Impact of Climate Change on European Beech Distribution and its Convergence with the Natura 2000 NetworkDiego - Diego Álvarez Fernandez

Year
2026
Tags
European beech
Fagus sylvatica
climate change impacts
species distribution
Natura 2000
protected areas
forest ecology
drought stress
climate adaptation
habitat shifts
systematic review
biodiversity conservation
altitudinal migration
ecological connectivity
forest management
UVA
Summary

This study reviews how climate change affects European beech distribution and its alignment with the Natura 2000 network. Findings show declines in warm, dry margins, upward shifts in mountains, and limited northern expansion. Water deficit is the main driver. Effective conservation requires connectivity, adaptive management, and climate-informed protected-area planning.