Early anthropogenic change in western Mediterranean mountains (Sierra Nevada, SE Spain)

Human impact on western Mediterranean mountains is gaining more attention, as they harbour a rich plant diversity threatened by global change. This paper presents an analysis of two pollen records from both sides Sierra Nevada, the prime plant-diversity centre Mediterranean, spanning last 5400 years. The sought to answer following key questions: When did natural systems transform cultural landscapes? What was intensity and extent alterations driven diverse civilizations? A compilation archaeological paleaeoclimatic data supported this analysis, well multi-proxy palaeoecological study using pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs microcharcoal, searching for imprint that societies left these mountains. Results suggest human influences started earlier than expected, with strong forest cover, oriented towards crops southern face livestock northern one, whereas mining metallurgy were initial drivers population dynamics. Irrigation has farming since at least Islamic period. More recent anthropogenic control land-use management have allowed further spread tree cover. Proper conservation strategies need long-term perspectives, including studies. preservation traditional activities like grazing, high-elevation cropping or irrigation become essential maintain current biodiversity.