Species turnover during secondary succession in a laurel forest stand 50 years after clearcutting

Abstract

Aim of study: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of clearcutting and recovery of a laurel forest stand, 50 years after felling.

Area of study: Laurel forest stand in Agua García, Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Material and methods: Structural stand parameters were measured in a large patch of laurel forest.

Main results: The results revealed that Erica arborea and Ilex canariensis have acted as pioneer species in the broad sense of the term, while Morella faya has remained abundant throughout the study. Persea indica became increasingly dominant throughout succession, as indicated by several different structural parameters.

Research highlights: Recovery of the laurel forest after clearcutting has been possible in some areas without any further forest management, as indicated by the species composition and forest structure.