Fire history and treeline elevation in the Apennines: insights from pedo-anthracological analysis on Monte Cervati, Southern Italy.

INTRODUCTION

The treeline elevation in the Apennines is significantly lower than its climatic potential, often attributed to historical anthropogenic disturbances such as fires, logging, and grazing. However, the specific impacts of individual disturbance events, particularly fires, on treeline dynamics remain unclear. This study investigates the relationship between treeline elevation and historical fire events using Monte Cervati (1,899 m a.s.l.) as a model system.

LOCATION

Monte Cervati, located in the Apennine Mountains, Italy.

METHODS

The current treeline elevation was mapped, and vegetation was characterized. Pedo-anthracological analyses were conducted in a sinkhole near the summit to reconstruct past vegetation and fire history. Charcoal samples from a paleosol layer were identified and dated to determine past fire events and vegetation composition.

RESULTS

The present treeline, composed exclusively of , is situated at an average elevation of 1,710 m a.s.l., with higher elevations on northern slopes compared to southern ones. The vegetation above the treeline is dominated by small herbaceous species (), with scattered shrubs such as and . Notably, no regeneration was observed above the treeline. Pedo-anthracological analysis revealed a charcoal-rich layer within a paleosol at 1,806 m a.s.l., dating back to approximately 4,800 BP. Charcoal analysis identified remains from herbaceous (), shrubs (), and trees (), indicating that past vegetation consisted of wooded grassland.

CONCLUSIONS

Historical fire events likely played a crucial role in shaping the current treeline structure by eliminating the arboreal component and promoting the establishment of a predominantly herbaceous landscape. These findings suggest that fire disturbances have long-term effects on treeline dynamics, potentially contributing to the treeline depression observed in the Apennines today.