Vegetation Dynamics of Coastal Dunes with Juniperus spp. in Crete, Gavdos and Chrysi Islands (Greece)

Abstract

We aimed to determine the composition, structure and ecological processes of the vegetation of the coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. in Crete, Gavdos and Chrysi in the South Aegean, Greece, in order to apply sound habitat management and restoration. Vegetation composition, structure and zonation were investigated with plots and transects. Data from seven study sites were classified using TWINSPAN. The major patterns of the vegetation data and their relation to environmental variables were explored by DCA and CCA ordination techniques. Ellenberg indicators for moisture, nutrients, and salt were used to characterise the community types identified. The habitat’s floristic composition includes 142 plant species. Five principal community types were identified. Vegetation distribution was related to geomorphology and disturbance gradients. The analysis of transect data identified 20 vegetation units on incipient dune, foredune, interdune and hind dune. Vegetation and geomorphological data were used to construct sand dune profiles for each site, while a set of 36 keystone and 76 indicator species were identified. The sites examined have varied levels of dune development and face different threats. Habitat management should address grazing and trampling at the local level but also land use changes at the catchment level.