Iberian Dehesa

The dehesa is an agrosilvopastoral system where trees, native grasses, and livestock interact under sustainable management. It is primarily composed of holm oaks and cork oaks, which provide shade, shelter, and acorns that serve as a vital food source for livestock, most notably the Iberian pig. The system is designed to balance production with nature, integrating activities such as cork harvesting, honey production, and low-intensity grazing by cattle, sheep, and goats. This ecosystem is recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, hosting a wide array of species of conservation concern. It provides critical feeding and breeding habitats for flagship species, including the Spanish imperial eagle and the endangered Iberian lynx. The mosaic of trees and open pasture creates a complex environment that supports diverse plant and animal life, making it one of Europe's most significant high-nature-value farming systems. Despite its ecological and cultural importance, the dehesa faces severe threats from rural abandonment and changing land-use practices. As traditional management techniques like transhumance and selective pruning decline, the landscape suffers from a lack of natural tree regeneration and the encroachment of dense scrub. This abandonment increases the risk of severe wildfires and contributes to the structural decline of aging trees. Furthermore, the ecosystem is threatened by tree diseases, such as the complex pathogen-driven La Seca, and the intensification of agriculture in some areas. These pressures, combined with depopulation and the loss of traditional knowledge, jeopardize the future of the dehesa. Conservation efforts are currently focused on promoting sustainable management, supporting extensive producers, and implementing policies that recognize the environmental and socio-economic benefits of this ancient, human-shaped landscape.