Forest-cutting rapidly improves the demographic status of Paeonia officinalis, a species threatened by forest closure

摘要: In the Mediterranean region, spread and densification of woodlands shrublands subsequent to rural depopulation is a critical issue for conservation open-habitat plant species. Our objective was assess effectiveness forest management reduce negative impact closure on persistence protected herbaceous perennial species Paeonia officinalis. Using demographic surveys from 2003 2008 in woodland, open managed habitat clear-cutted aim our study, we assessed effect opening performance population dynamics. addition, performed shading experiment reproductive plants mimic canopy study its growth fecundity. Based quadrat matrix models, showed that cutting induced rapid increase asymptotic rate. Indeed, within 2 years, size, flower, seed ovule numbers as well stage distribution, rates elasticity patterns shifted values similar those woodland habitat. Similarly, artificially shaded regressed years towards vegetative stage. For which have their life-cycle allows individual survival under unfavourable conditions such P. officinalis, plasticity may be fundamental long-term temporally heterogeneous environments. highlights need mix an experimental approach with mid-term survey order design efficient strategies declining populations rare