Fauna in Phoenix palm trees – results from a full year monitoring in southern Spain

This study aimed to monitor the invertebrate and vertebrate fauna occurring on and associated with ornamental palms of the genus Phoenix, over the course of one year. The term ‘ornamental palm’ in this context refers to the type of trees (i.e. non-native, planted palm trees) rather than their current use at the study sites. Five different locations and settings were chosen in southern Spain, as a representative Mediterranean region where ornamental palms are commonly used. Monitoring methods were applied monthly in order to assess the vertebrates and invertebrates associated with the full seasonal cycle of palms, including flowering and fruiting.