Abstract

MANSO, Filipa Torres et al. Regional Grazing and Fire Characteristics in the Portuguese Landscape. Silva Lus. [online]. 2010, vol.18, n.1, pp.27-45. ISSN 0870-6352.

For the mainland Portuguese territory we present a statistical temporal analysis (1930-2001) based on the densities of grazing animals and population at the "freguesia" (smallest administrative unit) level. We also compare these data with fire regime indicators between 1990 and 2007. Subsequently, we study the characteristics and consequences associated to fire occurrences in the autumn-spring period of 2007, in three areas on northern Portugal, respectively Alvão/Marão, Montemuro and Barroso/Larouco. Each burned area was georeferenciated and measured, and assessments were made of fire effects on vegetation, erosion and fire severity. From the temporal statistical analysis results we highlight the clusters of "freguesias" where conflicts between forest, fire and grazing are more likely, in the North, Centre and South regions of Portugal. Concerning the assessment carried out at the three Northern sites, we have found that traditional burning practices in autumn-spring are generally characterized by low to moderate intensity with low burn severity on the vegetation; nonetheless, some exceptions have occurred at Alvão-Marão.

Keywords : Grazing animals; population; forest; fire; vegetation.

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