Exploring the past of Mavrovouni forest in the Pindus Mountain range (Greece) using tree rings of Bosnian pines

Abstract Key message Long Bosnian pine chronologies from different mountains are shaped by climatic parameters and can help identify past drought events reconstruct landscape histories. We developed a 735-year-long Pinus heldreichii chronology the southern distribution limit of species, expanding available database long chronologies. Tree-ring growth was mainly positively correlated with growing degree days (GDD: r 1950–2018 = 0.476) while higher temperatures during both winter season also enhanced ( T WT : 0.361 GS 0.289, respectively). Annual precipitation, calendar water years, had negative but weaker impact on annual tree growth. The newly correlates well neighboring mountains. years ring width index (RWI) lower than average were found to correspond cool dry summers. Still, able capture severe events, such as those in 1660, 1687, 1725. Several old living trees internal scars presumably caused fires. Therefore, mature could be used for fire history reconstruction addition climate reconstruction. Although presence lightning indicates an important natural agent ignition, human activities associated animal grazing underlying reason fires region.