The Cenozoic vegetation of the Iberian Peninsula: A synthesis

The aim of this work is to provide a first approach to the evolution of Iberia's vegetation during the Cenozoic (with the exclusion of the Quaternary). The Palaeogene was floristically defined by Palaeotropical elements forming tropical/subtropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, edaphically-mediated laurophyllous forests and leguminous-sclerophyllous communities. During the Miocene, Iberian landscapes were drastically modified due to geographic and climatic changes (mainly cooling and aridification) changes. Open, steppe-like environments developed towards the interior of the peninsula and Arctotertiary elements invaded mountainous and riparian ecosystems, coexisting with or becoming part of evergreen, broadleaved forests of Palaeotropical species. From the Late Miocene onwards these forests suffered changes due to the extinction of taxa, the impact of environmental change on the survivors, and the perturbations caused by the arrival of further Arctotertiary elements. However, several Palaeotropical taxa overcame the environmental and climatic changes of the Miocene and Pliocene to form a part of the modern flora of the Iberian Peninsula.     

Diversity of Rich Fen Vegetation and Related Plant Specialists in Mountain Refugia of the Iberian Peninsula

In temperate mountains, fens have been reported as relict habitats subject to geographical fragmentation and broad climatic gradients, but few studies have analyzed the influence of these factors on plant diversity. Here we investigate the effect of isolation on the vegetation diversity of rich fens (Caricion davallianae) in the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula, the distribution limit of these habitats in south-western Europe. We used plot-based vegetation data from the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian mountain range to evaluate their regional species-pool, occurrence of specialists, beta-diversity and the effect of geo-climatic variables on their species-richness and species-composition. We found a lower ratio of rare specialists in the Pyrenees than in the Cantabrian range, but similar estimates in the species pools, total species-richness per plot and beta-diversity. The isolation of the two mountain regions resulted in different species assemblages best predicted by summer precipitation and bedrock types, showing region-based differences in the response of vegetation and plant specialists to the environment. The tighter correlation between local climate and diversity estimates in the Cantabrian range suggests relict character of rich fens in that region, where climatic conditions have restricted local distribution of formerly more widely distributed specialists. Although there is no relevant evidence of vegetation impoverishment in that region, historical isolation has probably resulted in the existence of fragmentary plant communities. We conclude that fen vegetation may experience long-time persistence in climatically sub-optimal mountain refugia, but related plant specialists may be sensitive to climatic changes and subject to the extinction of local populations.     

The Carboniferous floras of the Iberian Peninsula: A synthesis with geological connotations

A general review is presented of the Carboniferous floral records in the Iberian Peninsula in the context of the geological history and distribution of the different basins. Mississippian floras are found in Sierra Morena, where major strike-slip faults brought in terranes of diverse provenance. Lower Pennsylvanian floras are represented in the Peñarroya-Belmez-Espiel (Córdoba) and Villanueva del Río y Minas (Sevilla) coalfields of SW Spain (also strike-slip controlled), at La Camocha, near Gijón (Asturias), and in other parts of northern Spain. Middle Pennsylvanian is represented near Oporto, but more completely in the Central Asturian Coalfield, as well as other, more limited localities in NW Spain and the Pyrenees. Upper Pennsylvanian (Stephanian Stage-Cantabrian to Stephanian B substages) floras are splendidly represented in NW Spain. Uppermost Pennsylvanian (Stephanian C-Autunian) floras are present in the strike-slip controlled Douro and Buçaco basins of North Portugal, the Pyrenees, Central Spain (Ciudad Real, Guadalajara, Zaragoza), and SW Spain (Guadalcanal and Valdeviar in Sevilla province).A complete succession of megafloral zones is presented. This includes a new Annularia spicata Zone at the top of the Pennsylvanian (equivalent to middle to upper Autunian which has been often attributed to the Lower Permian). The information is summarised in charts compiled from a selection of the most significant species. A number of floral elements are illustrated including the zonal indices. Brief taxonomic comments are provided in the Appendix.     

A new species of Muscari subgenus Leopoldia from the Iberian Peninsula

The biological analysis of several populations confirms the existence in the Iberian Peninsula of two species of Muscari subgenus Leopoldia: M. comosum and M. matritensis (the latter described as new). Karyologically, they differ in at least a translocation rearrangement, in the presence of heterochromatin, which is lacking in M. matritensis, and in some chromosomal characters. At the genic level, the distance between M. comosum and M. matritensis is high (0.378). Morphologically, they show some differences in floral structure which are correlated with different reproductive systems, allogamy in M. comosum and autogamy in M. matritensis. The possible evolutionary relationships between these taxa is discussed.     

Devonian floral assemblages and plant megafossils from the Iberian Peninsula: A review

This paper presents a review and critical analysis of the literature on Devonian floras of the Iberian Peninsula. Although the known outcrops of Devonian strata in the Iberian Peninsula are marine, in some cases, a few fragmentary remains of vascular plants are associated with faunal remains. Records include largely specimens from the Lower Devonian of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and the Upper Devonian of Sierra de Hornachos in Badajoz province, southwest Spain; the remainder consists of drifted plant fragments from scattered sites in the Iberian Peninsula ranging in age from Lochkovian to Upper Devonian-Earliest Carboniferous. The vegetation inferred for the Lower Devonian of the Iberian Peninsula is mainly based on palynological data and corresponds to herbaceous types characterised by bryophytes, rhyniophytes (Horneophyton, Cooksonia, Rhynia), trimerophytes (Psilophyton, Pertica and Hostinella), primitive lycophytes (Drepanophycus) and incertae sedis such as Nothia and Chaleuria, all flora that developed near the coast in low-lying and, at least periodically, wet areas. In the Middle Devonian, two vegetation strata can be recognised: herbaceous (Psilophyton) and semi-arboreal (Cladoxylales). Although three levels of vegetation in the Upper Devonian, have been described from outcrops worldwide, the scarce available data from the Iberian Peninsula only indicate an arborescent lycopsid vegetation and species with uncertain botanical affinity such as Sphenopteridium keilhauii Nathorst.     

Anisian floras from the NE Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands: A synthesis

This paper focuses on the diversity and palaeontological significance of the Anisian floral record in the Triassic of the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. A summary of published information is followed by new records from macrofloral localities at Rodanas (Aragonese Branch of the Iberian Range) and at Maya del Baztán (Basque-Cantabrian Domain, Pyrenees). Both of these new localities also yielded three Anisian microfloral assemblages. These records provide new evidence of Anisian (basal Middle Triassic) floras in Spain. They are found to be somewhat similar to the classical flora of the Grès à Voltzia Formation (Upper Buntsandstein) of the northern Vosges in north-eastern France, of whose age has been shown to be early Anisian.     

The non-omphalinoid species of Arrhenia in the Iberian Peninsula

A taxonomic study of the species with nutant, pleurotoid and cyphelloid basidiomata of the genus Arrhenia in the Iberian Peninsula is presented. This study is based on the examination of recent specimens collected in the field and from dried herbarium collections. Five species and one variety of this genus are recognized on the basis of morphological and ecological features: Arrhenia acerosa var. acerosa, A. acerosa var. tenella, A. auriscalpium, A. lobata, A. retiruga and A. spathulata. Arrhenia auriscalpium is new to Spain, where it is not restricted to alpine zones of the Eurosiberian region and is more common in the Mediterranean region than previously reported. In contrast, A. acerosa var. tenella currently is known from the Eurosiberian subalpine belt and represents the first report to the Iberian Peninsula, and A. retiruga is known only from the mesomediterranean to supramediterranean belts of the Mediterranean region. Arrhenia acerosa var. acerosa, A. lobata and A. spathulata are widespread in both the Eurosiberian and the Mediterranean regions. Non-Iberian materials of A. acerosa var. tenella and A. spathulata also were studied for comparison. Cyphella cochlearis var. subsessilis, Dictyolus lagunae, Leptoglossum muscigenum var. azonum and Pleurotellus acerosus var. tenellus are lectotypified. Cyphella cochlearis var. subssesilis, Dictyolus lagunae and Leptoglossum muscigenum var. azonum are synonymized with Arrhenia spathulata, and Cyphella cochlearis var. auriformis is placed in synonymy with A. auriscalpium. These taxa are illustrated, described and discussed, based on Iberian material with emphasis on features of the basidioma, pigment of the pileipellis, presence or absence of clamps and shape and size of the basidiospores. A diagnostic key also is given.     

Numerical syntaxonomy of the Asplenietalia petrarchae in the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract. A numerical syntaxonomic study of rupicolous vegetation of the Asplenietalia petrarchae in the Iberian Peninsula is described. The study is based on 37 local tables (OSUs) of different rupicolous communities from limestone cliffs found in the eastern half of the Iberian Peninsula. Three classification approaches were followed: (1) ‘hard partition’ techniques, (2) ‘fuzzy partition’ and (3) ordination partition. In order to find a direct solution, we tried an evaluation system based on the inertia associated with a CCA, Canonical Correspondence Analysis, and its relationships with the inertia of a similar CA, Correspondence Analysis. The most effective solutions were found through spatial partitions, and the best partition was obtained with CA considering five segments per axis. Among the fuzzy partitions the best solution was obtained with two clusters and a fuzziness value of 1.20. The best hierarchical partition was Complete Linkage with Chord Distance as a resemblance function. With the GRID procedure applied to the CA diagram, three different groups were distinguished. The first group is related to the Saxifragion boisseriano-reuterani, including five OSUs from Baetic ranges; the second group is very close to the Cosentinio-Lafuenteion rotundifoliae and includes 11 OSUs from thermo-mediterranean areas; the third group, including 21 OSUs basically related to meso-mediterranean areas, is strongly related to the Teucrion buxifolii.     

The genus Nephroma Ach. in the Iberian Peninsula

The lichen genus Nephroma is represented by five species in the Iberian Peninsula. Anatomical, chemical, ecological and distributional data for each taxon are provided. A number of species have been found for the first time in several provinces.     

Camelostrongylus mentulatus in domestic goats from the Iberian Peninsula

Two male worms of Camelostrongylus mentulatus were found in one of 84 murciano-granadina goats in Murcia, south-eastern Spain. This is the first report of C. mentulatus in goats in the Iberian peninsula and the possible origin and transmission of this nematode in Spain are discussed.     

Fire and bones: Bronze Age III in the North-Eastern Iberian Peninsula

Between the third millennium BP and the fifth century AD, there are numerous necropolises that house urns in the Iberian Peninsula. One example is the "Pi de la Lliura" (Vidreres, Girona). However, there is a dearth of research concerning these structures. The "Pi de la Lliura" housed 43 structures, which contained a total of 47 vessels with human remains. Of these 43 structures, 22 were totally or partially excavated at the laboratory. The evidence from the fragments indicates cremation at a temperature of 650-700 degrees C. Part of the cremated corpse was then deposited in an urn. One of the most unique characteristics of the necropolis is the high frequency of individuals younger than 20 years old. The mortality of sub-adults is high in any prehistoric necropolis, but it is even higher in a cremation necropolis. "Pi de la Lliura" is a very small necropolis, where corpses were treated similarly over a short period.     

Seed dispersal spectra of plant communities in the Iberian Peninsula

We studied the seed dispersal spectra of 46 Iberian plant communities of five types: potential woodland, forest fringe, substitutional scrubland, nitrophile communities and montane communities. There were no significant differences between the spectra of communities of the same type from Mediterranean and Eurosiberian regions. Biotic dispersal is most common at mature stages of succession, and abiotic dispersal at immature stages.     

Surveillance of Viruses in Wild Fish Populations in Areas around the Gulf of Cadiz (South Atlantic Iberian Peninsula)

This report describes a viral epidemiological study of wild fish around the Gulf of Cadiz (southwestern Iberian Peninsula) and is focused on infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), and viral nervous necrosis virus (VNNV). One fish species (Chelon labrosus) was sampled inside the gulf, at the mouth of the San Pedro River. Another 29 were sampled, in three oceanographic campaigns, at sites around the Bay of Cadiz. The fish were processed individually and subjected to isolation in cell culture and molecular diagnosis. VHSV was not isolated from any species. Thirteen IPNV-type isolates were obtained from barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena), axillary seabream (Pagellus acarne), common two-banded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris), common pandora (P. erythrinus), Senegal seabream (D. bellottii), and surmullet (Mullus surmuletus). Six VNNV isolates were obtained from axillary seabream, common pandora, black seabream (Spondyliosoma cantharus), red mullet (Mullet barbatus), Lusitanian toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus), and tub gurnard (Chelidonichtys lucerna). In the river mouth, viruses were detected only after reamplification, obtaining prevalence percentages of IPNV and VNNV (44.4 and 63.0%, respectively) much higher than those observed in the oceanographic campaigns (25.7 and 19.6%, respectively). The opposite results were obtained in the case of VHSV after reamplification: 11.1% in the river mouth and 43.6% in the oceanic locations. Analyzing the results with respect to the proximity of the sampling sites to the coast, an anthropogenic influence on wild fish is suggested and discussed. The type of viruses and the presence of natural reassortants are also discussed.     

Taxonomic revision of the genusPinguicula L. in the Iberian Peninsula

In this paper, the genusPinguicula is revised in the Iberian Peninsula. The taxa studied areP. vulgaris, P. nevadensis, P. grandiflora subsp.grandiflora, P. dertosensis, P. vallisneriifolia, P. longifolia subsp.longifolia, P. mundi, P. alpina andP. lusitanica. Five taxa are endemic to the area studied (P. nevadensis, P. dertosensis, P. vallisneriifolia, P. longifolia subsp.longifolia andP. mundi). Two of them are confined to restricted areas:P. nevadensis is endemic to the Sierra Nevada (S Spain) andP. longifolia subsp.longifolia is endemic to the central Pyrenees (N Spain). Taxonomical, nomenclatural, morphological, chromosomal, biogeographical and ecological data are reported for each taxon. A new combination is proposed:Pinguicula Sect.Longifolia (Casper) G. Blanca, M. Ruíz-Rejón etR. Zamora.     

Simulating fire regimes in human-dominated ecosystems: Iberian Peninsula case study

A new fire model is proposed which estimates areas burnt on a macro‐scale (10–100 km). It consists of three parts: evaluation of fire danger due to climatic conditions, estimation of the number of fires and the extent of the area burnt. The model can operate on three time steps, daily, monthly and yearly, and interacts with a Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (DGVM), thereby providing an important forcing for natural competition. Fire danger is related to number of dry days and amplitude of daily temperature during these days. The number of fires during fire days varies with human population density. Areas burnt are calculated based on average wind speed, available fuel and fire duration. The model has been incorporated into the Lund‐Potsdam‐Jena Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (LPJ‐DGVM) and has been tested for peninsular Spain. LPJ‐DGVM was modified to allow bi‐directional feedback between fire disturbance and vegetation dynamics. The number of fires and areas burnt were simulated for the period 1974–94 and compared against observations. The model produced realistic results, which are well correlated, both spatially and temporally, with the fire statistics. Therefore, a relatively simple mechanistic fire model can be used to reproduce fire regime patterns in human‐ dominated ecosystems over a large region and a long time period.     

Decline of Native Freshwater Fishes in a Mediterranean Watershed on the Iberian Peninsula: A Quantitative Assessment

We examined changes in the distribution of 9 native and 18 introduced freshwater fishes in the south-eastern Pyrenees watershed, Iberian Peninsula, using data from 1996, 1984–1988 and historical information. This region suffers many modifications to its freshwater ecosystems that are linked to human activity in the Mediterranean regions. Fish communities, stream physical habitat and environmental degradation were assessed at 168 sites from 11 basins in 1996. Seven native species (78%) showed decline from previous data, one of which became extirpated in the first half of the 20th century. On the other hand, introduced species are expanding. As a consequence, intact native communities are increasingly rare, declining from presence in 22% of river courses in 1984–1988 to 15% in 1996. The most typical community type is a mixture of native and introduced species occupying 30% of river courses. Stream degradation seems to be the main cause of this process because fish communities differed between degraded streams and streams suffering less impact. A principal component analysis showed that water pollution and modifications to the habitat were the two anthropogenic factors that accounted for most changes in the fish community integrity. Habitat alteration, primarily through construction of dams and water diversions, has fragmented habitats and isolated native fish communities in headwater streams. Current protection measures do not offer effective conservation of threatened species and communities. A global conservation and restoration programme from an ecosystem-based approach is essential to reverse the trend affecting native freshwater fishes in this Mediterranean region.     

Heathland vegetation of the northern-central part of the Iberian Peninsula

Heathland vegetation of northern Spain, included in theCalluno-Ulicetea, was studied using a set of 802 phytosociological relevés. The existing syntaxonomy has been tested and most of the types (associations and subassociations) fit satisfactorily with the observed groupings. Two main problems were encountered within theUlex dominated communities of the Cantabrian fringe and the Castilian-Cantabrian heathland communities. Both groups of communities were subject to ordination in order to clarify relationships between them. For the former group, ordination suggests that three associations can be distinguished: theUlici-Ericetum vagantis (lowlands up to the submontane belt), theVaccinio-Ulicetum gallii for the communities of higher altitudes (montane belt) and theUlici-Ericetum ciliaris (hygrophilous heathlands). The Castilian-Cantabrian heathlands show a variable Mediterranean influence and have a dispersed distribution due to lithological conditions. This results in the distinction of two new associations, viz. theArctostaphylo crassifoliae-Daboecietum cantabricae (marly, water-retaining soils) and theEricetum scopario-vagantis (sandy soils). A complete classification of theCalluno-Ulicetea in the studied area and short ecological and biogeographical diagnoses are given.