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

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.