Environmental Factors Determining the Chorology of Fraxinus angustifolia in the Region of Murcia (Southeastern Spain)

TL;DR

This study identifies the environmental factors affecting the distribution of narrow-leaf ash trees in southeastern Spain, highlighting their vulnerability to desertification.

Contribution

The study provides a detailed geographic survey and analysis of Fraxinus angustifolia's current distribution in the Region of Murcia.

Findings

670 Fraxinus angustifolia trees were geolocated, mostly in riverbeds.

The species is absent from southern coastal zones and altitudes above 1000 m.

Desertification and water availability strongly influence the tree's distribution.

Abstract

The narrow-leaf ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) is distributed across southern Europe and northern Africa. Descriptions from 1751 report the presence of a large number of these trees in the Maritime Department of Cartagena; however, their numbers are actually greatly reduced in the Region of Murcia. This species is protected and finds refuge in riverbeds within the semi-arid environment of southeastern Spain. The desertification affecting this area of continental Europe has a significant impact on natural systems, with the ash being particularly vulnerable due to its water requirements. The objective of this study was to identify the locations of individual ash trees and assess the conditions of their surrounding environment. A literature review was conducted, and based on the environmental conditions necessary for their survival, the entire region was surveyed using GPS. A total of 670 trees were geolocated. The majority are situated in riverbeds. They are absent from the southern coastal zone and at higher altitudes above 1000 m above sea level in the Region of Murcia. Monitoring its reduction, expansion, and development could provide insights into how climate change is evolving and the potential extinction of this species in arid and semi-arid regions.

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