Priority Habitat For Conservation Research Articles

Conservation Responsibility for Priority Habitats under Future Climate Conditions: A Case Study on Juniperus drupacea Forests in Greece

Juniperus drupacea is a highly morphologically and genetically differentiated Tertiary relict, displaying a disjunct geographical range in the eastern Mediterranean. Being a thermophilous, light-demanding, and moderately drought-resistant tree, it survived the past climatic oscillations via altitudinal migration. The species has its westernmost range limit, and its only populations in the EU, in Mts Parnon and Taygetos (Greece). These populations are genetically isolated and distinct compared to their Asian counterparts. For Europe, Juniperus drupacea is categorized as an endangered species by the IUCN. Juniperus drupacea forests constitute a priority habitat for conservation in the EU. However, the species’ conservation status has never been assessed in Greece and the same applies to its climate and land-use change assessment. As Greece is already facing the short-term impacts of climate- and human-induced land-use change, studies dealing with the potential long-term climate- and land-use change effects on rare plant species distribution are urgently needed to implement efficient conservation management plans. Our research employs species distribution models, considering multiple climate scenarios and abiotic factors across different timeframes (2020s, 2050s, 2080s), factoring in the potential threat of forest fires. Additionally, we assess the species’ extinction risk at the European level, according to IUCN Criteria A and B. Study findings indicate significant habitat changes and an elevated extinction risk for Juniperus drupacea in Greece. To safeguard this priority habitat, informed conservation strategies, management plans, and policy making are recommended, based on our scientific insights.

Resolving a heated debate: The utility of prescribed burning as a management tool for biodiversity on lowland heath

Abstract Lowland heath is a priority habitat for conservation, nowadays largely managed for biodiversity. Historically, prescribed burning has been the principal management tool, but there are increasing calls to substitute burning with cutting to improve biodiversity outcomes. However, poor understanding of potential impacts compromises decision making. Our study was carried out in the New Forest National Park, the largest area of lowland heath in Europe. Using a multi‐trophic approach, we compared the ecological impact of prescribed burning with two types of vegetation cutting (swiping and baling) as management tools for biodiversity outcomes for up to 20 years after management. Indicators included: common standards monitoring (CSM) assessment; vegetation species assemblage; below‐ and above‐ground invertebrate biodiversity; and available food resources for two characteristic heathland birds—the Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata and the Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus. When compared with swiped sites, areas managed by prescribed burning resulted in: better habitat condition (assessed by CSM); higher cover of heathers; lower bracken cover; more areas of bare ground. We found no evidence that burning is detrimental for the investigated components of biodiversity. Cutting by swiping did not replicate the benefits of burning. Swiping supported grassland conditions that suit non‐heathland species. Baling resulted in habitat condition similar to prescribed burning but restricted replication of baled sites limited our conclusions. However, swiped sites supported high invertebrate abundance and diversity, including food resources for Dartford Warbler and Nightjar. Synthesis and applications. Removing burning from the management programme is likely to reduce heathland condition. Biodiversity is encouraged by a mosaic of management and more mobile species, such as birds, will exploit the resources provided by several management techniques. Including some cutting in a rotational regime is likely to be beneficial although prescribed burning should form the majority of the management programme, Lowland heathland differs fundamentally from upland heathland/moorland and it is not easy to transfer the results. Current heathland CSM does not adequately assess wider biodiversity on protected areas but is effectively an assessment of vegetation feature condition. Including invertebrates in surveys provides a more nuanced assessment of heathland condition.

Integrating human footprint with ensemble modelling identifies priority habitats for conservation: a case study in the distributional range of Arnebia euchroma, a vulnerable species.

Climate change-driven rapid alteration of ecosystems globally is further complicated by growing anthropogenic pressures, especially in the ecologically sensitive mountainous regions. However, these two major drivers of change have largely been considered separately in species distribution models, thus compromising their reliability. Here, we integrated ensemble modelling with the human pressure index for predicting distribution and mapping priority regions across a whole range of occurrences for vulnerable species, Arnebia euchroma. Our results identified 3.08% of the study area as 'highly suitable', 2.45% as 'moderately suitable', and 94.45% as 'not suitable' or 'least suitable'. Compared to current climatic conditions, future RCP scenarios of 2050 and 2070 showed a significant loss in habitat suitability and a slight shift in the distribution pattern of the target species. By excluding the high-pressure areas of the human footprint from the predicted suitable habitats, we were able to identify the unique areas (70% of the predicted suitable area) that need special attention for conservation and restoration. Such models, if well implemented, may play a pivotal role in achieving the effective targets under the aegis of the current UN decade on ecological restoration (2021-2030) in accordance with SDG 15.4.

Submarine Geomorphology and Sedimentary Features around the Egadi Islands (Western Mediterranean Sea)

In this paper, the physiography, geomorphological features, and sedimentary bedforms of the offshore Egadi Islands (Italy) have been illustrated and mapped through an integrated analysis of high-resolution bathymetric, seismo-acoustic, and sedimentological data. The study area is characterized by a wide, up to 25 km, continental shelf which is separated by a NNW-trending linear incision, the Marettimo Channel, along which several erosional and depositional features have been detected and mapped. Sedimentary prograding wedges were detected at water depths between 100–125 m along the shelf margin, which accumulated during the sea-level fall and lowstand stages of the last glacio-eustatic cycle (post- MIS 5.5). This study detected several slope breaks defining scarps across the continental shelf, which were interpreted as coastal cliffs that originated during the post-LGM eustatic sea-level rise. Several fields of different types of sedimentary bedforms, including 2-D and 3-D hydraulic dunes and sorted bedforms, were found across the continental shelf, providing evidence of a high hydrodynamic regime affecting the seafloor. Further on, this study recognized erosive and depositional features related to bottom currents (contourites) in the Marettimo Channel. These findings provide a better understanding of the morpho-sedimentary evolution of the Egadi Islands offshore in the latest Quaternary. Moreover, they offer essential scientific support for effectively managing the most valuable priority habitats for conservation, such as the Posidonia oceanica meadow and coralline algae bioconstructions (Coralligenous habitat).

Integrating Ecosystem Models with Long‐Term Monitoring to Support Salmon Recovery

AbstractOkanogan summer‐run Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha holding in the Similkameen River near Oroville, Washington. Photo credit: Brian Miller, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.The Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment model (EDT) is a deterministic, life cycle‐based habitat model developed to support the conservation and recovery of declining Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. and steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in the Pacific Northwest. Originally conceived in the 1990s, the current generation of EDT is proving its value as a data synthesis and analysis platform, capable of transforming complex environmental data into useful quantitative metrics to guide decision making. Here we describe the integration of EDT with long‐term research, monitoring, and evaluation in the Okanogan River in the state of Washington to support the ongoing conservation and recovery of steelhead listed under the Endangered Species Act. The lessons learned in this important Columbia River subbasin demonstrate the value of EDT as an adaptive management tool that is both effective and transferable. Modeling tools like EDT are one of many technological advances that will help resource managers identify priority habitats for conservation and restoration.

Evidence of functional and structural changes in the microbial community beneath a succulent invasive plant in coastal dunes

Abstract Coastal dunes represent priority habitats for conservation due to the provision of valuable ecosystem services such as land protection, water supply or biodiversity conservation. Soil microbial communities are of crucial importance to maintain plant diversity due to harsh environmental conditions, water limitation and nutrient scarcity. Invasive alien plants represent a major threat to ecosystem conservation. Here, we explored different impacts of Carpobrotus edulis, a succulent plant invading coastal areas worldwide, on the function and structure of bacterial communities. Sand represents a challenging substrate due to low organic matter content and limited microbial activity. We optimized bacterial extraction for functional evaluation before assessing ecosystem impacts produced by C. edulis. We compared 12 extracting procedures combining different soil storage, sample amount and extracting solutions on the functional activity of sand communities through the community-level physiological profile. We further explored the function (using Biolog Ecoplates) and structure [using polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE)] of bacterial communities from dunes invaded by C. edulis. Saline solution consistently increased bacterial cells detected by cytometry (P ≤ 0.001). Principal component analysis suggested a limited temporal framework (0–24 h) in which community function can be explored without significant alterations in C substrate consumption. Changes under C. edulis invasion exhibited a different pattern of C substrate utilization comparing native and non-native zones (interspecific), but also between native zones (intraspecific), suggesting that functional impacts are site-dependent. Complementary, results obtained from PCR-DGGE indicated that the bacterial community structure of native dunes significantly differed from dunes invaded by C. edulis.

Effects of restoration and management of Mediterranean traditional water systems on Odonata alpha diversity: a long-term monitoring survey

The progressive abandonment and disappearance of traditional water uses and management of wetlands during the twentieth century has led not only to a loss of identity, heritage, and landscape values, but also to significant declines in the diversity and abundance of many organisms. Here, we take advantage of an existing project for the restoration and management of traditional irrigation infrastructures in the wetland of El Prado (Pinoso, south-eastern Spain) to evaluate the spatio-temporal effect of this action on the alpha diversity and abundance of Odonata. The wetland was organized in different sectors according to the coverage of riparian and aquatic vegetation, width and depth of watercourses, ditches and ponds, water flow, and restoration and management. Odonates were sampled every month for ten years. We used alpha diversity to measure biodiversity using Hill’s number diversity. To analyse how alpha diversity measures varied across all sectors sampled over the years, we determined diversity-time relationships. To assess the effects of the different variables on odonate biodiversity we used partial least squares regressions. Our results showed that restoration of traditional water infrastructures, encouraging the increase of aquatic vegetation cover, an adequate and regular management of riparian vegetation naturalizing the margins, as well as reducing speed of water flow have a positive effect on odonate diversity and abundance. Our study provides useful information for conservation and management of semi-arid wetlands and its associated water infrastructures by showing which actions are most successful to enhance biodiversity in one of the priority habitats for conservation in Europe.

Habitat patches providing south-north connectivity are under-protected in a fragmented landscape.

As species’ ranges shift to track climate change, conservationists increasingly recognize the need to consider connectivity when designating protected areas (PAs). In fragmented landscapes, some habitat patches are more important than others in maintaining connectivity, and methods are needed for their identification. Here, using the Condatis methodology, we model range expansion through an adaptation of circuit theory. Specifically, we map ‘flow’ through 16 conservation priority habitat networks in England, quantifying how patches contribute to functional South–North connectivity. We also explore how much additional connectivity could be protected via a connectivity-led protection procedure. We find high-flow patches are often left out of existing PAs; across 12 of 16 habitat networks, connectivity protection falls short of area protection by 13.6% on average. We conclude that the legacy of past protection decisions has left habitat-specialist species vulnerable to climate change. This situation may be mirrored in many countries which have similar habitat protection principles. Addressing this requires specific planning tools that can account for the directions species may shift. Our connectivity-led reserve selection procedure efficiently identifies additional PAs that prioritize connectivity, protecting a median of 40.9% more connectivity in these landscapes with just a 10% increase in area.

Prunus lusitanica L.: An Endangered Plant Species Relict in the Central Region of Mainland Portugal

Prunus lusitanica L. is a paleotropical relic species with an Ibero-Maghrebian distribution, which is presently considered as an endangered species, recognized by the Natura 2000 Network (92/43/EEC) as a priority habitat for conservation in Europe. The mountains in the Portuguese mainland central region offer the best location for this species to occur. The main objective of this study is to measure the current conservation status of the communities of P. lusitanica, through the collection of field data, such as the number of existing individuals of each population and their location, which will then be comparatively analyzed based on the previous literature, published at least 15 years ago. Soil characterization analysis was carried out and the main threats to conservation were identified. As a result, a decline of approximately 40% was observed in the number of individuals and in the quality of their habitat. The main threats to their conservation were found to be the seasonal occurrence of rural fires and the expansion of invasive species, such as Acacia dealbata Link and Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle. Finally, we present the main management methodologies that should be considered for the valorization of this important vegetational relic in the central region of mainland Portugal.

Identifying priority habitat for conservation and management of Australian humpback dolphins within a marine protected area

Increasing human activity along the coast has amplified the extinction risk of inshore delphinids. Informed selection and prioritisation of areas for the conservation of inshore delphinids requires a comprehensive understanding of their distribution and habitat use. In this study, we applied an ensemble species distribution modelling approach, combining results of six modelling algorithms to identify areas of high probability of occurrence of the globally Vulnerable Australian humpback dolphin in northern Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP), north-western Australia. Model outputs were based on sighting data collected during systematic, boat-based surveys between 2013 and 2015, and in relation to various ecogeographic variables. Water depth and distance to coast were identified as the most important variables influencing dolphin presence, with dolphins showing a preference for shallow waters (5–15 m) less than 2 km from the coast. Areas of high probability (> 0.6) of dolphin occurrence were primarily (90%) in multiple use areas where extractive human activities are permitted, and were poorly represented in sanctuary (no-take) zones. This spatial mismatch emphasises the need to reassess for future spatial planning and marine park management plan reviews for NMP. Shallow, coastal waters identified here should be considered priority areas for the conservation of this Vulnerable species.

The tonkin snub-nosed monkey <i> Rhinopithecus avunculus </i> population in the Quan Ba forest, north-east Vietnam: an identification of priority habitat for conservation

The Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Rhinopithecus avunculus is among the World’s 25 most endangered primates. At present, the species is found only in few forest areas in Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang Provinces, north-east Vietnam with a total number not exceeding 250 individuals. The forest block in Cao Ma Po, Ta Van and Tung Vai Communes of Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province (the Cao - Ta - Tung forest) harbors the second largest population of Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey. This population was estimated to be conisted of about 30–35 individuals in 2007. However, it faces a number of serious threats (wildlife hunting, habitat degradation by widespread forest farming of Tsao-ko cardamom plant, etc.) that may lead the population to be extinct in near future. The population was reduced to 15–21 individuals in 2016 due to these threats. In 2017–2018, we conducted a study to identify a priority habitat area to establish the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Area. The results of our study show that the distribution of the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population is confined to a small area (about 5,000 ha) belonging to the Theng Chu Phin, Dao Dan Chai, Ta Lay mountains, the Hill 754 and a forest patch along the Vietnam-China border from the Post 283 to Post 295. This area harbors the best forest of the Cao - Ta - Tung area. The forest covers 92.3% of the area, and only 7.7% of the area is a non-forest land. There are two types of forest: evergreen broad-leaved forest (50.0% of total area) and limestone evergreen broad-leaved forest (42.3%). The evergreen broad-leaved forest has been degraded to medium and restoration status. Tsao-ko cardamom Amomum tsao-ko fields are widespread. The limestone evergreen broad-leaved forest of almost primary status remains in very steep slopes and limestone mountains. The Cao - Ta - Tung forest was designated as a watershed protection forest that allows farming of agricultural and medicinal plants inside the forest and the forest farming of Tsao-ko cardamom is widespread becoming the most serious threat to the long-term survival of the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population. In order to ensure long-term survival of the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population, the area of the Theng Chu Pin, Dao Dai Chai, Ta Lay, Tung Lau mountains, the Hill 754 and a forest patch along the Vietnam-China border from the Post 283 to Post 285 must be designated as a special-use forest, i.e. to establish a Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Area.

The tonkin snub-nosed monkey <i> Rhinopithecus avunculus </i> population in the Quan Ba forest, north-east Vietnam: an identification of priority habitat for conservation

The Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Rhinopithecus avunculus is among the World’s 25 most endangered primates. At present, the species is found only in few forest areas in Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang Provinces, north-east Vietnam with a total number not exceeding 250 individuals. The forest block in Cao Ma Po, Ta Van and Tung Vai Communes of Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province (the Cao - Ta - Tung forest) harbors the second largest population of Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey. This population was estimated to be conisted of about 30–35 individuals in 2007. However, it faces a number of serious threats (wildlife hunting, habitat degradation by widespread forest farming of Tsao-ko cardamom plant, etc.) that may lead the population to be extinct in near future. The population was reduced to 15–21 individuals in 2016 due to these threats. In 2017–2018, we conducted a study to identify a priority habitat area to establish the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Area. The results of our study show that the distribution of the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population is confined to a small area (about 5,000 ha) belonging to the Theng Chu Phin, Dao Dan Chai, Ta Lay mountains, the Hill 754 and a forest patch along the Vietnam-China border from the Post 283 to Post 295. This area harbors the best forest of the Cao - Ta - Tung area. The forest covers 92.3% of the area, and only 7.7% of the area is a non-forest land. There are two types of forest: evergreen broad-leaved forest (50.0% of total area) and limestone evergreen broad-leaved forest (42.3%). The evergreen broad-leaved forest has been degraded to medium and restoration status. Tsao-ko cardamom Amomum tsao-ko fields are widespread. The limestone evergreen broad-leaved forest of almost primary status remains in very steep slopes and limestone mountains. The Cao - Ta - Tung forest was designated as a watershed protection forest that allows farming of agricultural and medicinal plants inside the forest and the forest farming of Tsao-ko cardamom is widespread becoming the most serious threat to the long-term survival of the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population. In order to ensure long-term survival of the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population, the area of the Theng Chu Pin, Dao Dai Chai, Ta Lay, Tung Lau mountains, the Hill 754 and a forest patch along the Vietnam-China border from the Post 283 to Post 285 must be designated as a special-use forest, i.e. to establish a Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Area.

How does grazing management influence the functional diversity of oak woodland ecosystems? A plant trait approach

Traditional approaches to conservation often focus on plant species composition. In contrast, trait-based approaches highlight the role plant species play in ecosystem function, with a focus on functional diversity and its importance for ecosystem resilience. Here we utilise a plant-trait approach to explore the association between livestock grazing intensity and plant functional diversity in Atlantic oak woodlands, a conservation priority habitat. In two historically un-grazed woodlands (subject to periods of light sheep grazing in winter) paired with two grazed woodlands (intensively grazed by sheep or feral goats), in north-west Wales, UK, field plant-trait data were recorded in three (30 × 4 m) plots per woodland for trees, saplings and understory plants. For trees and saplings, plant-trait data from the field (specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC)) were combined with plant tolerance indices from the scientific literature (shade, drought and water-logging tolerance) and used to calculate community weighted means (CWM) and functional diversity for plot-level communities. Three plant traits (LDMC, mean foliage height and growth form) and two Ellenberg indices (light and moisture) were combined to calculate CWM and functional diversity for understory plant communities. Tree and sapling communities from grazed woodlands were characterised by response traits associated with grazing avoidance strategies (high LDMC, low SLA), and higher shade – and drought-tolerance scores but lower water-logging-tolerance scores than in un-grazed woodlands. Tree and sapling communities in the un-grazed woodlands had greater seedling establishment, sapling recruitment and functional diversity than in the grazed woodlands. Plant-trait values and functional diversity did not differ with grazing intensity for understory plants. Land managers are increasingly being asked to manage semi-natural habitats for ‘resilience to future events’ such as droughts or floods. Here we demonstrate how a plant-trait approach, including assessment of community-level tolerance indices, allows us to infer potential associations between grazing management, functional diversity and ecosystem resilience.

Species-rich Nardus stricta grasslands host a higher vascular plant diversity on calcareous than on siliceous bedrock

Background: Species-rich Nardus stricta grasslands are a priority habitat for conservation in Europe. They typically occur on siliceous substrates and less frequently are found on calcareous bedrock.Aims: The present paper aimed to identify the environmental factors (i.e. bedrock type, topographic, and climatic factors) that are related with community diversity and to assess if differences in plant diversity between N. stricta communities on calcareous and siliceous bedrock occur. We hypothesised that Nardus grasslands on calcareous bedrock hosted a higher vascular plant diversity than those on siliceous bedrock.Methods: Based on 579 vegetation surveys carried out in the south-western Alps, we assessed vascular plant diversity (species richness, Shannon diversity, and Pielou’s equitability index) of species-rich Nardus grasslands and compared it between N. stricta communities on calcareous and siliceous bedrock.Results: Elevation was identified as the main factor related to species composition, while species diversity was mostly related to mean annual precipitation and bedrock type. Species richness, Shannon diversity, and Pielou’s equitability index were higher within the communities on calcareous rather than on siliceous bedrock and a total of 89 and 34 indicator species were detected, respectively.Conclusions: Based on our results, we suggest to protect primarily, as a habitat of priority interest, N. stricta grasslands on calcareous substrates for the higher vascular plant diversity hosted.

Landscape degradation affects red fox (Vulpes vulpes) diet and its ecosystem services in the threatened Ziziphus lotus scrubland habitats of semiarid Spain

Habitat loss and landscape degradation affect carnivorous mammal populations and the ecosystem services they provide, but these services are poorly assessed in semi-arid ecosystems. In the Ziziphus semiarid scrublands, a priority habitat for conservation in Europe, we investigated how red fox diet relates to habitat loss and landscape alteration. We further evaluated potential top-down effects of foxes on vegetation through seed dispersal and the control of rabbit herbivory (fruit depulpation interfering seed dispersal). By sampling fox scats, we evaluated the variation in fox diet and its relationship to landscape features and rabbit abundance and activity in 17 habitat remnants distributed throughout the Ziziphus habitat range. Fox diet varied, with diet diversity peaking at intermediate land-use diversity, likely as a consequence of fox's ability to use natural foods and human-derived resources. We confirmed that red fox acts as seed disperser for many species and that it might contribute to control rabbit population and its impact on Ziziphus lotus regeneration by interference on seed dispersal, though this needs experimental corroboration. However, these services were affected by landscape degradation. Our results show that red fox is fundamental for Ziziphus semiarid ecosystem providing key ecosystem services which are presently jeopardized by strong landscape degradation.

Habitat loss exacerbates regional extinction risk of the keystone semiarid shrub Ziziphus lotus through collapsing the seed dispersal service by foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

Habitat loss and landscape degradation affect animal-mediated seed dispersal, often collapsing the regeneration of endangered plant species and habitats in anthropogenic landscapes. We first compared the role of red fox and other vertebrates as seed disperser for the keystone scrub Ziziphus lotus. Because it turned out that foxes are the major Z. lotus dispersers, we investigated how fox activity and dispersal service relate to habitat loss and landscape alteration in the threatened Ziziphus semiarid scrublands, a priority habitat for conservation in Europe. Considering its opportunistic behavior, we hypothesized that landscape features should affect moderately fox abundance, while influence in a large extent its dispersal service. Accordingly, we predicted that a substantial decline in Ziziphus fruit consumption rather than in disperser activity would be responsible for seed dispersal collapse under severe habitat loss. We evaluated fox activity and dispersal service in 17 populations of Z. lotus spread through the range of its habitat in Spain and found within landscapes with different land-use intensity. We certified the collapse of the dispersal service by fox under severe habitat loss and confirmed that fox activity was less affected by habitat loss or landscape alteration than consumption of Ziziphus fruits. Consequently, the decline of consumption of Ziziphus fruits under severe habitat loss triggers the collapse of its seed dispersal. Results suggest that without increase of the remnant areas other managements may not suffice to achieve seed dispersal and habitat restoring. Dispersal service and natural regeneration in many Ziziphus habitat remnants will possibly cease in the future if habitat loss continues.

Dinâmica serial e contactos catenais das comunidades herbáceas anuais e vivazes do interior de Portugal continental (Beira Interior e Alentejo)

Neste estudo apresenta-se uma classificação fitossociológica com base em inventários próprios realizados, de acordo com a metodologia fitossociológica, em comunidades herbáceas vivazes e anuais, nas subprovíncias Luso-Estremadurense, Carpetana-Leonesa e Orolusitana Atlântica, abrangendo o SE & CE de Portugal continental. O objetivo principal é a descrição das comunidades herbáceas do ponto de vista da composição e variabilidade florística, da ecologia, da distribuição e abundância na área de estudo, da sintaxonomia, dos contactos catenais, da sindinâmica e do estatuto de conservação, tendo como base os dados recolhidos no campo e obtidos através de pesquisa bibliográfica. Foram identificadas 9 classes de vegetação herbácea, 3 classes de vegetação arbustiva, 3 classes de vegetação arbórea e 65 associações no total. Assim, as comunidades inventariadas distribuem-se pelas classes: Isoeto-Nanojuncetea; Magnocarici elatae-Phragmitetea australis; Stellarietea mediae; Tuberarietea guttatae; Poetea bulbosae; Festuco-Brometea; Lygeo-Stipetea; Stipo giganteae-Agrostietea castellanae e Molinio-Arrhenatheretea. Foram identificadas 14 ordens, 20 alianças, 43 associações e 7 subassociações, no conjunto das comunidades terofíticas e vivazes estudadas, desde biótopos oligotróficos, nitrófilos e higrófilos a mesofíticos. Obtiveram-se 12 sintaxa que correspondem a habitats da Diretiva Habitats, alguns dos quais prioritários para conservação. É apresentada uma aproximação a um modelo dinâmico-catenal no qual se identificam os padrões de resposta das comunidades herbáceas a vários fatores de perturbação. Conclui-se que o conhecimento obtido a partir da Geobotânica, nomeadamente da Sinfitossociologia, constitui uma ferramenta essencial para uma gestão sustentável do território.

The detrimental consequences for seagrass of ineffective marine park management related to boat anchoring

Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile meadows are recognized as priority habitat for conservation by the EU Habitats Directive. The La Maddalena Archipelago National Park (Mediterranean Sea) P. oceanica meadow, the dominant coastal habitat of the area, is mostly threatened by boat anchoring. 12years after the establishment of mooring fields and anchoring restrictions, a study was conducted to measure their effectiveness on the conservation of seagrass and the mitigation of anchoring damage. We found that: (i) the condition of P. oceanica was disturbed, both in the mooring fields and in control locations; (ii) mooring fields and anchoring restrictions did not show to be an efficient system for the protection of seagrass, in fact anchor scars increased after the tourist season; (iii) the mooring systems had an impact on the surrounding area of the meadow, probably due to their misuse. On the basis of these results, management recommendations for marine parks are proposed.

Integrating environmental policies towards a network of protected and quiet areas

SummaryEnvironmental policy integration is an acknowledged principle of sustainable development. Spatial planning may be a useful means of integrating two policies with differing objectives. The Birds and Habitats Directives of the European Union (EU) aim at preserving biodiversity through the conservation of the Natura 2000 protected areas network, while the EU's Environmental Noise Directive aims at improving human health and wellbeing by controlling environmental noise, through the preservation of Quiet Areas (QAs). Using Greece as an example, an integrated network of Natura 2000 sites and QAs permitted the identification of potential spatial overlaps. The established Natura 2000 network incorporates more than 30% of the QAs located in the open countryside of Greece, and the combined network includes 17 out of the 19 conservation priority habitat types. Flagship species (like bear, wolf and wild goat) show a preference for sites containing QAs. It may be possible to combine these two EU policies efficiently, as protected and quiet areas appear to be mutually beneficial.

Human Disturbance Threats the Red-Listed Macrolichen Seirophora villosa (Ach.) Frödén in Coastal Juniperus Habitats: Evidence From Western Peninsular Italy

In Europe, coastal dune systems with Juniperus spp. (Natura 2000 habitat code 2250) are a priority habitat for conservation according to the Natura 2000 policies. Currently, anthropogenic pressure is threatening the biodiversity of this habitat. While the impact of human pressure on animals and vascular plants is already documented, information is still scanty for other organisms such as epiphytic lichens. The main aim of this study is to test the effect of human disturbance on the occurrence and abundance of the red-listed macrolichen Seirophora villosa. We also tested the effect of human disturbance on the whole community of epiphytic lichens in terms of species richness and composition. The study was performed along the coast of Tuscany by comparing both disturbed and undisturbed Juniperus stands according to a stratified random sampling design. Our results provided evidence that in coastal systems the long-term conservation of the red-listed macrolichen S. villosa and its characteristic community composed by several Mediterranean species of conservation concern depends on the maintenance of undisturbed Juniperus habitats. Results also support the possibility of using S. villosa as an indicator species of habitat conservation importance and habitat integrity since its occurrence is predicted on nestedness in term of species composition, assemblages of species poor disturbed stands being subsets of those of richer undisturbed stands.