Monumental trees and old-growth forests in Sardinia (Italy)

Old, veteran and notable trees are ecologically important keystone organisms, have tangible connections to folklore, history and, sociocultural practices, and functional characteristics fundamental for sustaining complex and unique assemblages of species. These trees can be found in different landscapes, ranging from remote mountain areas to cities, historical gardens and, agricultural areas. In Italy, an official list of monumental trees was recently published under the national law no. 10/2013 and the ministerial Decree 23 October 2014. A number of criteria can be used to identify these trees such as age and/or size, shape and growth habit, ecological value, floristic rarity, interest for its architectural structure, landscape quality, and historical, cultural and religious value. In this article we aim to provide some general information on monumental and notable trees in Sardinia, as well as on old-growth forest, based on the recent monograph published for Sardinia by I. Camarda.