The mosquito yew wood: Survey and analysis of Mediterranean Taxus baccata L. woods (Habitat 9580*)

Abstract

Aim of study: To survey a yew tree grove and to evaluate its conservation status to ascertain whether its proposal to class it as Habitat 9580* is appropriate. Area of study: Eastern end of Central Mountain Range, Spain. Material and methods: We conducted a field survey collecting data of UTM coordinates, altitude, orientation, companion woody species, height, stem perimeter, sex and browsing evidence. Individuals were classified in four age groups, considering height and stem perimeter: 1) seedling, 2) juvenile, 3), adult and 4) old. Companion species were analysed to assess the presence of habitat 9580* according to the Habitats Directive. Population structural complexity, stability and compactness were analysed to assess the conservation status. Main results: We registered 8,304 yews along with seventeen distinctive accompanying species, thus confirming the presence of priority habitat of community interest 9580* "Mediterranean Taxus baccata woods”. Population analysis leads us to appreciate a favourable conservation status for the whole habitat in the study area. Research highlights: We have described the largest T. baccata grove registered to date in the Central Mountain Range of the Iberian Peninsula. We confirm the presence of priority habitat of community interest 9580* "Mediterranean Taxus baccata woods", being the first description of this habitat in the Community of Madrid. As the study area is located within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), we propose its inclusion on the SAC habitats list.