Case study: the management of Mediterranean pyrophyte ecosystems dominated by Cistus ladanifer

Abstract

The aim of this work is to review the research carried out on the prevention of forest fires in Mediterranean jarales through the enhancement of mycological resources. Cistus ladanifer (jara pringosa) is a Mediterranean pyrophyte scrub widely distributed in the Iberian Peninsula, which is associated with numerous species of fungi, some of which are highly valued, such as the Boletus edulis. Adequate management of these areas would contribute to reduce the risk of fire and increase the economic benefit derived from the use of fungi. Therefore, the main objective of this review is to find the best management practices of Mediterranean ecosystems dominated by C. ladanifer, to increase mycological production and prevent forest fires. An experimental design was established in which they analyzed the communities of fungi associated to different treatments, knowing the diversity and fungal production associated to the ecosystem, under different parameters of management focused on the prevention of fires. The production of the most interesting species was modelled. As a main result, the high fungal diversity associated with these ecosystems was demonstrated, supporting the conservation interest of these habitats. As a general conclusion, it can be deduced that the adequate management of these areas would produce important economic benefits derived from the mycological exploitation in these ecosystems that traditionally have been considered unproductive and are generally found in economically disadvantaged rural areas.