La Herriza y otros Brezales Europeos: ¿Sabemos lo que tenemos?

Abstract

The Strait of Gibraltar is the southernmost limit of distribution of the heathland (known locally as herriza) in Europe and the Mediterranean basin. Woody species richness and endemism is markedly higher in the herriza than in other European heathlands, due to the ecological features and unique geological history of the Strait of Gibraltar. However, unlike in other parts of Europe, the natural value of these heathlands has been overlooked until very recently. In this study we have compared levels of diversity and endemism of the woody flora of heathland samples from south England (United Kingdom) and herriza samples from the Strait of Gibraltar. Besides, we have compiled available information on heathlands from conservation management bureaus from both regions. We show how our society, despite the much higher levels of biodiversity of the herriza, is less concerned about this type of vegetation than the British society is with their heathlands.