High Nature Value Research Articles

Co-production of nature’s contributions to people in dry rivers: a case study in Murcia, Spain

ABSTRACT Dry rivers are non-perennial rivers with no surface water in their channels except after heavy rainfall or snowmelt. The lack of water flow is often associated with a low provision of Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP) and a poor quality of life. However, recent review studies have found evidence of human communities thriving in dry rivers through the co-production of multiple NCP, although no case studies have yet confirmed this evidence. We assessed the capacity of dry rivers and their associated social systems to provide NCP. We selected three dry rivers with high natural, cultural and landscape values in the most arid part of Murcia (Spain). We interviewed 37 representatives of the most influential social groups in the study area to explore the NCP of dry rivers, their synergies and trade-offs. Four material, three non-material and eight regulating NCP were identified, as well as one unique NCP: access to villages and fields through dry riverbeds. Fifty-two synergies were identified, especially between material and non-material NCP, and eight trade-offs. This wide range of NCP and synergies is a consequence of the co-production processes between dry rivers and the social system. NCP co-production seems to be underpinned by the indigenous and local knowledge acquired by the social system over generations about the management of floodwaters, biodiversity and geodiversity. Incorporating this knowledge into research and governance can help raise awareness of the NCP provided by dry rivers and help develop strategies for mitigating and adapting to global change.

Optimizing Wildfire Prevention through the Integration of Prescribed Burning into ‘Fire-Smart’ Land-Use Policies

Integrating fire into land management is crucial in fire-prone regions. To evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of prescribed fire (PF), we employed the REMAINS model in NW Iberia’s Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Gerês-Xurés. We tested three levels of prescribed fire treatment effort for shrubland and grassland, employing three spatial allocation strategies: random distribution, prioritization in high-wildfire-risk zones, and creating fuel breaks by utilizing the existing road network. These approaches were assessed in isolation and in combination with three land-use scenarios: Business-as-usual (representing rural abandonment trends), High Nature Value farmland (reversing farmland abandonment), and Fire-Smart forest management (promoting fire-resistant landscapes). Our results confirm that PF is effective in reducing future wildfires (reductions up to 36%), with leverage values ranging from 0.07 to 0.45. Strategic spatial allocation, targeting wildfire-risk areas and existing road networks, is essential for maximizing prescribed fire’s efficiency (leverage effort of 0.32 and 0.45; i.e., approximately 3 ha of PF decrease subsequent wildfire by 1 ha). However, the PF treatments yield the best efficiency when integrated into land-use policies promoting ‘fire-smart’ landscapes (reaching leverage values of up to 1.78 under policies promoting ‘HNVf and ‘fire-smart’ forest conversion). These recommendations strengthen wildfire prevention and enhance landscape resilience in fire-prone regions.

A Research - Civil Society Joint Approach for Soil Conservation in High Natural Value Areas

Since the existing information on soils level of fertility in the High Natural Value (HNV) eligible area is scarce, a partnership was concluded between a mixed team of soil scientists and civil society environmentalists within the frame of a research project aiming to: (i) appraise the stakeholders perception and views on the importance of soil conservation and environmental friendly land management, (ii) assess the level of fertility in HNV eligible areas and start building-up the first national HNV soil data base and (iii) identify the most relevant soil indicators for designing an expeditious HNV soil monitoring system. The results revealed the strong agreement of the civil society on the recently issued agricultural policies supporting practices under agri-environment measures and a fair existing level of the soil conservation under HNV practices, as long as land and soil careful administration and resource-efficient management are constantly pursued.

Assessment of determinants of high nature value (HNV) farmland at plot scale in Western Pyrenees

The concept of High Nature Value (HNV) farming hinges on the causality between agroecosystems with low intensity of management and the corresponding environmental outcomes, including high levels of biodiversity and the presence of semi-natural habitats. Although European strategies for rural development and biodiversity conservation have long recognized the importance of HNV farmlands, many of those areas are currently threatened by intensification and land abandonment. A variety of approaches have been developed for identifying HNV areas and measuring changes in their distribution and extent at landscape scales. In contrast, quantitative approaches for evaluating differences in HNV among the most basic units of management (farms and farm plots) are scarce and almost exclusively based on biodiversity indicators. This gap limits our ability to derive existing gradients of HNV at fine scale and the underlying cause conducive to HNV. Hence, we implemented an index to capture multiple facets of HNV based on expert knowledge criteria and field surveys performed at the finest scale of management (plot). First, we computed this index for hundreds of grasslands located across the Western Pyrenees. Then, we analysed the relationship between the nature value of plots and environmental, management and socio-economic variables. Our results evidence a gradient between low diversity and intensively used agricultural plots and HNV grasslands in the Western Pyrenees. Highest nature values were significantly related to the occurrence of plots in meadows located in steep areas within the Natura 2000 network, whereas lowest values were related to recently opened areas and the number of treatments per year. Importantly, this index, which could be adapted to other farming areas, provides quantitative information to support the implementation of result-based schemes, including eco-schemes and agri-environment-climate interventions of the new CAP (2023–2027).

Cechy charakterystyczne i parametryzacje dochodzącego promieniowania fotosyntetycznie czynnego w środkowym basenie Biebrzy = Characteristics and parametrisations of the photosynthetically active radiation incoming in the Middle Biebrza Basin

The availability of light is one of the most important factors that determine the photosynthesis process. Wave bands of solar radiation from 400 to 700 nm are called photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) because of their ability to stimulate the process of photosynthesis. The limited data availability and the regional and local PAR dependence cause the need for independent research, especially in areas of high natural value. The main goal of the work is to characterize the incoming photosynthetically active radiation in the Middle Biebrza Basin on the basis of a 9-year measurement series (2013-2021) from the Kopytkowo site (53°35'30.8”N, 22°53'32.4"E). The analysis was carried out for both instantaneous values and daily totals. In addition to the basic statistical characteristics, attention was paid to radiation on clear days and to the relationship between the PAR values on the Earth's surface and at the top of the atmosphere. Due to the limited availability of empirical data, simple parameterizations of PAR radiation were proposed for use in environmental studies. The research was carried out in the north-eastern part of Poland on the outskirts of Biebrza National Park in the Middle Biebrza Basin (Fig. 1). The area can be characterised as natural, almost unchanged, and uninhabited wetlands overgrown by swamp vegetation. The measurement site is located around 350 m north of the small village Kopytkowo with only a handful of permanent residents. The PQS1 PAR Quantum Sensor by Kipp & Zonen mounted at height 2.7 m a.g.l. was used to collect data (Fig. 2). The sensor is part of the eddy-covariance system that measures the exchange of greenhouse gases between the ecosystem and the atmosphere. Data were sampled every 10 seconds and then stored in datalogger (CR500) as 5-minute averages. The results are shown as photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) with micromole per square metre per second (µmol∙m⁻²∙s⁻¹) as unit and were collected in Central European Time (CET).

Community-level differentiation of Grime's CSR strategies along a post-abandonment secondary successional gradient

Understanding the ecological processes and the mechanisms of community assembly during secondary succession of vegetation has been a central topic of ecological research. In the last decades, it has also been rendered as a necessity for wildlife management due to the ongoing vegetation succession caused by land abandonment in many parts of the world. Here, we investigated the taxonomic and life strategies diversity patterns among vegetation communities representing a large part of a natural succession gradient, in a (sub-) mountainous area of northwestern Greece (northern Pindus). Sampling of grassland and forest vegetation plots was conducted across an area submitted to high levels of land abandonment during the last 70 years, accompanied with sampling of new functional trait data. The Grime's CSR model of plant strategies was employed to investigate functional diversity of communities, while climatic, edaphic and topographic factors were employed to identify potential drivers of alternative life strategies diversity. Additionally, alpha and beta taxonomic and life strategies diversity of communities were calculated. Variation partitioning analyses attributed functional and taxonomic differentiation of communities mainly to the legacy of land use cover. Overall, grasslands and forests were functionally differentiated, with forest communities having higher levels of the competitive strategy, and grasslands having higher levels of the ruderal strategy. Nevertheless, parallel trends of occurrence of plant life strategies were found for both grasslands and forests. Community level competitive and stress-tolerating plant life strategies were found to be strongly and negatively correlated with soil organic content, soil nitrogen, soil pH and slope, while ruderalism was largely related to the disturbance regime of each community. The derived information of functional strategies diversity can provide valuable data that can guide management actions and contribute to the optimization of systematic conservation planning in such high nature value and threatened ecosystems.

Monitoring the Population Development of Indicator Plants in High Nature Value Grassland Using Machine Learning and Drone Data

The temporal monitoring of indicator plant species in high nature value grassland is crucial for nature conservation. However, traditional monitoring approaches are resource-intensive, straining limited funds and personnel. In this study, we demonstrate the capabilities of a repeated drone-based plant count for monitoring the population development of an indicator plant species (Dactylorhiza majalis (DM)) to address such challenges. We utilized multispectral very high-spatial-resolution drone data from two consecutive flowering seasons for exploiting a Random Forest- and a Neural Network-based remote sensing plant count (RSPC) approach. In comparison to in situ data, Random Forest-based RSPC achieved a better performance than Neural Network-based RSPC. We observed an R² of 0.8 and 0.63 and a RMSE of 8.5 and 11.4 DM individuals/m², respectively. The accuracies indicate a comparable performance to conventional plant count surveys. In a change detection setup, we assessed the population development of DM and observed an overall decline in DM individuals in the study site. Regions with an increasing DM count were small and the increase relatively low in magnitude. Additionally, we documented the success of a manual seed transfer of DM to a previously uninhabited area within our study site. We conclude that repeated drone surveys are indeed suitable to monitor the population development of indicator plant species with a spectrally prominent flower color. They provide a unique spatio-temporal perspective to aid practical nature conservation and document conservation efforts.

Trends in High Nature Value Farmland and Ecosystem Services Valuation: A Bibliometric Review

High Nature Value farmland (HNVf) represents a rural landscape characterized by extensive farming practices. These lands not only deliver vital ecosystem services (ES) but also serve as significant harbors of biodiversity, underscoring their critical conservation status. Consequently, European Union countries have prioritized the identification, monitoring, and enhancement of HNVf systems in their policies. As governments and international organizations increasingly lean on green subsidies to promote sustainable environmental practices, the valuation of ecosystem services (VES) emerges as a crucial tool. This valuation offers both an economic rationale for conservation and aids in determining the optimal allocation of these subsidies for maximum environmental and economic return on investment. Given the potential for such valuations to shape and justify conservation subsidies, there is a growing imperative to understand the research trends and knowledge gaps in this realm. This article, through a bibliometric review, seeks to illuminate the size, growth trajectory, and thematic tendencies within HNVf and VES literature. Bibliometric analysis is recognized as promising in identifying research trends; thus, this article consists of a bibliometric review of HNVf and VES research. The objective is to identify the size, growth trajectory, and geographic distribution of HNVf and VES literature between the first publication until 2022, while assessing the critical publishing journals, authors, documents, and conceptual structure of the research fields (e.g., economic, social, and environmental). The analysis revealed a predominant concentration of research on HNVf in Europe, with limited studies conducted outside this continent. The primary focus of these studies revolved around subject areas such as environmental science, agriculture, and biological sciences. Conversely, regarding research on VES, there was no clear regional concentration. VES research publications mainly covered the interdisciplinary fields of economics, biology, and policymaking. As the fields of HNVf and VES have evolved, it is evident that there has been a stronger push towards data-driven approaches, emphasizing the need for tangible assessments and precise understanding. In examining the overlap between topics, the analysis revealed a gap between methodologies for HNVf monitoring and conservation and VES, highlighting the need for further development in crafting an integrated approach encompassing both areas.

Tall Herb Fringe Vegetation on Banks of Montenegrin Rivers as a Habitat Type of European Importance

River valleys are known to be of high natural value; however, they are exposed to a strong human influence. Anthropogenic changes are evident in the structure and species composition of plant assemblages; therefore, vegetation is a very good indicator of the state of the environment. Convolvuletalia sepium tall herb communities are a natural component of riverside vegetation; they are protected in the EU (habitat 6430), yet have been very poorly studied, especially in SE Europe. Information regarding the geographical distribution of these communities, and their floristic composition and threats, along with effective conservation and restoration strategies, remains insufficient; therefore, this study was aimed at a comprehensive investigation of tall herbs. The paper presents results of the first detailed study of this group of communities in Montenegro. Classification of 70 vegetation samples (relevés) using the UPGMA produced six clusters corresponding to plant communities which were included in the Dorycnio recti-Rumicion conglomerati. Two of them were ranked as associations: Mentho longifolii-Pulicarietum dysentericae and Rubo sancti-Eupatorietum cannabini, the latter new to science. Others (communities of Rubus caesius, Rubus caesius-Eupatorium cannabinum, Helianthus ×laetiflorus, and Helianthus tuberosus) were left without a syntaxonomic rank. The ordination analysis with the CANOCO software confirmed the authors’ hypothesis that the variability of the vegetation patches studied was related to the land use type and river size. Relevés taken in watercourses flowing through built-up areas were dominated by invasive alien species (IAS). Vegetation samples taken in heavily flooded areas, along the Zeta, one of the largest rivers surveyed, had a simplified species composition. Studies in Montenegro should be continued. Moreover, comparative studies of the Convolvuletalia sepium communities described in the Mediterranean region are also necessary. Attention is drawn to the overly narrow interpretation of habitat 6430 in the lowlands, as it lacks a representation of Mediterranean tall herbs.

Will farmers cooperate to conserve biodiversity? The use of collective bonus in the High Nature Value farmland in Slovenia

Nature conservation in farmland is often based on the wide adoption of suitable farming practices, which are effectively coordinated at the landscape level. However, more advanced policy approaches to spatial coordination often require cooperation between farmers. We use quantitative analysis of 521 surveyed farmers and qualitative thematic analysis of 123 interviews in Natura 2000 sites Haloze and Kras in Slovenia to explore farmers' preferences towards a collective bonus, which could stimulate higher adoption of grassland conservation schemes. Abandonment of farming, low interest in agri-environmental schemes and changes in social relations (individualisation of farming and distrust among actors) were identified as critical barriers to farmer cooperation in the context of agri-environmental policy.

Linking Thermal Indices, Productivity, Phenotypic Traits, and Stressors for Assessing the Health of Centennial Traditional Olive Trees

Centennial olive trees, integral components of traditional Mediterranean agroecosystems, hold immense value as repositories of biodiversity and cultural heritage due to their physiological attributes and life history, making them crucial for the conservation of High Nature Value ancient olive orchards. However, they are increasingly confronted with physiological challenges exacerbated by various biotic and abiotic stressors jeopardizing their health and productivity, underscoring the urgency for ongoing monitoring and conservation measures to secure their long-term existence. To monitor these challenges, in recent years, the adoption of non-invasive techniques like infrared thermography (IRT) has become prevalent. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively assess the health state of traditional centennial olive trees, with a particular focus on their productivity. To achieve this, we monitored 44 centennial olive trees from a traditional olive grove on the island of Naxos, Greece, a representative location for Mediterranean olive groves, during the period from 2017 to 2020. We established connections between a set of trunk and canopy thermal and humidity indices, phenotypic traits, and the two most prevalent stressors affecting olive trees not only within the context of the island but also more broadly in similar Mediterranean environments worldwide: the olive leaf spot disease (OLS) and crop water stress, assessed through the crop water stress index (CWSI). To evaluate their interrelationships, we initially assessed intraspecific thermal and humidity pattern variations, and we developed linear and logistic regression models to gain insights into the factors influencing olive tree productivity, water stress, and the OLS presence. Results indicated that combining thermal and humidity indices can substantially explain olive tree productivity, water stress, and OLS, providing a valuable tool for assessing and monitoring the health and overall state of centennial olive trees, while offering a comprehensive approach to understanding the complex interactions shaping traditional olive grove dynamics. By identifying key indicators such as tree thermal patterns and water stress levels, olive growers and conservationists can make informed decisions to enhance the vitality and longevity of these culturally and ecologically significant trees.

Temporal scale imbrication and its importance for interpretation in geocultural sites in Jebel Dahar (Southeast Tunisia)

Geocultural sites combine a high cultural and natural heritage value and are particularly suitable for the interpretation and promotion of cultural and natural heritage. Based on previous geoheritage inventories, this paper analyzes seven geocultural sites in Jebel Dahar (Southeast Tunisia) from the perspective of temporal interrelationships. Through a synthesis on the development of the natural landscape of Jebel Dahar and its occupation by human beings, the work focuses on the importance of the interweaving of temporal scales in the analysis and interpretation of geocultural sites. A specific methodology in four steps is proposed: (i) a synthesis on the components of the site in the form of a text; (ii) a summary table built according to a temporal scale composed of six periods (geological, geomorphological, prehistoric, historical, present and future); (iii) a graphical representation of the interweaving of these temporal scales; (iv) a cartographic representation of the results of the analysis. Steps (iii) and (iv) were applied only to the geocultural sites of Matmata-Beni Issa and Douiret. The paper also emphasizes the importance of the interweaving of temporal scales in the interpretation of geocultural sites. These scales could be part of the criteria for the inventory, selection, evaluation, interpretation and management of geocultural sites.

High Megabenthic Complexity and Vulnerability of a Mesophotic Rocky Shoal Support Its Inclusion in a Mediterranean MPA

The deep shoal of Punta del Faro (Ligurian Sea, Mediterranean Sea) is a mesophotic rocky elevation hosting complex animal forests threatened by fishing activities. To identify appropriate conservation measures and set a reference example for similar cases, we present a detailed characterization of its megabenthic communities and a quantification of the fishing pressure. The results highlight the high natural value of the area, presenting high biodiversity (111 megabenthic and demersal species) and diverse types of animal forest, predominantly dominated by cnidarians. The tridimensional seascape is among the most complex in the eastern Ligurian Sea, but the long-term evaluation of its environmental status suggested consistent affects due to the high abundance of lost fishing gear (0.65 items m−2) directly entangled with structuring cnidarians. The artisanal and recreational fishing pressure are currently moderate. However, the use of bottom-contact fishing gear causes significant modifications to the seafloor’s integrity. This study emphasizes the high conservation value and vulnerability of the shoal, highlighting the importance of its protection through its inclusion in the Portofino MPA, whose external perimeter is 200 m from the study area. A critical discussion of the advantages and disadvantages is provided with a map of the possible extension of the MPA boundaries.

Habitat use by semi-feral Konik horses on wetlands—three-year GPS study

Free-ranging grazers are increasingly being introduced to areas of high natural value, such as wetlands. There is also growing attention that has been paid to the historical role of herbivores in shaping ecosystems and landscapes. Even though studies on the grazing of free-range horses were carried out in different regions and climates, still little is known about their habitat selection on heterogeneous marshy areas in the temperate region of Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate the habitat use by contemporary Konik horses during the growing season on the basis of three-year GPS data for a semi-feral herd kept on wetlands. Almost 68% of the occurrence of Konik horses were in open habitats. The assessment of habitat selection by the horses confirmed their strong preferences for grasslands on mid-forest dunes and forest avoidance. Konik horses somewhat preferred mowed fen meadows, but the animals displayed differences in the selection of habitat, probably depending on its humidity and weather conditions in a given year which may limit the role of grazing in protecting these communities. Horses need different habitats in wetlands such as fen meadows, forest, and grasslands on the mineral hills. This should be taken into consideration for landscape management in areas where the introduction of wild or semi-wild horse populations is planned.

Wetland vegetation cover changes and its response to climate changes across Heilongjiang-Amur River Basin.

The Heilongjiang-Amur River Basin is one of the largest and most complex aquatic systems in Asia, comprising diverse wetland resources. The wetland vegetation in mid-high latitude areas has high natural value and is sensitive to climate changes. In this study, we investigated the wetland vegetation cover changes and associated responses to climate change in the Heilongjiang-Amur River Basin from 2000 to 2018 based on the growing season (May to September) climate and LAI data. Our results indicated that the wetland LAI increased at 0.014 m2·m-2/yr across Heilongjiang-Amur River Basin with the regional climate showed wetting and warming trends. On a regional scale, wetland vegetation in China and Russia had positive partial correlation with solar radiation and minimum air temperature, with precipitation showing a slight lag effect. In contrast, wetland vegetation in Mongolia had positive partial correlation with precipitation. These correlations were further investigated at different climate intervals. We found the precipitation is positively correlated with LAI in the warm regions while is negatively correlated with LAI in the wet regions, indicating an increase in precipitation is beneficial for the growth of wetland vegetation in heat sufficient areas, and when precipitation exceeds a certain threshold, it will hinder the growth of wetland vegetation. In the cold regions, we found solar radiation and minimum air temperature are positively correlated with LAI, suggesting SR and minimum air temperature instead of mean air temperature and maximum air temperature play more important roles in affecting the wetland vegetation growth in the heat limited areas. The LAI was found to be negatively correlated with maximum air temperature in the arid areas, indicating excessive temperature would inhibit the wetland vegetation growth when the water is limited. Our investigation can provide a scientific foundation for the trilateral region in wetland ecosystem protection and is beneficial for a more comprehensive understanding of the responses of wetlands in the middle and high latitudes to climate change.

Mapping agrobiodiversity in Europe: Different indicators, different priority areas

Agriculture plays a dual role in the conservation of European biodiversity, as extensive agricultural lands provide habitats for more than half of Europe's species, but intensification and abandonment of farmland threaten these species' habitats. Consequently, the preservation of agrobiodiversity, i.e., biodiversity on agricultural land, is increasingly the focus of conservation strategies. Agrobiodiversity is a complex and multi-dimensional concept, which begets that there currently is no consistent definition, measurement framework, or high-resolution spatial indicator that covers all facets of agrobiodiversity (genetic, species, and ecosystem). Furthermore, existing indicators have not been compared in terms of the areas the indicators identify as having high agrobiodiversity value. The objective of this study was, therefore, to compare four agrobiodiversity indicators, representing species and ecosystem levels of agrobiodiversity, by mapping them on extensive agricultural land in Europe and comparing them with the High Nature Value Farmland (HNVF) map. We mapped hotspots for each indicator and performed a pairwise Fuzzy Numerical map comparison. The findings show only moderate spatial similarity between indicators, where similarities mainly reflect correspondence in coldspot areas as well as low hotspot agreement with the well-established HNVF map. The results further indicate correspondence between hotspots for all indicators and HNVF on less than 1,500 km2 (or less than 0.005% of extensive European farmland). The indicators' sensitivity to land-use change scenarios was also evaluated, revealing up to ± 50% difference in scenario response, depending on the chosen indicator, which could lead to inconsistent scenario outcomes. The results of this novel study highlight the importance of clearly defining agrobiodiversity before mapping and selecting an indicator for measuring it, especially if such analysis intends to identify priority areas for policy targeting.

Development and preliminary application of a Nature Value index to identify High Nature Value forests in the Republic of Ireland

High Nature Value (HNV) forests contribute to maintaining European biodiversity and public good supply. This study aimed to a) develop an objective and quantitative Nature Value (NV) index for the identification of HNV forests in the Republic of Ireland; and b) apply and validate the index using available data from the Irish National Forest Inventory (NFI).Following recent European definitions of HNV forest, a six-step framework was adapted from literature and used for assessing forest naturalness. The reference forest (in an Irish context) and its naturalness traits were first described. Six indicators were selected to construct a NV index and three categories (low, medium and high NV) were defined based on the range of NV scores. Using data from the Irish NFI, the approach was implemented by calculating the indicators’ values and the NV score for 1,676 forest plots. The selected indicators were tested for redundancy and the NV index was validated with available floristic variables and with forest sub-type classes. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on the weighting values of the indicators.Approximately 11% of the NFI plots were categorised as HNV. There was no redundancy between the selected indicators. The NV index was significantly positively correlated with data from the floristic variables collated by the NFI. The averages of the floristic variables per NV category were significantly different. NFI plots classified as HNV had a higher percentage of natural/semi-natural forest types than medium NV and low NV plots. The sensitivity analyses showed little effect of changes to the indicators' weighting values on a) the correlation coefficients between the floristic variables’ data and the new NV scores obtained and b) on the proportion of natural/semi-natural forests in HNV plots.This work provides an approach for the development of a NV index to identify HNV forests in a European country following the naturalness concept exclusively. The selected indicators and their weighting should be tailored to each country’s particular conditions, especially due to potential differences in the reference level of naturalness of forests and differences within NFIs.

The Diversity, Structure, and Development of the Epibiont Community of Paramuricea clavata (Risso, 1826) (Cnidaria, Anthozoa)

Mass mortality events and anthropogenic impacts affecting Paramuricea clavata (Risso, 1826) have been increasingly documented during the last decades. These impacts have enhanced the settling of epibiont organisms on injured colonies. This epibiosis was studied using photographic sampling carried out on the granitic outcrops of the Tavolara Channel within the Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo marine-protected area (NE Sardinia) between 2017 and 2023 at 35–55 m. The number of colonies and percentage of surface involved in the epibiosis, the specific richness of the epibiont community, and the temporal evolution of the phenomenon were studied. Almost all the investigated gorgonians (93%) showed parts involved in epibiosis, with high percentages of surface covering (one-third of the surface). Out of the 37 epibiont species recorded, the most recurrent ones demonstrated an ecological succession dominated by Hydrozoa, Porifera, Bryozoa, Serpulidae, and the parasitic soft coral Alcyomiun coralloides. Nevertheless, single colonies studied over time revealed the unpredictability of the colonization process. The peculiar habitat of the granitic outcrops hosting the P. clavata forests is of a high naturalistic value and demonstrates a widespread condition of suffering, supported by both environmental and anthropogenic sources of stress. Such considerations make it necessary to review the current zonation of the area, where the actual vulnerability and usability evaluations are based on incomplete information.

A Methodology for Classifying Attractive Sources Related to Airport Birdstrike by Using Geospatial Tools

The urban and rural environment around airport grounds, being an attractive site for wildlife, is subjected to special attention in relation to the risk of wildlife collision with aircrafts according to specific aviation norms. Therefore, investigation into significant attractive sources in airport surroundings is needed to contribute to ‘wildlife strike’ monitoring in order to activate efficient countermeasures for limitation and control in view of aviation safety while at the same time increasing wildlife protection. On this basis, the study was focused on attractive sites related to the birdstrike hazard in airport surroundings. The methodology described in this paper investigated the spatial distribution characteristics of bird strike influencing factors with an open-access approach to data handling. Remote sensing imagery and open-source GIS tools were utilised to apply suitability analysis to the surfaces involved, such as airport obstacle limitation surfaces, protected areas, vegetation, and water bodies. The methodology was applied to a case study of the airport of Catania, Italy. The results showed that application of geospatial tools to suitability analysis allowed for the identification of areas that have the greatest influence on the birdstrike hazard for aviation. This approach has made it possible to analyse these areas from the point of view of airport safety and the monitoring of ecological areas and corridors of high naturalistic value in order to protect them, providing a contribution toward sustainable management of the birstrike issue.

Nano zero-valent iron enhances the absorption and transport of chromium in rice (Oryza sativa L.): Implication for Cr risks management in paddy fields

Chromium (Cr) accumulating in soil caused serious pollution to cultivated land. At present, nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) is considered to be a promising remediation material for Cr-contaminated soil. However, the nZVI impact on the behavior of Cr in the soil-rice system under high natural geological background value remains unknown. We studied the effects of nZVI on the migration and transformation of Cr in paddy soil-rice by pot experiment. Three different doses of nZVI (0, 0.001 % and 0.1 % (w/w)) treatments and one dose of 0.1 % (w/w) nZVI treatment without plant rice were set up. Under continuous flooding conditions, nZVI significantly increased rice biomass compared with the control. At the same time, nZVI significantly promoted the reduction of Fe in the soil, increased the concentration of oxalate Fe and bioavailable Cr, then facilitated the absorption of Cr in rice roots and the transportation to the aboveground part. In addition, the enrichment of Fe(III)-reducing bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria in soil provided electron donors for Cr oxidation, which helps to form bioavailable Cr that is easily absorbed by plants. The results of this study can provide scientific basis and technical support for the remediation of Cr -polluted paddy soil with high geological background.