Distribution

This species is probably a Tertiary relict that has survived severe contractions of its range due to Alpine glaciations during the Pleistocene. Its current range consists of two disjunct populations, one in the west centered in Albania and one in the east in W Bulgaria.

In Bulgaria, the natural range of this species consists of two parts separated by the valley of the Vardar River. The eastern part is in southwestern Bulgaria and includes Pirin Mountain, Slavyanka Mountain (Ali Botush), Rila Mountain, the western Rhodopes, Vitosha Mountain, and the Central Balkan Range. The western part includes Macedonia, southwestern Serbia, southeastern Montenegro, eastern Albania, northeastern Greece and some spurs of the Dinar Alps, including Prokletija, Kom, Sekiritsa, Sar, Pelister, Kozhuh, Nidje, Korab, Rudoka, and Tsena (Alexandrov et al. 2004). Throughout its range it is it is estimated that it occupies about 20000 hectares, with just over 14000 in Bulgaria (Alexandrov and Andonovski 2011).

Habitat and Ecology

Pinus peuce is a montane pine, growing between (600) 1600-1900 (2200) m above sea level and usually on silicate rock types. In Albania and Serbia it is also found on serpentine. It can grow on a variety of soil types, usually poor in nutrients and acidic to basic. In Grecian Macedonia it forms pure stands on gentle mountain slopes, interspersed with grassy glades and meadows. In most areas where it occurs, it is mixed with Picea abies and/or Abies alba / A. borisii-regis, with which it can compete due to relatively high shade tolerance. It is often present at the treeline. In recent years its altitudinal range has been increasing, due partly to changes in landuse and possibly in response to elevated minimum temperatures (Meshinev et al. 2000). Seed maybe dispersed by nutcrackers.

Conservation Status

Global status and rationale

Near Threatened (VU B2ab(iii))

Pinus peuce has a scattered distribution in the Balkans, with many subpopulations small and some very isolated. Its extent of occurrence is large, but its actual area of occupancy (ca 20000 hectares) is below the threshold for Vulnerable. It is uncertain if the decline due to past exploitation and afforestation with Picea abies is still ongoing or if its recent expansion at higher altitudes will persist. Consequently it is listed as Near Threatened.

Global threats

Extensive exploitation and pastoralism in the past have undoubtedly had an impact but this has not been quantified. Recent changes in landuse and a reduction in exploitation have led to an increase in its elevational range. The impacts of climate change are uncertain: in many parts of its range, suitable habitat is available at higher elevations.

Conservation Actions

Many stands are located within national parks and other protected areas. Seed stands have been identified in many parts of its range and collections have been made for seed banks.