Paper short abstract:

In the Mediterranean biome of Israel, we undertook landscape surveys around depopulated Palestinian villages from pre-1948, to document abandoned orchards and trees planted by the Palestinian farmers. We recorded arboreal biodiversity and spatial distribution as a step towards their protection.

Paper long abstract:

In Israel, relict cultivated trees still grow in the environs of Palestinian villages that were depopulated following the 1948 war. We undertook surveys of arboreal biodiversity and spatial distribution around several villages in the Mediterranean phytogeographic zone – identifying every tree encountered to species (within a radius of up to 1 km from the village), logging its location with GPS, and measuring trunk circumference to assess its antiquity.

The resulting data were then plotted using GIS on maps of local topography, geology, soil type and cultural remains. Our findings indicate that, although untended, a broad spectrum of species – mainly fruit trees – still thrive in these localities. Except for the olive which is indigenous, most represent introduced species. They provided a source of food, items that could be traded, as well as raw materials for building or ornament manufacture, and for medicinal purposes etc.

Spatial patterning of trees closely followed natural features - topography, soil type, water retention, reflecting the extensive indigenous knowledge of the Palestinian farmers. These trees are now remnants of a defunct anthropogenic ecosystem but still comprise an integral part of the Mediterranean landscape contributing to the biodiversity of the modern landscape. Our surveys have provided baseline information with which to promote the preservation of this important arboreal heritage.