Regeneration of Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) on karstic lands in Turkey

Abstract

Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) is significant from the historical, cultural, aesthetic, scientific and economic perspectives. It is presently found primarily in the Taurus Mountains of Turkey with extensive and magnificent forests. Historical records also indicate extensive and splendid forests of it in Syria and Lebanon. However, heavy cutting, burning and goat grazing for the past 5000 years have left only small populations in these countries. Although the same disturbances have continued in Anatolia (Asia Minor), the almost inaccessible topography of the Taurus Mountains has prevented Lebanon cedar from being extirpated.