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ISSN 2959-1864 (Online); ISSN 2958-0536 (Print); DOI: 10.30546/abc
Acta Botanica Caucasica

IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ORIENTAL SPRUCE (PICEA ORIENTALIS) ECOSYSTEMS IN THE EASTERN BLACK SEA REGION OF TURKEY

Abstract
Climate change has recently gained increased attention from the global scientific community due to its widespread and accelerating impacts on ecosystems. The Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey is expected to be significantly affected by these changes, as projected by the RegCM3 regional climate model. Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis), an ecologically and economically important tree species endemic to this region, is highly sensitive to climatic shifts. Recent observations indicate that global warming has contributed to severe bark beetle outbreaks, resulting in the death of over 200,000 trees. This study evaluates the current status and future vulnerability of Oriental spruce ecosystems using field observations and existing literature on regional climate projections. According to Dalfes et al. (2007), regional temperatures are expected to rise by 2–4 °C over the next century. Precipitation is projected to increase by 200–300 mm in the eastern part of the region, while no significant change is expected in the western areas. Temperature increases, particularly in the western zone, are likely to intensify drought stress, elevate bark beetle infestations, and increase wildfire risk. A potential upward altitudinal shift of 400–800 meters in the spruce distribution zone is anticipated, along with a general upward movement of the treeline across both eastern and western parts of the region. These findings highlight the urgent need for adaptive forest management and conservation strategies to mitigate the projected impacts of climate change on Oriental spruce ecosystems. Keywords: Climate change; oriental spruce (Picea orientalis); Eastern Black Sea region; forest ecosystems; bark beetle; Turkey
© Acta Botanica Caucasica, 2026