Phytogeographical Analysis and Ecological Factors of the Distribution of Orchidaceae Taxa in the Western Carpathians (Local study).

Lukáš Wittlinger,Lucia Petrikovičová

doi:10.3390/plants10030588

Lukáš Wittlinger, Lucia Petrikovičová

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030588

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Abstract

In the years 2018–2020, we carried out large-scale mapping in the Western Carpathians with a focus on determining the biodiversity of taxa of the family Orchidaceae using field biogeographical research. We evaluated the research using phytogeographic analysis with an emphasis on selected ecological environmental factors (substrate: ecological land unit value, soil reaction (pH), terrain: slope (°), flow and hydrogeological productivity (m2.s−1) and average annual amounts of global radiation (kWh.m–2). A total of 19 species were found in the area, of which the majority were Cephalenthera longifolia, Cephalenthera damasonium and Anacamptis morio. Rare findings included Epipactis muelleri, Epipactis leptochila and Limodorum abortivum. We determined the ecological demands of the abiotic environment of individual species by means of a functional analysis of communities. The research confirmed that most of the orchids that were studied occurred in acidified, calcified and basophil locations. From the location of the distribution of individual populations, it is clear that they are generally arranged compactly and occasionally scattered, which results in ecological and environmental diversity. During the research, we identified 129 localities with the occurrence of 19 species and subspecies of orchids. We identify the main factors that threaten them and propose specific measures to protect vulnerable populations.

Highlights

We focus on taxa of the family Orchidaceae, which react very sensitively to changes in the environment
Some authors [5] state that most orchids belong among calcific to basophilic species. We investigated whether these statements applied in general to the territory of the Western Carpathians
Cephalanthera damasonium, Cephalanthera longifolia, Cephalanthera rubra and Anacamptis morio could be included among the species with the highest ecological amplitude within the studied area

Summary

Introduction

Human activity and its impact on the natural environment have a significant impact on biological systems. These activities have a negative impact on wild fauna and flora, disrupting the links and relationships between these systems. Anthropogenic interventions that cause their direct retreat can include uprooting in gardens and the use of phytotherapeutic effects, but indirect interventions are more significant, such as the intensification of agriculture, forestry, land drainage, soil compaction, etc. In such cases, the protection of biodiversity is an important part of our understanding. In the Slovak Republic, all species of wild orchids are protected except Neottia nidus-avis, and they are included in the Red

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