Characterization of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa (Sm.)Ball in the Valencia region

Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa occurs along the coastal strip of the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions. In the Iberian Peninsula, this taxon has been classed as Vulnerable and is protected in all the administrative regions in which it is found except for the Balearic Islands (Bañares et al. 2004). Its situation in the Valencia region is particularly alarming, as the latest data show only 243 specimens, mature and young, in the wild (Mayoral & Gomez 2001, 2003), located at scattered spots along the coast. These populations suffer from strong anthropic pressure, essentially from building and leisure uses, and low population sizes (below the minimum for population viability). Another factor is competition from allochthonous species. This paper gives a preview of studies that have been conducted to characterize the Valencian populations of J. oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa. They are part of a plan to conserve the genetic resources of this taxon as a means to promote its future adaptability. During the first stage, the intention is to reach an assessment of the existing genetic resources by locating populations, describing them demographically and genetically, estimating their dynamics and identifying the risks to which they may be exposed. The results of the first stage will make it possible to design specific conservation programmes for each population, applying both in situ and ex situ measures. These studies are also fundamental in order to draw up guidelines for using the genetic resources of the taxon in accordance with biogeographical and evolutionary criteria, not only in reinforcement programmes but also when undertaking actions that entail creating new populations for protection or landscaping purposes.