Ecology:
– Dehesa originates from the Mediterranean forest ecosystem
– Features grassland for grazing cattle, goats, and sheep
– Tree species include oaks, such as holm oak and cork oak
– Oaks are managed to persist for about 250 years
– Debate exists about the reproduction of oaks under current grazing densities
Importance and Economic Context:
– Dehesa is economically and socially significant in maintaining rural population levels
– Major income sources include cork, black Iberian pigs, and hunting rights
– Periodic hunts called “monteria” are popular
– Dehesa areas are often considered marginal due to poor soil quality and lack of local industry
– Dehesa coincides with isolated agro-industries and low capitalization
Bibliography:
– Fra. Paleo discusses the dehesa/montado landscape
– Huntsinger et al. compare oak woodland ranchers in California and Spain
– Joffre et al. analyze the dehesa system of southern Spain and Portugal
– McGrath’s article “Corkscrewed” delves into the dehesa system
– Various authors contribute to understanding the dehesa landscape
Management Practices:
– Dehesas are multifunctional agrosylvopastoral systems
– Used for grazing and producing various products like cork and jamón ibérico
– Main tree components are oaks, including holm and cork oaks
– Oaks are spaced to balance productivity for grasses, water use, and acorn production
– Dehesa management is debated in terms of oak reproduction and intensity
Cultural Significance:
– Dehesa is a cultural landscape in southern and central Spain and southern Portugal
– Name originates from the Latin “defensa,” meaning fenced land for pasture
– Used for raising Spanish fighting bulls and Iberian pigs for jamón ibérico
– Provides habitat for endangered species like the Spanish imperial eagle
– The term “dehesa” extends to rangeland management on estates