Additional Glacial Relicts in Carei Plain Natural Protected Area, North-Western Romania

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents new scientific data on the spread of mountain elements in the plains of the northwestern part of Romania, species that managed to survive in this area since the last glacial period. Previous studies revealed that the northwestern part of Romania does not exhibit vegetation specific to the region of forest steppe, hills or low mountain areas, as expected. Many species common to mountainous regions were previously observed not only in Carei Plain, but also in Ier Plain, Tur Plain, Tăşnad Hills or Oaş region across Satu Mare, Bihor and Sălaj counties. The same observations were made in other parts of Carei Plain in Hungary, and conclusions were drawn that the area was a glacial refuge. On the Hungarian side of the Carei Plain, the ecosystems were also better preserved comparative to the Romanian side, where most of the natural ecosystems of the Carei Plain were destroyed due to the conversion to agricultural land starting with the 19th century and culminating in the communist period during the 20th century. The study is also intended to be a complement to the data on "Natura 2000" sites, whose goal is the protection of biodiversity in Europe along with their conservation in the most favorable conditions. An update of these sites is becoming increasingly necessary since in recent decades they have been greatly impacted by human activities.