Development of Anatolian cedar forests from the last glacial maximum to the present based on fossil and modern pollen data
The Mediterranean region, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, encompasses a variety of ecosystems. This region is home to the iconic cedar forests, which hold significant historical and cultural value. Among the cedar species distributed in the Mediterranean, Cedrus libani has its...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Isparta University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Forestry
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Turkish Journal of Forestry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/4306338 |
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| Summary: | The Mediterranean region, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, encompasses a variety of ecosystems. This region is home to the iconic cedar forests, which hold significant historical and cultural value. Among the cedar species distributed in the Mediterranean, Cedrus libani has its largest range in Anatolia today. This study examines the historical development of cedar forests in Anatolia and their representation in pollen analyses. Fossil and modern pollen data were used to trace the geographical distribution and changes in cedar forests from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to the present. For this purpose, fossil and modern pollen studies conducted in Anatolia have been compiled, sampling locations have been identified, and cedar percentages from these studies have been collected and visualized. The findings show that cedar forests in Anatolia have a local, fragmented distribution and have experienced significant historical changes. Due to the limited number of long-term studies indicating cedar presence during the LGM, results show low cedar presence during this period, consistent with global climate conditions. After the LGM, as climate conditions shifted, cedar presence varied by location but remained significant in some areas. Modern pollen studies also show a local and fragmented distribution of cedar forests, consistent with fossil pollen data. This study provides a comprehensive dataset to understand the historical ecological dynamics of cedar forests in Anatolia and assess the geo-ecological impacts of regional changes. The results suggest that the geographical distribution of cedar forests has not significantly expanded beyond their current range between the LGM and the present, maintaining a fragmented distribution. |
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| ISSN: | 2149-3898 |