bosque

Bosque is the Spanish term for a forest or wooded area. In everyday usage it denotes a substantial stand of trees with an understory, large enough to function as an ecological unit. The word is widely used across Spanish-speaking regions and is often distinguished from selva (tropical rainforest) and monte (scrubland or open woodland). In historical contexts, bosque has also referred to royal or hunting forests managed for game.

Ecologically, bosques host diverse flora and fauna and perform essential ecosystem services. They regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, store carbon, and provide habitat and resources for people and wildlife. Forests vary by climate and geography, including temperate deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as tropical and subtropical woodlands such as dry forests and cloud forests.

Distribution and cultural role: Bosques are found across Spain, Latin America, and other Spanish-speaking regions. In Europe, they are typically temperate forests managed for timber, recreation, and conservation. In the Americas, boreal, cloud, and humid forests occur from Mexico to Argentina, reflecting diverse climates and histories of land use.

Threats and conservation: Major threats include deforestation, fragmentation, agricultural expansion, and climate change. Conservation approaches include protected areas, sustainable forestry, reforestation, and community-based management that involves Indigenous and local populations. Preserving bosques supports biodiversity, freshwater protection, and cultural landscapes.