The past distribution of Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei: results of a multidisciplinary study

Abstract

The present study provides a critical review of the available historical data on the distribution of Abies nebrodensis, a fir tree endemic to Sicily. The only (somewhat ambiguous) references to its occurrence on Mount Etna date back to the 1st century bc and refer back to the 3rd century bc. Although the botanical and forestry literature and the very few surviving herbarium specimens do not prove that A. nebrodensis grew outside the Madonie mountain range, several indications suggest its past occurrence on other Sicilian mountain ranges such as the Erei, Nebrodi, and probably also Sicani mountains. The results of the most recent pollen investigations (still ongoing) point to the disappearance of Abies from most of Sicily by the 1st century bc, and at least since the Middle Ages A. nebrodensis had become extremely rare even on the Madonie mountains. Publications focused on the wooden artefacts from archaeological excavations and the restoration of architectural heritage have provided some information on the past use of fir wood in Sicily, but the species identity of the firs being used remain unresolved. The present review of the past occurrence and distribution of A. nebrodensis suggests that it may have previously occupied a wider ecological niche.

Plant Biogeography and Vegetation Patterns of the Mediterranean Islands

“…12a). True woodlands are found mainly on the slopes of the Mount Etna and on the main mountain ranges, and they include some interesting tree populations such as the highly relictual Sicilian fir Abies nebrodensis with only 30 natural mature individuals in the Madonie mountains (Pasta et al, 2020) (Fig. 12b), the westernmost stands of many Balkan-Anatolian species such as Celtis tournefortii, Quercus cerris, etc., or the southermost beech forest of Fagus sylvatica (e.g., Brullo et al, 2012).…”

Using ForeStereo and LIDAR data to assess fire and canopy structure-related risks in relict Abies pinsapo Boiss. forests

“…Endangered circum-Mediterranean firs are highly vulnerable to climate change effects in the isolated areas where they remain ( Sánchez-Salguero et al, 2017 ). Abies nebrodensis Mattei is currently the rarest conifer in the European flora, with only 34 mature trees able to reproduce sexually in the wild ( Pasta et al, 2019 ). The recovery of this species and the protection of the other ones to avoid a similar decrease is an urgent matter that demands the best techniques available to support the traditional field survey.…”

Peer Review #1 of "Using ForeStereo and LIDAR data to assess fire and canopy structure-related risks in relict Abies pinsapo Boiss. forests (v0.1)"

“…Endangered circum-Mediterranean firs are highly vulnerable to climate change effects in the isolated areas where they remain (Sánchez-Salguero, et al, 2017). Abies nebrodensis Mattei is currently the rarest conifer in the European flora, with only 34 mature trees able to reproduce sexually in the wild (Pasta, et al, 2019). The recovery of this species and the protection of the other ones to avoid a similar decrease is an urgent matter that demands the best techniques available to support the traditional field survey.…”