Changes In Floristic Composition Research Articles

Land use/land cover and plant community dynamics in the Benin's forest reserves: The effectiveness of participatory forest management

Assessing Participatory Forest Management (PFM) is crucial to design sustainable conservation biodiversity policies. Such assessments often prioritize PFM's impact on livelihoods and deforestation, overlooking the spatial and biodiversity dimensions. Thus underscores the need for tools like Land Use/Land Cover Change (LULCC) overviews and forest diversity assessments. Here, we integrated LULCC of fours forests reserves (Wari-maro Mont-Kouffé, Agoua, Goungoun and Lama), taxonomic (alpha index) and temporal beta diversity index to provide insight into PFM effectiveness over thirty-five years (1986–2021). Landsat MSS (1986), SPOT (2005) and Sentinel 2b (2021) satellite images were used to assess the LULCC, via supervised classification and visual interpretation. Temporal dynamics of trees diversity was evaluated using forest inventory data from two years (2007 and 2023). A linear regression was performed to identify the anthropogenic factors (fire, grazing, distance from villages to forests) driving temporal changes in floristic composition. We found a decline in forests area which was more critical after the implementation of PFM (2005 and 2021), with a slight decline in species diversity (1.80 ± 0.68 in 2007 and 1.65 ± 0.56 in 2023). PFM efficiency was higher in larger forests, which have experienced less deforestation than smaller ones. Significant variations in forest land cover were observed among forests from 1986 to 2021, particularly in Agoua (26.76% and 52.13% between 1986 and 2005 and 2005–2021 respectively) and Wari-maro Mont-Kouffé (1.96% and 0.16% between 1986 and 2005 and 2005–2021 respectively). There was a significant decline in trees density from 2007 (252 trees/ha) to 2023 (155 trees/ha), while tree diameter (15 to 22 cm) and height (8 to 12 m) have increased between 2007 and 2023. The foristic composition of forests has changed, with an overall downward trend in diversity, affected by forest fires. The study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of PFM as a conservation policy.

Shrub encroachment in semi-arid rangelands of southwestern Buenos Aires, Argentina does not affect plant diversity and composition

Shrub encroachment in semi-arid rangelands is a phenomenon associated with changes in floristic composition, loss of diversity and ecosystem degradation, enhanced by inappropriate grazing practices. However, the outcome depends on the species' identity and the management carried out. The objective of this study was to evaluate shrub species dynamics and their effect on plant community composition in a Monte rangeland of Argentina, under conservative grazing management at two different working scales. During two years, ground-based vegetation and soil cover measurements were performed in patches with and without shrubs using Daubenmire and Canfield's methods. Herbaceous and woody species recorded were classified according to their functional traits and forage value. Specific richness, Shannon's diversity index and Pielou's evenness were calculated. At a larger-scale evaluation, Sentinel-2A satellite images from year 2016–2022 were classified into three cover classes to evaluate the shrub encroachment process. Although an increase in shrub presence was observed over the years at both scales no effect was found on the diversity and specific composition, nor on the occurrence of forage species. Shrub presence promotes the coexistence of species with different functional traits and creates favorable conditions for soil protection and the establishment of desirable species for livestock purposes.

Palynofloral Change Through the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum in the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming

AbstractTo better understand the effect of the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) on continental ecosystems, we studied 40 new palynological samples from the Bighorn Basin (BHB), northwestern Wyoming, USA. We see palm and fern abundances increase in the last 20–40 ka of the Paleocene, then dramatically with the onset of the carbon isotope excursion (CIE) defining the base of the PETM. Palynomorphs of plant groups with modern temperate climate distributions are absent from the CIE body, and this is when tropical plants are most diverse and abundant. During the CIE recovery, pollen of mesophytic/wetland plants become more common while tropical taxa persist. In the post‐CIE early Eocene tropical taxa are rare and temperate forms abundant, similar to the late but not latest Paleocene. Changes in the palynoflora are more easily detected if reworked palynomorphs are removed from analyses. We interpret palynofloral changes to indicate warming in the latest Paleocene, rapid warming and drying with the CIE onset, dry tropical climates through the CIE body, a return to wetter floodplains during a very warm CIE recovery, and cooler wet conditions in the post‐PETM early Eocene. These inferences are consistent with geochemical and paleobotanical proxies. Strikingly similar patterns in the palynoflora and megaflora suggest changes in vegetation were a basin‐wide phenomenon. These rapid, climatically forced changes in floral composition occurred without major extinction, perhaps indicating nearby refugia in which plants adapted to cooler and wetter climates persisted through the PETM.

The plant community of a stretch of riparian vegetation in the upper Paraná River after 20 years of secondary succession (Batayporã, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil)

The study of temporal changes in riparian vegetation is essential for understanding the paths taken by the ecosystem during ecological succession. In order to evaluate the changes in floristic composition, structure, and dynamics of the arboreal vegetation in an area of Semideciduous Seasonal Alluvial Forest, we aim to understand the secondary succession that occurs in the Paraná River floodplain. Based on a study conducted 20 years ago, in the municipality of Batayporã, Mato Grosso do Sul, a re-sampling was carried out in the same area, using the same methodology. Phytosociological and ecological parameters between the two temporal samplings were collected and compared using Student's ‘t’ test, where it was possible to find statistically significant variations (p<0.05) in the vegetation structure. A total of 603 individuals were sampled, distributed among 51 species and grouped in 46 genera and 31 families. The analysis of the distribution of abundance and importance values (IV) of species visualized in the histogram indicated an expected pattern in forest communities, which is the substitution of early successional species for late successional species. For the successional categories, the comparison of IVs revealed higher values for secondary species in both surveys and changes in the positions of climax and pioneer species, directly influencing the IVs values of these categories for the zones. When compared to the result obtained in the previous study, a replacement of the IV values of pioneer species with climax and dead species is noted. The comparisons showed that this phytocoenosis is evolving to a mature successional stage, a result of the decrease in the main anthropic impacts in the area. The results obtained highlight the importance of temporal monitoring of forest areas to expand the understanding of the pathways of ecological succession in this type of environment and provide information to assist in biodiversity conservation.

Changes in the Nardus grasslands in the (Sub)Alpine Zone of Western Carpathians over the last decades

Nardus stricta dominated grassland is a specific habitat occurring on the nutrient-poor soils. Its large areas were formed as a result of livestock grazing. However, landscape management underwent significant changes over the last decades including grazing cessation. This triggered successional processes leading to considerable changes in floristic composition reported from numerous European regions. We focused on this phenomenon in the Western Carpathian high mountains, where the issue was not studied sufficiently. Our research, based on pairwise comparison of 19 historical and recent phytocoenological relevés, confirmed changes here. These include (i) decrease in cover of some diagnostic species of Nardetea strictae class, especially Nardus stricta, (ii) increase in competitively strong species with their high biomass productivity, (iii) shift in floristic composition indicating conversion of Nardion strictae vegetation into other communities, especially those of Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea class, (iv) increase in Shannon-Wiener index values and (v) enrichment of originally oligotrophic grasslands with some nutrient-demanding species, mainly at lower altitudes and decrease in light-demanding species.

Changes in floristic composition, diversity and anthropogenic perturbations in an east African tropical forest

AbstractWe assessed changes in floristic composition, diversity and anthropogenic activities in an East African forest; Echuya Central Forest Reserve (ECFR). Using 272 permanent sample plots, comparisons between 2015 and 2021 were made. Twenty‐two tree species were recorded with Macaranga capensis being the most dominant. Tree species density increased significantly from 152 stems/ha in 2015 to 306 stems/ha in 2021. Similarly, trees basal area increased significantly from 19 m2/ha in 2015 to 38 m2/ha in 2021. The bamboo stem density decreased significantly from 11,931 stems/ha in 2015 to 1807 stems/ha in 2021. Shrubs, lianas, vines and herbs' densities did not show significant differences between 2015 and 2021. Furthermore, a number of human activities significantly increased from 22 activities per hectare in 2015 to 83 per hectare in 2021. The Non‐Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) ordination shows that the human activities with the strongest impact on tree species composition and basal areas were fuelwood collection, human trails, livestock grazing and pole cutting. In conclusion, ECFR is floristically poor; secondary forest tree species are replacing the bamboo forest and human activities could be negatively affecting the ECFR flora. We recommend interventions of increasing people's livelihood incomes to decrease their dependence on forest resources.

Productivity of Water Meadows under Haymaking in the Mid-Stream of the Ob River

The productivity of water meadows was studied in the middle stream of the Ob River by direct in situ measurements of the live and dead components of phytomass/biomass, the features of the active layer in natural ecosystems, and the patterns of plant organic matter and productivity (NPP) in different plant communities, micro-landscapes, and underlying soils. The study was conducted across different ecosystems along two profiles in the floodplain: (i) in the conditions of haymaking and (ii) in all natural ecosystems. The study revealed drastic changes in floristic composition at two profiles (catenas) both in the structure of plant communities and in productivity/NPP at different levels of the floodplain. The maximum diversity of vegetation was found in pristine natural ecosystems. Haymaking leads to an increase in the part of perennial turf grasses and sedges and decrease in the part of motley grasses. The maximum stocks of above-ground biomass (1450 g/m2) and below-ground biomass (3380 g/m2) were found in topographic depressions dominated by sedges. Haymaking causes pressure on the formation of root systems in dry and wet (swampy) meadows, which in turn leads to a decrease in the below-ground component of plant biomass. The total stock of plant phytomass/biomass increases from the upper points to the lower points in the floodplain profile: from 2991 to 4565 g/m2 with haymaking and from 3370 to 4060 g/m2 across the natural ecosystems. The NPP decreases by 12% in the upper and by 5% in the middle parts of the catena under haymaking, but it does not change in the lower part of catena as compared to all natural ecosystems.

Biocultural, Productive, and Ecocentric Restoration in La Mintzita Spring-fed Wetland, Michoacán, México

<h3>ABSTRACT</h3> The increasing loss of wetlands at the global scale demands immediate response by improving management practices and ecological restoration. When people degrade wetlands, environmental restoration must overcome biotic and economic barriers that can be considerable. We assessed the floristic composition of a wetland subjected to anthropic disturbances and expansion of invasive species, then compared our results with historical data from 2005 to 2015. The result revealed that changes in floristic composition and dominant native and invasive dominant species occurred during this 16-year period. In the dry season, we found significant differences in species richness between the years 2005 and 2021, with a significant reduction in species richness in the latter year. This loss of species richness represents an unfavorable change in the floristic composition trajectory, which we explain as an effect of sustained anthropic disturbance. Floristic data from the rainy season was not conclusive. <i>Typha domingensis</i>, and the invasives <i>Phragmites australis</i> and <i>Festuca arundinacea</i> have been favored by disturbances and increased their cover at the expense of other wetland species, reducing the wetland’s floristic diversity. Our objective was to redirect the floristic composition trajectory in the La Mintzita wetland by proposing management strategies for controlling the above-mentioned species based on three ecological restoration strategies: biocultural (targeting simultaneously the loss of biodiversity and of traditional use of <i>Typha</i>), productive (to control expansion of <i>P. australis</i> which has no traditional use in the region, we propose a new use), and ecocentric (to control <i>F. arundinacea</i> and recover native species cover).

New insights into Silurian–Devonian palaeophytogeography

The Silurian–Devonian plant radiation was an event triggered by the progressive colonization of subaerial habitats. Nevertheless, it is still unclear whether this radiation was globally uniform or whether alternative diversification scenarios emerged depending on the geographical context. Here, we report on early land plant diversity patterns across different previously defined palaeogeographical units (i.e., Laurussia, Siberia, Kazakhstania, NE, NW and South Gondwana). Results reveal apparent diachronous events of diversification and extinction partly resulting from uneven sampling effort, especially in Gondwana. Global diversity patterns are most similar to the Laurussian curve suggesting that the observed global dynamics are mostly controlled by the historically best-sampled continents. Nevertheless, changes in floral composition through time become less prone to sampling biases, and reveal geographical disparities that indicate a non-random distribution of the Silurian–Devonian vegetation. Consequently, we further performed a set of multivariate analyses to revisit the palaeophytogeographical signal through four time-intervals (i.e., Silurian–Lochkovian, Pragian–Emsian, Middle and Late Devonian), which revealed that spatial differentiation of vegetation was mainly controlled by climatic conditions and to a lesser extent geographical barriers. Most importantly, we find the maximum provincialism during cooler periods such as during the Silurian–Lochkovian and Middle Devonian, whilst warmer periods (Pragian–Emsian and Late Devonian) coincided with increased cosmopolitanism among early land plants.

Early Jurassic dinosaur-dominated track assemblages, floristic and environmental changes in the Holy Cross Mountains region, Poland

The Early Jurassic succession of the Holy Cross Mountains region in Poland offers a rare opportunity to study ecosystem complexity during the evolution and diversification of early dinosaurs, especially herbivorous ones. The section consists of continental and coastal deposits containing fossil assemblages spanning nearly 25 My of changes in terrestrial plants and some groups of invertebrates and tetrapods. Based on macrofossils and pollen and spores, the broader characteristics of the flora in this succession are presented. The floral assemblages show typical Early Jurassic characteristics and contain lycopsids, sphenopsids, ferns, cycadaleans, bennettitaleans, gnetaleans and ginkgoaleans, as well as conifers, and are similar to other Hettangian–Toarcian floral successions in Europe, showing the presence of a vast coniferous forest dominated by Hirmeriella in the early Hettangian, replaced by ginkgophyte-dominated floras in younger stages and araucarian conifer-dominated forests in the late Pliensbachian. Dinosaurs are documented mainly from their trace fossils (tracks and coprolites). Six distinct track assemblages (stratigraphically separated ichnoassemblages) of different ages can be identified. Current evidence indicates that while Anomoepus tracks are abundant throughout the long Hettangian–late Pliensbachian interval, medium-sized to large ornithischian tracks do not occur below the lower–middle Hettangian transition zone, associated with the first major marine transgression in the region. Hettangian strata with different theropod tracks ( Grallator, Anchisauripus, Eubrontes, Kayentapus , cf. Megalosauripus ), small Anomoepus tracks, numerous medium-sized Anomoepus -like tracks, Moyenisauropus tracks, tetradactyl tracks of sauropodomorphs (cf. Pseudotetrasauropus ) and oval-shaped tracks of sauropods ( Parabrontopodus ) significantly contrast with the higher part of the Lower Jurassic succession (upper Pliensbachian Drzewica Formation and middle–upper Toarcian Borucice Formation) containing new types of medium-sized to large theropod tracks ( Therangospodus ), small and medium-sized bird-like tridactyl tracks (cf. Trisauropodiscus , cf. Anomoepus ), exceptionally large, oval-shaped sauropod tracks ( Sauropoda indet.), and new types of medium-sized and large ornithischian tracks (cf. Deltapodus , cf. Anomoepus ). This points to a noticeable difference between the Hettangian and late Pliensbachian–Toarcian dinosaur ichnofaunas and may facilitate the study of regional and global changes and correlations. Both the palaeofloras and dinosaur trace fossils document ecosystem diversity and ecosystem changes, presented here in review form. The nature of these changes requires more detailed study, but preliminary results suggest the occurrence of rather complex and pronounced transformations in the dinosaur communities of the Holy Cross Mountains region. Based on our observations, the most significant event in Early Jurassic ecosystems took place within the Hettangian (change in floristic composition, the emergence of new groups of dinosaurs), but we also found what we believe to be a record of a major faunal turnover across the late Pliensbachian–middle–late Toarcian interval.

Soil Biological Activity, Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics in Modified Coffee Agroforestry Systems in Mexico

(1) Background: Coffee agroforestry systems (CAFS) in Veracruz, Mexico, are being displaced by avocado monocultures due to their high economic value. This change can generate alterations in the type of organic residues produced and soil biological activity (SBA) which is sensitive to climatic variations, changes in floristic composition, and agronomic management. It can be evaluated through soil respiration and macrofauna, both related to soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics. The objective was to: (1) Analyze the variation of SBA as well as the C and N dynamics in modified coffee agroforestry systems; (2) Methods: Three CAFS (renewed, intensive pruning, and with the introduction of avocados) and an avocado plantation were compared. The evaluations were conducted during the period 2017–2019. Soil parameters (respiration, macrofauna, C and N contents) and C content of plant biomass were measured in plots of 25 × 25 m2 from three soil depths in triplicate. Spearman’s test and a principal component analysis were performed to determine the structural dependence on C and N dynamics; (3) Results: The introduction of avocado showed the lowest soil respiration values (with 193 g CO2 ha−1 h−1 at 0–10 cm depth), this system did not display soil macrofauna and increased soil organic carbon content. The soil C/N ratio was sensitive to the introduction of avocado. Correlation between soil respiration and litter-related parameters was positive, but it was negatively correlated with soil organic matter and total soil nitrogen, explaining 67.7% of the variation; (4) Conclusions: Modification of CAFS generated variations in the SBA and soil C and N contents.

Human-derived effects and failure in management drive coastal urban foredune degradation and novel vegetation structure

Urbanization can drive significant decay in species diversity and abundance; in dune ecosystems the composition changes at a pace with changes in spatial fragmentation. Infrastructure deployment and human activities may provoke synergistically a reduction in dune patch size and/or habitat loss and thus a potential for rapid establishment of exotic species, producing a ‘novel’ habitat configuration. In this study we examine the effects of coastal urbanization and associated human activities in foredune patch fragmentation and changes in floristic composition and abundance in an urban-rural gradient. Using samples from a recently bulldozed and managed urban foredune area, we assess the legacy of erroneous practices associated with planting of exotic species in urban settings. We found a significant increase in foredune fragmentation, estimated as the occurrence of marks left by vehicles (4WD, 2WD) and people in foredunes close to or within urban settings. A marked change from native to non-native plant species was found from rural to urban environments, with non-native species contributing to increase species richness in urban settings. A positive relationship of non-native species with level of foredunes fragmentation was found. Dominance of non-native species was persistent through time in altered foredune patches. Our findings showed that incorporation of non-native species for aesthetic or engineering purposes in bulldozed foredunes, could limit colonization of native species through rapid establishment and complete dominance of non-native ones. Historical activities associated with coastal infrastructure upgrades seem to configure the present foredune floristic pattern present in urbanized coasts. Management strategies correcting past erroneous actions and promoting foredune rehabilitation could help the conservation of services that these ‘novel’ habitats provide in coastal urban environments.

Fire effects on Atlantic Forest sites from a composition, structure and functional perspective.

Recently, some portions of the Atlantic Forest biome have been suffering an increase in forest fires, possibly changing its vegetation cover, composition, structure and functioning. Understanding these changes is critical to evaluate the present and future response of tropical forests to fire. Thus, the purpose of our study was to evaluate how diversity, structure and functioning of tree communities differed between burned and unburned sites. Two unburned and two burned forest patches were selected for floristic and phytosociological surveys. Then, we calculated species richness, Shannon diversity index, tree density and basal area, Importance Value Index for trees in each site and we assessed community weighted mean of six functional traits (maximum tree height, wood density, leaf length, leaf deciduousness, shade tolerance and dispersal mode). Diversity, species richness, tree density and basal area were similar between sites. We found changes in floristic composition, but did not verified variations in functional traits. Results indicate that recovery may be fast and that pioneer and early secondary species are occupying post burned sites (nine years old). One-time anthropogenic, superficial and low intensity fires might disrupt advanced stages of succession and start again the dynamics of species substitution.

Floristic and Structure of Woody Vegetation in a Caatinga Area Between 2015 and 2019, in ASSÚ/RN

To characterize the floristic composition and horizontal structure of the National Forest of Açú from 2015 to 2019, 20 permanent plots of 400 m² were allocated, and all woody individuals with a diameter at breast height (CBH) ≥ 2 cm were measured on both occasions. Between 2015 and 2019, there was an increase in floristic richness from 23 to 34 species, especially Cenostigma pyramidale and Handroanthus impetiginosus due to their high phytosociological values. Although an 8.7% reduction in the number of individuals in the 4.4 cm class center was observed between the respective years, there was a volumetric increase of 4.85 m³ ha-1, that is 1.21 m³ ha-1 year-1. Changes in floristic composition, diameter distribution, and volumetry reflect the development of vegetation and part of its dynamics; indicating its state of conservation and, consequently, the achievement of the conservation objectives proposed by the Unit.

Herbological and agrotechnological approaches to weeding plants in modern flax growing

The article presents the main trends of weed floristic composition change in flax crops, associated with the development of agrotechnical methods of this crop cultivation. It is shown that the development of scientific and technical support for the flax industry contributes to a more complete satisfaction of culture with all factors of life and enhances its competitive ability. So, the phytocenotic role of many segetal weeds present in crops decreases, up to their complete loss from agrophytocenosis. They considered the actual weediness of flax crops and the biological effectiveness of various preparations and their compositions to prevent weeds.

Changes of rock glacier vegetation in 25 years of climate warming in the Italian Alps

Rock glaciers are periglacial landforms sensitive to climate change, and a harsh environment for vegetation colonization due to the potential occurrence of surface instability. Changes of rock glacier vegetation would provide evidence of the importance of climate change impacts, as the limitation provided by physical disturbance could be overcome by plant responses to warming.We assess, through the resurvey of ten rock glaciers (six active, four inactive) in the Italian Central Alps, the vegetation changes in response to 25 years of climate warming. Vegetation was analyzed through the phytosociological method in 1995 and 2020 adopting the same field protocol for both surveys with 1208 relevés. The relation with climate was assessed by multivariate analysis.Air warming occurred in the study area and vegetation changed both in active and inactive rock glaciers, with increases of species richness, cover, changes in floristic composition. After 25 years the differences between active and inactive rock glaciers persisted but with an appreciable decrease mainly due to the larger vegetation changes showed by active rock glaciers. The multivariate analysis confirmed the relation between vegetation changes and air warming. The observed vegetation changes were compatible also with the impact of the decrease of the physical disturbance limitation likely due rock glacier stabilization, in particular for the active rock glaciers located at lower elevations, while the opposite trend could be hypothesized for those at higher elevations. The changes of floristic composition allowed assess that a gap-filling process, instead of species upward migration, produced the vegetation changes, with species persistence coupled to the recruitment of new species from the neighbor communities. Persistence of climate warming in future could lead to vegetation homogenization and biodiversity loss due to the extinction debt of several alpine species.

Effects of invasive alien species on riparian vegetation over a 20-year time-lapse: a case study from the Tiber river in Central Italy

ABSTRACT Invasive alien species (IAS) have a severe impact on indigenous vegetation globally, including in riparian ecosystems, which are already subject to severe natural and anthropogenic modifications. This paper presents a case study of the long-term impact of IAS that was carried out on the banks of the Tiber River near Lake Alviano in Central Italy. We compared the vegetation composition from 1998 and 2020, to record IAS invasion after a time-lapse of 22 years. We performed 48 phytosociological relevés in 2020, using the same method that had been used in 1998 (with 46 relevés). The importance of IAS in determining the changes in floristic composition and vegetation dynamics was quantified using chorology, life forms and Ellenberg’s ecological indicator values. Results of our multivariate analysis revealed that Paspalum distichum L. and Amorpha fruticosa L. are the most impactful species, due to their ecological traits that make them highly competitive in disturbed environments. Ellenberg’s indicator values show that the habitat has shifted towards increased eutrophication and warming. The multivariate analysis confirmed a change in species composition and therefore in vegetation, leading to a more monotonous habitat with completely different vegetation types than before. Finally, the consequences for Natura 2000 habitats were assessed. Key policy insights IAS drastically changed and reduced the cover of native vegetation species between 1998 and 2020, changing the environment from an herbaceous marshy vegetation type to a more homogeneous shrubland. The analysed habitat increased in eutrophication driven by 22 years of overgrazing and by the establishment of a nitrogen-fixing IAS (Amorpha fruticosa L.). The most impactful IAS were Paspalum distichum L. and Amorpha fruticosa L. Some IAS (e.g. Paspalum distichum L.) are currently considered characteristic species of some N2000 habitats (e.g. 3280 and 3290), presenting a paradox of the negative effects of invasions and evidencing a gap in the inclusion of important native communities in the EU Habitats Directive worthy and in need of protection.

Changes in Floristic Composition of Meadow Phytocenoses on the Anthropogenically Eroded Slope

It is noted that the solution of geoecological problems largely depends on the availability of reliable and comprehensive information about the state of the geosystem and its development trends. The paper presents ecological-dynamic series reflecting changes in the floristic composition of meadow phytocenoses on the anthropogenically eroded slope under conditions of a developing landslide in 2000–2019. The data obtained make it possible to assess the degree of disturbance of the geosystem and can be used to plan economic and environmental protection measures. The article notes to reduce the anthropogenic load on such easily vulnerable biogeosystems as floodplain meadows located on a landslide slope near the built-up area, first of all it is necessary to identify the boundaries of the water protection zone and the coastal protective zone in the site of landslide process, to provide soil consolidation and to restore the vegetation cover, to organize groundwater discharge points on slope, to catch and to organize and surface runoff treatment. It is important to carry out engineering measures for monitoring the landslide development in order to prevent the adverse consequences.

The Effects of Landscape Change on Plant Diversity and Structure in the Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park is one of the protected areas in Ethiopia that holds the largest area of Afroalpine habitat in Africa and the second largest stand of moist tropical forest. Nevertheless, human settlements, overgrazing, and recurrent fire are the main problems in the park. This study aimed to determine the effects of human-induced landscape change in floristic composition and structure in the park. The vegetation data were collected systematically from 96 sample plots laid along 24 line transects in the edge and interior habitats of the six land cover types. Vegetation composition and landscape structural analysis were made using R software version 3.5.2 and FRAGSTATS version 4.2.1, respectively. Patch number was strong and positively affected species richness (r = −0.90, p &lt; 0.05 ), diversity (r = −0.96, p &lt; 0.01 ), and basal area (r = −0.96, p &lt; 0.001 ), whereas mean patch size was strong and negatively influenced species richness (r = 0.95, p &lt; 0.05 ), diversity (r = 0.87, p &lt; 0.05 ), and basal area (r = 0.82, p &lt; 0.05 ). The overall species richness, Shannon diversity index, and Margalef index were significantly higher in the edge habitat; however, the mean basal area of woody species was significantly higher in the interior habitat at p &lt; 0.05 . This study uncovered that the park is floristically rich and diverse, and it provides a variety of ecological and economic benefits to the surrounding community and to the nation at large. However, these benefits are gradually declining due to the high level of anthropogenic activities in the park. Thus, integrated environmental management strategy that blends with sustainable use of natural resources should be implemented to minimize the threats.

Diversity and structural changes in Cerrado Rupestre under effects of disturbances

Vegetation formations are undergoing constant floristic and structural change over time and space. Assessing these changes represents an important step to understand the effects of disturbances and propose ecosystem conservation and management strategies. We still lack, however, information on the dynamics of the woody vegetation in Cerrado Rupestre (rupestrian Cerrado—RC) formations over time, which comprise important refuge of the vegetation of the Brazilian Savanna and occur on rocky outcrops, which are considered restrictive environments. In this context, we describe the changes in floristic composition, richness, species diversity and structure of vegetation in RC over 12-year and link patterns to the disturbances that occur in the area—wildfire and cattle presence. We gathered data from three surveys conducted in RC in the Pireneus State Park (PSP), Goias, Brazil. We also registered hot pixels inside the study area and in the PSP neighboring area indicating presence of bovine and equine cattle in the Park. Disturbances, occurrence of wildfires, and presence of cattle promoted changes in vegetation structure, with a decrease in the number of small individuals, but not in diversity parameters. The increase in richness, evenness and diversity, even under the effect of disturbances, demonstrates the resilience of the RC. However, if these disturbances keep occurring, resilience will be compromised, with clearer changes in floristic composition and vegetation structure, according to what we proposed in a theoretical model describing the synergistic influence of cattle presence, exotic grass and wildfires on the dynamics of the Cerrado Rupestre.