The ancient forests of La Gomera, Canary Islands, and their sensitivity to environmental change

A rapid shift in forest composition occurred around 5500 years ago in Garajonay National Park, La Gomera, Canary Islands, coinciding with regional drying trends. This transition saw declines in hygrophilous species like the Canarian palm and willow, alongside an increase in Morella–Erica heath. Unlike other regions, human arrival between 3000 and 1800 years ago did not significantly alter vegetation dynamics, suggesting the park preserves a largely natural relict forest. The study used palaeoecological techniques—including pollen and charcoal analysis—to reconstruct environmental changes over the last 9600 years, highlighting its resilience to human impacts.

Nogué, S., de Nascimento, L., Fernández‐Palacios, J. M., Whittaker, R. J., & Willis, K. J. (2013). The ancient forests of La Gomera, Canary Islands, and their sensitivity to environmental change. Journal of Ecology, 101(2), 368–377. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.12051