Degradation of ragelands in Greece: the case of western Epirus

Wildfires and overgrazing have been the main causes of rangeland degradation in several parts of Greece. In Western Epirus, a particularly desertified region with wet Mediterranean climate, repeated wildfires and overgrazing by sheep for centuries have resulted in the destruction of forests, severe soil erosion and the establishment of pyro-zootic communities dominated by the phryganic dwarf shrub Phlomis fruticosa L. Wildfires are set by the shepherds themselves to suppress the unpalatable shrubs and make use of the desirable post-fire herbaceous community by overgrazing only to speed up the recovery of the shrubs. To combat degradation, arational management policy is needed to involve the shepherds as well, which will meet the demands of the people and also improve the rangeland and forest ecosystems of the region.