Protection of floristic diversity in the Sajna River valley – in view of the planned construction of hydroelectric power station in Sarkajmy

Abstract

Abstract The study was carried out to determine the floristic diversity in the Sajna River valley, in the region of direct and indirect impact of the hydroelectric power station planned to be built in the village of Sarkajmy. Phytosociological diversity of plant communities and floristic diversity were analysed taking into account the predicted influence of the planned power station on the Sajna River. The study was performed in 2010 using field methods and GIS localisation of analysed sites. 73 phytosociological surveys were made and particular floristic patches were identified. Global Positioning System (GPS) surveys were used to delimit the different plant communities and spot the sites of protected plant species. Thirteen plant communities were identified in the study area, five of which are of European importance that require protection within Natura 2000 sites. This group of plant communities comprises four forest plant communities (Salicetum albo-fragilis, Ficario-Ulmetum, Tilio-Carpinetum, Acer platanoides-Tilia cordata) and one herbaceous community (Urtico-Calystegietum). One species under strict protection (Daphne mezereum L.) and five species under partial protection (Viburnum opulus L., Ribes nigrum L., Asarum europaeum L., Eurhynchium angustirete (Broth.) T.J.Kop., Eurhynchium striatum (Schreb. ex Hedw.) Schimp.) were noted. The presence of valuable natural habitats and protected species in the Sajna River valley indicates the natural potential of the area and illustrates its biological diversity. The studied area is threatened by negative impact of the hydroelectric power station planned to be built on the Sajna River, since water damming will flood the river terrace that will lead to the formation of a 7.25 ha pond of.