Abstract
With the aim of improving the floristic knowledge of Kosovo, here we present an inventory of the plant taxa recorded and collected between the March 2015 and September 2019, in the mountain massif of Luboten, Sharri Mts., SE Kosovo. Field surveys were conducted repeatedly for four years, on each vegetation season. With this work we aimed to provide detailed data concerning the vascular flora richness and distributional patterns. Floristic samples were studied in all representative habitats and sites, concerning climate, exposition, altitude and bedrock composition. This research led to the identification of a total 853 plant taxa of vascular plants, belonging to 354 genera and 93 families. Among these taxa, 82 are Balkan endemics and 53 are included into the Red Book of Vascular Flora of Kosovo. Out of them, 4 are critically endangered, 16 endangered, 3 vulnerable, 8 near threatened and 22 least concern. On the basis of the available floristic literature, 2 plant taxa are found to be new for Kosovo: Bromopsis cappadocica subsp. cappadocica and Pilosella macrotricha. At a national scale, we have found new distribution records for 17 taxa and additionally for 2 plant taxa: Ranunculus fontanus and Sesleria wettsteinii, conservation suggestions are provided. All natural habitats were classified according to EUNIS and their floristic richness is herein provided. Furthermore, the corresponding EUNIS habitat(s) for each taxon of where it was recorded to be growing are also indicated.
Highlights
In terms of scientific knowledge and conservation measures, floristic studies are of substantial importance (Calabrese et al 2018; Gentry 1978)
Due to its high altitudes, Luboten is predominantly characterized by a typical mountain with alpine climates (Rexhepi 1984), whilst its weather differing from other mountain massifs in the chain of Sharri Mountains
Certain plant taxa were not mention in any of these references, but those taxa were mentioned in the “Floras of Serbia”, so we did not indicate as new floristic data
Summary
In terms of scientific knowledge and conservation measures, floristic studies are of substantial importance (Calabrese et al 2018; Gentry 1978). In the context of plant taxa richness and natural habitat diversity in Kosovo, Sharri Mts. represent a valuable and rather substantial biodiversity centre for Kosovo but for the whole Balkan Peninsula (Millaku et al 2013; Micevski & Matevski 1987; Stevanović et al 2007; Tomović et al 2014) This mountain chain is estimated to be home of more than 1700 vascular plant taxa (Anonymous 2014b) and 115 and 128 Balkan endemics in two corresponding UTM squares - DM87 and DM97 respectively (Tomović et al 2014). (2.498 m a.s.l) and as a mountain area it is characterized by unique highmountain ecosystem with a diverse regional montane to alpine flora, with plenty of endemorelic and glacial plant taxa It differs from the surrounding mountain ranges in its bedrock composition, being mainly limestone with small and scattered silicate plates, that in other parts of the Sharri Mts. are more dominant (Anonymous 2013). Due to its high altitudes, Luboten is predominantly characterized by a typical mountain with alpine climates (Rexhepi 1984), whilst its weather differing from other mountain massifs in the chain of Sharri Mountains
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
