Dating natural gaps in the holm oak forest (Quercus ilex L) in Fango MAB Reserve (Corsica) by reading rings of maquis components

This work is related to the study of natural gaps in a Quercus ilex Mediterranean forest in Corsica, France. The aim was to find a way to precisely date the volis to obtain a chronological sample which corresponded to the time of vegetation opening due to the fall of a holm oak and up to complete vegetation closure. The best marker appeared to be Phillyrea latifolia, a typical maquis tree found in association with the holm oak, which has a high capacity to produce stem sprouts after the breakage. In order to date the chablis, rings from the stem sprouts must be counted and a careful observation of the other species must be made to confirm results.