The study was conducted in southern Portugal (383202400 to
384703300N, 081303300 to 075504500W), in an area of about
50,000 ha (Fig. 1). Climate is Mediterranean, with mean daily temperature
ranging from 5.8 C to 12.8 C in winter, and from 16.3 C
to 30.2 C in summer; annual rainfall averages 609.4 mm and is
concentrated in October–March (Évora 1971–2000; IPMA, 2012).
The relief is undulating (150–430 m above sea level) and the landscape
is largely dominated (50%) by open to closed cork oak
(Quercus suber) and holm oak (Q. rotundifolia) forests, where the
understory may be herbaceous or shrubby depending primarily
on grazing pressure. Understory shrubs are also frequently
removed mechanically to reduce fire risk and for providing easy access
to livestock. Agricultural areas are also important (45%),
comprising mainly dry arable land and pastureland, with or without
sparse oaks trees, and olive orchards and vineyards.