Mountain Locality Research Articles

Non-random distribution across habitat types in sympatric, hardly catchable small mammals at a mountainous site in central Italy

A 17-year-long trapping study was carried out at a mountainous locality of central Italy (Majella National Park) in order to study the community structure of some infrequently caught small mammal species along the habitat niche axis. Null model analyses (with two competing randomization algorithms, RA2 and RA3) and Monte Carlo simulations were performed. The small mammal community was non-randomly structured according to RA2 with both Pianka and Czechanowski formulas, whereas it was random according to RA3 with both formulas. It is suggested that the observed pattern reflects mainly habitat checkerboards, with species being associated with different biotic and abiotic features of the sites which leads to less niche overlap than expected by chance.

Evaluation of the growth and health status of selected clone mixtures in comparison with ordinary planting stock

The present paper compares the growth of parent trees and potentially stress-tolerant mixtures of clones of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) progenies coming from a specific locality near the Černá hora peat bog in the Krkonoše Mts. Growth was studied in generative ortet plantations in Trutnov locality and in a mountain ortet plantation Lesní bouda, in the 1<sup>st</sup> generation clone plantation Benecko and in the 2<sup>nd</sup> generation clone plantation in the Černohorská rašelina locality. In the latter locality chlorophyll fluorescence and water losses during controlled desiccation were also measured in selected clones compared to control (generatively propagated) spruces. Partial data acquired until now prove the good growth dynamics and physiological state of some clones in extreme climatic conditions indicating that cuttings were taken from vital parent trees growing in exposed mountain localities. Growth relations among the clones were identical in all evaluated localities. The growth of the 2<sup>nd</sup> generation clone plantation has been markedly influenced by plantation and specific site conditions until now. The mutual interaction of clone growth and site conditions can change in time and therefore the study of clone plantations will continue in the years to come.

Clepsis trifasciata sp. n. with notes on some Lepidoptera Tortricidae from Kirgizstan

A new species of tortricid moth,<em> Clepsis trifasciata</em> sp. n., from Kadzhi- Sai, Issik-Kul province (Kirgizstan) is described. Externally the new species is characterised by its wing pattern, whilst the male genitalia is close to <em>Clepsis violacea</em> Razowski, 1966, which is widely distributed in the Mongolian steppe region, and to<em> Clepsis laetitiae</em> Soria, 1997, from Aranjuez (Central Spain). Moreover, some notes on some interesting tortricid moths which were collected in the mountainous localities of Kirgizstan are reported.

Integration of a Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus andBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato into Mountain Ecosystems, Following a Shift in the Altitudinal Limit of Distribution of Their Vector,Ixodes ricinus(Krkonoše Mountains, Czech Republic)

The altitudinal shift in the limit of Ixodes ricinus occurrence above the previously established altitude of 750 m above sea level has been monitored over the long-term (2002-2008) in the Krkonose Mts. (Giant Mts.), the highest in the Czech Republic, along two vertical transects in their eastern and central parts (600-1020 and 600-1270 m). Ticks were collected by flagging three times annually, and examined individually by PCR or RT-PCR for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato or tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). A total of 5999 I. ricinus ticks were tested. TBEV RNA was detected in 26 ticks at up to 1140 m. Demonstration of TBEV in two larvae of I. ricinus indicates transovarial transmission. Similar infection rates in larvae and nymphs show vertical transmission in TBEV circulation to be very important under these mountain conditions. B. burgdorferi sensu stricto was found at up to 1040-1065 m, Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii up to 1080-1140 m, and Borrelia valaisiana up to 1270 m. The total infection rates of nymphs and larvae were 7.3% and 2%, respectively. B. garinii was the most prevalent (37%), followed by B. afzelii (29%), B. burgdorferi s.s. (11%), and B. valaisiana (9%). Double to quadruple coinfections were detected in 32% of the infected ticks, most frequently B. garinii/B. afzelii. Predominance of B. garinii and B. valaisiana over B. afzelii suggests that small passerine birds moving on the ground are responsible for permanent local populations of I. ricinus in mountain localities with low numbers of small terrestrial mammals. The detection of B. burgdorferi sensu lato and TBEV in host-seeking larvae indicates an autochthonic infection. Upon analysis of the local climate we consider climate warming to be responsible for the spreading of ticks and tick-transmitted pathogens to higher altitudes.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Moltkia petraea (Tratt.) Griseb. flower, leaf and stem infusions

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as well as the quantity of phenolic substances (total phenol, flavonoid and phenolic acid contents) were determined in aqueous extracts of leaves, stems and flowers of Moltkia petraea (Tratt.) Griseb. from two mountainous localities (Sveti Jure and Sniježnica) in Croatia. In addition, the profile of phenolic acids was analyzed by UPLC–MS/MS. Antioxidant activities of all extracts in different test systems, namely the DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power assay and chelating activity, increased with extract concentration. Activity of the extracts from Sniježnica in β-carotene-linoleic acid assay did not differ from the activity of standard, BHA. The leaf extracts from Sniježnica demonstrated superior antioxidant activity in most of the assays, while the stem extract from the same locality was the most effective Fe2+ ion chelator. In general, the extracts from Sniježnica were more effective antioxidants than the corresponding extracts from Sveti Jure. The aqueous extracts of M. petraea did not show antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi tested in the diffusion and dilution assays.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Teucrium arduini L. ( Lamiaceae) flower and leaf infusions ( Teucrium arduini L. antioxidant capacity)

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as well as total phenol (TP, Folin–Ciocalteu method) and phenolic acid (UPLC–MS/MS) contents of leaf and flower infusions of Teucrium arduini L. from six different mountainous localities in Croatia (Učka, Vošac, Sveti Jure, Snježnica, Vaganac, Šušanj) were analysed in this study. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, as well as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. The antioxidant potency composite index (ACI), giving equal weight to all three methods used to quantify antioxidant capacity, was the highest for the sample from Vošac (96.7) among flower infusions, while maximum ACI (100) was determined for the infusion from Učka among leaf infusions. Strong positive correlation was found between the total phenols and ACI for leaf ( r = 0.953) and flower ( r = 0.977) infusions. Our results point to significantly ( p < 0.05) different TP content between leaf and flower infusions, as well as across localities. Leaf infusions of T. arduini from Šušanj exhibited marked antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while none of the tested infusions exhibited antimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacterial species, or the tested fungal species.

Morfología polínica de especies argentinas de Rebutia s. str. (Cactaceae, Cactoideae)

Garralla, S.; N. B. Muruaga & G. Cuadrado. 2008. Pollen Morphology of Argentinean species of Rebutia s. str. (Cactaceae, Cactoideae). Darwiniana 46(2): 270-278. This work analyzes pollen characteristics of Rebutia deminuta, R. fabrisii var. fabrisii, R. fabrisii var. aureiflora, R. fiebrigii, R. marsoneri, R. minuscula subsp. minuscula, R. minuscula subsp. wess- neriana and R. padcayensis to provide data that allow species delimitation. Pollen samples were collected in different mountain localities of northwestern Argentina. Observations, counts and measu- res of pollen grains were carried out under optical (MO) and scanning electron microscopy (MEB). Results show that Rebutia is a stenopalynous genus; pollen grains are apolar or isopolar, radiosymme- tric, medium-sized (32-55 µm), circular to subcircular; tricolpate or pantocolpate; with textate, perfo- rate and nanoechinate exine. Differences among taxa are discussed, and a palinological key is presen- ted.

Quaternary glaciation in Africa: key chronologies and climatic implications

AbstractMultiple episodes of Quaternary glaciation are evidenced on &gt;10 distinct mountain localities throughout Africa, with the best dated sites from Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya in equatorial East Africa. A general paucity of radiogenic dates constrains the glacial chronology, and regional sequences have largely been based on correlations by relative weathering of features. Excellent glacial moraine preservation and other features of erosion put limits on the spatial extent of palaeoglaciers, and have facilitated advances in palaeo‐equilibrium line altitude (ELA) analyses. All radiocarbon dates (n &lt; 30) provide minimum ages of deglaciation, and are consistent with a widespread synchronous advance during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 21 ± 2 ka). K–Ar dates on Kilimanjaro lava flows initially recognised up to three glaciations prior to the LGM. Over 100 cosmogenic radionuclide (CRN) 36Cl exposure ages on glacial erratics and bedrock from Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya date 16 landforms, confirming maximum glacial extent prior to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 10. No glacial geological features have been dated to MIS 6. While on Kilimanjaro the CRN ages confirm a clear LGM (MIS 2) maximum, Mt Kenya lacks definitive LGM moraines. Lateglacial advances or stillstands on both mountains are suggested by low‐relief moraines dating to 14.6 ± 1.2 ka (two boulders) on Mt Kenya and 16.3 ± 1.9 ka and 15.8 ± 2.5 ka on Kilimanjaro. Multiple moraines upvalley have early Holocene ages ranging from 11.2 ± 0.8 to 8.6 ± 0.2 ka. Isolated and equivocal dates on both mountains also provide speculative evidence that the maximum extent since MIS 5e may have occurred close to 30 ka, similar to sites in South America. New palaeoclimatic understanding from lake and ocean proxies suggests hypotheses for the source of low‐latitude climate changes causing the advances that can be tested with improved dates. A high degree of intra‐regional variance in ELA is observed, with differences by aspect reflecting precipitation gradients. Future work should include more CRN dates, improved mapping and inverse climate–mass balance modelling. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Spatial prediction model and its application to chemistry of atmospheric precipitation in Jordan

This study is concerned with the spatial variability of some wet atmospheric precipitation parameters such as; pH, conductivity (EC). The study also depicts the spatial variability of some ions (cations and anions) of atmospheric precipitation in Jordan such as, Ca 2+, Mg 2+, Na + and K +, HCO 3 −, Cl −, NO 3 − and SO 4 2−. The basis of the work is to establish a relationship through the cumulative semivariogram technique between the distance ratios and the spatial dependence structure of the chemical composition of atmospheric precipitation. All semivariogram models are constructed in this study in order to understand the behavior of the spatial distribution. The spatial distributions of rainwater parameters show differences from station to station which is expressed in terms of angle, where the larger the angle the weaker the correlation. The semivariogram (SV) models are constructed to show the variation of the rainfall chemistry in Jordan. The SV models show weak correlation between mountain and leeside mountain stations, i.e. mountain and desert stations. On the other hand, good correlations are observed when transferring from south to north of the country. The larger is the found angle, the weaker is the correlation. For most of the SV model the correlation is found to be very weak between desert and mountainous locality. The Standard Regional Dependence Factor (SRDF) is used for prediction of the distribution of rain fall parameters. It shows the relative error between observed and predicted values of rainwater parameters. The overall regional relative error between the observed and estimated concentrations remains less than 15%.

Arrhenia auriscalpium in arctic-alpine habitats: world distribution, ecology, new reports from the southern Rocky Mountains, USA

During our investigations of alpine agarics in the central and southern Rocky Mountains, Arrhenia auriscalpium (Fr.) Fr. was collected several times on high mountain localities in Colorado at elevations of 3,350-3,670 m. Arrhenia auriscalpium is a well-known arcticalpine basidiomycete (Agaricales) with a circumpolar distribution, which has previously been reported only once from the USA (outside Alaska). This is the first formal report of A. auriscalpium from Colorado, and is the highest elevation yet recorded for the fungus. This extends the distribution of A. auriscalpium deep into the North American cordillera to a latitude of 39° N, which is a southern-most extension for true northern alpine habitat. This new information is added to the global distribution of A. auriscalpium which is reported here along with notes on its ecology.

A Mössbauer study of pseudotachylytes: redox conditions during seismogenic faulting

The redox conditions during frictional melting provide information on the physical and chemical conditions during seismic slip in the crust. Here we examine frictional melts from five localities by analyzing host rocks and corresponding pseudotachylytes using Mossbauer spectroscopy. The faults examined are located at South Mountain, Arizona; Fort Foster, Maine (two localities); Long Ridge fault, North Carolina; and the Homestake shear zone, Colorado. The main iron-bearing phases in the pseudotachylytes are phyllosilicates (biotite, muscovite and clays) and iron oxides (magnetite and hematite) and minor pyrite. The ferrous/ferric ratios of the phyllosilicates in the host rocks are the same as those in the pseudotachylytes, except for the hematite-bearing pseudotachylyte from the Long Ridge fault, which is more oxidized. The magnetites in the host rocks and the corresponding pseudotachylytes have different ferric and ferrous iron distributions, which is attributed to different cation chemistry, rather than redox conditions. With the exception of the South Mountain locality, the ferric/ferrous ratios of the micas are interpreted to record the primary redox state of the pseudotachylyte melt as the calculated oxygen fugacities are consistent with magnetite and hematite equilibria. Pyrite-bearing pseudotachylytes plot ~0–1 log10 units above the fayalite-magnetite-quartz (FMQ) buffer. Magnetite-bearing pseudotachylytes plot ~2–4 log10 units above the FMQ buffer, and hematite-bearing pseudotachylytes plot 3.5 log10 units above the hematite-magnetite (HM) buffer. Hematite-bearing pseudotachylytes, together with previous oxygen isotope data, are inferred to represent melting in the presence of externally derived pressurized water. Other localities are inferred to represent melting under rock-buffered, closed system, conditions. If the localities studied are representative of seismogenic faulting, the calculated oxygen fugacities indicate that, in the system C–O–H–S, H2O and CO2 should be the dominant fluid species. This is the first detailed study of the redox state of pseudotachylytes.

Methanogenesis in Eocene Arctic soils inferred from δ13C of tree fossil carbonates

We report on the carbon and oxygen stable isotope composition of fossil tree material collected at the White Mountain locality of the Buchanan Lake Formation on Axel Heiberg Island in the High Arctic of Canada. The fossils are Middle Eocene in age and have been permineralized with carbonate. Microscopic examination of fossils revealed them to be the remains of Metasequoia stems, composed of secondary carbonate (calcite) and original wood intermingled at the cellular level. Because the specimens show little compression, crushing, or tissue degradation, we believe that carbonate permineralization occurred soon after burial, and therefore provides insight into Eocene carbon cycling at the locality. The carbon isotope signature of the carbonate suggests that methanogenesis resulted in a 13 C-enriched CO2 pool that equilibrated with soil water and gave rise to unusually 13 C-enriched CaCO3. Tree fossil carbonate exhibited strikingly high d 13 C values (+4.0 to +7.4x) compared to published Phanerozoic pedogenic carbonate d 13 C values. These d 13 C values, in conjunction with fractionation factors (a) previously determined for carbonate precipitation and methanogenic pathways, indicate an Eocene soil CO2 pool containing 80–95% CO2 produced as a by-product of acetate-fermentation methanogenesis. Because methane in the atmosphere is a powerful greenhouse gas, we suggest that methane emissions from Axel Heiberg soils contributed to the relatively warm Arctic climate during the Middle Eocene. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Methanogenesis in Eocene Arctic soils inferred from δ13C of tree fossil carbonates

We report on the carbon and oxygen stable isotope composition of fossil tree material collected at the White Mountain locality of the Buchanan Lake Formation on Axel Heiberg Island in the High Arctic of Canada. The fossils are Middle Eocene in age and have been permineralized with carbonate. Microscopic examination of fossils revealed them to be the remains of Metasequoia stems, composed of secondary carbonate (calcite) and original wood intermingled at the cellular level. Because the specimens show little compression, crushing, or tissue degradation, we believe that carbonate permineralization occurred soon after burial, and therefore provides insight into Eocene carbon cycling at the locality. The carbon isotope signature of the carbonate suggests that methanogenesis resulted in a 13C-enriched CO 2 pool that equilibrated with soil water and gave rise to unusually 13C-enriched CaCO 3. Tree fossil carbonate exhibited strikingly high δ 13C values (+4.0 to +7.4‰) compared to published Phanerozoic pedogenic carbonate δ 13C values. These δ 13C values, in conjunction with fractionation factors ( α) previously determined for carbonate precipitation and methanogenic pathways, indicate an Eocene soil CO 2 pool containing 80–95% CO 2 produced as a by-product of acetate-fermentation methanogenesis. Because methane in the atmosphere is a powerful greenhouse gas, we suggest that methane emissions from Axel Heiberg soils contributed to the relatively warm Arctic climate during the Middle Eocene.

Presence ofMyotis alcathoeHelversen &amp; Heller, 2001 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in the Iberian Peninsula

In a survey of bats from La Rioja (Spain), several specimens of the mystacinus group were captured at different mountain localities. Genetic and morphologic analyses have revealed the presence of two lineages within this group in La Rioja. The lineages have been identified as corresponding to two different species: Myotis mystacinus sensu stricto and the recently described M. alcathoe. Both species were found using the same nocturnal refugia (caves) and the same forest habitats. This study extends the distribution of M. alcathoe west and southwards and adds a new mammal species to the Iberian fauna.

∼1.8 Ga iron-mineralized microbiota from the Gunflint Iron Formation, Ontario, Canada: implications for Mars

A ∼1.8 Ga banded-iron stromatolite from the Mink Mountain locality (PPRG 336) of the Gunflint Iron Formation, Ontario, Canada was investigated as an analogue to Martian hematite deposits which have the potential to contain fossilized Martian life. The stromatolitic sample was primarily composed of quartz (SiO 2) with fractional amounts of hematite (Fe 2O 3), greenalite ((Fe,Mg) 3Si 2O 5(OH) 2), and minor amounts of stilpnomelane (K(Fe 2+,Mg,Fe 3+, Al) 8(Si,Al) 12(O,OH) 27 · 2H 2O). Iron-bearing minerals were present within thin, discontinuous bands aligned roughly parallel. Octahedral pseudomorphs of hematite after magnetite occurred as localized elongate clusters, as well as on the outer rims of detrital oncolitic structures. Microcrystalline greenalite was present as a clay occurring in layers subparallel to the stromatolitic layering. Greenalite was observed in both the silica- and iron-rich layers, as well as within oncolitic structures. Irregular aggregates of radiating stilpnomelane needles extended into the silica matrix. Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed 5–10 μm diameter iron-mineralized or siliceous, concentrically laminated, ooid-like structures in localized patches. OM, SEM, and energy dispersive X-ray analyses (EDX) were used to characterize microfossils mineralized by iron-oxides in the stromatolite. The microfossils consisted of coccoidal and filamentous forms. The coccoids (∼0.5 to 2 μm diameter) were present both in chains and individually throughout the silica- and iron-rich bands, while the filamentous remnants (∼1–3 μm diameter, and up to 200 μm length) were localized and patchy in the sample. While the Gunflint Iron Formation does not provide us with a perfect analogue to the Martian hematite site, it does establish the potential for finding iron-mineralized microorganisms within Martian sediments.

Oxygen isotope records of goethite from ferricrete deposits indicate regionally varying Holocene climate change in the Rocky Mountain region, U.S.A.

Oxygen isotopes of goethite from ferricrete deposits were measured from both northern and southern Rocky Mountain localities to assess geographic variability in regional Holocene paleoclimate change. A ∼3.7‰ increase in oxygen isotope values of 14C-dated goethites in the northern Rocky Mountains suggests a regional-scale relative increase in amounts of isotopically heavy summer precipitation since the early Holocene. In contrast, oxygen isotope values from the southern Rocky Mountains increase abruptly ∼2.1‰ at ∼6200 14C yr B.P., then decrease ∼2.4‰ between ∼2000 14C yr B.P. and the present. We interpret this period of relatively high δ 18O values as evidence for a middle Holocene warm period combined with a relatively strong summer monsoon. These variable climate records suggest that the Rocky Mountains of the western United States have had a spatially heterogeneous Holocene climate history.

A new genus and species of tetrigid (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae: Cladonotinae) from Dominican Republic, Hispaniola

Abstract A new genus and species of tetrigid, Antillotettix nanus, is described from several mountain localities (1000 to 1500 m) in the Bahoruco and Central mountains of the Dominican Republic, Hispaniola. Antillotettix is characterized by a very small and rounded body, a frontal costa opened some 30° and a slightly tectate and roundly truncate pronotum that covers just over half the abdomen. It is the smallest of known Hispaniolan tetrigids.

Puercan mammalian systematics and biostratigraphy in the Denver Formation, Denver Basin, Colorado

As a result of the Denver Basin Project, several more fossils of Puercan mammals are reported here from five areas in the Denver Formation: South Table Mountain, Greater Denver, the West Bijou Site, Big Gulch, and Corral Bluffs. Systematic description and discussion are provided for one multituberculate and 11 ungulate taxa, including a new species of Baioconodon . Some taxa represent extensions of previously recognized temporal and geographic ranges. Notably, the ungulate Protungulatum donnae from strata of early Puercan (Pu1) age in the Denver Formation represents the southernmost occurrence of the species, while Oxyclaenus simplex , in probable early Puercan strata of the Denver Formation, appears to represent both a temporal and geographic range extension from middle Puercan (Pu2) strata of the San Juan Basin, New Mexico. Additionally, I report the first occurrence in the Denver Basin of the arctocyonid Loxolophus faulkneri . Refined biostratigraphic interpretations, resulting from new discoveries and incorporating paleomagnetic, palynological, and radioisotopic analyses presented elsewhere, suggest that Puercan interval zones Pu1 and Pu2 are both represented by mammalian faunas in the Denver Formation. Localities at South Table Mountain, as well as the Denver Oxyclaenodon Site (DMNH loc. 299) and Nicole's Mammal Jaw locality (DMNH loc. 2557), are Pu1 correlatives. Discoveries reported here support previous interpretations that the Alexander and South Table Mountain localities are probably similar in age (i.e., Pu1) and are included here in the Littleton fauna. Based upon comparison to other Puercan faunas, the Littleton fauna may be temporally intermediate between typical Pu1 assemblages known north of the Denver Basin and earliest Pu2 assemblages from the Hanna Basin, Wyoming. Alternatively, faunal differences between the Littleton fauna and other Pu1 faunas may reflect ecological and biogeographic differences. The unusually high diversity of ungulates in the Littleton fauna suggests some of the diversification that elsewhere characterizes the onset of Pu2 may already have begun by Pu1 in the Denver Basin. The mammalian assemblage at Corral Bluffs is interpreted here as a probable Pu2 correlative, based upon occurrence of Loxolophus faulkneri, Conacodon entoconus and C. delphae , and absence of Pu3 index taxa. Pu2/Pu3 correlatives (i.e., faunal assemblages that are either Pu2 or Pu3) also are reported here from the Big Gulch area, although more fossils are needed to refine their ages. The present study and others in this issue demonstrate that the Denver Basin is among the few places wherein correlation between Puercan mammalian biostratigraphy and paleomagnetic, palynological, and radioisotopic analyses is an attainable goal.

A Review of West African Spotted Kassina, Including a Description of Kassina schioetzi sp. nov. (Amphibia: Anura: Hyperoliidae)

Based on museum specimens, field records, and morphological, acoustical, and geographical analyses, we resurrect the species status of Kassina arboricola Perret, 1985 and redefine Kassina cochranae (Loveridge, 1941). Additionally, we describe Kassina schioetzi sp. nov., a hitherto overlooked species. This species differs from K. cochranae and K. arboricola in several morphological features, especially the shape of the male gular flap, and its very short, tonal advertisement call. All three species are associated with forest habitats. Kassina schioetzi lives in wooded parts of the Guinea savanna of Ivory Coast and a single mountainous locality in eastern Guinea. Kassina cochranae occurs from western Ivory Coast to eastern Sierra Leone; K. arboricola occurs from Ghana to western Ivory Coast. At two localities, K. schioetzi occurs in syntopy with K. arboricola, and at another locality with K. cochranae. A key to all West African Kassina species is provided.

Using indigenous knowledge in land use investigations: a participatory study in a semi-arid mountainous region of Lebanon

The implementation of land use studies in most developing nations is often faced with the lack of data. Participatory studies offer the possibility of complementing data sets by tapping into indigenous knowledge. They also encourage the adoption of sustainable land management practices by establishing partnership and dialogue among stakeholders. This paper reports on a study in Aarsal, a semi-arid mountainous locality (36,000 ha) in Lebanon where conflicts in land use have recently emerged between pastoralists and growers. The study aimed at supporting sustainable land management in Aarsal by carrying out a land capability classification and a land use analysis. Indigenous knowledge was used as one of the information sources for the land capability classification. Participatory rural appraisal was used to describe the indigenous agroecological zoning and local soil classification. Geographic information system (GIS) technology was used to produce a land capability map and to analyze the current land use. Most of the land area was found to be too marginal for conventional farming, and nearly 5000 ha are in serious danger of land degradation. Moreover, the shrinkage of the grazing lands caused by the expansion of orchards partly explains the reduction in the size of small ruminant flocks. The combination of participatory approach, land capability evaluation and GIS provided a satisfactory understanding of the physical and biological land management constraints in Aarsal, fostered dialogue between the different stakeholders, and created opportunities for the identification of sustainable land management options.