Milan Mataruga, Đorđije Milanović

Fires during 2021–2024 in the largest natural stands of Serbian Spruce in the Republic of Srpska and their consequences

Introduction

Fires during 2021–2024 in the largest natural stands of serbian spruce in the republic of srpska and their consequences. Analyze devastating 2021-2024 wildfires' impact on endangered Serbian spruce stands in Republic of Srpska. Discover extensive damage, high mortality, and propose critical conservation actions.

Abstract

The authors analyze the condition of three populations of Serbian’s spruce (Picea omorika / Pančić/Purk.): Gostilja, Veliki Stolac, and Grad - after the catastrophic wildfires in 2021 and 2024. They use descriptions of these sites from 2020 as the baseline. The assessment was conducted through field surveys of all burned areas, drone overflights and image analysis, as well as the establishment of 20 × 20 m sample plots in burned and unburned/partially burned areas. Based on three years of observations, the authors conclude:• The fire damage at all sites is extensive and immeasurable. Picea omorika is highly sensitive, leading to rapid dieback both immediately and in the years following the fire. Tree mortality has been recorded even in unburned areas adjacent to the fire-affected sites. Large-scale wildfires predominantly devastate refugia with a higher presence of Picea omorika. The number and spatial distribution of surviving trees have been determined and mapped. Given the ecological importance and endangered status of Picea omorika, the authors propose a series of short-term and long-term actions for these sites: Monitoring changes in ecological conditions and vegetation succession on burned areas. Developing and implementing a protection plan for each individual population of Picea omorika. Preventive measures to mitigate fire risk and enable rapid response in case of new wildfires. Further research on the effects of fire on the regeneration and development of natural Picea omorika populations.

Review

This manuscript presents a timely and critical analysis of the impact of recent wildfires on the largest natural stands of Serbian Spruce (*Picea omorika*) in the Republic of Srpska. The study leverages baseline data from 2020, predating the catastrophic fires of 2021 and 2024, to provide a comprehensive assessment of damage across three key populations: Gostilja, Veliki Stolac, and Grad. Utilizing a multi-faceted methodological approach comprising field surveys, drone overflights with image analysis, and the establishment of detailed sample plots, the authors offer a robust investigation into the immediate and subsequent consequences of these fire events. This research addresses a pressing conservation issue, given the ecological significance and endangered status of *Picea omorika*, and is highly relevant to current discussions on forest resilience in the face of escalating climate-induced disturbances. The findings highlight the profound and extensive damage inflicted by the fires, emphasizing the extreme sensitivity of *Picea omorika* to fire, leading to rapid and prolonged dieback. A particularly concerning observation is the recorded tree mortality even in unburned areas adjacent to the fire sites, underscoring the widespread and insidious nature of the fire's ecological footprint. The authors convincingly demonstrate that large-scale wildfires disproportionately affect refugia with a higher presence of this vulnerable species, jeopardizing its long-term survival. The determination and mapping of surviving trees represent a valuable output, providing crucial data for future conservation and management strategies. The qualitative descriptions of "immeasurable" damage, supported by systematic field and remote sensing data, convey the severity of the situation effectively. In light of these critical findings, the proposed short-term and long-term actions are highly pertinent and commendable. The call for continuous monitoring of ecological conditions and vegetation succession, coupled with the development of specific protection plans for each population, reflects a pragmatic approach to conservation. Furthermore, the emphasis on preventive measures to mitigate fire risk and enable rapid response, alongside continued research into fire effects on regeneration, demonstrates a forward-thinking and holistic understanding of the challenges ahead. This study provides invaluable insights for forest managers, conservationists, and policymakers striving to protect this iconic and endangered species, contributing significantly to the literature on fire ecology and species conservation in vulnerable ecosystems.

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