Population dynamics of Aster pyrenaeus Desf., a threatened species of temperate forest edges: A view of meso- and micro-scales

Here, we investigate the population dynamics of a high-priority species ( Aster pyrenaeus ) related to temperate forest edges in northern Spain. One isolated population was monitored during a 6-year period to analyse its response to habitat configuration at different scales.

The effect of the sun-shade gradient was tested at the micro-scale using vegetation cover classes, and stochastic simulations were conducted at the meso-scale using spatially explicit models. At the micro-scale, monitored individuals were preferably located in sunny and semi-shady habitats, where population growth was greater. Species presence at the meso-scale was restricted to mixed shady vegetation, showing a null extinction risk in all the tested scenarios but a high probability of decline under past land use.