Characterization of the Spanish juniper population of El Peñón de Alamedilla (Granada, Spain): conservation status and protection proposal

Abstract

Aim of study: To characterize the southernmost Spanish Juniper (Juniperus thurifera L.) population in Europe, a relict species of the tertiary flora. Area of study: El Peñón de Alamedilla, Los Montes region (Granada, Spain). Materials and methods: A census and geo-referencing of the individuals in the population was carried out, together with the determination of the population structure, inference of the potential extension of the population, and discussion of the risk faced by the population. Main results: A total of 899 individuals were located in mainly 128 ha from 806 to 888 m a.s.l. We found 50.6% adults, 35.7% saplings and 13.6% juveniles. Sexing on the adults showed a 60% of male feet compared to 39.1% of females (0.9% undifferentiated). 47% of the population has a basal diameter less than or equal to 50 mm. A 74.11% of the population was in grasslands + scrubs, and only 5.3% of the specimens were in arable lands. All individuals are on privately owned land. Research highlights: The characterization of this southernmost Spanish Juniper population suggests a good viability and resilience, though there is also a high risk of inbreeding, with the population being able to go into genetic drift, which is critical for successful reproduction and may easily jeopardize its conservation efforts. This species is not protected enough in Andalusia and conservation measures should be taken