Las clasificaciones biogeoclimáticas: modelos territoriales necesarios para los estudios ecológicos forestales

This paper deals with the usefulness of biogeoclimatic land classifications in the development of forest ecological studies, at the ecosystem level on forest site surveys, as well as at supra-ecosystem level on landscape studies. For these purposes, two past experiences carried out in Spain using the ITE land classification system, are reviewed. As a first example, a land classification developed at sub-regional level is used as sample stratification framework for modelling the land suitability for Pinus nigra subesp. nigra plantations of Navarre. The required methodological phases are described, until the final design of a land model useful for forest managers and planners. As a second example, it is analysed the usefulness of the biogeoclimatic land classification of Spain (CLATERES) as sample stratification system for ecological landscape monitoring. The model validation is achieved by testing the correlation among CLATERES land stratification and landscape composition of a sample of 206 land units belonging to the Spanish network of rural landscapes (REDPARES). A highly significant correlation among biogeoclimatic classes and landscape composition classes allow us to use CLATERES as a geo-statistical model able to extrapolate to the whole Spain the results obtained from 206 REDPARES landscapes.En este artículo se hace un análisis de la utilidad de las clasificaciones territoriales biogeoclimáticas para los estudios ecológicos forestales tanto a escala ecosistémica, en estudios estacionales, como a escala supraecosistémica, en estudios de ecología de paisaje. Para ello se revisan dos experiencias realizadas en España mediante la aplicación del método ITE de clasificación territorial. En primer lugar se describe la utilización y validación de una clasificación de alcance subregional para el muestreo en el estudio de idoneidad de estaciones forestales para repoblación de Pinus nigra subesp. nigra en Navarra. Tras describir las distintas fases metodológicas requeridas, se culmina con el desarrollo de un modelo territorial de utilidad para el gestor forestal. En segundo lugar se describe la utilidad de la clasificación biogeoclimática de la España peninsular y balear (CLATERES) para la realización de estudios ecológicos de seguimiento del paisaje. Para ello se analiza la correlación existente entre los estratos CLATERES y la composición espacial de 206 muestras territoriales incluidas en la red de paisajes rurales españoles (REDPARES). La existencia de una correlación muy significativa entre clases biogeoclimáticas y tipos de paisaje valida la utilización de CLATERES como modelo geoestadístico capaz de producir extrapolaciones a toda España a partir de los datos medidos en 206 muestras de paisajes REDPARES

Estructura europea para la supervisión y el seguimiento de hábitats: aproximación metodológica para España

There is a well defined policy requirement for a practical and reproducible procedure for surveillance and monitoring of habitats in Spain that can subsequently be fitted into a European framework. Any such procedure also needs to incorporate records of the Spanish habitat classification. A procedure is described that will satisfy those requirements and has been field tested both in Spain and in Europe. Rigorous rules and training are required; otherwise changes from baseline records cannot reliably be separated from background noise. The procedure uses the classical plant life forms long used in biogeography and is based on their statistical relationship with the environment. This relationship has been validated statistically and the procedure has also been tested in the field in all European environmental zones and widely in Spain. 130 General Habitat Categories are defined and these are enhanced in the field by recording environmental, site and management qualities to produce a flexible database that can then be interrogated. The rules for mapping the habitats mean that they can be used for descriptive purposes or for monitoring. In conjunction with stratification and subsequent sampling, national estimates of stock and change can then be produced. Finally, based on the previous experience of SISPARES, a methodological scheme is proposed for adapting the approach to Spain. The proposal will allow links to be made between European scale surveillance and monitoring to those already obtained for Spain.en España políticas bien definidas que demandan procedimientos prácticos y reproducibles para llevar a cabo la supervisión y seguimiento de los hábitats, de modo que subsecuentemente puedan ajustarse al marco Europeo. Cualquier procedimiento de estas características necesita poder incorporar datos registrados de la clasificación española de hábitats. Aquí se describe un procedimiento que satisface dichos requisitos y que ha sido probado tanto en España como en el resto de Europa. El método exige reglas rigurosas y entrenamiento de campo; si no los cambios en los registros básicos no se podrán separar de manera fiable de los errores subjetivos cometidos durante la toma de datos. El procedimiento utiliza las clásicas formas de vida, ampliamente utilizadas en estudios biogeográficos y está basado en sus relaciones con el medio ambiente. Esta relación ha sido validada estadísticamente y el procedimiento ha sido probado en el campo en todas las zonas ambientales de Europa. En España, se han definido 130 Categorías Generales de Hábitats y se han verificado en el campo mediante el registro de atributos ambientales, estacionales y de manejo, de forma que puedan ser incluidas en una base de datos suficientemente flexible. Las directrices para la cartografía de hábitats posibilitan su uso descriptivo y permiten su seguimiento. Al mismo tiempo, con la estratificación y subsecuente muestreo, es posible hacer estimaciones nacionales de existencias y de cambios Finalmente, basados en las experiencias previas de SISPARES, se propone un esquema metodológico para adaptar BIOHAB a España. La propuesta permitirá conectar los resultados a escala Europea de supervisión y seguimiento con los obtenidos a escala española

Metodología para la tipificación y caracterización estructural de paisajes en comarcas forestales españolas

The Forest Resources Management Plans are basic planning tools of the current Spanish Forest Law. Landscape ecology principles and methods on a regional scale are applicable to these Plans. This paper, part of ECOPORF project, proposes a methodology for the classification of landscapes in forest districts and the characterization of their structure. The definitive Landscape Types integrate the abiotic variables used in a previous Land Classification and the biotic information provided by the Spanish Forest Map (1:50.000). The calculation of certain landscape indices determines the characteristic composition and configuration of each Landscape Type. Finally, a method is proposed for the design of stratified sampling in landscape monitoring studies. This methodology provides a basic starting point for further development of Forest Resources Management Plans.Los Planes de Ordenación de los Recursos Forestales constituyen un instrumento básico de planificación forestal de la actual Ley de Montes (43/2003) española. La escala comarcal de esta figura es adecuada para la aplicación de conceptos y métodos relativos a la ecología del paisaje. Así, en este trabajo, encuadrado dentro del proyecto ECOPORF, se muestra una metodología para el establecimiento de una tipología de paisajes en comarcas forestales y su posterior caracterización estructural. Para ello, a partir de variables abióticas, se desarrolla un modelo de Clasificación Territorial que sirve como base para la definición y delimitación de Tipos de Paisaje, en la que se integra la información biótica proveniente del Mapa Forestal de España (1:50.000). El cálculo de determinados índices de paisaje en los diferentes Tipos permite definir su composición y configuración características. Por último, en el trabajo se propone un método para la selección de cuadrículas muestrales, con utilidad para la realización de estudios de monitorización del paisaje. El conocimiento obtenido tras el seguimiento de la metodología mostrada supone un punto de partida fundamental para el desarrollo de las siguientes fases de la elaboración de un Plan de Ordenación de los Recursos Forestales

IRE1α-XBP1 Activation Elicited by Viral Singled Stranded RNA via TLR8 May Modulate Lung Cytokine Induction in SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia

Initial symptoms of COVID-19 infection depend on viral replication, while hyperinflammation is a hallmark of critical illness and may drive severe pneumonia and death. Among the mechanisms potentially involved in the hyperinflammatory state, we focused on the unfolded protein response, because the IRE1α-XBP1 branch can be activated as result of the endoplasmic reticulum stress produced by the overwhelming synthesis of viral components and synergizes with Toll-like receptor signaling to induce cytokine expression. Viral RNA may trigger the IRE1α-XBP1 branch via TLR7/8 activation and like TLR2 and TLR4 may underpin cytokine expression trough XBP1 splicing (sXBP1). The expression of IL1B, IL6, and TNF mRNA in bronchoalveolar aspirates (BAAs) were higher in COVID-19 patients under mechanical ventilation and intubation who showed sXBP1. The scrutiny of monocytic/macrophagic markers during active infection showed a reduction of those involved in antigen presentation and survival, as well as the IFN stimulated gene MX1. These changes reverted after infection tests turned negative. In contrast, the expression of the mRNA of the serine protease TMPRSS2 involved in S protein priming showed a high expression during active infection. TLR8 mRNA showed an overwhelming expression as compared to TLR7 mRNA, which suggests the presence of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs). In vitro experiments in MDDCs activated with ssRNA40, a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) like SARS-CoV-2 RNA, induced sXBP1 and the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα at mRNA and protein levels. These responses were blunted by the IRE1α ribonuclease inhibitor MKC8866. Given the analogies between the results observed in BAAs and the effects induced by +ssRNA in MDDCs, IRE1α ribonuclease inhibition might be a druggable target in severe COVID-19 disease.This study was funded by Fondo COVID-19 del Instituto de Salud Carlos III/Junta de Castilla y Leon (N.F.). European Commission-NextGenerationEU, through CSIC's Global Health Platform (PTI Salud Global) (project SGL2103016) (M.S.C.). Plan Nacional de Salud y Farmacia Grant SAF2017-83079-R and Grant PID2020-113751RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 (M.S.C.). Junta de Castilla y Leon/Fondo Social Europeo Grants CSI035P17 (M.S.C.) and VA175P20 (N.F.). Proyecto SEAHORSE INFRARED: IR2020-1-UVA05 (JCyL).N

Natural black pine (Pinus nigra subsp salzmannii) forests of the Iberian eastern mountains: development of the phytoecological basis for their site evaluation

A phytoecological study of the Pinus nigra subsp salzmannii forests in the dolomite-limestone mountains of eastern Spain was undertaken. Starting from several floristic and ecological data collected from 355 relevés, classification and ordination numerical analysis were realized. A typification of the different pine forest communities was thus obtained and a series of floristic groups was defined, which can be used as a basis for the classification of distinct sites. Following the phytosociological method, 2 main groups, which can be considered as climax vegetation of the high supra- and mountain-Mediterranean levels, have been defined: a continental group, Thalictro tuberosi-Pinetum salzmannii, and a subcontinental group, Lonicero xylostei-Pinetum salzmannii, which represents the southern range limit of Pinus nigra forests in the eastern Pyrenees.Typologie phytoécologique des stations forestières: les forêts naturelles de pin de Salzmann (Pinus nigra subsp salzmannii) des montagnes orientales ibériques. La présente étude concerne la caractérisation phytoécologique des forêts de Pinus nigra subsp salzmannü des montagnes orientales de l'Espagne. Des analyses numériques de classification et ordination ont été réalisées avec 355 relevés comprenant des données floristiques et écologiques. La typologie des différents groupements silvatiques de Pinus salzmannii a permis d'établir plusieurs groupes floristiques, susceptibles d'être utilisés dans la caractérisation des stations forestières de cette essence. Selon la méthode phytosociologique, ont été distinguées 2 associations qui représentent sûrement la végétation climatique à l'horizon supérieur de l'étage supraméditerranéen et à l'étage montagnard-méditerranéen : Thalictro tuberosi-Pinetum salzmannii dans la partie occidentale avec des conditions climatiques méditerranéo-continentales, et Lonicero xylostei-Pinetum salzmannii dans la partie orientale avec des conditions climatiques sub-continentales. Les forêts de pin de Salzmann qui appartiennent à la dernière association représentent la limite méridionale de ce groupement caractéristique des Pyrénées orientales

Autoecología paramétrica de los hayedos de Castilla y León

This work has been carried out applying similar methodologies to former parametric autoecological studies on Fagus sylvatica stands in other Spanish regions. The beechwood territory of Castilla y León (Spain) has been stratified in order to select 37 representative parcels for sampling. Several physiographic, climatic, edaphic and forestry parameters have been elaborated from the sampling data. The parameter analysis has allowed finding out the parametric values that def ine the central and marginal habitats for beechwood stands in Castilla y León. The multivariable statistical analysis has enabled us to build predictive models for forestry parameters in relation to the most signif icant environmental parameters. The results are an important basis to establish the ecological aptitude of a territory with a view to establishing stable Fagus sylvatica stands in Castilla y León.Este trabajo se ha realizado aplicando metodologías similares a las empleadas en los estudios autoecológicos paramétricos realizados con anterioridad para Fagus sylvatica en otras regiones españolas. Se ha estratificado el territorio ocupado por hayedos en Castilla y León (España) y se ha realizado un muestreo en un total de 37 parcelas representativas. A partir de los resultados de dicho muestreo, se han elaborado una serie de parámetros fisiográficos, climáticos, edáficos y selvícolas. El análisis de los parámetros elaborados ha permitido establecer los valores paramétricos que definen los hábitats centrales y marginales para el haya en Castilla y León. Un conjunto de analisis estadísticos multivariables han permitido elaborar modelos predictivos para variables selvícolas en relación con las variables ambientales más significativas. El conjunto de resultados obtenidos constituye una base importante para establecer la aptitud ecológica del territorio estudiado, con vistas a la implantación de masas forestales estables de Fagus sylvatica

Landscape vulnerability to wildfires at the forest-agriculture interface Half-century patterns in Spain assessed through the SISPARES monitoring framework

Large-scale socioeconomic changes in recent decades have driven shifts in the structure of Spanish rural landscapes, particularly in those located at the forest-agriculture interface (FAI), as well as in their wildfire regime. Using data from more than 200 16 km 2 landscape plots in Spain surveyed between 1956 and 2008 through the SISPARES monitoring framework, we assessed the FAI vulnerability to wildfires and identified the main landscape structural factors related to an increased number of wildfire events. We found that the most vulnerable landscapes were those with high road density, high diversity of land uses and, most importantly, with fine-grained forest-agriculture mixtures. Ignition frequency was lower in those landscapes where crops and woodlands coexisted but distributed in large and well-separated patches, and much lower where both land uses were combined within an integrated production and management system ("dehesas"). We discuss the geographical distribution patterns and temporal trends of the different FAI types during recent decades. We conclude that such approach is useful to forecast the mutual interactions between land use pattern changes and wildfire regime in the Mediterranean agroforestry mosaics. This would also provide an ecological base for developing a complementary, cost-effective and durable passive strategy of wildfire management targeted to modify the inherent FAI susceptibility to ignition events. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V

European framework for surveillance and monitoring of habitats: a methodological approach for Spain

There is a well defined policy requirement for a practical and reproducible procedure for surveillance and monitoring of habitats in Spain that can subsequently be fitted into a European framework. Any such procedure also needs to incorporate records of the Spanish habitat classification. A procedure is described that will satisfy those requirements and has been field tested both in Spain and in Europe. Rigorous rules and training are required; otherwise changes from baseline records cannot reliably be separated from background noise. The procedure uses the classical plant life forms long used in biogeography and is based on their statistical relationship with the environment. This relationship has been validated statistically and the procedure has also been tested in the field in all European environmental zones and widely in Spain. 130 General Habitat Categories are defined and these are enhanced in the field by recording environmental, site and management qualities to produce a flexible database that can then be interrogated. The rules for mapping the habitats mean that they can be used for descriptive purposes or for monitoring. In conjunction with stratification and subsequent sampling, national estimates of stock and change can then be produced. Finally, based on the previous experience of SISPARES, a methodological scheme is proposed for adapting the approach to Spain. The proposal will allow links to be made between European scale surveillance and monitoring to those already obtained for Spain