Economic losses to Iberian swine production from forest fires

Most forestry property in Andalusia is privately held. One of the most important possibilities for economic development of rural areas is the use of pasture lands (dehesa in Spanish). During the spring–summer season, swine grazing takes advantage of grasses between the trees, and during winter (harsher times), they use Quercus tree fruit. Swine production has a direct economic impact on the rural areas' activities. Wildfires are the most significant disturbance in the Mediterranean ecosystems therefore; it is important to study the potential negative impact of wildfires on the swine resource. The public sector is responsible for the application and valuation of policies or activities creating wealth in forest areas while protecting the environment and preventing greater impacts and damages.

► Development of a multidiscipline forestry policy must consider livestock production. ► Tradeoffs analysis necessary for fuel programs for maintaining the dehesa's system. ► Calculation of losses depends on the generated annual income from pasture production. ► Carrying capacity estimates based on three different variables showed no difference. ► Based on weight gain value and acorn production, the fruit price is 0.22 €/kg.