Shrubland

Shrubland is a plant community characterized by dominant woody shrubs, typically forming an open canopy with a well-developed understory of grasses and forbs. The vegetation is usually adapted to dry summers, poor soils, and fire, with many species that are evergreen and drought-tolerant.

Global shrublands occur in several biomes, including Mediterranean-type ecosystems (such as chaparral and maquis), temperate scrublands, and fynbos in southern Africa. They are found in regions with seasonal rainfall, often 250 to 900 millimeters per year, and can be influenced by strong winds and rocky soils.

Plants in shrublands show adaptations to fire and drought. Leaves are often small and thick; many species resprout after fire, while others regenerate from seeds. Fire regimes, including frequency and intensity, shape community composition and successional trajectories.

Shrublands support diverse fauna, including birds, reptiles, small mammals, and pollinators. The open understory provides cover and foraging habitat, while some shrubs host specialized species.

Human use and threats: Shrublands are affected by grazing, land conversion, urbanization, invasive grasses, and altered fire regimes due to climate change. Protection and restoration efforts emphasize fire management, removal of invasives, and reestablishment of native shrubs.

Conservation and restoration: Management aims to maintain or restore natural fire intervals, hydrology, and native shrub diversity. Restoration may involve reseeding, restoring soil structure, and weed control, often within protected areas.