Population size changed dramatically over succession (Fig. 3A). In the projection, the successional process of the population starts with 238 individuals originated through resprouting as estimated byf ₆ at time t = 0 (Fig. 2D). Then, it reaches its maximum size of 2063 individuals in the fourth year; this figure consists of the original resprouts present at successional age 0 plus those resprouts and recruits added over this period (Fig. 2D). After this maximum, a rapid decline begins until the population becomes locally extinct by year 38, as it reaches the one individual mark. However, it must be noted that the population size predicted by the model is considerably larger than that observed in the early years of succession and considerably smaller than that observed at more advanced successional stages.

The population growth rate, λ, also showed marked differences along the successional gradient (Fig. 3B). Over the first three years of succession, the growth rate was positive, with a maximum value of 3.54 in the first year. From the fourth year onwards, a decrease in the population began, with the lowest growth rate in year 29, with a value of 0.65. Thereafter, a slower population decline started until reaching local population extinction (dotted line in Fig. 3B).

The population size structure also underwent important changes over succession (Fig. 3C). At the beginning of the process, the size structure was dominated by small trees. Subsequently, between approximately 10 and 30 years of succession, the population was mainly composed of trees between 5 and 7.5 m in height. Finally, from about year 30 onwards, it is again medium-sized individuals, between 5 and 3 m, that survive in the final years of the population’s existence.