Harvested cork trees growing naturally promoting the growth of the diverse ecosystem surrounding them.

The cork oak tree (Quercus suber) thrives along the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Europe and Western Africa, where there is a lot of sunshine but rainfall is scarce. While cork trees do grow in other areas with similar climates, the areas along the Mediterranean are some of the world’s top cork-producing regions.

Cork trees are an essential part of the ecosystem in these regions. Much of the flora & fauna depends on the continued growth of the cork forest. These forests are among the most diverse landscapes globally, and are home to many different plant and animal species. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), “cork oak forests support one of the highest levels of biodiversity among forest habitats, as well as the highest diversity of plants found anywhere in the world”.

Cork trees flourish in the Mediterranean region due to its very specific micro-climates and soil types. This is great news for the plants that grow alongside these trees. The plant diversity in cork forests is exceptional, with many plant species being endemic to the area, existing only because of these trees. According to panda.org (WWF's website), plant diversity in cork forests can reach 135 species every square meter. Some of these plants include fungi, lavender, rosemary, and rockrose bushes.

In addition to the rich flora of the region, numerous animal species rely on these forests for their continued survival. Among the mammals that inhabit these cork forests are hares, weasels, wild boar, deer, wolves, mongoose, genets, and endangered species such as the Iberian lynx and Barbary deer. Some birds that reside in the forests include kestrels, little owls, great gray shrikes, black storks, imperial Iberian eagles (also endangered), kites, black vultures, robins, thrushes, chaffinches and woodpeckers. The diverse fauna also includes geckos, skinks, spadefoot toads, spiders and vipers.

Cork trees thrive in their natural environment and, as they flourish, they bring many benefits to the surrounding land. Along with biodiversity, these include:

Helping to Prevent Desertification: The deep reaching roots of the cork oak plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion. These remarkable trees often grow in sandy and arid environments, and their extensive root systems help stabilize the soil, preventing it from washing away during heavy rains and strong winds.
Water Absorption:The tree leaves help reduce water loss by acting as canopies, capturing rainwater, allowing it to evaporate into the atmosphere, and also lessening the impact of raindrops on the soil, minimizing erosion.
Shade Cover: The evergreen leaves of the cork tree provide much needed relief from the scorching sun.
CO2 Absorption: Cork trees actively filter carbon dioxide throughout their entire lifespan, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gasses. Cork trees store carbon to regenerate their bark. Consequently, a harvested cork oak tree absorbs up to five times more carbon than an unharvested tree.
Forest Fire Break: Though cork trees are not immune to forest fires, they tend to withstand forest fires better than the surrounding vegetation. Their thick, robust, fire- resistant bark protects the tree from total destruction.

The unique characteristics of the cork oak tree contributes to its remarkable resilience in the forests where it thrives, despite frequent droughts, brush fires, and temperature fluctuations.