range could be especially vulnerable, as they have less capacity to regenerate in the face of prolonged or intense droughts after fires. According to Batllori, "species may have response strategies, but when the drought is prolonged or intense after the fire (conditions close to the climatic limit of the species), their capacity to recover can be seriously affected". 

Climate change in mountain forests 

In past projects, Batllori has described how forest masses in mountain areas have suffered the effects of drought over the past decades. Although this has not yet caused high mortality, the vulnerability of these forests will increase the risk of mortality in the future. The MODOSIN project (Monitoring and modeling integrated into a climate vulnerability alert system in mountain forests, Ref 2466/2017) developed tools to monitor forest water stress and prevent mass tree mortality in protected areas such as the Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. 

MEDABFUN: a global approach to Mediterranean scrublands 

Batllori is currently leading the MEDABFUN project (Patterns and relationships of above- and below-ground functional diversity in Mediterranean ecosystems; PID2023-149679NB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by FEDER UE), which aims to understand how vegetation and soil microbiota interact to condition the response of Mediterranean scrublands to aridity. This study focuses on three key elements: 

  • Leaves: The analysis of leaf traits allows us to understand the strategies of plants to manage water and nutrient resources. 
  • Roots: Their morphology and functionality are determinants for the absorption of resources. 
  • Soil microbiota: Microorganisms play an essential role in soil fertility and in the dynamics and resistance of vegetation to environmental stress. 

Towards efficient conservation strategies 

The conclusions of the MEDABFUN project can have a significant impact on the management and restoration of Mediterranean ecosystems. With a better understanding of the relationship between vegetation and soil, measures can be developed that favor the resilience of these habitats in a context of global warming. This research represents a decisive step in the protection of Mediterranean ecosystems against future climate challenges.