Plant biodiversity hotspots mapping and prioritization in the Bulgarian floristic region Eastern Balkan Mountains

Stoyan Vergiev Stoyan Vergiev

doi:10.30574/gscbps.2021.17.1.0295

Abstract

The main goal of the present study was to create a dynamic map of plant biodiversity hotspots of the Bulgarian floristic region Eastern Balkan Mountains. A GIS model, as well as a weighted value scheme for scoring each area, were created in order to identify and to prioritize the hotspots. A total number of defined hot spots of phytodiversity was 34. They were categorized into five classes, based on the cumulative weighted value scheme, and were indicated on the map using color scale. The territories into category I predominated, contrary to preceding investigations of the Black Sea coast and northeastern Bulgaria where category V predominated. In addition, an attempt to refine the borders of the floristic region was made.

Highlights

Holistic approach of biodiversity management is based on loss reduction under limited financial and human resources [1]
The aims of the present study were 1) to prepare a map of hot spots of plant biodiversity for the floristic region Eastern Balkan Mountains and 2) to develop a regional scheme for assessment, classification, and prioritization of natural areas based on the concept of hot spots of plant biodiversity
The established total number of plant species found in the region was 1723. 785 of them had a score of 0 points

Summary

Introduction

Holistic approach of biodiversity management is based on loss reduction under limited financial and human resources [1]. Fundamental task of conservation biology is species and their habitats identification and prioritization [2] in order to focus limited public financial resources to the most endangered species and areas [1, 3]. The concept of plant biodiversity hotspots was created for global use [8, 9, 10], it can be applied in local and regional scale after improvement [11]. Local hot spots conception is useful tool for assessing the vulnerability of habitats, annual monitoring, distribution and protection of plants, as well as for the creation of long-term strategies for development and protection of phytoresources and habitats [12]

Objectives

Methods

Results