Short‐ and long‐term effects of fire in subtropical cloud forests on an oceanic island

Subtropical cloud forests, such as those found in Garajonay National Park on La Gomera Island, Spain, show significant vulnerability to fire with recovery taking decades. A study comparing burned and unburned plots from fires dating back to 1960 revealed that structural complexity and species composition in burned areas had only recovered to about 40% and 35%, respectively, of their pre-fire states even after long periods. Burned plots exhibited higher tree density, more pioneer species, and greater daily fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The research highlights the prolonged recovery time required for these ecosystems and suggests increased susceptibility to subsequent fires, emphasizing the need for effective fire management strategies.

Bello‐Rodríguez, V., Gómez, L. A., Fernández López, Á., Del‐Arco‐Aguilar, M. J., Hernández‐Hernández, R., Emerson, B., & González‐Mancebo, J. M. (2018). Short‐ and long‐term effects of fire in subtropical cloud forests on an oceanic island. Land Degradation & Development, 30(4), 448–458. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3237