Changes of a sand dune system and vegetation between 1950 and 2015 on Velika plaža (Montenegro, E Mediterranean)

Abstract

The aim of our work is the diachronic analysis, over the past more than 60 years, of the vegetation changes in sand dunes along east Adriatic coast. We made transect surveys to detect zonation of sand dune plant communities and compared aerial photos from years 1950 and 1979 and habitat map from 2015 for landscape changes. We identified 9 plant communities, further classified into 7 EU habitats. The results show an increase of forested areas, mostly pine plantations and urban areas that were absent in 1950s. Significant decrease in area is evident in the vegetation of sand dunes, wetlands, and grasslands due to newly appeared roads, parking facilities, urban and ruderal areas. Roads and touristic facilities are also reason for fragmentation of sand dunes. Study of sand dunes changes shows differences in habitat distribution and spatial extent as results of human activities in last decades. Such historical analyses are important for management and conservation strategies of sandy coasts.