Characterization of the Spanish juniper population of El Peñón de Alamedilla (Granada, Spain): conservation status and protection proposal

Aims of the study: To characterize southernmost Spanish Juniper (Juniperus thurifera L.) population in Europe, a relict species tertiary flora.Area El Peñón de Alamedilla, Los Montes region (Granada, Spain).Material and Methods: A census geo-referencing individuals was carried out, together with determination structure, inference potential extension population, discussion risk faced by population.Main results: total 899 were located mainly 128 ha from 806 to 888 m a.s.l. We found 50.6% adults, 35.7% saplings 13.6% juveniles. Sexing on adults showed 60% male feet compared 39.1% females (0.9% undifferentiated). 47% has basal diameter less than or equal 50 mm. 74.11% grasslands + scrubs, only 5.3% specimens arable lands. All are privately owned land.Research highlights: The characterization this suggests good viability resilience, though there is also high inbreeding, being able go into genetic drift, which critical for successful reproduction may easily jeopardize its conservation efforts. This not protected enough Andalusia measures should be taken.Keywords: Juniperus thurifera, SE Iberian Peninsula, Natura 2000 Network.