Reconstructing the history of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the north-western Iberian Range (Spain): From Late-Glacial refugia to the Holocene anthropic-induced forests

In this paper we present a review of the available pollen analyses in the north-western Iberian Range with the aim of studying Fagus glacial refugia and Holocene expansion. The work collects the available pollen analyses in the area (24 sites and 58 14C dates). Based on the available palynological data, we try to reconstruct the changes that occurred in the distribution of Fagus sylvatica in the north-western Iberian Range during the late Pleistocene and the Holocene, its spread patterns and the possible causes for such changes. Results from pollen analyses allow establishing at the Middle Holocene the beginnings of Fagus expansion mostly in relation to anthropic activities. Also, the pollen data demonstrate the existence of Fagus glacial refuge during the Late Pleistocene and the Early Holocene. Therefore, we hypothesize that present-day beech forests, in the area under study, are the direct result of the relic populations that survived the last glaciations and that have been favoured by both environmental conditions and human activities. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.One of the authors (L. López-Merino) was supported by a CSIC-ESF (European Social Fund) research contract (I3P predoctoral program).Peer Reviewe