Kurkbos

Kurkbos is a term used in Dutch and Afrikaans to describe cork oak woodland and related scrubland in the western Mediterranean region. The landscape is dominated by the cork oak (Quercus suber), an evergreen oak whose thick bark is harvested for cork, typically every 9 to 12 years, without felling the tree. The stands usually feature a multi-layered vegetation structure, with a shaded canopy and a diverse understory of drought-tolerant shrubs and herbaceous species common to maquis and garrigue ecosystems.

Distribution and habitat: Kurkbos occurs mainly in the western Mediterranean, notably in Portugal, Spain, and southern France, with extended presence in nearby regions. It thrives on well-drained soils such as limestone and sandstone and is adapted to hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In Portugal and Spain, cork oak woodlands are often managed as traditional agroforestry systems known as montado or dehesa, integrating forestry with grazing and crops.

Ecology and use: Cork oak woodlands support high biodiversity, including birds, insects, and small mammals, and they play a key role in soil protection and watershed health. The cork industry has long been economically important for local communities, providing bark for wine stoppers, insulation, and various crafts. Cork harvesting is a sustainable practice when performed respectfully, allowing trees to live for many centuries.

Conservation: These ecosystems are climate-resilient biodiversity hotspots but face threats from wildfires, overgrazing, land-use change, and climate change. Conservation and sustainable management emphasize regulated cork harvesting, grazing control, fire management, and the protection of montado/dehesa landscapes within regional protected-area networks.