Management of Flomis fruticosa L. communities in Epirus: The problem of wildfires

In this paper, the problem of management of Phlomis fruticosa L. communities and especially of wildfires caused by the shepherds themselves in order to improve them is analyzed. It is stated that Phlomis fruticosa, which is the dominant species of these communities, needs to be controlled because it is unpalatable to grazing animals. This can be done with several methods including prescribed burning. For the application of the latter method however, it needs to be legalized by the Government. Finally, the need of drawing special management and improvement plans is stressed for the application of proper valorization of these important rangelands.