Is there a future for the isolated oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) forests in southern Turkey?

Abstract

Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) is mainly found in the northern region of Turkey. There is also an approximate 40,000 ha of isolated relict oriental beech forest in southern Turkey. This relict population differs somewhat from the northern distribution in terms of average altitudinal distribution, health conditions, and reactions to climate change. Beech forest distribution in southern Turkey starts at about 1000 m, contrary to the northern distribution, which begins at about 150-200 m. In southern Turkey, the average temperature is higher, and summer drought occurs due to irregular rainfall. Beech trees in the south decay at earlier ages due to their sprout origins and higher temperatures than in the north. In recent decades, some part of the beech forests have shed leaves during the summer in response to severe drought. Therefore, these relict populations are on the verge of extinction under unfavorable conditions.