Updating the mapping of cork oak forests in Calabria (Italy)

Abstract

Cork oak forests (Quercus suber L.) are one the most interesting forest ecosystems in the western Mediterranean Basin. The aim of this technical note is the presentation of the results of a recent survey carried out in the Calabria region (southern Italy) on the current distribution of cork oak forests. At present, there are few isolated forest stands, often small, on both coasts and in some inland areas of the region. In the past the cork oak forests in Calabria were much more widespread; however, the results here presented can support suitable conservation, management and, where possible, the economic valorization of the remaining cork oak stands.

Keywords

• quercus suber
• forest mapping
• forest ecosystems
• italy