A global change‐induced biome shift in the Montseny mountains (NE Spain)

Abstract Shifts in plant species and biome distribution in response to warming have been described in past climate changes. However, reported evidence of such shifts under current climate change is still scarce. By comparing current and 1945 vegetation distribution in the Montseny mountains (Catalonia, NE Spain), we report here a progressive replacement of cold‐temperate ecosystems by Mediterranean ecosystems. Beech ( Fagus sylvatica ) forest has shifted altitudinally upwards by ca. 70 m at the highest altitudes (1600–1700 m). Both the beech forests and the heather ( Calluna vulgaris ) heathlands are being replaced by holm oak ( Quercus ilex ) forest at medium altitudes (800–1400 m). This beech replacement has…