Biogeographical Regions of the Iberian Peninsula: Plant Life and Climate

Summary

This document describes the biogeographical regions of the Iberian Peninsula, linking their plant life to the peninsula's varied climates, especially precipitation. It covers the Euro-Siberian region (with its Atlantic and Submediterranean provinces), the Mediterranean region, and the Canary or Macaronesian region of the Atlantic islands. For each region it explains the dominant vegetation, its typical species and how vegetation changes with altitude.

Key points

The Iberian Peninsula has three biogeographical regions: Euro-Siberian, Mediterranean and Canary or Macaronesian.
The Euro-Siberian region occupies wet northern areas, the central system and parts of the Iberian system, and has Atlantic and Submediterranean provinces.
The Atlantic province is dominated by deciduous trees: oaks up to 1000 m and beech above 1000 m.
The Mediterranean region covers most of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands, with evergreen vegetation such as holm oak, cork oak and Aleppo pine.
Native forests in the Mediterranean region have been progressively destroyed over the centuries, largely because the region coincides with major agricultural areas.
The Canary or Macaronesian region has high endemism and its vegetation is distributed in altitude stages, from dry scrubland to rocks and permanent snow above 3000 m.

Test yourself

I. Biogeographical Regions and Main Plant Life

I.1. Introduction

The diverse climates of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly variations in precipitation, influence the presence of three distinct biogeographical regions.

I.2. The Euro-Siberian Region

This region is associated with wet Iberia, primarily located in the northern peninsula, the central system, and some areas of the Iberian system. Within this region, two plant provinces are distinguished:

I.2.1. Atlantica

This province occurs in the higher elevations of the mountains. Deciduous tree species predominate. Up to 1000m, oaks (Carballo, Pyrenean oak, etc.) are common; above 1000m, beech trees prevail. Chestnut, pine, and eucalyptus (introduced for reforestation) are also present. In degraded areas, trees are replaced by shrubs such as heath and moorland, and also by grasslands. These species are adapted to both siliceous and calcareous soils.

I.2.2. Submediterranean

This province is found on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees and in the lower areas of the Iberian system, specifically in leeward areas. It features an alternation of Atlantic vegetation (oak, gall oak, pine) and Mediterranean vegetation (Aleppo pine, juniper, etc.).

I.3. The Mediterranean Region

This region covers most of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, characterized by a Mediterranean climate. Evergreen vegetation predominates, including holm oak, cork oak, and Aleppo pine. Riparian areas tend to have deciduous trees like poplars, cottonwoods, and ash. Some areas feature native pines (plateau) or reforestation efforts (west coast). The region is significantly influenced by summer drought and coincides with major agricultural areas, leading to the progressive destruction of native forests over the centuries.

I.4. The Canary or Macaronesian Region (Atlantic Islands)

This region is notable for its high level of endemism. It features a mix of Mediterranean and African vegetation. Due to the mountainous terrain, vegetation is distributed in stages:

Below 500m: Predominance of dry scrubland.
500-1000m: Alternation of shrubs and trees (with higher moisture) such as laurel.
1000-2000m: With increasing humidity and decreasing temperature, conifers (Canary Island pine) begin to appear.
2000-3000m: Return of scrubland.
Above 3000m: Rocks and permanent snow.

FAQ

Which plant provinces are part of the Euro-Siberian region?

The Euro-Siberian region is divided into two provinces: the Atlantic province, found in the higher mountain elevations, and the Submediterranean province, found on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees and in the lower leeward areas of the Iberian system.

What vegetation is typical of the Mediterranean region of the Iberian Peninsula?

The Mediterranean region is dominated by evergreen species such as holm oak, cork oak and Aleppo pine. Riparian areas have deciduous trees like poplars, cottonwoods and ash.

How does vegetation change with altitude in the Canary Islands?

Below 500 m there is dry scrubland, between 500 and 1000 m shrubs and trees such as laurel, and between 1000 and 2000 m conifers such as the Canary Island pine. Scrubland returns between 2000 and 3000 m, and above 3000 m there are only rocks and permanent snow.