Unveiling the conservation status of the sessile oak forest for their protection and management in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula

The sessile oak forests found on the northeast of Iberian Peninsula are ascribed to Lathyro-Quercetumpetraeae association and play a key role in understanding ecology this habitat, as region represents its xeric limit. For reason, we analysed biodiversity patterns current conservation status region. To do so, collected Braun-Blanquet inventories 34 plots randomly distributed throughout forests. results showed relationship between climatic conditions variables. While richness community increased with decreasing temperatures, characteristic species within decreased at these same temperatures. This result was due presence most companion cool zones high elevations.Sessile oaks close other communities, such silver birches Scot pine forests.On hand, warm areas low elevations, more established, plants typical type forest. These slightly warmer very important terms vulnerable climate change thermophilization community, has been studied. As such, protecting managing is conserving community. Nevertheless, protection measures not safeguard forests, it essential define strategy preserve them. Using status, have established criteria improve for forest NE Peninsula.