Gallery forests are an ecosystem in danger due to the hand of man. The need to exploit them is born from their location near rivers, lagoons and valleys, rich and perfect areas for cultivation. Hence, many forests of this type have been relegated to being a narrow strip that borders the banks of rivers, lakes and other aquifers.
In this ecology article, we will teach you a little more about What is the gallery forest, its flora and faunaas well as their training, among more interesting details.
What is a gallery forest
The gallery forest, also known as Ribera or Soto forestIt is one Expected tree mass which is arranged following the water course. We can find them both in rivers, as in Lagos and even near the coast.
Its most characteristic point is that it is mainly composed of a Hydrophilic vegetationthat is, by plants that have a greater dependence on water for optimal growth. Similarly, the floor of these forests has a very rich substrate and an increasingly stable compaction the more we approach the water. Its vegetation is adapted to periodic floods that can occur in this type of land, offering stability to the beds of rivers and lakes.
This type of ecosystem is very characteristic of the Mediterranean climate, whose function is both to preserve the humidity and water of the natural areas, such as offering refuge to local fauna that protects itself from high temperatures during summer and the coolest in winter.
Gallery forest flora
As we move away from water, the flora changes its disposition favoring the growth of both trees and shrubs. In this way, we will find species in places where the depth of water table is around 2 meters. Here are species of the gallery forest flora as:
- Alnus glutinosa or aliso.
- Salix Alba or white sauce.
- Sambucus Nigra or Saúco.
- Populus alba or poplar.
- Fraxinus Astutifolia spp. or ash.
- Robinia pseudoaccia or robin.
- Acer Negundo or necond.
As aim, in the gallery forests of Europe we can find, 3 meters deep or Ulmus Minor U Olmo. Olms are one of the most characteristic species of Mediterranean Ribera Forestsas are some varieties of willows.
Other species planted by man are also found in this area such as poplars. The most planted is the Populus x canadensisused for timber exploitation. In a more isolated way, although also present in the current Mediterranean gallery forests, we will find the Platanus X Hispanicthat thanks to the rapid rooting of its seeds grows without difficulty and without help from the hand of man. This species is also widely used in large cities avenues, due to its height and resistance.
As for Types of shrubs that are usually found in Ribera forests, these are the most common:
- Tamayes: Tamarix canariensis and African tamarix.
- Sauces: Salix Eleagnos and Salix Cinerea SSP. Oleifolia.
- Crataegus Monogyna or Majuelo.
- Blood cornus o Conerjo.
- Brambles: Rubus ulmifolius and rUbus Caesius.
- Heder Hélix or ivy.
In the same way in the herbaceous stratum there are species such as the Euphorbia Amygdaloidesthe Brachypodium sylvaticum and Humulus lupuluswell known for beer lovers, since it is the aromatizing plant used during the fermentation process.
However, due to both human and climate change, many galleries forests have been replaced by simple cane. Here we will find plants such as Cañizo or Phragmites Australis and the cane or Arundo Donaxwhich is originally from Asia.
Gallery forest fauna
Gallery forests have an ecosystem rich in fruits and small invertebrates, which added to the shrub species that offer refuge and their closeness with water, makes them the perfect home for many animal species.
Among the Gallery Forest Animals They stand out Birdsthat feed on both fruits and small invertebrates and fish. Common species within these ecosystems are:
- The weaver (Remiz pendulinus).
- The oropendo (Oriolus Oriolus).
- The real pito (Picus viridis).
- The Tordal Carricero (Acrocophalus arundinaceus).
- The bastard nightlife (Cettia Cetti).
- The Martinete (Nycticorax nycticorax).
- The common garceta (EGretta Garzetta).
- THE CORORAN (Phalacrocorax carbo).
- The Abejaruco (APIASTER MUROPS).
We also found amphibians and reptiles. From frogs and toads, to small snakes and turtles, in addition to fresh water fish typical, like river vogue (Chondostroma Polylepis) and the chub (Squalius pyrenaicus), But we can also find other species depending on the area in question. Nor are some species of river crab. Finally, as for Mammals In gallery forests, some species such as water rats, otters and even foxes are common.
If you want to read more articles similar to Gallery Forest: What is, Flora and Faunawe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.
