Pinus nigra

Black Pine

The black pine (Pinus nigra) is a coniferous tree native to mountainous regions of southern Europe and northern Africa. The tree species has proven invasive outside its natural range, especially in North America and Australia. It can grow up to 30 metres high and is well suited to dry and stony sites, making it a suitable species for reforestation projects in difficult areas. The black pine has thick, rough bark and dark green needles that stand together in short shoots of two. The cones are ovoid and up to 7 cm long. Its adaptability to different soil and climatic conditions has led it to suppress local flora in areas where it has been introduced. Unlike many other invasive species, however, Pinus nigra is not known for its rapid spread, but rather establishes itself slowly, but then often has a lasting impact on the ecosystems into which it is introduced.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

The black pine is capable of spreading rapidly in dry sites and suppressing native species. This applies in particular to habitats worthy of protection, such as calcareous grasslands. Furthermore, hybrids with the native Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) have been observed. However, the resulting effects cannot yet be assessed.

Region of origin

Mediterranean

Introduction vectors

Forestry

Pinus nigra has been planted in some regions for forestry purposes, for example to reforest pastures. Its wood is well suited for the production of plywood, paper or packaging materials.

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The pine family (Pinaceae) comprises about 11 genera with around 210 species. They are mainly distributed in the northern hemisphere and are the largest family of conifers. The family includes trees and shrubs that are evergreen and mostly resinous. Characteristic are the needle-shaped leaves and the cone-shaped fruits. Many species have an enormous economic importance as they provide wood, resin and sometimes edible seeds. Well-known representatives are pines (Pinus), firs (Abies), spruces (Picea), larches (Larix) and Douglas firs (Pseudotsuga). They also characterise many natural forest ecosystems in temperate and boreal climate zones.

Climate change

Pinus nigra has not yet filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will increase. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, precipitation in autumn, precipitation in winter, road infrastructure and altitude.

Positive effects

Like some other alien tree species (Douglas fir, princess tree), the black pine could be a real asset for forestry in the future. It is considered robust against drought and heat and is thus well adapted to future climate conditions. Its wood is particularly suitable for stage floors, as boards made from it creak less.
Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Pinus nigra where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.