Sclerophilic forest: what is, climate and species

The sclerophilic forest is a type of ecosystem characteristic of Mediterranean regionssuch as the central area of ​​Chile, southern Australia, California, the European Mediterranean and parts of South Africa. The word “sclerophil” comes from the Greek and means “hard leaves”, which refers to the Small, thick and coriacea leaves of plants that predominate in this type of forests.

This type of vegetation has evolved to adapt to climatic conditions where summers are hot and drywhile winters are soft and humid. Due to these conditions, the sclerophilic forest plants have developed several adaptations that allow them to survive in environments with water scarcity For long periods.

As for biodiversity, the sclerophilic forest houses a wide variety of species, both of plants and animals, many of which are endemic, that is, they are nowhere else in the world. Among the most common plant species in these forests are quillay, boldo, liter and peumo in Chile, and species such as oak or cork oak in the Mediterranean region of Europe.

The sclerophilic forest climate is characterized by being a Mediterranean climatewhich means that it presents a marked seasonality with hot and dried summers and soft and humid winters. This type of climate is key to the adaptation of the species that inhabit these forests.

During the summer, temperatures can be quite high, easily overcoming 30 ° C. In some regions. However, the most notable characteristic of this station is lack of rainfall. Summers are long and dry, which creates conditions of water stress for plants. In response, many species of the sclerophilic forest have developed small and thick leaveswith a thick cuticle that reduces water loss due to perspiration. In addition, many plants have deep roots systems that allow them to access groundwater reserves.

In contrast, winter in these forests is softer in terms of temperatures, with a range that usually oscillates Between 5 and 15 ° Cdepending on the specific region. The most important thing about winter is that it is the station in which most of the annual rainfall is concentrated. These rains are essential for water recharge on the ground and for the survival of the plants during the dry season.

Here you can read more about what Mediterranean temperate climate is.

Sclerophilic forest animals

• The sclerophilic forest houses a wide variety of fauna, adapted to the particular conditions of this ecosystem. Due to the diversity of habitats it offers, from more open and sunny areas to dense and shaded areas, this type of forest supports a rich animal communitymany of which are endemic, that is, they are found only in these regions.
• Among the mammals that inhabit the sclerophilic forest, there are species such as the Fox culpeo and the gray fox or squeak In Chile, and the Mediterranean deer In Europe. These animals are generally omnivorous or carnivores, adapted to hunt or seek food in an environment where resources can be scarce during the summer. It is also common to find rodents, such as Degú In South America or the Lirón caceo In the Mediterranean basin, which have developed nightly or burrow habits to avoid high diurnal temperatures and conserve water.
• Birds are an outstanding component of the sclerophilic forest fauna. In Chile, for example, you can find Choroya kind of endemic parrot, and to the Churrín del Nortea small bird adapted to dense bushes. In the European Mediterranean region, species such as Eagle Calzada and the Curruca Cabecinegra They are common. Many birds in these forests are insectivorous, while others feed on fruits and seeds, contributing to the dispersion of plant seeds.
• As for reptiles, the sclerophilic forest is also home to several species of reptiles adapted to the dry and hot weather. In Chile, for example, there are lizards such as Slebelta lizard and the Rock lizardwhich have adapted to arid conditions. In the Mediterranean basin, it is common to find vipers such as Hocycuda viper and several species of lizards and geckos.
• The amphibians, although less common due to the dryness of the environment, are also present, especially in areas close to bodies of water that remain during winter. For example, you can find some species of Toads and frogs that take advantage of temporary ponds to reproduce during the rainy season.
• Insects and other invertebrates play a fundamental role in the sclerophilic forest ecosystem. Many species of Beetles, butterflies and bees They are fundamental for plant pollination. In addition, decomposing insects help recycle soil nutrients, closing the ecological cycle.

Sclerophilic vegetation

• The sclerophilic vegetation is the most distinctive feature of the sclerophilic forest. It is characterized by the presence of plants with small, hard and coriacea leavesdesigned to withstand prolonged drought conditions and high temperatures during the summer. These adaptations are essential to survive in a Mediterranean climate, where summers are dry and winters, although humid, are relatively short.
• One of the most important characteristics of sclerophilic plants is Water stress resistance. Hard leaves, covered by a thick cuticle, reduce the loss of water by perspiration. In addition, many of these plants have Perennial leaveswhich means they maintain their foliage throughout the year. This allows them to make the most of the humidity available during the winter and minimize the need for resources during the dry summer.
• In the European Mediterranean basin, species such as The oak (Quercus ilex), The cork oak (Quercus suber), and The Madroño (Arbutus Unedo) They are common. The oak and cork oak are particularly notable for their ability to prosper in poor and rocky soils, and for their resistance to forest fires, a frequent threat in these ecosystems. The cork oak is also known for its cortex, which is used for cork production.
• The sclerophilic undergrowth, or the lowest vegetation that grows under the upper layer of trees, is also rich and diverse. In the European Mediterranean region, The rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), The lavender (Lavandula spp.), and The thyme (Thymus vulgaris) They are examples of aromatic plants that prosper in the undergrowth, and that are also widely used by their culinary and medicinal properties.

If you want to read more articles similar to Sclerophilic forest: what is, climate and specieswe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.