Edita: Jardín Botánico, Universitat de València · Syntaxonomic differentiation of the...

Edita: Jardín Botánico, Universitat de ValènciaTextos: De cada contribución sus autoresImpresión: Zamit Digital, Valencia 13 de septiembre de 2011 © de los textos: los autores© de las imágenes y las fotos: Manuel Costa y Pilar SorianoDepósito Legal: V-3005-2011

Committees

Programme

Abstracts

1st Symposium:Ecosystem services: the role of vegetation, ecological mapping and land use

2nd Symposium: Ancient forests and their ecological value

3rd Symposium: The Habitats Directive-Monitoring and management programs, in-situ and ex-situ conservation plans

Workshop: Towards a prodrome of European vegetation

Authors’ index

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INDEX

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COMMITTEES

Scientific Committee

• Prof. Edoardo Biondi (FIP Secretary, University of Ancona)• Prof. Frédéric Bioret (President of the French Association of Phytosociology. Université de Bretagne occidentale)• Prof. Carlo Blasi (FIP President, University of Roma La Sapienza)• Prof. Jorge Capelo (National Institute of Biological Resources, Lisboa)• Prof. Manuel Costa (University of Valencia)• Prof. Javier Loidi (University of Pais Vasco)• Prof. Pilar Soriano (University of Valencia)• Prof. Richard Pott (Institute of Geobotany, University of Hannover)• Prof. Salvador Rivas-Martínez (University of Madrid).

Organizing Committee

• Prof. Pilar Soriano (University of Valencia)• Prof. Manuel Costa (University of Valencia)• Prof. Edoardo Biondi (FIP Secretary, University of Ancona)• Prof. Carlo Blasi (FIP President, University of Roma La Sapienza)• Prof. Jorge Capelo (National Institute of Biological Resources, Lisboa)• Prof. Javier Loidi (University of Pais Vasco)• Prof. Richard Pott (Institute of Geobotany, University of Hannover)• Prof. Monica Boscaiu (Polytechnic University of Valencia)• Dr. Elena Estrelles (University of Valencia)• Prof. Ana Ibars (University of Valencia)• Prof. Isabel Martínez- Solis (University CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia)

Collaborators

• Teresa Barquero (University CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia)• Ricardo Folgado (University CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia)• Amparo Narbona (University of Valencia)

PROGRAMME

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Tuesday September 13th

09:00h Registration

12:00h Opening Ceremony First International Symposium of the FIP

13:00h Opening Session Salvador Rivas-Martínez: Worldwide Bioclimatic Classification System: cartographic expression Carlo Blasi: Modern perspectives for plant sociology

14:00h Lunch

15:00h Poster Session

16:00h 1ST SYMPOSIUM: ECOSYSTEM SERVICES: THE ROLE OF VEGETATION, ECOLOGICAL MAPPING AND LAND USE Chairman: Jorge Capelo

16:15h Speaker: Miguel Sequeira Bringing together vegetation science, eco-tourism and conservation towards sustainability in the Laurisilva of Madeira

17:00h Coffee break

17:15h Oral Contributions: Updating, results and potential applications of the indexes system for the evaluation of agro-ecosystem’s functionality F. Taffetani, M. Rismondo & A. Lancioni

Predicting the potential natural vegetation in Sado estuary and Comporta Galé sites with data mining models – community level modeling and habitat restoration F. Gutierres, E. Reis, C. Neto & J. C. Costa

ECO1

ECO2

5GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR PLANT CONSERVATION First International Symposium of the FIP

Estimating ecosystem services of vegetation: vegetation structure and composition, plant phenology and honey production in a Mediterranean sylvo-pastoral landscape S. Bagella, A. Satta, M. C. Caria, I. Rossetti, F. Buffa & I. Floris

The importance of natural ecosystems and economic changes in ecosystem anthropogenic M. M. Redondo García & A. B. Hermosilla González

The influence of human action on the ecosystems of Alto Tajo Natural Park (Guadalajara and Cuenca, Spain) A. B. Hermosilla González & M. M. Redondo García

Post-fire regeneration of Quercus sp. communities in Alto Alentejo, after severe wildfires (Year 2003) M. Pereira, N. Guiomar & M. Martins

The costal vegetation of Namibe (Southwest of Angola) J. C. Costa, J. F. Costa, M. C. Duarte & I. Moreira

Bryophyte coastal vegetation of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (Italy) as a tool for ecosystem assessment M. Privitera, M. Puglisi & R. Costa

Ecoregions of Italy and ecological services C.Blasi, E. Feoli, G. Galante, G. Incerti F. Manes, N. Zaccarelli, G. Zurlini G & G. Capotorti 19:30h-20:00h Open discussion and Chairman conclusions

Wednesday September 14th

09:00h 2ND SYMPOSIUM: ANCIENT FORESTS AND THEIR ECOLOGICAL VALUE Chairman: Richard Pott

09:15h Speaker: Jerzy Szwagrzyk, M. Łysik & J. Szewczyk Plant diversity in old-growth forests of Central Europe: What can we learn from natural forest remnants

ECO3

ECO4

ECO5

ECO6

ECO7

ECO8

ECO9

6

10:00h Coffee Break

10:15h Oral Contributions:

Towards a Southern European old-growth forest network S Burrascano, F. M. Sabatini. & C. Blasi

Contribution to the knowledge of the edaphoxerophilous plant communities in the south of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal) C. J. Pinto Gomes, A Cano-Ortiz, C Meireles, C. Vila-Viçosa & E.Cano

Memory of forest – changes of landscape structure, floristical composition and ecological conditions during last 220 years A. Carni & A. Pausic

Ancient forests in two national parks of the central Apennines A. R. Frattaroli, G. Ciaschetti , C. Console, G.Di Marco, M. Marchetti & G. Pirone

Plant life in extreme habitats: studies on conifers growing on ultramafics under Mediterranean bioclimate (California, Spain) V. De La Fuente Garcia, D. Sánchez-Mata, L. Rufo, N. Rodríguez, R. Amils, A. Asensi & B. Díez-Garretas

A relict wood of Juniperus turbinata Guss. in S Sicily. Ecological status, age structure and conservation perspectives P. Minissale, S.Sciandrello & I.Galletti

The Polylepis Ruíz & Pavón and Aragoa Kunth. relict micro forests in the Andes of Mérida (Venezuela) M. Costa, J. A Cegarra, L.Lugo, J. Guevara, J. Lozada & P. Soriano

Causes and determinants of beta diversity in Southern-European old-growth forests F.M. Sabatini, S. Burrascano & C.Blasi

12:15h Open discussion and Chairman conclusions 13:00h Lunch

14:00h Poster session

ANC1

ANC3

ANC2

ANC4

ANC5

ANC6

ANC7

ANC8


15:00h 3RD SYMPOSIUM: THE HABITATS DIRECTIVE - MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS, IN-SITU AND EX-SITU CONSERVATION PLANS Chairmans: Edoardo Biondi & Frédéric Bioret

15:15h Speaker: Douglas Evans Monitoring and reporting for the habitats directive

16:00h Coffee break


A proposal for new habitats in Andalusia (Spain) E. Cano Carmona, J. Mota Poveda, J. Muñoz Ávarez & C. Pinto Gomes

Enlargement of FFH-areas by restoration approaches: the case of inland sand ecosystems A. Schwabe-Kratochwil & A. Kratochwil

Calcareous scree slopes habitat monitoring in Piatra Craiului National Park (Romania) P. Oliviu Grigore

Habitats cartography of the Valencian Community: a Gis-based tool for the management and conservation of Natura 2000 vegetation types in Eastern Spain C. Fabregat, J. Casabó, J. Fabado & J. Soler

Is Natura 2000 Network representative of the actual vegetation diversity at Regional scale? D. Gigante, F. Landucci, F. Maneli & R.Venanzoni

Higro demonstrative actions for the conservation of priority habitats in Northern mountain areas in Portugal M. Geraldes, C. Neto, P. Monteiro, J. Honrado, B. Caldas & C. Aguiar

Coleanthus subtilis – ex situ and in situ Conservation of a priority species K.-G. Bernhardt, S. Hameister & M. Koch

A cartographic, phytosociological, sindynamic, geosynphytosociological and habitats (sensu Directive 92/43/eec) database. The Regione Marche case study S. Pesaresi, E. Biondi & S. Casavecchia

HAB1

HAB2

HAB3

HAB4

HAB5

HAB6

HAB7

HAB8

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18:15h-19:00h Open discussion and chairman conclusions

21:00h Congress dinner

Thursday September 15th

Mid-symposium excursion from the Valencia coastal area (sand dunes and marshes) to the cliffs of Alicante (Parque Natural de l’Albufera, Parque Natural del Montgó)

Friday September 16th

09:00h WORKSHOP:TOWARDS A PRODROME OF EUROPEAN VEGETATION Chairman: Javier Loidi

09:15h Speaker: Milan Chytrý Vegetation-plot databases and large-scale vegetation classification

10:00h Coffee break


Vegetation surveys of priority habitats using multiple databases: the example of rich brown-moss fens in Europe B. Jiménez-Alfaro & M. Hajek;

Contribution to a prodrome of Algerian vegetation: a synopsis of forest communities R. Meddour, O. Meddour-Sahar, L. Zeraia, F. Bensettiti & A. Derridj

On the presence of the Aceri granatensis-Quercion fagineae alliance in mainland Portugal: a syntaxonomic review for the Iberian Peninsula J. C. Costa, T. Monteiro-Henriques, J. C. Costa, A. Bellu & C. Aguiar

Classifications par étape des relevés de la banque SOPHY H. Brisse, P. De Ruffray, E.Garbolino & G. Grandjouan

TOW1

TOW2

TOW3

TOW4


Synopsis of the German Plant Communities: printed and projected volumes H. Dierschke & A.Schwabe

Syntaxonomic differentiation of the North-Eastern Italian grey alder woods G. Sburlino L. Giovagnoli, L. Poldini & S.Tasinazzo

11:45h Open discussion and chairman conclusions

12:15h Closing

12:30h AEFA Assembly

13:00h Lunch and Visit to the Botanical Garden.

15:00h City Tour

Saturday September 17th

Post-congress excursion from Valencia to the Mediterranean high mountain area of Teruel (Sierra de Javalambre)

TOW5

TOW6

GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR PLANT CONSERVATION First International Symposium of the FIP

1st Symposium:

Ecosystem services: the role of vegetation, ecological mapping and land use.

BRINGING TOGETHER VEGETATION SCIENCE, ECO-TOURISM AND CONSERVATION TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

IN THE LAURISILVA OF MADEIRA

Miguel Menezes de Sequeira1*, Sandra Mesquita2 & Aida Pupo1

1) Centro de Ciências da Vida, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9000-390 Funchal, Portugal ([email protected]); 2) Umbelata. Av. 24 Julho, nº 86, 4º dto, 1200-870 Lisboa ([email protected])

Abstract:

Several powerful tools for nature conservation resulted from the recent advances on the phytossociological knowledge on the Madeira vegetation. Different conservation status can be attributed to each of the 5 recognized climatophyllous series: Mayteno umbellatae-Oleo maderensis sigmetum (Inframediterranean, very poorly preserved, climax communities extremely rare); Helichryso melaleuci- Sideroxylo marmulanae sigmetum (inframediterranean, poorly preserved); Semele androgynae-Apollonio barbujanae sigmetum (infra- and thermomediterranean lauraceae forest, poorly preserved); Clethro arboreae-Ocoteo foetentis sigmetum (Infra to mesotemperate lauraceae forest, climax communities found on both faces of the island well preserved); Polysticho falcinelli-Erico arboreae sigmetum (meso-supra temperate, poorly preserved); Armerio maderensis-Parafestuco albidae microgeosigmetum (high-altitude rock vegetation complex, poorly preserved). The Madeira tourism was clearly established by the early years of the XIX century based on the supposed curative character of its mild climate. Relations between health tourist visitors and naturalists brought important and well documented contributions for the flora and vegetation knowledge of the island.

The laurisilva forest (i.e. humid laurisilva corresponding to Clethro arboreae – Ocoteetum foetentis) was, since these early years, an attraction with long lasting consequences such as the humid laurisilva biased conservation views that lasted until recently. The raising interest on ecotourism is mainly centred on humid laurisilva and its use by an increasing number of visitors could become a threat, however other uses (water use, fire, grazing, agriculture, invading species, etc.) have a greater impact.

In fact, orography and consequent mostly linear use of the landscape by tourists limits their impact and makes control of nowadays not regulated access an easy task. However, the unbalanced use of the landscape is a matter for severe concern if communities other than the humid laurisilva are considered. Impacts caused by touristic structures closer to sea level are much more intense, affecting poor conservation status vegetation types. It can be shown that the historical use of the landscape is clearly unbalanced and that the laurisilva use as an ecotourism asset is causing a further asymmetrical use of the landscape. Finally the relations between tourism and vegetation science are discussed.

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ORAL CONTRIBUTIONS

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ECO1

UPDATING, RESULTS AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF THE INDEXES SYSTEM FOR THE EVALUATION OF AGRO-ECOSYSTEM’S FUNCTIONALITY

Taffetani Fabio, Rismondo Michele, Lancioni AndreaDepartment Of Environmental Sciences And Vegetal Productions, Polytechnic University Of Marche

Abstract:

The floristic-vegetational indexes system (Taffetani and Rismondo, 2009), recently updated (Taffetani et al., in press), is further integrated with a method for the evaluation of agro-ecosystem’s functionality. We tested a new methodology based on different levels of inquiry, which allows that the cartographic informations, specifically gathered, can be exported to gradually larger scale.

The update affects the calculation method of some previously presented indices (IFB, IW, IX, IA). We introduced also a new methodology for the evaluation of the conservation status of the hydrographic network. This is based on the reconstruction and the ordination of the hydrographic network related to a specific area and on cartographic processing concerning land use and vegetation of river banks. It allowed the identification of those areas characterized by erosion phenomena and hydrogeological instability.

The small-scale analysis (regarding farms and farmhouse courtyards) allowed to determine precisely the conservation status of herbaceous communities. These last are more sensitive to the impact exercised by different current or previous management practices (mowing, use of herbicides, abandonment).

Our future objectives will be the further application, testing and improvement of the method for the evaluation of the hydrographic network functionality. We will also deepen the study of the residual grasslands detectable in the farmhouse courtyards. These habitats show a good floristic diversity but are no longer common in the rural analyzed contexts. Their conservation is essential in order to protect agrobiodiversity.

The floristic-vegetational indexes system can be efficiently used in order to identify and quantify ecosystem services and as a supporting tool for monitoring the results obtained by the application of the agricultural politics (Rural Development Programme, Cross Compliance). It can also be used to identify HNV Farmland Areas and to assess their environmental value.

Taffetani F., Rismondo M., 2009. Bioindicators system for the evaluation of the environment quality of agro-ecosystems. Fitosociologia 46 (2): 3-22.

Taffetani F., Rismondo M., Lancioni A. Integrated tools and methods for the analysis of agro-ecosystem’s functionality through vegetational investigations. Fitosociologia: in press.


ECO2

PREDICTING THE POTENTIAL NATURAL VEGETATION IN SADO ESTUARY AND COMPORTA GALÉ SITES WITH DATA

MINING MODELS – COMMUNITY LEVEL MODELING AND HABITAT RESTORATION

Gutierres Francisco1, Reis Eusébio1, Neto Carlos1, Costa José Carlos2

1) Institute Of Geography And Territorial Planning (igot), University Of Lisbon; 2) Superior Institute Of Agronomy - Technical University Of Lisbon

Abstract:

This study applies several data mining models to the predictive cartography of potential natural vegetation (PNV) and defines relationships between PNV and actual vegetation in two sites of community importance (Sado Estuary and Comporta Galé). The concept of PNV and its cartographic expression have become extremely important within the scope of land use planning and habitat restoration in almost every European country. Their application whenever the restoration of natural vegetation is in order, especially after ecological disturbance due to the predictive character of their original concepts.

We applied a strategy for modeling distributions of communities referred as “classification-then-modelling”. In this strategy the data matrix is first subjected to numerical classification to derive either groups of sites containing similar species, or groups of species occurring at similar sites. Then several statistical model-fitting techniques, such as Maxent, GLM, GAM, Artificial Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines and Garp, have been successfully applied to data (survey data: presence/absence and environmental/predictor variables). For defining restoration goals we applied the PNV maps and the Functional Linkage Index for measuring and comparing functional connectivity among groups of habitat patches. The results of the statistical models (particularly Maxent and GLM offer very good performance) applied to biological survey and ecological data (environmental variables remotely mapped) provides a powerful means of making more effective use of sparse data in local conservation planning.

The PNV-concept turns out to be useful in small/medium-scale mapping (scales = 1: 25 000) of small areas (e.g. Psamophilic habitats), where replacement vegetation is the focal point for managers and land-use planners. The approximate distribution of the replacement vegetation may be deduced from the PNV-map for a reference to the vegetation series concept. Finally, the PNV-concept and mapping may be used for defining restoration goals and evaluating the success of restoration efforts.

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ECO3

ESTIMATING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF VEGETATION: VEGETATION STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION, PLANT PHENOLOGY AND HONEY

PRODUCTION IN A MEDITERRANEAN SYLVO-PASTORAL LANDSCAPE

Bagella Simonetta1, Satta Alberto2, Caria Maria Carmela1, Rossetti Ivo1, Buffa Franco2, Floris Ignazio2

1) Università Degli Studi Di Sassari, Dipartimento Di Scienze Botaniche, Ecologiche E Geologiche, Italy; 2) Università Degli Studi Di Sassari, Dipartimento Di Protezione Piante, Italy

Abstract:

Mediterranean sylvo-pastoral landscapes are characterized by a great variety of vegetation and land use types which ensure multiple benefits and ecosystem services. Among them honey production represent a traditional, non- destructive and sustainable economical resource.

The aims of this research were to assess: i) the influence of different vegetation types and plant species on the quality of honey production and ii) the relationship between plant phenology, biological parameters of bee population and honey production.

The study area was located in NE Sardinia in a cork oak tree landscape on gently sloping land grazed by local crossbred beef cattle, on granitic Upper Carboniferous-Permian substratum at an elevation of 250-300 m a.s.l. in the Meso-Mediterranean phytoclimatic belt. This landscape type is widespread in the island as well as in large areas of the Mediterranean basin.

The experimental apiary was positioned in May 2009. Vegetation mapping, based on phytosociologiocal surveys, was realized inside a circular area, 3 km in diameter, having its centre in the point where the apiary was located. Phenological surveys on different flowering stages, were performed during spring-summer 2010 every 15 days along 4 perpendicular radius of the circular area. Each hive was detected for different biological parameters (population dynamic of bees and brood extension) and for honey production. In addition, at different periods, foraging bees with pollen loads and honey from super were sampled for palynological analyses.

The results showed a strong connection between flowering period, population dynamic and honey production. Furthermore palynological analysis pointed out the relationships between vegetation types and plant species abundance in the studied area, their distribution pattern and the representativeness of their pollen in the honey.


ECO4

THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS AND ECONOMIC CHANGES IN ECOSYSTEM ANTHROPOGENIC

Redondo Garcia Maria Manuela, Hermosilla González Alba BelénUniversidad Complutense De Madrid. Facultad De Geografía E Historia. Dpto. Análisis Geográfico Regional Y Geografía Física. Madrid. España

Abstract:

From the origins of man, natural forest ecosystems have led to food sources, energy and raw materials (fruits, timber, firewood, grazing or hunting), fund raising (resins, rush, rattan, cork, seasoning and aromatic plants, coal etc.) transformation of land use (land reclamation, reforestation, etc.).

With the growing overpopulation, these ecosystems have become leisure and recreation, which leads to an assessment of loss of biodiversity, landscape and others.

The study presented is to stage an agricultural region, the Montes de Navahermosa (Montes de Toledo, Spain).

The work shows a number of observable relationships in an ecosystem:

Clearing - anthropism - abandonment, natural recovery of a forest ecosystem. In this case, it is a forest of Quercus rotundifolia in the town of Navahermosa, which in the 50’s break implanting a culture of vines which later was abandoned and now is recovering back the oaks native.

Deforestation - afforestation - natural recovery of the original ecosystem. Here is softwood afforestation in a forest of Quercus pyrenaica in the municipality of Hontanar.

The ruins of a village of unknown origin, conquered in the twelfth century. Show an interest in heritage and cultural landscape of Quercus rotundifolia on “Berrocal granitic”.

The use of endorheic enclaves or “Navazos on raña” is an original and unique landscape. Provide habitat for many species of fauna, and are grown in dry periods. The potential vegetation is Quercus rotundifolia.

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ECO5

THE INFLUENCE OF HUMAN ACTION ON THE ECOSYSTEMS OF ALTO TAJO NATURAL PARK (GUADALAJARA AND CUENCA, SPAIN)

Hermosilla González Alba Belén, Redondo García María ManuelaUniversidad Complutense De Madrid, Facultad De Geografía E Historia. Dpto. Análisis Geográfico Regional Y Geografía Física, Madrid, España

Abstract:

There are numerous ecosystems within the Protected Natural Areas that, even appearing in a defined conservation status, also undergo major changes as a result of human action, either by an infringement or by natural resources exploitation.

As mentioned by Marx (1891), nature is the source of use values and, therefore, the source of material richness.

Ecosystems provide many services for life as water, vegetation, fauna, etc. All of them are exploited by man in a way that ecosystems are now completely transformed, noticing increasingly overcrowding and overexploitation.

In this paper we analyze the situation of Alto Tajo Natural Park, with regard to ecosystem services. This natural area occupies 176,265 ha and its largest extension is located in Guadalajara province. Presents great diversity of ecosystems where anthropogenic activity is increasingly clear, visible in some en some of the different types of land use, as:

Cultivated land in rainfed or irrigated: with the predominance of cereal, olive groves and vineyards, exploited for economic purposes and fundraising.

Leafy woods, coniferous woods and/or mixed woods: they occupy the largest extension. In them the human influence can be seen in the exploitation of timber resources, resources mycological ...; The latter are of great importance in the woods as there are critical areas of flora within them, and they are crushed by mycologists and other visitors who carry out recreation activities. In these areas there are Atropa baetica, which is located in the municipalities of Ocentejo and Armallones, as well as Delphinium fissum subsp. sordium, which is situated in the municipality of Corduente.

The minerals extraction Areas of kaolin in the municipalities of Peñalén and Poveda de la Sierra. The environmental impact produced by the mining of kaolin, in this territory, is primarily in landscape, due to effects that produce the open pit mines on the territory, and through direct impacts on riparian ecosystems, since the surface devoid of vegetation causes entrainment of kaolin to streams and, finally, to the Tajo river.


ECO6

POST-FIRE REGENERATION OF QUERCUS SP. COMMUNITIES IN ALTO ALENTEJO, AFTER SEVERE WILDFIRES (YEAR 2003)

Pereira Marizia1, Guiomar Nuno1, Martins Mónica2

1) Universidade De Évora, Depto. De Paisagem, Ambiente E Ordenamento Biofísico E Paisagístico, Évora, Portugal; 2) Centro De Estudos Geográficos, Instituto De Geografia E Ordenamento Do Território Da Universidade De Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal

Abstract:

Fire is an ecological constant in Mediterranean ecosystems, playing an important role in successional processes and vegetation dynamics. In mainland Portugal, it is possible to distinguish different fire regimes, which must be study independently. Since the regeneration patterns are complex and influenced by several factors, like local biophysical characteristics, land uses, fire behaviour and other disturbance factors, they are hard to understand. However, there is a lack of information about the vegetation’s post-fire behaviours in Southern Portugal, particularly in areas where the fires are not so frequent. The Region of Alto Alentejo has suffered great wildfires in 2003. In consequence of their high severity and extent, plant communities usually not very susceptible to this factor, have been burned. So, the purpose of this work was to establish the post-fire dynamics in three ecosystems dominated by Quercus sp. (Q. pyrenaica, Q. suber and Q. rotundifolia), in such burned areas of Alto Alentejo, using phytosociological methods. Some plots that have burn in 2003 were sampled, and compared with other relevés from areas where the natural vegetation is well conserved.

All plant taxa were characterized according to their regeneration mode and life forms. A floristic analysis was performed. The composition, abundance and diversity of the plant communities were studied. Relevés, allow establishing the regressive or progressive successions. Results suggest that not all areas tend to approach the reference vegetation’s composition, mainly the communities of Quercus pyrenaica (Arbuto unedonis-Quercetum pyrenaicae). Scrublands of Phillyreo angustifoliae-Arbutetum unedonis or Genisto falcatae-Adenocarpetum anisochili, which are common in this region, were not found in the burnt area, being substituted by monospecific formations of Cytisus multiforus that belong to the association Cytisetum multifloro-eriocarpi. The association Vincetoxicum nigri-Origanetum virentis, typical of shady fringes, also was not identified. Besides the fire, the Q. pyrenaica succession may have been affected by the cumulative effect of several disturbance factors, such as tree cutting, fire use to promote pastures, mobilization of the soil for agricultural uses, frequent sowing fallowed by abandonment, and overgrazing. The formations of Q. suber and Q. rotundifolia show signs of slow recovery of the serial succession, when compared to the reference areas.

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ECO7

THE COSTAL VEGETATION OF NAMIBE (SOUTHWEST OF ANGOLA)

Costa José Carlos1, Costa João Francisco2, Duarte Maria Cristina3, Moreira Ilídio1

1) Technical University Of Lisbon (tulisbon), Instituto Superior De Agronomia, Centro De Botânica Aplicada À Agricultura (cbba), Lisboa, Portugal;

2) Universidade José Eduardo Dos Santos, Faculdade Ciências Agrárias. Huambo, Angola; 3) Instituto De Investigação Científica Tropical (iict). Jardim Botânico Tropical. Lisboa, Portugal

Abstract:

The coastal strip of south-western Angola, between the cities of Namibe and Tabwan, presents vast areas of dunes and salt marshes. The bioclimate of this region ranges from tropical desertic to hyperdesertic. In response to strong gradients of environmental factors, a wide variety of plant communities can be identified. On mobile dunes near Tabwan the community is mainly composed by Sesuvium mesembryanthemoides, Sporobolus virginicus, Leucosphyrus psammophilla, and Sesuvium portulacastrum. On fixed dunes of the Namibe, the chamaephyte Euphorbia virosa is dominant followed by Stipagrostis hochstetterana var. salina and Hoodia currori, and accompanied by Sarcostemma viminale in depressions. In the salt marshes we can also recognize a wide range of communities: Sarcocornia natalensis var. affinis in saltier areas; Sesuvium sesuvioides in areas with the greatest periods of flooding; Odyssea paucinervis, Brownanthus pseudoschlichtianus, and Lycium tetrandrum in less salty sites; Juncus rigidus where brackish groundwater table is present; and Suaeda fruticosa in areas never flooded and with a salty groundwater table; in high points Suaeda fruticosa is present, most often alone but sometimes with Juncus rigidus and Psilocaulon dimorphum. For the first time in Angola, the presence of a species from the genus Brownanthus was observed. The vegetation plays a very important role in stabilizing the shifting sands of the dunes nearby the city of Tabwan.


ECO8

BRYOPHYTE COASTAL VEGETATION OF THE CILENTO AND VALLO DI DIANO NATIONAL PARK (ITALY) AS A TOOL FOR ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT

Privitera Maria, Puglisi Marta, Costa RosannaUniversity Of Catania

Abstract:

We have investigated the bryophyte flora and vegetation of the coastal area of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, particularly subject to human disturbance. The bryophytes, neglected in the past even by botanists, are now being re-evaluated for environmental issues as a predictive biological component selected by the European Community for studies of environmental monitoring. In this respect the role of bryophyte vegetation is important in the ecosystems as an intermediary between man and environment. This survey was carried out using the classic phytosociological method of Braun Blanquet (1964) for identifying the bryophyte vegetation. Then, we proceeded a synecological analysis by some ecological indices used for phanerogams and here applied for the first time to bryophytes; other ecological indices, exclusively used for bryophyte, were applied too (Privitera & Puglisi, 2001; Guglielmo et al., 2003). The phytosociological study has emphasized the occurrence of many associations of the class Barbuletea unguiculatae Mohan 1978 that includes associations growing on soil and protosoil subject to human impact. In particular, we quote Barbuletum convolutae Hadàc & Šmarda 1944, Didymodonto vinealis-Tortuletum muralis Privitera & Puglisi 1996, Funarietum hygrometricae Engel 1949, showing a strong human impact but not common in the investigated areas where they are confined to microsites. On the contrary, Tortelletum papillosissimae Puglisi 2010, Tortello flavovirentis-Trichostometum crispuli Brullo, Lo Giudice & Privitera 1991, Rhynchostegietum megapolitani Puglisi 1995 and Rhynchostegielletum algirianae Giacomini 1950, the last of the class Ctenidietea mollusci v. Hübschmann ex Grgic 1980, are more widespread and show a good degree of naturalness and air purity. This is revealed by the bryovegetational analysis based on biological and ecological parameters that can be interpreted to provide useful information about the quality and the health of the environment.

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ECO9

ECOREGIONS OF ITALY AND ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

Blasi Carlo1, Feoli Enrico2, Galante Gina1, Incerti Guido2, Manes Fausto1, Zaccarelli Nicola3, Zurlini Giovanni3, Capotorti Giulia1

1) Sapienza University of Rome; 2) University Of Trieste; 3) University Of Salento

Abstract:

Broad-scale assessment of ecosystem services provision can provide effective tools for natural resource management when based on spatially explicit land systems, such as ecoregions and/or social-ecological landscapes/SELs. The integration of the ecoregional classification with SEL characterisation can be used to identify, map and hierarchically arrange homogeneous land units according to their biotic and abiotic components, ecological processes, change trends, disturbance regimes and environmental stresses effects. These land characteristics are essential when assessing the availability of natural, social and cultural resource stocks, ecosystem functions, risks affecting ecosystem goods and services provision, as well as the fragility and resilience of such ecosystems.

The overall value of ecosystem goods and services includes economic values, socio-cultural values, based on equity and cultural perception, and ecological values, based on sustainability principles. The main objective of ecological evaluation is to provide tools that can be used to contrast biodiversity loss and consequent changes in ecosystem services provision. For this reason several indicators, related to biological and environmental diversity and quality, have been developed to characterise and monitor habitats and ecosystems. In Italy, we now have the comprehensive knowledge required to conduct such an evaluation at the national, regional and local scales. The aim of this research is, therefore, to assess ecosystem services according to spatially explicit data such as vegetation series, actual land cover, change trends, disturbance regimes, atmospheric pollution stress, environmental security and ecological risk. Ecoregions of Italy (Blasi et al. 2010) and social-ecological landscapes (Zaccarelli et al. 2008; Zurlini et al. 2008) are integrated using a cross scaling approach in which manifold indicators as regards supporting, regulating and provisional services are applied at different scales and compared among different geographic locations. Moreover, the transferability of ecological values within the ecoregions has been tested. Lastly, the contribution of this research to international cooperation on relevant issues, such as diversity management, the fight against the desertification and degradation of land as well as compensation for greenhouse gas emissions, has been explored. Blasi et al., 2010. The Ecoregions of Italy. A thematic contribution to the National Biodiversity Strategy. Progetto Artiser, Roma, Italia.Zaccarelli et al., 2008. Source/sink patterns of disturbance and cross-scale effects in a panarchy of social-ecological landscapes. Ecology & Society 13(1): 26. Zurlini et al., 2008. Environmental security as related to scale mismatches of disturbance patterns in a panarchy of social-ecological landscapes. In: Petrosillo et al., Eds. Use of Landscape Sciences for the Assessment of Environmental Security: 384-399.

POSTER CONTRIBUTIONS

24

P-ECO1

ULEX DENSUS WELW. EX WEBB IN THE SESIMBRA/ESPICHEL NATURA 2000 SITE: POTENTIAL DISTRIBUTION MODELING

AND ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Gutierres Francisco1, Carvalheiro Telmo1, Crucho Emanuel1, Neto Carlos1

1) Institute Of Geography And Territorial Planning (igot), University Of Lisbon

Abstract:

The aim of this study is to establish the spatial pattern of Ulex densus colonization (a Portuguese endemism from littoral Central West in limestone) by predictive modeling and ecological evaluation in a Natura 2000 Protected Area (Arrábida/Espichel) in the Sesimbra/Setúbal County. The main goal is to increase the knowledge on the potential distribution of the Ulex densus in Sesimbra County, namely in the Natura 2000 site. The Generalized Linear Model was developed in R software to predict the potential of occurrence of U. densus, and is assumed to be conditioned by a set of proximal and distal predictors that may be known or modeled. The base information includes a dependent variable (present distribution of specie) and several variables considered as conditioning factors (elevation, exposition, slope, sky view factor, geology, soils and distance do coast), organized in a Geographical Information System (GIS) database. This is used to perform spatial analysis, which is focused on the relationships between the presence or absence of the specie and the values of the conditioning factors. The results show a high correspondence between higher values of potential of occurrence and elevation, specific soils and geology (occurrence of Jurassic limestones); these factors seem to have a high level of explanation in the potential distribution of the specie. Concerning the proximal factors the litter and phanerophytes cover, reveals high importance in the actual and future location of the populations of U. densus. According to the conservation value of each cartographic unit, related to natural habitats included in Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), the habitats (5330, 6220, 4030 and 6210) were the most susceptible to potential distribution by U. densus. The predicted U. densus distribution allows to test hypotheses about the specie range characteristics and habitats preferences.


P-ECO2

INITIAL EFFORTS IN THE STUDY OF THE RICE PADDY’S COMMUNITIES OF LOW SADO (SOUTH PORTUGAL)

Pereira Marizia1, Martins Mónica2, Saraiva Isabel3

1) Universidade De Évora, Depto. De Paisagem, Ambiente E Ordenamento Biofísico E Paisagístico, Évora, Portugal; 2) Centro De Estudos Geográficos, Instituto De Geografia E Ordenamento Do Território Da Universidade De Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal;

3) Estação Agronómica Nacional, Oeiras, Portugal

Abstract:

Rice cultivation has been introduced in Portugal in the late twelfth century, playing in the present, an important role in the maintenance of particular wetland habitats of adventitious communities. Conversely, it is important to study related alien species, with invasive potential, since they may became major threats to natural habitats. Thus, this work constitutes an initial effort to systematize the knowledge on structure and composition of the paddy fields’ vegetation in the Lower Sado, including several species and plant communities which are still poorly studied or understood. It was focused on the lower River Sado (South Portugal), an area traditionally devoted to rice cultivation, with Mediterranean pluviseasonal oceanic macrobioclimate, Upper thermomediterranean thermothype, and Upper dry ombrothype. Biogeographically it is inserted in the Coastal Lusitan-Andalusian Province, Sadensean-Dividing Portuguese Subprovince, and Ribatagan-Sadensean Sector. Herborizations, and 110 phytosociological relevés fallowing the classic sigmatist method of Braun-Blanquet, were made in bunds not submitted to the application of herbicides, during the months of June and July of 2010, in 7 localities: Alcácer do Sal, Comporta, Rio de Moinhos, Santa Catarina, São Romão, Torrão and Tróia. The Raunkjaer system was used to identify physiognomic types. Belonging to 26 families, 69 taxa of adventitious flora were identified. Physiognomic types included 28 therophytes, 24 hemicryptophytes, 13 cryptophytes, 2 phanerophytes and 2 chamaephytes. Biogeographically, holarctic species predominate (84%), followed by neotropical (9%) and paleotropical (6%). Also, were recognized 10 alien species and 1 of undetermined origin. Three phytosociological associations were identified: a.Thypho angustifoliae-Phragmitetum australis, b.Oryzo sativae-Echinochloetum cruris-galli, c. Paspaletum dilatato-distichi, and three communities accepted: d.a community of Digitaria sanguinalis, a community of Leersia oryzoides and Echinochloa crus-galli, and a community of Paspalum paspalodes and Lolium perenne. These associations and communities are inserted in four phytosociological classes: a.Phragmites-Magnocaricetea, b.Oryzetea sativae, c.Stellarietea media, and d.Molinio-Arrhenateretea, respectively.

26

P-ECO3

RUDERAL AND NITROPHILOUS SPECIES ARE GOOD BIOINDICATORS FOR GLOBAL WARMING. CASE STUDY

FROM THE ITALIAN ADRIATIC COAST

Casavecchia Simona, Biondi Edoardo, Pesaresi SimoneMarche Polytechnic University, Dept. Of Environmental And Crop Sciences

Abstract:

The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the value of some nitrophilous and ruderal plant species as bioindicators of global warming, such that they appear to be more significant than the rare and endemic plants that have been more used for this purpose. As a case study, the space-time dynamics of the populations of some nitrophilous and ruderal species have been investigated along the southern-central Adriatic side of the Italian Peninsula. These have been examined according to the range of their distribution areas, to their ecological needs, and to the availability of past data, which have then been related to the data on global warming across the same territories. The Italian Adriatic coast is characterised by the creation of a climate gradient that stretches along the coast, with the transition between the Mediterranean macrobioclimate and the temperate macrobioclimate. The choice for this investigation was for nitrophilous species with a Mediterranean distribution – of the Stenomediterranean type – and for some recent entries into the local flora as alien species. The spread of these species occurs in areas with intense human activity, where they have exploited the conditions of the warmer niche, such that their presence and their spatial spread observed over time are clearly linked to global warming. For all of the species in question, rapid increases in the population numbers have been observed, along with a northward shift of their distribution areas. These changes correspond to the increases average annual temperature as revealed by the thermometric measurements made in the neighbouring reference climate stations.


CHARACTERIZATION OF POPLAR FORESTS IN THE MIDDLE STRECH OF THE RIVER CABRIEL IN CUENCA (SPAIN)

Rojo Úbeda Jesús, Fernández González Federico, Pérez Badia RosaUniversity Of Castilla-la Mancha. Institute of Environmental Sciences. Area of Botany. Toledo, Spain

Abstract:

In this study we carry out a floristic and phytosociological analysis of poplar forests of the river Cabriel and its tributaries Guadazaón, San Martín, Narboneta and Mira, passing through the municipal area of Enguídanos, in the middle strech of the river Cabriel in the province of Cuenca (Castilla-La Mancha, Spain). These rivers cross the territory in different landscapes, from steep, rugged terrain carved by the erosive action (“hoces” and “cuchillos”) with impressive rock walls, to open meadow areas near the reservoir of Contreras. The banks of these rivers are colonized by a variety of plant communities associated with water supply, diversity of vegetation edaphohygrophilous is important and is influenced by ecological gradients of watercourses. There we can find willow communities, poplar and elm forests; tamarisk communities, thorn scrubs and herbaceous communities among others. Poplar groves constitute the more extended riparian forests. In this study we classify the species of genus Populus present in the territory: Populus alba L. var. alba, Populus nigra L. var. nigra, Populus nigra L. var. italica Münchh y Populus x canadensis Moench and poplar forests are studied from the point of view of floristic composition by carrying out relevés using the phytosociological methodology. Poplar groves belong to the association Rubio tinctorum-Populetum albae Br.-Bl. & O. Bolòs 1958 of Mesomediterranean distribution growing on Mediterranean Central Iberian Province. Besides all this, we carry out cartography of this type of vegetation, as well as an analysis of its conservation status and of the major threats that suffer these communities in the area with the aim to propose recommendations in order to preserve this type of riparian habitat.

P-ECO4

28

P-ECO5

VEGETATION CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE SOUTHERN PICOS DE EUROPA NATIONAL PARK (LEÓN, SPAIN)

Del Rio Sara, Herrero Luis, González De Paz Linda, García-González Marta Eva, Alonso-Redondo Raquel, Ríos-Cornejo David, Alfaro Estrella, Penas Ángel

University Of León

Abstract:

The Potentiality Distance Index (PDI) has been applied in order to establish the Vegetation Conservation Status of the southern Picos de Europa National Park.

The Potentiality Distance Index (PDI) (cf. A. Penas, S. del Río & L. Herrero, Fitosociologia 42 (2): 23-31) is based on the application and interpretation of the Dynamic Phytosociological conception. Taking into account the successional relations among the different types of vegetation and their naturalness indexes is possible to define a formula for evaluating the distance to the series head (climax) and therefore to their optimum conservation status.

To apply this Index we have drawn up the actual vegetation cartography of the 80-2(III) and 80-2(IV) map sheets, according to the Phytosociological principles. This cartography has been carried out by means of digitalizing the study area air photography and reviewing the vegetation in situ. These studies were supported by the “Consultoría y Asistencia Técnica para el desarrollo de Cartografía de Flora Amenazada y Fase I del Mapa de Vegetación 1:10000 del Parque Nacional Picos de Europa” contract.

After applying the PDI, we can conclude that the Vegetation Conservation Status of the area is qualified as “VERY GOOD”.


P-ECO6

SPATIAL PATTERN OF THE ALTITUDINAL LIMIT OF BEECH, BIRCH AND OROCANTABRIAN OAK FORESTS IN THE PICOS

DE EUROPA NATIONAL PARK (SPAIN)

Cernuda Rodríguez José Manuel1, Alonso Felpete José Ignacio2, Fernández Rodríguez Ana2, Bueno Sánchez Álvaro2, Díaz González Tomás Emilio1

1) Universidad De Oviedo; 2) Indurot, Jardín Botánico Atlántico

Abstract:

The spatial pattern of the altitudinal limit of Fagus sylvatica, Betula pubescens subsp. celtiberica, and Quercus orocantabrica forests are analysed in relation to N-S continentality gradient in the Picos de Europa National Park (N Iberian Peninsula). Evolution of treeline is studied for the period 1956 to present and the effects of continentality and land abandonement on timberline dynamic are discussed. Actual timberline for the 3 forest’s types was derived from recent (2004-2010) 1:10000 digitazed vegetation maps. 1950’s upper limit of the forest was obtained from orthorectified military aereal photographs. Maps representing bioclimatic indexes and climatic pareters were obtained from the Climatic Digital Atlas of the Iberian Peninsula. 15 plots corresponding to natural timberlines were selected to study the variation of the upper limit of the forest following next criteria: i) different elevation; ii) different bedrock and iii) different Continentality Index (Ic). Timberline elevation models derived from the plots were extrapolated to all the entire National Park and forest patches that didn’t rised the theoretical limit were analysed to explain factors that causes differences between predicted and real upper limits. Natural upper limits of the 3 forest types range from c. 1630 to c. 1800 m a.s.l. Birch and orocantabrian oak forests reach the maximum elevations on siliceous bedrocks (1,797 and 1,777 m a.s.l., respectively) while beech forests are the higher on calcareous bedrocks (1,734 m a.s.l.). Average annual temperature within the upper 100 m fringe of beech forests ranges from 5.4ºC to 6.9ºC with an average value of 6.1ºC. Continentality (and oceanity) is closely related to elevation and proximity to the coast, as occurs in the study area where Ic ranges from 10.7 to 16.9. Those values correspond to hyperoceanic and oceanic territories (following Rivas-Martinez continentality classification) and explain the overall lower elevation of timberline in comparison with other continental mountains. Upwards raising of the timberline was not uniform among the studied plots. The obtained results are consistent with previous studies carried out in other European mountains (eg. Apennines and Pyrenees) and validate the hypothesis of negative correlation between oceanity and timberline elevation in the study area.

2nd Symposium:

Ancient forests and their ecological value

32

PLANT DIVERSITY IN OLD-GROWTH FORESTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE: WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM NATURAL FOREST REMNANTS

Szwagrzyk Jerzy, Łysik Maria, Szewczyk Janusz Department of Forest Botany and Nature Conservation, University of Agriculture, 31-425 Kraków, al. 29 listopada 46, Poland; Department of Forest Botany

and Nature Conservation, University of Agriculture, 31-425 Kraków, al. 29 listopada 46, Poland; Department of Forest Botany and Nature Conservation, University of Agriculture, 31-425 Kraków, al. 29 listopada 46, Poland

Abstract:

Natural forest remnants in Central Europe are few, small and scattered. However, they provide unique opportunities to study species composition, structure and dynamics of forest communities. In strict nature reserves we can study natural processes not affected by direct human influence. Permanent sample plots, established many decades ago, provide especially valuable information. From the research plots established in Białowieża forest in the year 1936 we have learned that natural forest stands are indeed very dynamic and that species composition of tree layer can change profoundly within few decades. In the Babia Góra National Park in the Western Carpathians we have been conducting long-term research since the year 991. In these investigations we not only track the changes in forest communities, but also look for the mechanisms underlying natural processes of decline of some species and expansion of the others. Results of our studies indicated, that most of the processes involved in plant demography were not constant over time, and that there were large differences among species of similar ecological requirements. The most striking differences were found in fecundity of trees; but also germination rates varied strongly among species and fluctuated wildly between years. Also the mortality of mature trees was changeable, despite the fact, that during our research we recorded no natural disturbances in the study area. The plants of the forest floor were even more dynamic that the forest canopy layer. The plant species list was almost constant, but the abundances were not. During 12 years between two censuses we found almost complete change of dominant species in more than half of the area under study. Some of these changes, like he decline of raspberry Rubus idaeus, could be attributed to the changes in illumination of the forest floor, mostly to the increase of shading by dense thickets of beech saplings. However, other changes, like the increase in cover of Festuca altissima, still lack reasonable explanation. The only vegetation patches which have not changed during our study were tall herbs associated with water springs and flowing water. The vegetation mosaics in places which were not waterlogged was dynamic, and the direction and rate of these changes are not easy to predict.

ORAL CONTRIBUTIONS

34

ANC1

TOWARDS A SOUTHERN EUROPEAN OLD-GROWTH FOREST NETWORK

Burrascano Sabina, Sabatini Francesco M., Blasi CarloDepartment of Environmental Biology Sapienza University of Rome

Abstract:

There are several reasons, related to forest management and biodiversity, that justify studying old-growth forests.Indeed, these ecosystems are recognized as an important reference when evaluating human impact on forest ecosystems, within the global view of achieving a Sustainable Forest Management which integrates ecological, social and economic objectives.

In recent decades, numerous studies have highlighted the important role played by old-growth forests in maintaining a high degree of biological diversity, that results from the presence of interior forest species, and from the presence of suitable microhabitats created by structural heterogeneity. The latter derives by the small-scale disturbance (gap dynamic) affecting old-growth forests, which causes a high structural heterogeneity that markedly influences the species/area curve.

Small-scale disturbance is closely related to ecological continuity, that allows colonization and survival of specialist taxa. The term Ecological Continuity is often applied to old-growth forests and many forest organisms are assumed to be dependent on this condition.

Another key role in maintaining biological diversity, besides those played by structural heterogeneity and ecological continuity, is that of deadwood. Decaying wood is widely recognized as a typical feature of old-growth forests since the amount of deadwood depends on stand age and disturbance regime. Many studies suggest that decaying wood plays an important role in biological diversity, it being a key component of the habitat for a variety of species in different taxonomic groups.

On the other hand old-growth forests are extremely rare in the temperate zones, with special reference to southern Europe, where forest systems have been subjected to the influence of human activities ever since prehistoric times. In recent decades, the increasing costs of silvicultural practices has led to the concentration of timber exploitation in the most easily accessible zones and, consequently, to the abandonment of many woods. As a result, the interest in woodlands driven by predominantly natural dynamics can now find several stands to be studied and monitored.

Studies performed in Italy represent examples of how old-growth forests can be identified, studied and monitored in one of the countries with the longest human exploitation history, and how useful it would be to carry out similar research projects in a southern European framework in order to provide models of sustainble forest management to be applied at continental level.


ANC2

CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE EDAPHOXEROPHILOUS PLANT COMMUNITIES IN THE SOUTH

OF THE IBERIAN PENINSULA (SPAIN, PORTUGAL)

Pinto Gomes Carlos José1, Cano-Ortiz Ana2, Meireles Catarina1, Vila-Viçosa Carlos1, Cano Eusébio3

1) Universidade de Évora; 2) Interra Ingeniería y Recursos Sl.; 3) Universidad de Jaén

Abstract:

Our study area covers Andalusia, Extremadura and southern Portugal. The area presents both siliceous materials (slate, quartzite, granite) and calcareous materials (limestone, gypsum, dolomite and serpentine). The territory orographic profile frequently produces a barrier effect for Atlantic depressions. For this reason the locations with subhumid, humid and hyperhumid ombrotypes are located in mountain areas, while the dry, semiarid and arid ombrotypes tend to be found in intermountain valleys and along the Mediterranean coastline, as a rain shadow area for the Atlantic winds. Despite the occurrence of humid ombroclimates, the combination of edaphic and climatic factors make these heavily jointed rocky landscapes of limestone, dolomite, marble and gypsum materials genuinely dry areas. Thus, in the meso- and supramediterranean mountain areas of Betic territories, with a humid or hyperhumid ombrotype, the weather profile is dry enough for the occurrence of edaphoxerophilous communities of savine and juniper trees, juniper and holm oak trees, or savine and holm oak trees. Given the high endemicity rate of these sites, such habitats possess great interest and worthy of preservation, along their occurrence in extreme environments, which underscores its conservational status. Some edaphoxerophilous plant communities can also be found in Betic territories with ombrotype records higher than the subhumid standard. In the mesomediterranean subhumid belt a crack-dwelling plant community dominated by Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. lagunae grows on limestones, joined by Juniperus phoenicea, in supramediterranean, subhumid environments. However, if rainfall records are high enough, both in the meso- and supramediterranean bioclimatic stages, the community is, instead, joined by the holm oak tree Quercus rotundifolia. In the Betic Province there are several kinds of communities. One is the Co. Juniperus lagunae—Quercus rotundifolia community, which occurs in mesomediterranean, calcareous and calcareous-dolomitic rocky sites, with a humid ombrotype. Another is the Co. Juniperus phoeniceae-Quercus rotundifolia community found in supramediterranean sites. The Pistacia terebinthus community is frequently found on scree slopes in shadowed areas. Meanwhile, in the rocky sites of Sierra Morena, the association Echinosparto iberici-Juniperetum lagunae occurs on silicious substrates. Finally, in thermomediterranean areas with calcareous substrates there are edaphoxerophilous copses of Vinco diforimis-Ceratonietum siliquae, Asparago horridi-Juniperetum turbinatae and Querco cocciferae-Juniperetum turbinatae.

36

ANC3

MEMORY OF FOREST – CHANGES OF LANDSCAPE STUCTURE, FLORISTICAL COMPOSITION AND ECOLOGICAL

CONDITIONS DURING LAST 220 YEARS

Carni Andraz, Pausic AndrejInstitute Of Biology, Scientific Research Center Of The Slovenian Academy Of Sciences And Arts, Novi Trg 2, Si -1000 Ljubljana And University Of Nova

Gorica, Nova Gorica, Vipavska 13, Si 5000 Nova Gorica

Abstract:

Landscape results the dynamic relation between nature and human activities. On a basis of old military and cadastral maps and aero photographs we settled a chronosequence of last 220 year in a testing plot in SE Slovenia. Then we analyzed changes in a landscape and imprints of past land use that remained in a forest vegetation.

Firstly we elaborated the changes of landscape during this period. It was found out that the landscape was a typical agricultural till the beginning of 20th century. During the first half of the last century a dramatic changes in the society appear: emigration to new world at the beginning, two world wars and delayed industrialization caused deceasing of population that reflect also in the landscape: the process of secondary succession (afforestation) began. The landscape was the most diverse in the middle of the 20th century, but till the end of the century the landscape was converted to a forest landscape.

The afforestation is a process that results in potential natural vegetation that is an oak-hornbeam forest as a final stage. We elaborated course of this continuous process (gradient) and tried to find out if we can detect the separated plant communities (associations). After elaboration it was found out that we can distinguish several associations.

We analyzed also changes in biodiversity and plant traits. It was found out that diversity of plant communities decreases in later stages of succession. It was found out also that in the grassland grasses and herbs with rosette prevail. After mowing and grazing is abandoned chamaephytic species appear. In the forest we can find many herbs with vegetative propagation, white flowers etc. The analysis of plant ecological strategy shows that stress tolerant species are more common in grasslands, whereas in a closed forest stand competitor species prevail.

It was also tried to detect which set of factors describes better the afforestation process. We built four models composed of various sets of variables. One composed of soil properties (e.g. organic matter, C/N, nitrogen etc.); other structural (life forms), ecological (bioindicator values) and chorological (geo-elements) factors. As the response of variables is not always linear we built four models using GAMM (generalized additive mixed model). The comparison of four models (Pearson’s correlation coefficient) shows that the best predictors are soil factors, followed by structural, ecological factors and chorological factors at last.


ANC4

ANCIENT FORESTS IN TWO NATIONAL PARKS OF THE CENTRAL APENNINES

Frattaroli Anna Rita1, Ciaschetti Giampiero1, Console Carlo2, Di Marco Giuseppe1, Marchetti Marco3, Pirone Gianfranco1

1) Department Of Environmental Sciences, University Of L’Aquila, Italy; 2) Department Of Science And Technology For The Environment And Territory, University Of Molise, Italy; 3) Italian National Forest Corps, Abruzzo Region, Italy

Abstract:

This is part of a large study of “Ancient Forests in the Italian National Parks”, promoted by the Environment Ministry and coordinated by CIRBFEP, Sapienza University of Rome. The importance of a well distributed national network of ancient woods across the various forest types is ever more important in light of the growing need for functional models as close as possible to those in nature. This is also a historic moment, when management choices must face adaptation to global changes and attempts at their reduction, while protecting biodiversity and other ecosystem benefits. In the Apennines, the woods have suffered drastic reductions to their areas in recent centuries, often through excessive use. Only in the last ten years have they been aided towards recovery of their coverage, and towards improvements to their structure and function, which have been accompanied by recovery of their biomass and an increase in mature woods. Mature woods have rarely been preserved with their ancient characters, and always with reduced areas limited to a few hectares, which have usually followed opportune administrative disputes. Some forest formations in the National Parks of Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga and of Majella in the central Apennines have been investigated for their structural and phytosociological aspects, and their dead-wood mass. This area encompasses an enclave of a Temperate macrobioclimate and a Eurosiberian phyogeographical region, in a Mediterranean context. All the phytocoenoses investigated form part of the montane environment, as a testament that this section of the territory has been less harmed by anthropogenic processes. These are woods with dominance of beech or turkey oak, and according to their phytosociological profiles, they can be included in four different plant associations, referred to the alliances Aremonio agrimonioidis-Fagion sylvaticae, Geranio versicoloris-Fagion sylvaticae and Erythronio dentis-canis-Carpinion betuli. There is one important aspect of the high floristic richness: for all the sites studied, there were >45 species, greater than expected for such woods. The dendrometric analysis demonstrates that some of these woods are very close to the typical structural model of ancient forests, while others are aged groups in which only one or a few dendrometric classes are prevalent. There is little dead-wood mass because of collecting activities of the local population, which even occurs today, although less than in the past.

38

ANC5

PLANT LIFE IN EXTREME HABITATS: STUDIES ON CONIFERS GROWING ON ULTRAMAFICS UNDER MEDITERRANEAN

BIOCLIMATE (CALIFORNIA, SPAIN)

De La Fuente Garcia Vicenta1, Sánchez-Mata Daniel2, Rufo Lourdes1, Rodríguez Nuria3, Amils Ricardo4,

Asensi Alfredo5, Díez-Garretas Blanca5

1) Departamento De Biología, Facultad De Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma De Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; 2) Departamento De Biología Vegetal II, Facultad De Farmacia, Universidad Complutense De Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain;

3) Centro De Astrobiología (inta-csic), E-28850 Torrejón De Ardoz, Madrid, Spain; 4) Centro De Biología Molecular (uam-csic), Universidad Autónoma De Madrid, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; 5) Departamento De Biología Vegetal, Facultad De Ciencias, Universidad De Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain

Abstract:

Ultramafic rocks are common geological materials covering broad areas worldwide. Ultramafic soils originate from the weathering of ultramafic rocks and usually show basic or neutral pH, high levels of magnesium, nickel, iron, and other metal elements such as chromium or cobalt, and low contents of nutrients, specifically Ca. The distinctive stunted vegetation that grows over this kind of soils is known by botanists as serpentine or ultramafic vegetation and often shows marked differences with vegetation of adjacent substrates as a high level of endemic taxa.

Some areas from Málaga province (Andalusia, Spain) and California (Pacific Northwest, USA) with a Mediterranean macrobioclimate frame good examples of ultramafic territories. The largest area of ultramafic rocks (> 400 km2) in the Iberian Peninsula is located in the western Betic Ranges of Málaga (Bermeja, Palmitera, Alpujata, and Carratraca Ranges). The vast distribution area of the ultramafics throughout Californian landscape covers from the Coastal Mountain Ranges to the foothills of Sierra Nevada in a W-E transect and from the Mountains of Klamath-Siskiyou to the southern Coastal Mountain Ranges. All these territories are characterized by high endemicity due to their numerous specialized taxa known as serpentinophytes, both obligate (serpentine endemic) and facultative (grow also on other substrates).

Conifer species support the inhospitable conditions of ultramafic soils ranging on a wide spectrum of habitat features. We are working on facultative and obligate serpentinophyte conifers (mainly firs, pines, cypresses, and junipers) using a comparative study by means of scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) and x-Ray diffraction analysis (RX).

This kind of studies can help to understand the species adaptation to extreme habitats (such as ultramafics) and can support the strategies for plant conservation in these peculiar territories.


ANC6

A RELICT WOOD OF JUNIPERUS TURBINATA GUSS. IN SICILY. ECOLOGICAL STATUS, AGE STRUCTURE

AND CONSERVATION PERSPECTIVES

Minissale Pietro1, Sciandrello Saverio1, Galletti Iolanda2

1) Dipartimento Di Biologia “m. La Greca”, Sez. Biologia Vegetale, Università Di Catania, Italy; 2) C.i.r.s. - Centro Ibleo Di Ricerche Speleo-idrogeologiche, Ragusa, Italy

Abstract:

In Sicily, the populations of Juniperus turbinata are nowadays extremely rare and isolated. From literature, this species has been reported several times from Sicily (Giardina et al. 2007), but most of the records are outdated and currently not confirmed or reduced to a few still surviving individuals. The largest populations so far known were reported from Ragusa (Bartolo et al. 1982) and Monti Sicani (Gianguzzi et al. 2007). A new, large juniper-stand has been found in the territory of Acate (Ragusa), on Pleistocenic sands, counting several old individuals, over 6 m tall. Our research aims at characterizing this relevant new finding, with a strong focus on demography and sinecology of the vegetation at issue.

The data analysis showed a large prevalence on old individuals, with subordinate presence of younger individuals. The renovation is probably reduced because of the considerably xeric environment, hampering the viability of seedlings on bare soil. The new seedlings germinate amidst the low shrubs of the understorey such as Pistacia lentiscus, Rosmarinus officinalis, or the same Juniperus turbinata and may reach the adult age only in case of occasional thinning-out of the sheltering shrubs. From the phytosociological viewpoint, the reference community of the juniper-vegetation in south-eastern Sicily is Junipero-Quercetum calliprini. In our stands, despite the remarkably similar floristic settlement, Quercus calliprinos is missing, probably because of the too dry environmental conditions. Indeed, it normally grows together with juniper on sandy soils, but perhaps it requires a little more humid edaphic conditions. Therefore, the phytosociological frame of the investigated stand is still to be considered.

The conservation-polls of this environmental highlight are quite positive as it falls within the state property managed by the Regional Forestry Agency. Moreover, it has been recently proposed to enlarge the nearby Natura 2000 site ITA050001 “Biviere e Macconi di Gela”, in order to include this extraordinary example of the priority habitat 2250* “coastal dunes with Juniperus spp.”

Moreover, as part of a research project on indigenous germplasm of Gela area, funded by ENI (National Hydrocarbons Authority), activities are in progress for ex situ breeding and reintroduction in other suitable areas in the SCI.

The population occurs on an area of 11.7 ha, within which some 10 x 20 m plots were randomly chosen to take an inventory of all plants of Juniperus turbinata: since the average number of mature individuals turned out to be

40

8/100 sq. meters, we estimate the consistence of the population in 9,300 adult plants of Juniperus turbinata. In view of some more isolated individuals scattered in neighbouring plant communities, we consider that the overall population of Acate exceeds 10,000 individuals, i.e. the largest among those so far known for Quaternary sand deposits of Sicily. On the same plots, we studied the distribution age of the individuals, based on the size (height / width ratio foliage) and classes of viability using the method proposed by El-Bana et al. (2010). Research granted by ENI S.p.A.


ANC7

THE POLYLEPIS RUÍZ & PAVÓN AND ARAGOA KUNTH. RELICT MICRO FORESTS IN THE ANDES OF MERIDA (VENEZUELA)

Costa Manuel1, Cegarra Jesus A.2, Lugo Leonardo2, Guevara José2, Lozada José2, Soriano Pilar1

1) Jardí Botànic, Universitat De València, Quart 80, 46008 València, España; 2) Facultad De Ciencias Forestales Y Ambientales, Universidad De Los Andes. Mérida, Venezuela

Abstract:

In some favoured places in the supratropical and orotropical belts in the Andes Mountain Range remain isolated forests with various species of Polylepis and Aragoa. Different pollinic studies indicate a recent expansion of Polylepis that run from the north of Peru to Venezuela, with greater diversity in Ecuador. Among its different species Polylepis sericea Wedd is the only one that has reached the Merida Andes, through populations that expand from the Colombian Eastern Mountain Range. It seems that these populations have undergone significant variations throughout the Quaternary, from 45.000 years ago, until the present day and always forming a narrow band in the supratropical and orotropical belts. Aragoa is a genus which is related to the antartic-austral Hebe Comm. ex Juss., that has been left isolated in the Colombian and Venezuelan Andes, where it is endemic. The area of these forests has currently suffered a significant decrease due to human activity, deforestation and fires. These forests are presently in the Andes Mountain Range sheltered in the rocky slopes or in areas protected from fire and from human and animal activity.

In this work the relict Polylepis and Aragoa forests in the Merida Andes in Venezuela are studied. The forests where P. sericea is the dominant species grow between 3.500 and 4.200 m and reach heights between 4 and 7 m. This species is accompanied by some chamephytic species like Hypericum laricifolium, Arcitophyllim nitidum, Ribes canescens, etc., always found on Epileptic Leptosol (Lithic Ustorthents).

In the case of the Aragoa forests the best structured are present in the Sierra de la Culata, and are constituted by Aragoa lucidula Blake subsp. lanata Fernández Alonso, that reach 3-5 m of height. In these communities there are frequent species like Vaccinium floribundum, Hesperomeles pernettioides, Baccharis floribunda, etc. and grow on Epileptic Leptosol (Lithic Ustorthents), Regosol and Criosol with granite gelifraction.

ANC8

CAUSES AND DETERMINANTS OF BETA DIVERSITY IN SOUTHERN-EUROPEAN OLD-GROWTH FORESTS

Sabatini Francesco Maria, Burrascano Sabina, Blasi CarloSapienza, University Of Rome, Department Of Environmental Biology, Rome, Italy

Abstract:

Old-growth forests are ecosystems distinguished by old trees and related structural attributes that may include tree size, accumulations of large dead woody material, number of canopy layers, species composition, and ecosystem functions. These ecosystems are extremely rare in Mediterranean Europe and in Italy but they represent an important reference point when evaluating human impact on forest ecosystems, within the global view of achieving a Sustainable Forest Management which integrates ecological, social and economic objectives.

Indeed old-growth forests host very high levels of biological diversity thanks to the occurrence of diverse microhabitats resulting from structural heterogeneity and to their long ecological continuity. Structural heterogeneity is expected to increase overall environmental heterogeneity in the ecosystem through modification of floor-level light, nutrient and humidity distribution.

We developed a sampling protocol to quantify the relative importance of environmental heterogeneity and spatial factors (dispersal, biological interactions) in determining floristic variation (beta-diversity) of old-growth forests in central and southern Italy.

We selected a set of stands with old-growth features throughout the Apennines and sampling is under way. For each stand we imposed a systematic grid of 25,5 x 5 m quadrats in a 1 hectare plot. For each quadrat we are sampling understorey and overstorey composition and structure and abiotic variables.

Analysis will be performed both at within-stand and among-stand level. Plant beta-diversity will be expressed using dissimilarity matrices. We will use Multiple Regression on distance Matrices to understand the relative importance of 5 sets of factors in influencing plant beta-diversity: 1. overstorey structure, 2. Environmental variables directly linked to forest structure (light and humidity at forest floor), 3. Environmental variables not directly linked to forest structure (soil parameters and morphology) 4. Geographic distances, 5 Historical and disturbance information.

Assessing the importance of environmental heterogeneity for plant beta-diversity in old-growth forests we will be able to confirm the effectiveness of management practices aimed at mimicking old-growth forest patterns and structure for plant biodiversity conservation.

42

44

P-ANC1

MAPPING AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ASSOCIATION CEPHALANTHERO RUBRAE-QUERCETUM

PYRENAICAE O. BOLÒS & VIGO IN O. BOLÒS 1967

Merle Farinos Hugo1, Herreros María Jesús1, Ferriol María2

1) Universidad Politécnica De Valencia, Dpto. Ecosistemas Agroforestales;2) U.P.V. Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo

Abstract:

The mountain ranges of Prades (Tarragona), Peñagolosa and Espadán (Castellón), located in Eastern Spain, are home to Quercus pyrenaica Willd. forests that belong to the Cephalanthero rubrae-Quercetum pyrenaicae O. Bolòs & Vigo in O. Bolòs 1967 association. These forests are singular due to their floristic composition and relict character, probably coming from the more continental oak forests following the migration path along the mountain range of Sistema Ibérico in the last Holocene period. Both soil type and bioclimate show this relict character. These forests are installed on cambisols derived from siliceous acid sandstones, which are very rare in the Eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula, and older than the limestone surrounding them. Furthermore, these areas are oceanic, with a thermotype varying from upper mesomediterranean to lower supramediterranean, and an ombrotype varying from lower sub-humid to lower humid. In the northern locations (Prades and Peñagolosa), the melojo oak forests are predominantly faced South-East, whereas in Espadán, with the most southern latitude and driest ombrotype, the forest is faced North. Due to their singularity, these forests deserve conservation and in fact, all of them are located in protected areas. In this context, detailed plant mapping is an essential tool for managing conservation policies. In the present work, a mapping of the melojo oak forests is presented at a scale of 1:5000. Two areas are differentiated: on the one hand, the areas in which the melojo oak cover is higher than 75%, and on the other hand, those where the melojo oak covers less than 75%. Isolated individuals are also plotted.


P-ANC2

PLANT COMMUNITIES AND FLORISTIC COMPOSITION OF FORESTS IN CONTINENTAL FJORDS FROM NORTHERN PATAGONIA, CHILE

Soto Benavides Rosa María1, Flores Toro Lorena2

1) Centro Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Sustentable de Atacama, Unidad de Pasivos Ambientales y Ecosistemas Áridos, Copiapó Chile. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Instituto de Biología, Laboratorio de Sistemática Vegetal, Valparaíso, Chile;

2) Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Instituto de Biología, Laboratorio de Sistemática Vegetal, Valparaíso, Chile

Abstract:

The objective of this research was to contribute to the knowledge of rainforests from continental fjords of northern Patagonia. Temperate rainy forests from Huinay region (42º22’ S, 72º24’W) are natural ecosystems subjected to an annual precipitation range of 4.500 to 6.300 mm, and an average temperature of 10.5ºC. These forests are located in Chile, between fjord Comau in the Province of Palena, and the Argentinean frontier.

A total of 34 vegetation relevés were made, using the Zurich-Montpellier’s fitosociological methodology in an altitudinal gradient from 0 to 1150 m.a.s.l. Traditional classification techniques were used to describe plant communities. Three types of forest formations were identified, with five plant communities distributed along the altitudinal gradient, each one characterized by distinct floristic composition. Up from the sea level, these floristic compositions were: Evergreen forests (up to 600 m.a.s.l.); coniferous forest, (600 to 1000 m.a.s.l.), and deciduous forest (1100 meters and above).

For each forest formation, a syntaxonomical position is discussed, as well as the classification of plant communities that compose it, according to the phytosociological clasification schemes proposed for the district. A total of 129 native plant species have been described in this forests, distributed in 62 families and 89 genera. Briefly, the majority of species belong to division Angiospermae, with 85 species belonging to class Dicotyledoneae and 16 to Monocotyledoneae. Additionally, there are 25 species belonging to division Pteridophyta, and 3 representatives of division Gimnospermae. The largest family is Asteraceae, with 14 species, followed by Hymenophyllaceae and Myrtaceae with 7 and 6 species respectively. Most of the floristic elements are Endemic of Chilean and Argentinean forests, followed by elements of the Austral Antarctic forest. Only a few species are of Pantropical or Neotropical origin, or have a worldwide distribution.

The imminent opening of a highway (called the austral highway) represents a major danger for these communities, allowing the access to these magnificent forests that until now, had been kept off the human sight, and therefore without relevant human impact.

This study is the first step for the complete description and characterization of the systematic structure of vegetation in continental fjords from northern Patagonia, and is being valuable as a tool for forest management and restoration programs in Huinay’s landscape.

3rd Symposium:

The Habitats Directive – Monitoring and management programs, in-situ and ex-situ conservation plans

48

MONITORING AND REPORTING FOR THE HABITATS DIRECTIVE

Douglas EvansEuropean Topic Centre on Biological Diversity

Abstract:

Article 11 of the 1992 directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, more often known as the Habitats Directive, requires Member States of the European Union to “undertake surveillance of the conservation status” of the habitat types and species listed in Annexes I, II, IV & V of the directive while Article 17 asks Member states for a six yearly report on the results from the Article 11 surveillance and on the implementation of other measures demanded by the directive following a format established by the Habitats Committee. Article 17 also requires the European Commission to publish a composite report based on the Member State reports.

The first reporting period for EU Member States was 1994-2000 but at this period work under the Habitats Directive was focused on site selection and the reports submitted in 2001 mostly cover progress in implementing the directive such as transposition into national legislation and proposing possible Sites of Community Importance to the Commission. Beginning in 2003 discussions started between DG Environment, the European Topic Centre on Nature Protection & Biodiversity (now the ETC/Biological Diversity) and the Member States to agree a format for Article 17 reporting. After several dedicated meetings, together with discussions at both the Habitats Committee and its Scientific Working Group, a format was agreed in March 2005 with explanatory notes and guidance being published in October 2006. The format includes both a general report on implementation of the directive and assessments of the conservation status of each Annex I habitat type and Annex II, IV & V species present in each Member State with separate reports for each biogeographical region. Conservation status is assessed as one of 3 classes (Favourable, Unfavourable-Inadequate and Unfavourable-Bad) together with ‘unknown’, based on the evaluation of 4 parameters based on the definition of Favourable Conservation Status given in Article 1 of the directive.

The reports for the period 2001-2006 were delivered during the second half of 2007 and the ETC/BD started to prepare assessments for biogeographical regions using a methodology agreed earlier with the Commission and the Member States. An internet based consultation was held in summer 2008 which led to some revisions of the ETC/BD evaluations. The Commission composite report, largely based on the technical report published by the ETC/BD, was published on July 13th 2009.

The reports clearly showed that most habitats and species listed on the annexes of the directive were not at ‘Favourable Conservation Status’, this is not surprising as these species and habitats were selected as they were thought to be rare and threatened. The results also showed that groups of habitats and associated species varied in their conservation status with wetlands and agricultural habitats having particularly bad conservation status. The reported trends were consistent with those reported in other studies and in some cases trends across regions seen at an EU scale could also


be seen within some of the larger Member States. Unfortunately many habitats and species were reported as ‘unknown’, especially in southern Europe, which limited the possible analysis and future use of the data.

During the analysis it became clear that reporting needed to be improved for future reporting cycles and discussions started in 2007. Proposals for improvements were made by a dedicated subgroup (DG Environment, ETC/Biological Diversity and representatives of several Member States) with a new reporting format agreed on 13 May 2011 and revised guidelines should be published in July 2011. The changes are mostly to improve comparability of data and to allow better analysis.

The results from the 2001-2006 report have been widely reported and have begun to inform future EU policy on issues such as reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the recently adopted EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. The later includes a sub-target to improve the conservation status of habitats and species which is based on the results of Article 17 reports.

ORAL CONTRIBUTIONS

52

HAB1

A PROPOSAL FOR NEW HABITATS IN ANDALUSIA (SPAIN)

Cano Carmona Eusebio1, Mota Poveda Juan2, Muñoz Ávarez Jesús3, Pinto Gomes Carlos4

1) Universidad Jaén; 2) Universidad Almeria; 3) Universidad Cordoba; 4) Universidade de Évora

Abstract:

As a result of the research work carried out to produce a “descriptive memo of the habitats of interest of Andalusia” under the auspices of an agreement signed by the universities of Almería, Córdoba and Jaén and the Consejería de Medio Ambiente of the Junta de Andalusia, 515 plant associations were selected. A total of 12 new habitats, not mentioned in the EU Directive 92/43, are suggested for Andalusia (Real Decreto 1193/1998). These include 46 syntaxa ranked as association and subassociation. The following names are proposed for the new habitats.

1.- Natural and seminatural, annual, supra- and oromediterranean Taeniathero-Aegilopion grasslands 2.- Natural and seminatural, subnitrophilous Linario polygalifoliae-Vulpion alopecuroris grasslands growing on dunes3.- Natural and seminatural hemicryptophyte Agrostietalia castellanae grasslands 4.- Humid, seminatural, large-sized herbaceous Deschampsia and Phalaris meadows 5.- Sclerophyllous, retamoid meso- and supramediterranean scrub 6.- Tree-like Quercus lusitanica scrub 7.- Tree-like Arbutus unedo scrub 8.- Tree-like Quercus coccifera scrub 9.- Montio-Cardaminetea communities growing in oligotrophic and cold water of medium and high altitude mountain streams 10.- Cistus laurifolius supramediterranean heaths 11.- Betula fontqueri relict riparian forests 12.- Siliceous, high mountain, mediterranean peaty areas


HAB2

ENLARGEMENT OF FFH-AREAS BY RESTORATION APPROACHES: THE CASE OF INLAND SAND ECOSYSTEMS

Schwabe-Kratochwil Angelika1, Dr. Anselm Kratochwil2

1) Darmstadt University of Technology; 2) University of Osnabrueck

Abstract:

In the cultivated Central European landscape there are only fragments of threatened vegetation types with Fauna-Flora-Habitat status. One approach and management concept to enlarge these areas and habitats is restoration (including long-term management concepts as, e. g., grazing).

For the case of sand ecosystems and the habitat types “Koelerion glaucae” (Code 6120), “Allio-Stipetum capillatae” (Code 6240) and “Open grassland with Corynephorus and Agrostis” (Code 2330) we applied different approaches:

Abiotic and biotic restoration to enhance the “enlargement in situ” (studies of habitat types 6120, 6240, 2330): northern upper Rhine valley in southwestern and Emsland in northwestern Germany).

It was possible to establish threatened vegetation types in a relatively short time period (three years) by using nutrient-poor sand and diaspore-rich material from target areas (inoculation). After abiotic and biotic restoration the sites are integrated in a long-term grazing management to insure vegetation dynamics. Additionally studies of wild-bee species have shown that habitat-typical and threatened wild bee species established well.

Establishing of functional networks by grazing sheep which insure diaspore transfer from source to sink sites, even if these sites are fragmented (studies of habitat types 6120, 6240: northern upper Rhine valley)We detected high proportions of target species and threatened plant species which were transported epi- or endozoochorously by sheep. It was shown that seed species reach isolated fragments, and that these diaspores are able to establish successfully. Additionally sheep show pronounced effects by trampling of herbivore faeces (sheep, rabbits), which favour germination of endozoochorously dispersed seeds.

All in all the possibilities of “in situ” and “functional” enlargement by restoration measurements should be consi-dered more and more. Of course, there is only a limited number of habitat types, where restoration is successful. It is important to extend the knowledge about the restoration potential of FFH-types.

References:Eichberg, C., Storm, C., Stroh, M. & Schwabe, A. (2010): Applied Vegetation Science 13: 425-438Exeler, N., Kratochwil, A. & Hochkirch, A. (2009): Journal of Applied Ecology 46: 1097-1105.Faust,C., Eichberg, C.,Storm, C. & Schwabe, A. (2011): Basic and Applied Ecology 12: 215-226.Stroh, M., Kratochwil, A., Remy, D., Zimmermann, K. & Schwabe, A. (2005): Arch. Hydrobiol. Suppl. 15: 243-260.

1. -

2.-

54

HAB3

CALCAREOUS SCREE SLOPES HABITAT MONITORING IN PIATRA CRAIULUI NATIONAL PARK (ROMANIA)

Oliviu Grigore Pop“Transylvania” University from Brasov, Faculty of Food and Tourism, Brasov, Romania

Abstract:

Piatra Craiului National Park, included in the Piatra Craiului Special Area of Conservation, holds an impressive mosaic of protected habitats included in EU Habitats Directive. The area is well known for its impressive scree slopes sheltering the habitat 8120 - Calcareous and calcshist screes of the montane to alpine levels (Thlaspietea rotundifolii). This habitat was monitored from 2003 to 2010.

The aim of the ongoing monitoring study is to identify and measure the deviations from a standard situation documented in 2003, to a present situation, in order to evaluate pressures and biodiversity change over the time and, in the end, to assess the effectiveness of management actions in conserving the habitat.

The calcareous scree slopes monitoring was focused on vegetation composition and surface in permanent plots. The surface of the habitat patches was monitored by field mapping correlated with orthophotoplans. In order to asses the habitat quality and dynamics a total number of 100 permanent plots, placed in different areas of the national park, were selected. The data obtained were analyzed using advanced statistics.

Throughout the 7-year monitoring study, no significant changes in habitat’s surface were observed. Change in vegetation evolution was observed in 20 plots towards progressive directions (meadow or forest habitats) and 5 showing regressive direction (bare scree slopes). Moreover, the results of the monitoring study showed that the closing of some tourist trails crossing the scree slopes, which was meant to preserve the habitat, led, in time, to the loss of scree habitat in favor of meadow habitat. A certain amount of tourist pressure producing the scree slope mobilization proved to be beneficial for this type of habitat. Likewise, the study results showed that the avalanches are a beneficial factor for the survival of this habitat by preventing forest spread. The global climate change is likely to have its effect, as well, allowing the meadow and forest plant species to colonize more easily the scree slope habitats.

Acknowledgement: this paper is supported by the Sectoral Operational Programme Human Resources Development (SOP HRD), financed from the European Social Fund and by the Romanian Government under the contract number POSDRU/89/1.5/S/59323.


HABITATS CARTOGRAPHY OF THE VALENCIAN COMMUNITY: A GIS-BASED TOOL FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION

OF NATURA 2000 VEGETATION TYPES IN EASTERN SPAIN

Fabregat Carlos1, Casabó Joan2, Fabado Javier2, Soler Jaume X.2

1) Jardí Botànic De La Universitat De València; 2) Vaersa, Generalitat Valenciana

Abstract:

During 2009, sponsored by the Biodiversity Service of Generalitat Valenciana (Valencian Community Regional Government), has been started a project to map the natural habitats of the Valencian Community (CV) at 1:10.000 scale. The project aims to map the whole natural vegetation in valencian Sites of Community Interest (SCIs), in order to identify, locate and manage, in the most appropriate way, the Habitat types of Community Interest (HCIs), as well as develop a GIS-based tool that can also be used for territorial management at detailed scale. CORINE Biotopes habitat types have been choosen as vegetation typology due to its direct connection with Natura 2000 habitat types, its capability to identify both natural and seminatural or anthropic habitats and its close connections with phytosociological units, according to similar projects developed or under development in Catalonia and Aragon (CV’s neighbouring regions). Territorial units of work are 1:10.000 scale map sheets of the CV10 series of the Valencian Cartographic Institute (ICV). The results are georeferenced shapefiles for each map sheet, which are included in a web application placed in the GV’s cartographic web server. Currently, 61 cartographic sheets are developed (nearly 150.000 Ha) and the project is still being carried on.

HAB4

56

HAB5

IS NATURA 2000 NETWORK REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ACTUAL VEGETATION DIVERSITY AT REGIONAL SCALE?

Gigante Daniela, Landucci Flavia, Maneli Fabio, Venanzoni Roberto Dept. Applied Biology, University Of Perugia, Italy

Abstract:

Starting in 1995, the development of Natura 2000 (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/index_en.htm) led to the formal identification of 105 Natura 2000 Sites (98 SCI and 7 SPA) in Umbria Region (Central Italy). Thanks to a process coordinated at a regional level, habitat and vegetation types have been studied and mapped in each Site at a detailed scale (1:10.000), providing a precious tool for management and conservation. At the same time, the potential diversity of the Region became rather well known through the Map of the Vegetation Series (Biondi et al., 2010). The detailed knowledge inside Natura 2000 Sites offers a chance to test the real representativeness of this system for biodiversity conservation, compared to the potential diversity of Umbria, one of the smallest Regions in Italy (about 845.600 ha) but with a diverse territory (71% hill, 29% mountain), including 3 Biogeographic Regions, 4 Bioclimatic Belts and 40 Habitats, 30.5 % of the total number in Italy, which according to Biondi et al. (2009) amounts to 131. Some questions can now find an answer: which vegetation series include a higher presence of “Annex I” habitats? Which are neglected and why? In which ways the knowledge about the vegetation series can offer tools for the habitat management? How to take care in a proper way of the large areas lacking in natural vegetation, which -as a matter of fact- have been ignored by Natura 2000? Our analysis represents a detailed application of the Gap analysis methodology adopted by Rosati et al. at a national scale (2007) with the aim to identify elements that need further protection; here the level of knowledge can focus on habitat and, in many case, even on phytosociological associations, offering an overview and a chance to weigh the pros and cons of the application of the 92/43/EEC Directive.

Biondi E., Blasi C., Burrascano S., Casavecchia S., Copiz R., Del Vico E., Galdenzi D., Gigante D., Lasen C., Spampinato G., Venanzoni R., Zivkovic L., 2009. Manuale Italiano di interpretazione degli habitat della Direttiva 92/43/CEE. Società Botanica Italiana. Ministero dell’Ambiente e della tutela del territorio e del mare, D.P.N.

Biondi E, Gigante D., Pignattelli S, Rampiconi E. & Venanzoni R, 2010. Carta delle Serie di Vegetazione della Regione Umbria. In: Blasi C. (Ed.) La Vegetazione d’Italia. Carta delle Serie di Vegetazione, scala 1: 500.000. Palombi & Partner S.r.l. Roma.

Rosati L., Marignani M. & Blasi C., 2007. Vegetazione Naturale Potenziale e Gap analysis della Rete Natura 2000 in Italia. Fitosociologia, 44 (2), Suppl. 1: 61-65.


HIGRO - DEMONSTRATIVE ACTIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF PRIORITY HABITATS IN NORTHERN MOUNTAIN AREAS IN PORTUGAL

Geraldes Miguel1, Neto Carlos1, Monteiro Paulo2, Honrado João3, Caldas Barreto3, Aguiar Carlos4

1) Igot-university Of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal; 2) Quercus Ancn, Castelo Branco, Portugal; 3) Cibio, Porto, Portugal; 4) Ipb, Bragança, Portugal

Abstract:

An innovative methodology is being tested towards the restoration and conservation of 200 ha of mountain priority habitats: hygrophilous heather-gorse dominated shrublands [(4020) ‘*temperate Atlantic wet heaths with Erica ciliaris and Erica tetralix’] and higrophile moor matgrasses [(6230) ‘*species-rich Nardus grasslands on silicious substrates’]. These experiments comprise 35 ha in the Atlantic Biogeographical Region - SCI “Serra de Arga” (PTCON0039) - and 50 ha on SCI “Serra de Montemuro” (PTCON0025) and 115 ha on SCI “Alvão-Marão” (PTCON0003) in the Mediterranean Biogeographical Region, located at the supra-temperate and supra-mediterranean levels on granitic mountains from the Northern Portugal, whose meso-higrophile and higrophile heather-gorse shrublands are nowadays in steep regression. The experiment comprehends the assemblage of 10 km of removable fences; the selective control of grass and shrub formations on 50 ha; the restoration of the natural hydrology on 100 ha (using artificial levees); and the promotion of extensive grazing along a path on 100 ha, all ruled by contract with the landowners. A preparatory stage has undergone, collecting and mapping data on the biogeography, climate, topography, lithology, land-use history, species, and habitats. A repport was produced over the reference status (1st stage of the Project). This presentation shows the preliminary results, carrying new information into the discussion about the most suitable techniques, implemented together or by themselves, in different intensities and periodicities, in order to induce vegetation diversity and the conservation of rare vascular plants (e.g. Genista berberidea, Gentiana pneumonanthe) and invertebrates (e.g. Maculinea alcon). Albeit burning, draining and grazing in mountain areas pose threats to the higrophile formations of Erica ciliaris, E. tetralix, Calluna vulgaris (usually with Ulex minor and, less often, Genista anglica, G. berberidea, and G. micrantha), these activities seem to benefit mat moorgrasses (e.g. Agrostis hesperica, Nardus stricta), sedges (e.g. Carex asturica, C. pilulifera), rushes (e.g. Juncus squarrosus) and herbaceous dicotyledons (e.g. genuses Cirsium, Polygala, Potentilla). Grazing is an activity in decline; still it does render vital services for well-conserved montain priority habitats. The challenge is, thus, to find ways that allow short and medium-term profitable grazing and, at the same time, ensure the ecological balance.

HAB6

58

HAB7

COLEANTHUS SUBTILIS – EX SITU AND IN SITU CONSERVATION OF A PRIORITY SPECIES

Karl-Georg Bernhardt1, Steffen Hameister1, Marcus Koch2

1) University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna; 2) University of Heidelberg

Abstract:

Shoreline plants are able to colonize ephemeric semiaquatic environments, i.e. conditions alternating between terrestrial and aquatic. The tiny therophytic grass Coleanthus subtilis (Poaceae) occurs on periodically dried-up banks of limnic habitats. The species might be one of the rarest plants in Central Europe and is listed in the annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. Coleanthus subtilis has not been reported for decades in floristic surveys of any Austrian habitat. Niklfeld & Schratt-Ehrendorfer (1999) classified it as an extinct species in the Austrian Red List. Recently a few populations could have been recovered during investigations of the soil seed bank of fish ponds in the „Waldviertel“ region in Austria (Bernhardt et al. 2004). After its rediscovery the population biology of Coleanthus subtilis was investigated especially the life cycle, germination, dormancy, abundance in soil seed bank and seed bank dynamics.

Seeds were collected from fruiting plants as well as from soil samples and tested for germination capacity. Samples from both types of seed material were frozen and stored in our gene bank for ex situ conservation. The germination rate of the seeds collected from fruiting plants was low compared to soil samples. After five years of storage in the gene bank, tested seed samples showed germination rates of nearly 100%. This suggests that ex situ conservation of Coleanthus subtilis is more appropriate than in situ conservation, especially because of the constant decrease of ephemeric semiaquatic environments in Austria. Now a recovery and conservation plan has been worked out to stabilize the known/remaining populations in Austria.

The example of Coleanthus subtiltis has again confirmed that soil seed banks contain an important amo unt of species diversity as well as the genetic diversity of the respective populations. Thus seed banks may generally play central roles in conservation of species and genetic diversity, natural restoration of wetland vegetation, and also the recovery of endangered plant species. The success of our study generally encouraged the idea to re-examine location data given in (old) herbarium entries of today highly endangered or extinct plant species. Analyzing soil samples taken in these locations may reveal seeds of such endangered or extinct species stored in the seed bank and might be a excellent tool for ex situ conservation and even reintroduction in case that good habitat conditions are given.


HAB8

A CARTOGRAPHIC, PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL, SINDYNAMIC, GEOSYNPHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL AND HABITATS (SENSU DIRECTIVE

92/43/EEC) DATABASE. THE REGIONE MARCHE CASE STUDY

Pesaresi Simone, Biondi Edoardo, Casavecchia Simona Departement Of Environmental And Crop Sciences, Marche Polythecnic University Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona

Abstract:

It is here presented the Regione Marche cartographic data base which has been properly normalized for storing, processing and management of ecological data (in phytosociological, sinphytosociological, geosinphytosociological terms and data about habitats (sensu Directive 92/43/EEC).

This kind of structure represents a valid model for the design and the implementation of a geographic and geosynphytosociological data bank at a national level.

The Marche geographic information system is an effective tool capable of:

Processing and handling substantial volumes of mapping data in order to set up phytosociological, sinphytosociological, geosinphytosociological geographical maps, and habitats according to Directive 92/43/EEC with extensive legends of great semantic detail (www.ortobotanico.univpm.it/cartografia);

Implement applied research, multiple-scale, through studies of correlation and integration of the phytosociological, sinphytosociological and geosinphytosociological data, cartographic type, with the floristic and phytosociological data stored in specially made database (www.anarchive.it) adopted by the Società italiana di Scienza della vegetazione as a standard tool for the vegitaly project (http://www.scienzadellavegetazione.it/)

Monitoring allowing in the same areas, at different times (diachronic analysis), to make ecological comparison (in phytosociological and geosinphytosociological terms) consistent and meaningful

Allow adaptation of habitats and their significance over time, according to different phases of implementation of the Habitats Directive, connected with EU enlargement, and then, after updating Annex I Dir 92/43/EEC and changes in the Habitat Manual interpretation, while keeping track of changes over time

Identify management strategies of species and environments aimed at the preservation of biodiversity with a multi-scale spatial awareness at site level, region level or national Natura 2000 network level.

Implement the spread and sharing of geobotany and environmental knowledge through geobotany maps and their publication on the Web mapping applications (www.ortobotanico.univpm.it/habitat; www.ortobotanico.univpm.it/cartografia).

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P-HAB1

EVOLUTION OF DUNE HABITATS ALONG THE CANTABRIAN COAST IN NATURA 2000 PROTECTED AREAS

García Mijangos Itziar, Biurrun Idoia, García-Magro Daniel, Herrera Mercedes, Loidi Javier, Campos Juan Antonio

Universidad País Vasco

Abstract:

Dune coastal ecosystems display a great diversity of habitats that have been regarded as of European interest due to their singularity and fragility, and many coastal sites with dunes have been included in the Natura 2000 network. The habitats included in the Habitat Directive that are present in the study area are:

2110 Embryonic shifting dunes

2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes)

2130* Fixed coastal dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”)

This study focuses on the SCI (Site of Community Interest) “Dune of Astondo (Bizkaia)”, located on eastern part of the Cantabrian coast. This SCI occupies the north end of the beach of Gorliz, that has been altered from old by the construction of buildings and infrastructure, which has contributed to large changes in dune dynamics. This has resulted in a decrease in sand transport and an increase in erosion that has exposed fossil dune strata. The management plan for the SCI recommends several actions to improve habitats and prevent their loss, and presents a monitoring plan. The aims of this wok were to learn the changes in surface area experienced by the different habitats present in the SCI over the last few years and to analyze their present conservation status, as a start up point for monitoring.

With respect to the first objective, we compared 1:2000 maps from 2003 and 2010. The most relevant results were an increase in forest vegetation, due mainly to an increase in pine trees, at the expense of dune habitats, which decreased 10%, as well as the disappearance of embryonic dunes (2110).

The study of habitats was conducted through stratified sampling. Twenty random quadrats were selected and marked for further monitoring in each habitat. Present species and their percentage cover were recorded for each quadrat, as well as bryophytes cover and sand cover. Floristic analysis did not show significant differences in species richness among habitats, however, the biological structure was significantly different. It was also noted a high percentage of introduced species, some of which were eliminated to study the later evolution of invaded populations.


NEW LOCATIONS AND HABITAT STUDY OF THE RARE IBERIAN ENDEMISM SERAPIAS PEREZ-CHISCANOI

(ORCHIDACEAE)PORTUGAL

Pereira Marizia1, Venhuis Caspar2, Martins Mónica3, Maciel Amaral Paulo4, Moura Jorge5

1) Universidade de Évora, Depto. de Paisagem, Ambiente e Ordenamento Biofísico e Paisagístico, Évora, Portugal; 2) Universiteit Van Amsterdam, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (ibed), The Netherlands; 3) Centro de Estudos Geográficos, Instituto de Geografia e Ordenamento do Território da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; 4) Centro de Geofísica de Évora, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal; 5) Município de Abrantes, Portugal

Abstract:

Serapias perez-chiscanoi Acedo is an Iberian endemism (Orchidaceae) initially found along the Guadiana river basin (Extremadura of Spain), in wet (not flooded) grasslands, on siliceous sands, from 100 to 400m. The species’ presence in Sado Basin (Portugal) was first discovered by Pereira et al. (2008) in Baixo Alentejo (Alvito, Vila Nova da Baronia). This population (200 individuals) was monitored from 2002 to 2007, in order to study the habitat characteristics and ecological succession. Very recently, two new locations were found in Central Portugal: one close to Abrantes (Alferrarede), and another in Serra de Sicó (Pombal, Ereiras), locating the taxon in the basins of the rivers Tagus and Mondego, respectively. Although it is considered rare, being protected under Spanish laws, this orchid occurs in vulnerable habitats that require conservation. Still little is known about its biology and ecology, and it does not benefit from any legal protection in Portugal. This work comprises its habitats in Portugal, focusing in flora and vegetation analysis (classic sigmatist method of Braun-Blanquet, phytosociological relevés and tables), geology, biogeography, bioclimatology and top soil characteristics. The population near Alferrarede (occurring in a degraded clearing of Eucalyptus sp. forest), is placed in the cork oak climatophilous series gaditan-algarvian and lusitan-extremadurean Asparago aphylli-Querceto suberis sigmetum, and its sub-serial stages Erico scopariae-Quercetum lusitanicae, Asparago aphylli-Myrtetum communis, Thymo villosi-Ulicetum airensis and Trifolio cherleri-Plantaginetum bellardii. The population found in 2010 in Ereiras, in calcareous substrates, is included in the Nature 2000 Network (Sítio Sicó/Alvaiázere - PTCON0045). The dominant climatophilous series is Arisaro-Quercetum broteroi sigmetum, endemic for the Dividing Portuguese and Ribatagan-Sadensean sectors, with the sub-serial stages Lavandulo luisieri-Ulicetum jussiaei, Phlomido lychnitidis-Brachypodietm phoenicoidis (correspondent to the priority habitat “6210: Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco Brometalia)(*important orchid habitats)”) and Trifolio cherleri-Plantaginetum bellardii. The studied habitats share a strong Mediterranean character, having a preference for moist soils covered by perennial and annual grasslands (in humid depressions of the soil), at the humid fringes of Ulex sp. heaths, in the understorey of oak formations.

P-HAB2

64

P-HAB3

A FAIRY RING FUNGUS AFFECTS GRASSLAND PLANT SPECIES DIVERSITY, SOIL QUALITY AND MICROBIAL POPULATIONS

Allegrezza Marina1, Bonanomi Giuliano2, Mingo Antonio2, Mazzoleni Stefano2

1) Marche Polytechnic University, Department Of Environmental And Crop Sciences, Ancona, Italy; 2) University Of Naples Federico Ii, Dipartimento Di Arboricoltura, Botanica E Patologia Vegetale, Portici (Na), Italy

Abstract:

Semi-natural calcareous grasslands are of great interest in conservation because of their high species richness, but the mechanisms that allow species coexistence in these systems are still poorly understood. Specifically, the role of soil heterogeneity induced by fairy rings soilborne fungi in maintaining species diversity is neglect. These fungi, mainly belonging to the basidiomycota group, growing belowground in a regular fashion produce the so called fairy rings.

Aim of this study is investigate: i. the spatial distribution of coexisting plant species across the fairy ring fungus Agaricus campestris; ii. analyzing soil physical, chemical, enzymatic and microbiological properties across the fairy ring to explore the cause of the weakening and subsequent flourishing of the vegetation; iii. assess if soil collected in different position across the fairy ring affect the growth of coexisting plant species.

This study was carried out in central Apennine (43°17’26’’ N, 12°51’29’’ E), in a species-rich mowed calcareous grassland ascribed to the association Brizo mediae-Brometum erecti Bruno in Bruno & Covarelli, 1968 corr. Biondi & Ballelli, 1982 (EU - Directive code 6210 “semi-natural dry grassland and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia) (*important orchid sites)”. The study site is within the area of Puro-Rogedano-Valleremita mountains (EU – SIC code: Nature 2000 IT5320011) at an altitude of the field site is 869 m a.s.l., on a west-facing slope of about 5-10°.

Fairy rings were monitored for total plant biomass, species richness and composition in four different zones: external grassland (OUT), fungal front (FF), area with flourishing vegetation (BELT) and internal grassland (IN). In each zone, 17 soil parameter were analysed including physical and chemical properties, total enzymatic activity and microbiological features. A bioassay was performed to evaluate the responses of three coexisting species (Bromus erectus, Cynosurus echinatus and Centaurea ambigua) growing on soils collected from the different fairy ring zones.

This study provided evidence that the spread of fairy ring fungi, by killing dominant perennial plants creates empty niches for many short lived species, thus allowing species coexistence.


CONSEQUENCES OF PAST ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES IN THE PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF PEAT-BOG TAXA IN EUROPE

Geraldes Miguel1, Neto Carlos1, Vieira Gonçalo1, Almada Vítor2, Schmitt Thomas3

1) Igot-university Of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal; 2) Ispa, Lisbon, Portugal; 3) University Of Trier, Trier, Germany

Abstract:

Phylogeography is playing a major role in conservation plans. Former glacial refugia are revealed by the persistence of high genetic diversity today and can have contributed to Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, being critical in spatial planning policies and conservation strategies as they constitute significant reservoirs of biodiversity. Iberian Peninsula has, along with the Apennine and the Balcanic ones, the highest number of refuges identified by Médail & Diadema (2009). They may have acted as glacial refugia for species of present-day wide distribution in Europe such as: Drosera intermedia Hayne in Dreves, Genista anglica L., Gentiana pneumonanthe L., and Cirsium palustre L. The bogs of southern Europe are, other than the mountain ones, relict ecosystems from past colder climates. They have become isolated and their communities of specialists were fragmented into a disjunctive biogeographical distribution, especially the SW low-altitude sub-littoral bogs, decontextualized from current climate. To understand this, the combination of different approaches is proposed: (1) morphological and phytosociological data, (2) palaeobotanical and palynological data and (3) phylogeographic analyses, using genetic information from ISSRs and DNA sequences from nuclear introns and chloroplast markers. 15 populations of each target species will be sampled: 3 in Portugal (Estremadura-Tagus River, Alentejo-Sado River and Minho-Douro river regions), 4 in Spain (Galicia, Andalucía, Catalunya-Southeastern Pyrenees, Euskadi-Northwestern Pyrenees), 4 in Central Europe (2 in France and 2 in Germany), 2 in the Italian Peninsula and 2 in Balkan Peninsula. This sampling will contribute to: (1) thoroughly analyze the population structure of the 4 species within the Iberian Peninsula; and (2) test the relationship between northern populations, which went extinct during glacial advances, and southern refugial populations. Combining these approaches will cover different rates of molecular evolution, traping the genetic signal in a broader time scale. The within-population genetic diversity and phylogeographic patterns among populations will be evaluated, including the relationship and the level of historic gene flow among them.

P-HAB4

66

PLANT BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION ISSUES IN MEDITERRANEAN TEMPORARY PONDS

Caria Maria Carmela, Bagella SimonettaUniversità Degli Studi Di Sassari, Dipartimento Di Scienze Botaniche, Ecologiche E Geologiche, Italy

Abstract:

The high conservation interest of temporary ponds in the Mediterranean biogeografical region has been long recognized, ever since the Isoetion communities were defined as “a floristical jewel” by Braun-Blanquet. In Europe they are included in the “standing water group” of the Annex 1 of the Habitat Directive and referred to 3 habitat types: 3120 - Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals, generally on sandy soils of the West Mediterranean, with Isoetes spp.; 3130 - Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoeto-Nanojuncetea; and 3170* - Mediterranean temporary ponds. The high vulnerability of Mediterranean temporary ponds is mainly due to their shallow water and their frequently small surface area. Furthermore, the species which colonize them are often inconspicuous, exhibit a very short life cycle and are poorly studied and documented. Despite an improvement in the public’s perception of wetlands over recent years, they are often poorly identified and their importance largely unappreciated, leaving them vulnerable to unintentional destruction. Indeed there is a need for data sets covering the important gaps in our knowledge, as well as for an integration of the already existing data.

We illustrate here an overview of plant biodiversity of temporary ponds in the Mediterranean basin with the aim to establish an useful base to better direct management strategies. The results show that they present a high local diversity and a high ß diversity throughout the Mediterranean basin. The main threats are different and sometimes contrasting between S-Europe and N-Africa. For instance while the decreasing of several population of obligated temporary water species in S-Europe is due to the reduction of grazing pressure in N-Africa it should be related with overgrazing. Some management approach to vegetation and their implication for plant biodiversity will be presented and discussed.

P-HAB5


P-HAB6

THE VEGETATION AND THE PLANT LANDSCAPE OF THE SARNANO-SASSOTETTO SKIING AREA (SIBYLLINE

MOUNTAINS - CENTRAL APENNINES, ITALY)

Allegrezza Marina1, Cocco Stefania1, Corti Giuseppe1, Mentoni Marino2

1) Marche Polytechnic University, Department of Environmental and Crop Sciences, Ancona, Italy; 2) Geologist, P.zza U. Ciccardini, N. 5, I-60043 Cerreto D’esi (an), Italy

Abstract:

Here is presented a phytosociological study of vegetation and plant landscape of the north-oriental slope of Sassotetto Mountain (Sibillini Mountains - central Apennines) interested from a wide skiing area, whose first lifts have been built in the early sixties and, starting from year 2005, it has been started a program of artificial snow on the slopes. The building of new lifts has determined a change in soil use, with setup interventions that have caused the transformation of wood and grazing surfaces in areas dedicated almost exclusively to the skiing activity.

Aim of the present research is to evaluate the effect of the geomorphology, of the abandonment of the grazing activity, of the duration and of the management of the snow mantle on the variation of the soil properties and the diversity in the floristic and phytocenosis present in the studied territory.

The phytosociologic analysis confirms the close relationships between vegetational-floristic diversity and geomorphology. The great floristic and phytocenotic diversity attested by 15 vegetational types noticed of which 5 belonging to habitat of community interest, is mainly connected to the present lithology and to the geomorphologic diversity present in the area. The phytosociologic analysis on the slope grasslands, interested by the presence of the lifts, has allowed to identify a series of useful bio-indicators useful also to monitor, in the time, the natural dynamics in action connected principally to the abandonment of the grazing practices. In relationship to the typology of the snow mantle (artificial and natural snow) the results of the search point out that are not these the factors that engrave on the soil physical-chemical properties and therefore on the floristic-vegetational diversity of the grassland but rather those linked to the management of the snow mantle (prepared snow for skiing and powder snow).

The results of the present research expand the floristic-vegetational knowledge on this important Apennines district that is still not deep investigated, and will permit hypothesising guidelines for a correct and sustainable management of the ski resorts in the Apennines mountains and for the protection of the biodiversity of these ecosystems.

68

P-HAB7

INTERESTING PLANT, ANIMAL AND WHY NOT ALSO FUNGI SPECIES TO CONSIDER FOR CONSERVATION

Sburlino Giovanni1, Angiolini Claudia2, Frignani Flavio2, Landi Marco3, Leonardi Pamela2, Piazzini Sandro2, Perini Claudia2, Salerni Elena2, Saveri Carlo3

1) University Of Venezia, Department Of Environmental Sciences, Venezia, Italy; 2) University Of Siena, Department Of Environmental Sciences G. Sarfatti, Siena, Italy; 3) Corpo Forestale Dello Stato, Ufficio Territoriale Per La Biodiversità, Siena, Italy;

Abstract:

Conservation of Biodiversity has acquired a widespread credibility and various initiatives are underway with the goal to reduce or halt the current loss of diversity mainly in respect to habitats, plants and animals. Fungi, also called “orphans of Rio”, have been generally overlooked in nature conservation and are not included in international biodiversity agreements with the exception of a proposal of 33 macromycetes threatened at European level and submitted at the Bern Convention and Habitat Directive. Anyway various initiatives are underway at national, European and global level in order to bring fungi as active protagonists in conservation programmes.

Thanks to the attention given by the Corpo Forestale dello Stato of Siena Province, the natural heritage comprising Plants, Animals and Fungi (PAF) of two National Natural Reserves south-east from Siena (Tuscany, Italy) was studied. Localized in the hilly areas between the Merse and Cecina rivers, the Reserves of Cornocchia and Palazzo are far from the main roads and few urbanized. The areas are characterized by deciduous oak-forests dominated by Quercus cerris where small patches of grasslands and water habitats of Community interest can be found.

Ponds, where interesting Plants such as Alisma lanceolatum, Groenlandia densa, Juncus bulbosus, Potamogeton trichoides and Zannichellia palustris grow, are the ideal area for reproduction of Triturus carnifex. Along small streams Barbus tyberinus, Potamon fluviatile, Rutilus rubilio and Salamandrina perspicillata, all endemic Animals, have been observed. The small grassland areas scattered inside the woods are rich in Orchidaceae and Hygrophoraceae; the Fungi Hygrocybe ceracea, H. conica, H. psittacina and H. virginea can be interpreted as guide-species for this habitats and have to be protected. Circaetus gallicus and Dendrocopos minor are birds nesting preferentially in forests well structured with some old trees and have been found in the Quercus cerris woods. This deciduous woods are also characterized by a high fungal diversity; among rare and interesting macromycetes Amanita boudieri, Boletus permagnificus, Pluteus exiguous and Russula stenotricha can be listed.


RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN OSMOLYTE ACCUMULATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS FACTORS IN SEVERAL

HALOPHYTES FROM SE SPAIN

Boscaiu Monica1, Donat Mª Pilar2, Llinares Josep2, Vicente Oscar3, Boira Herminio1

1) Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo (UPV), Valencia, Spain; 2) Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto de Investigación para la Gestión Integral de Zonas Costeras (UPV), Gandía, Spain;

3) Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (UPV-CSIC), Valencia, Spain

Abstract:

Osmolytes, used for maintaining osmotic balance and as ‘osmoprotectans’, are synthesized in plants as a general response to different abiotic stresses, including high soil salinity. Despite intensive research on salt stress responses, the mechanisms of salt tolerance of halophytes in their natural habitats remain largely unknown, since most studies are carried out using salt sensitive species under artificial laboratory conditions. Specifically, the relative contribution of osmolyte biosynthesis to the stress tolerance of a given species is still an open question. The aim of the present study is to analyse the levels of proline and glycine betaine – the most common osmolytes in plants – in several halophytes (Juncus acutus, J. maritimus, Sarcocornia fruticosa, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Inula crithmoides) and under different environmental conditions, to establish whether osmolyte biosynthesis can be used as a reliable marker of salt tolerance in these species. Plants were collected in a coastal salt marsh in the province of Alicante (SE Spain), from four defined experimental plots with different degrees of soil salinity, and in different seasons. Although we could not establish statistically significant correlations of proline levels in the plants with the average salinity in the different plots (probably due to the relatively high variability of proline contents in individual plants), in most species under study clear seasonal changes were detected, depending on the weather conditions preceding sampling of plant material: proline levels were lower in July 2010, after a rainy spring, than in November, after several months of drought. It appears, therefore, that proline contents correlate best with the accumulated water deficit to which the plants are subjected. Regarding the two Juncus species, proline levels were higher in the more salt tolerant J. maritimus, under all tested environmental conditions, suggesting that its accumulation is a relevant contributing factor to the mechanisms of salt tolerance of Juncus in nature. Determination of glycine betaine contents in the same plant samples is in progress, to establish if the same patterns of variation can be found in species which do not use proline as the major osmolyte.

Supported by grants from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (programme ‘PAID-06-09’) to M.B., and from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (project CGL2008-00438IBOS), with contribution of the ERDF, to O.V.

P-HAB8

70

P-HAB9

EVALUATION OF ABIOTIC STRESS RESPONSES IN GYPSOPHYTES: ACCUMULATION OF OSMOPROTECTANT COMPOUNDS

Monica Boscaiu1, Shantanu D. Wankhade2, Marius N. Grigore2*, Alina Tifrea2, Oscar Vicente2

1) Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo (UPV), Valencia, Spain (corresponding autor: [email protected]); 2) Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (UPV-CSIC), Valencia, Spain; *permanent address: Faculty of

Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Carol I, 20 A, 700505 Iasi (Romania)

Abstract:

Gypsiferous soils are stressful habitats for plants and considered as highly threatened ecosystems, which shelter an extremely diverse flora, including many endemic and endangered species. In Spain, they cover about 30,000 km2, disjunctively distributed in the arid eastern part of the country. Gypsum habitats have been investigated regarding the effect of restrictive ecological factors on seed germination, seedling establishment and plant community structure. However, little is known about the responses of gypsiferous plants to their environment at the biochemical level. A possible mechanism of tolerance to gypsum stress could be based on the accumulation of osmoprotectants such as proline (Pro), glycinebetaine (GB) and total soluble sugars; if so, there should be a correlation between the levels of these compounds in the plants and environmental stress factors. We have undertaken the analysis of osmolyte accumulation in several species from a gypsum area located near Tuejar (Valencia, Spain), including two gypsophytes [Gypsophila struthium subsp. hispanica (Gs) and Ononis tridentada (Ot)] and two gypsovags [Rosmarinus officinalis (Ro) and Helianthemum syriacum (Hs)]. Three experimental plots (100 m2 each) with different gypsum levels were defined, and plant samples were collected from five individuals per species and per plot, in four successive seasons (summer and autumn 2009, spring and summer 2010). In general, no significant correlation could be established between Pro levels and gypsum content in the soil, whereas for the two gypsovags (Ro, Hs) Pro contents are clearly related to the degree of water stress, with the highest levels detected in the driest season (summer 2009). In the gypsophytes, higher values were registered in spring 2009 (Gs) or autumn 2009 (Ot). Total soluble sugar accumulation was recorded highest in Ro followed by Hs, Ot and Gh in all plots. Regarding seasonal changes, sugar contents were highest in autumn 2009, or in summer and autumn 2009, in the case of Hs. Further studies are required to establish whether total sugar accumulation is due to a delayed response, or unrelated to the previous summer stress conditions. Determination of glycine betaine contents in the same plant samples is in progress, to establish if similar patterns of variation can be found in the studied species.

Supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (project CGL2008-00438IBOS), with contribution from the European Regional Development Fund.


P-HAB10

NATURA 2000 NETWORK AND PLANT CONSERVATION STRATEGY IN CALABRIA (S ITALY)

Uzunov Dimitar1, Gangale Carmen2, Caruso Giuseppe1

1) Department of Environmental and Crop Science, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131 Ancona, Italy; 2) Natural History Museum of Calabria, University of Calabria, Arcavacata Di Rende (cs) I-87036, Italy

Abstract:

Calabria (S Italy) is the southernmost region of Italian peninsula, situated in the centre of Mediterranean basin. This area has a peculiar lithology and geological history, quite different from the rest of the Apennines. Its vascular flora counts more than 2800 species and subspecies. As a typical Mediterranean flora, therophytes and hemicryptophytes are dominant and geophytes (16%) are relatively abundant. Species with Mediterranean distribution are more than 50% and about 10% are endemics. The area is modified by human activities since ancient time and there is a recent trend to urbanizing coastal zone and abandonment of mountain regions. The impact of socio-economical processes on the flora and the cumulative effect with other natural and anthropic factors are difficult to be evaluated. In the Regional Red List 317 species are included and an analysis on the role of NATURA 2000 network for plant conservation is presented together with a study of rare species occurrence in the habitat listed in all. I Dir. 92/43 CEE. Some examples, based on the IUCN criteria at global and regional level for conservation status evaluation, are presented: Woodwardia radicans (L.) Sm. and Primula palinuri Petagna as relict species (all. II. Dir. 92/43CEE) inhabiting very narrow ecological niches; Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach. and Lomelosia crenata (Cirillo) Greuter & Burdet subsp. pseudisetensis (Lacaita) Greuter & Burdet at the limit of their distribution; Ptilostemon gnaphaloides (Cyr.) Sojak subsp. gnaphaloides and Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb & Berthel. subsp. gussonei (Webb) Greuter as examples of species with strong disjunctions, Pinguicula crystallina Sibth. & Sm. subsp. hirtiflora (Ten.) Strid. as a very rare and localized taxon and Limonium sp. div. as a group with active speciation processes. Regional NATURA 2000 network comprises 183 SCI (covering 63 285 ha – 4.2% of the region) and 6 SPA (262 255 ha - 17.4%) motivated by the presence of 7 plant species and 76 habitats (21 priority). Based on the experience in management plans and conservation measures elaboration for 119 SCI (ca. 85 %) an analysis of the efficiency of the system of protected areas and NATURA 2000 network for rare plant species and habitat conservation as a response to the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation recommendations is discussed. A model for application of a dynamic territorial governance approach into the classic ex situ and in situ conservation strategies is proposed.

72

WILD HALOPHYTES: AN UNDERUTILIZED GENETIC RESOURCE?

Boscaiu Monica1, Donat María Pilar2, Mayoral Olga2, Llinares Josep2, Bautista Inmaculada3, Lidón Antonio3, Lull Cristina3, Vicente Oscar4

1) Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo (UPV), Valencia, Spain; 2) Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto de Investigación para la Gestión Integral de Zonas Costeras (UPV), Gandía, Spain; 3) Universitat Politècnica de València;

4) Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (UPV-CSIC), Valencia, Spain

Abstract:

Halophytes are plants able to survive and complete their life cycle in soils with high salinity (> 200 mM NaCl), conditions which would kill 99% of all angiosperm species. Their natural habitats (littoral and inland salt marshes, dunes, cliffs by the sea, etc.) are very rich in terms of biodiversity, but also very fragile ecosystems, highly threatened by human activities (urban and industrial development, tourism) and, in general, extremely sensitive to the foreseeable effects of global climate change. The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance of halophytes in nature would help to establish and implement effective conservation and/or restoration plans for these interesting habitats, but our knowledge in this field is still very limited. Paradoxically, most studies on plant responses to salinity and salt tolerance mechanisms have been carried out using salt-sensitive model species – mostly Arabidopsis thaliana, but also some crops – under artificial laboratory or greenhouse conditions. As a complementary approach, we have undertaken the study of the mechanisms of tolerance in wild plants adapted to salt stress in their natural habitats. For this, we are determining the levels of different biochemical markers of specific, conserved stress response pathways (transport and accumulation of ions, osmolyte biosynthesis, activation of chemical and enzymatic antioxidant systems, etc.) in plants growing in the field, with the aim to correlate their spatial and seasonal patterns of variation with the specific environmental conditions of the plants at the time of sampling: soil properties and climatic parameters. These studies will also help to identify, isolate and characterise halotolerance genes and their promoters from salt tolerant plants, which could eventually be used as biotechnological tools for the genetic improvement of salt tolerance in transgenic crops. From this point of view, wild halophytes represent an important genetic resource in agriculture – at present underutilized, in our opinion – since high soil salinity is, together with drought, the major cause of reduction of crop yields worldwide. Apart from the conservation of biodiversity, the possibility to practically use wild halophytes as a tool in molecular plant breeding provides additional, socioeconomic arguments for the protection of their natural habitats.

Funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (project CGL2008-00438/BOS), with contribution from the ERDF

P-HAB11


P-HAB12

THE RESTORATION OF CYPRIPEDIUM CALCEOLUS L. PHYTOPOPULATIONS FROM ARGES COUNTY FLORA USING IN VITRO

MICROPROPAGATION

Monica Angela Neblea, Magdalena Duta, Valeriu Alexiu, Madalina MarianUniversity Of Pitesti

Abstract:

Cypripedium calceolus L. is a perennial herb that grows sporadically in forests, on the edge of grasslands, in shady habitats, occasionally in full sunlight, or rarely, on slopes, usually on limestone soils. In Romania, it is found in a variety of habitats including both deciduous woodland and mountain meadows. This species is a vulnerable taxa in Romanian Flora being mentioned both in Red List of the superior plants from Romania (Oltean et al., 1994) and in Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC-Annex II b, Bern Convention-Appendix I.

This paper presents the ecology, sozological category, distribution, habitats, threats, management and monitoring, in vitro propagation technology for ex-situ conservation of the Cypripedium calceolus L., as part of the project no. 32160/2008, regarding the chorological study of the sozological categories from Arges county flora, for the restoration of the endangered phytopopulations through conventional and biotechnological methods of propagation.

The established biotechnology provides the usage of the next nutritive media, for initiation: macro and micronutrients MS ½ n, vitamins LS ½ n, 32 mg/l NaFeEDTA, 20 g/l dextrose, 7g/l agar, 0,1 mg/l AG3, 0,5 mg/l BAP, 0,001 mg/l ANA and ascorbic acid 5 mg/l.

The explants obtained in laboratory will be acclimatized in greenhouse, than in pilot-sole of the natural habitats, where their monitoring will be done. Some explants will be used for the initiation of some culture for ornamental aims, avoiding in this way the abusive gathering of the plant from nature and consequently the conservation of the biodiversity.

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P-HAB13

MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL HABITATS: CAPO COMINO CASE STUDY (NE SARDINIA, ITALY)

Vagge Ilda1, Balduzzi Ileana1, Corradi Nicola2, Ferrari Marco2

1) Università Degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento Produzione Vegetale, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; 2) Università Degli Studi di Genova, Dipartimento per lo Studio del Territorio e delle sue Risorse, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy

Abstract:

It’s well-known that coastal systems are characterized by a delicate equilibrium and strong dynamics. After the census of the priority habitats and the institution of SICs (Site of Community Importance), the monitoring and management are a necessary step in order to protect their biodiversity.

From this point of view we present the results of the test of a new monitoring procedure on coastal dune fields, that integrates few different sciences (geomorphology, sedimentology and botany). This method plans a first essential analysis by remote sensing and a following field work in order to collect sedimentological, morphological and vegetational data (by phytosociological method) along several transects, systematically repeated.

Sardinia (Italy) was chosen like our experimental laboratory. After a first application in an anthropic study area, Platamona (N Sardinia) (Balduzzi et al., 2004, Vagge et al., 2007), we directed our studies to Capo Comino area, characterized by natural and very complex conditions.

Capo Comino area, only partially included in SIC-ITB020012, has been monitoring from 2003 until now. Results show a slow erosive trend, highlighted by morphological and vegetational changes. We found the degradation - and sometimes the disappearance - of few priority habitats, in particular 1120 (Posidonia beds - Posidonion oceanicae), 2120 (shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria – white dunes), 2210 (Crucianellion maritimae fixed beach dunes) and 2250 (coastal dunes with Juniperus spp.).

Balduzzi I., Bozzano A., Corradi N., Mariotti L.M., Vagge I. (2004). The evolution of the dune fields of Platamona-Marritza (Northern Sardinia) using remote sensing and aerial imagery. Chemistry&Ecology, Vol. 22 N° 4 (1): 371-381.

Vagge I., Corradi N., Ferrari M., Balduzzi I., Mariotti L.M. (2007). Aspetti vegetazionali e morfo-sedimentologici dei campi dunari di Platamona-Marritiza con particolare riguardo all’area di Marina di Sorso (Sardegna settentrionale). Fitosociologia 44 (1): 33-48.


GEOBOTANICAL STUDY ON SEVERAL PROTECTED TAXA IN THE CANTABRIAN MOUNTAIN RANGE (SPAIN)

Alfaro Estrella, Alonso-Redondo Raquel, Del Río Sara, García-González Marta EvaUniversity Of León

Abstract:

Several taxa included in the Decree of Protected Flora of Castile and Leon are studied (BOCYL, 2007): Echium cantabricum (Laínz) Fern. Casas & Laínz (“Endangered”), Petrocoptis pyrenaica subsp. viscosa (Rothm.) P. Monts. & Fern. Casas (“Vulnerable”), Draba lebrunii (P. Monts.) Laínz (“Vulnerable”), Fritillaria legionensis Llamas & Andrés (“Preferential treatment”) and Lathraea squamaria L. (“Preferential treatment”). A compilation and an exhaustive bibliographic review have been carried out in order to elaborate the distribution maps of these taxa in the Cantabrian Mountain Range, using all the existing bibliographic locations, the available locations from internet databases (the Information System on Spanish Plants: Anthos, http://www.anthos.es) and the National Node for Biodiversity Information: GBIF-Es, http://www.gbif.es), the locations from Vascular Flora of Castile and Leon Database (several authors, 2002-2009) and the information obtained from the herbarium sheets placed in LEB-Jaime Andrés Rodríguez Herbarium (University of Leon). Moreover, we have incorporated all the information obtained from our own field notes, geographically marked by GPS technology. All the points got from the different sources have been georeferenced in order to elaborate presence points maps of the taxa in the Cantabrian Mountain Range, with the help of Arc GIS 9.2. software.

MaxEnt software has been used for the modelling of geographical distribution of the species. This programme allows the estimation of occurrence probability of a species on the basis of the maximum entropy. The information relating to the presence points of the analyzed taxa has been integrated with different variables: bioclimatic, topographic, litologic, biogeographical and vegetation ones. Modelling the behaviour of the species has been our aim, with a view to an appropriate design of the necessary management measures to its conservation. Likewise, a list of real and potential threats has been done, as documented as those detected during our field work.

P-HAB14

76

P-HAB15

MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL OF HABITAT 4060 IN SOUTHERN SLOPE OF THE CANTABRIAN MOUNTAIN RANGE (SPAIN)

Del Rio Sara, García-González Marta Eva, Alfaro Estrella, Alonso-Redondo Raquel, Penas Ángel1) University Of León

Abstract:

The vegetation communities of creeper juniper scrub we have studied are included in code 4060: “Alpine and boreal heaths” (Annex I of Habitat Directive 92/43/CEE). They can be found in the southern slope of the Cantabrian Mountain Range, belonging to the following phytosociological association:

Daphno cantabricae-Arctostaphyletum uva-ursi Rivas-Martínez, Izco & Costa 1971 (basophilous, temperate oceanic orotemperate hyperhumid, orocantabric creeper juniper scrub of the Juniperion alpinae alliance).

Vaccinio microphylli-Juniperetum alpinae Rivas-Martínez & Géhu ex F. Prieto 1983 corr. Loidi & Biurrun 1996 nom. inv. et nom mut Rivas-Martínez & cols. 2011 (acidophilous, temperate oceanic orotemperate hyperhumid, orocantabric creeper juniper scrub of the Juniperion alpinae alliance).

Genisto sanabrensis-Juniperetum alpinae F. Prieto 1983 nom. mut. Rivas-Martínez & cols. 2011 (acidophilous, temperate oceanic orotemperate humid-hyperhumid submediterranean, bercian-sanabrian creeper juniper scrub of the Cytision oromediterranei alliance).

Vaccinio myrtilli-Juniperetum alpinae Rivas-Martínez 1965 nom. mut. Rivas-Martínez & cols. 2011 (acidophilous, temperate oceanic orotemperate humid-hyperhumid submediterranean north iberic sierran and orocantabric creeper juniper scrub of the Cytision oromediterranei alliance).

The map of current distribution of these vegetation communities has been made using ArcGIS 9.2 software. It represents the location of the areas occupied by these kind of vegetation in the Cantabrian Mountain Range at scale 1:10000. This map has been related to the bioclimatic modelling of the territory, concerning the isobioclimates, and also to the biogeographical information.

They have been characterized from a floristic point of view, showing the protected flora richness of each of the associations, taking into account the presence of taxa included in the Decree of Protected Flora of Castile and Leon (BOCYL, 2007) and their different threat categories.

Finally, on the basis of obtained data, this type of community interest habitat is valued with the aim of establish management proposals for its use and conservation.


P-HAB16

GERMINATION OF ALKALINE FEN CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Jiménez-Alfaro Borja, Fernández Pascual Eduardo, Díaz González TomásUniversidad De Oviedo

Abstract:

Reproduction by seed is a key stage in the life cycle of many plant species and thus the understanding of germination ecology is of great interest in the designing of both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies. Here we investigate the germination of eight characteristic species of alkaline fens (Caricion davallianae), an EU priority habitat: Blysmus compressus, Carex davalliana C. diandra, C. lepidocarpa, C. pulicaris Eriophorum latifolium (CYPERACEAE); Swertia perennis (GENTIANACEAE); and Triglochin palustris (JUNCAGINACEAE). We collected seeds from natural populations of the Cantabrian Mountain Range (NW Spain) on August-October 2010. We incubated both fresh (without any previous treatment) and cold-stratified (previous 12 wks at 3 ºC, darkness) seeds during 4 wks under three 12/12 h temperature regimes (30/20, 22/12 and 14/4 ºC, light during the warmer phase). A common germination pattern was shared by S. perennis and all of the Cyperaceae except C. pulicaris, with optimal germination at 30/20 ºC and a double positive effect of cold stratification, which (a) increased germination percentages at the optimal temperature and (b) permitted germination at the suboptimal temperatures. Fresh and stratified seeds of T. palustris germinated almost completely at 30/20 ºC, while at the suboptimal temperatures germination of the fresh seeds was relatively high and cold stratification promoted almost complete germination. C. pulicaris had its optimal germination temperature at 22/12 ºC, and fresh seeds germinated only at this temperature. In general, the tested species (save for C. pulicaris) showed a germination pattern which has been usually found in wetland species, with a positive effect of cold stratification and optimal germination at relatively high temperatures. However, the ecological implications of this behaviour vary among the species. Early warm season dispersers (e.g. E. latifolium) may germinate to a certain degree during the same season, while late dispersers (e.g. B. compressus) will not germinate until the next spring/summer.

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P-HAB17

HABITATS AND ENDEMIC SPECIES IN THE NATURE MAP OF SARDINIA

Camarda Ignazio, Carta Luisa

Department of Botany, University of Sassari, Italy

Abstract:

The Sardinian Nature Map has been realized (1:50.000 scale) based on the CORINE biotopes manual, with the correspondence to the classification systems of EUNIS and Nature 2000. The good knoweledge of Sardinian endemic flora allows to link them with each habitat and exstimate their abbundance in the whole Island.

Sardinia is completely included in the Mediterranean biogeographic region, and then only marginally affected by habitat characteristics of the Continental and even less than the Alpine Region. Only in Gennargentu mountain is possible to consider a subalpine plan, but strongly influenced by the bioclimate and typical Mediterranean flora. The vegetation of oromediterranean shrubs is characterized by the presence of endemic species like Berberis aetnensis, Ruta corsica, Astragalus genargenteus, Trisetum gracile, Armeria genargentea, Saxifraga cervicornis, Plantago sarda, Lamium corsicum, Carlina macrocephala, Festuca sardoa, Arrhenatherum sardoum, Saponaria alsinoides, Euphrasia genargentea. This area has the highest number of endemic, while in the coasts can be found the largest number of endemic thermophilous species.

Often, the endemic species are very common (e.g. Stachys glutinosa, Crocus minimus, Genista corsica) belonging to different habitats from the sea level to the higher mountains, while others (e.g. Silene corsica, Genista sardoa, Ribes sardoum, Astragalus maritimus) are very rare living only in exclusive coastal habitats.

In some cases, endemic or rare species belong to several habitats, encreasing their interest and value.

Otherwise Sardinian landscape presents very variable conditions because there are a very high number of geological substrate and rocks, climate, micro-climate and land uses.

The used methodology proposed by ISPRA, adopted at national level, highlights the specificities of different areas and the research identifies about 250 habitats, microhabitats or complex of habitats with an original description and their surface. The study take into consideration the 93 habitats mapped, including 80 DH habitats with about 20 priority, highlighting endemic and priority or very rare species in Sardinia, as Juniperus sibirica, Daphne oleoides, Rosa serafini, Sorbus aria, Sorbus praemorsa, Asplenium septentrionale, Blechnum spicant, Valeriana montana, Epilobium angustifolium). Their status of conservation and the issues related to reduce the impacts and measures are proposed for their protection and management in situ and ex situ.


P-HAB18

VEGETATION CARTOGRAPHY OF THE COLUMBRETES ISLANDS NATURE RESERVE: AN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HABITATS CARTOGRAPHY OF THE VALENCIAN COMMUNITY (E SPAIN)

Fabregat Carlos, López-Udias SilviaJardí Botànic de la Universitat de València

Abstract:

The Columbretes Islands, a volcanic archipelago 56 km E off Castellón coast (E Spain) is noteworthy for the uniqueness of some species of its flora and for some of its vegetation types. Moreover, it is an important site for seabirds and also an important recreational resource. Protected as Natural Park since 1988, the archipelago (emerged portion) was reclassified as Nature Reserve in 1994. Furthermore, Ferrera and Foradada islets were the two first protected Plant Micro-Reserve (PMR) islands legally designated by the Valencian administration in 1998.

Carretero and Boira (1987) published the first vegetation study where 9 communities were described. Subsequently, Bolòs (1989) completed the study of vegetation, extending the typology to 12 communities. Subsequent studies have completed and clarified the vegetation typology in the archipelago, which currently consists of 13 different phytosociological communities to association level.

As a part of the habitats cartography of the Valencian Community project, the vegetation of the Columbretes Islands has been mapped at 1:10.000 scale, following the CORINE Biotopes habitat types, which are related with both Habitat types of Community Interest (HCIs, Natura 2000 habitat types) and phytosociological units. The result is a GIS-based cartography usable for the Nature Reserve and Natura 2000 network management at detailed scale, which is included in a web application placed in the Generalitat Valenciana’s cartographic web server.

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P-HAB19

A METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH FOR ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF DISTURBANCE FACTORS ON THE CONSERVATION

STATUS OF MEDITERRANEAN COASTAL DUNES

Attorre Fabio, Maggini Alberto, Vitale Marcello, De Sanctis MicheleSapienza University of Rome, Italy

Abstract:

We applied a methodological approach for assessing the effects of disturbance factors on the conservation status of Mediterranean coastal dunes as measured by the presence of typical habitats and plant species richness indexes. Vegetation relevés along transects lying perpendicular to the shoreline along the Tyrrhenian coast of Central Italy were used to identify dune habitats by means of TWINSPAN classification and Detrended Correspondence Analysis. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was used to analyse the effects of disturbance factors on the presence of typical habitats. ANOVA was used to investigate the effect of single disturbance factors and their combined and interactive effect on plant species diversity as measured by HDUNE, a modified version of the Shannon index. Vegetation relevés along transects lying perpendicular to the shoreline were used to identify dune habitats by means of TWINSPAN classification and Detrended Correspondence Analysis. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was used to analyse the effects of disturbance factors on the presence of typical habitats. ANOVA was used to investigate the effect of single disturbance factors and their combined and interactive effect on plant species diversity as measured by HDUNE, a modified version of the Shannon index. Classification and ordination procedures identified four sequential habitats moving inland from the shoreline: annual vegetation on drift lines characterised by Cakile maritima; embryonic shifting dunes dominated by Elymus farctus; shifting dunes with Ammophila arenaria; back dune grasslands characterised by Ononis variegata. MCA showed that disturbance factors influence dune habitats differently: erosion is the most important negative disturbance factor for the Elymus-community; bathing establishments negatively influence the Cakile- and Ononis-communities; mechanical beach cleaning has a negative impact on the Cakile- and Ammophila-communities, while it favours the Elymus-community; beach tourism mainly influences the foredune habitats with a negative effect on the Cakile-community and a positive effect on the Elymus-community; trampling has a slightly positive effect on the Ammophila-community. According to ANOVA single disturbance factors have different effects on plant species diversity as measured by HDUNE. However, the overall effect is negative, with erosion as a single factor and the combination of mechanical cleaning and bathing establishments significantly lowering the plant diversity of the dunes. The proposed method allowed a fast and replicable quantification of the effects of disturbance factors on the conservation status of dune systems in terms of both the presence of typical habitats and plant species diversity. Moreover, the evaluation of single disturbance factors and their combined and interactive effects provides the information necessary for the development of conservation strategies focusing on a single habitat or on the overall dune system.


CHARACTERISTICS AND CONSERVATION OF HABITATS INTEGRATING NARROW ENDEMIC DIANTHUS CALLIZONUS (PIATRA CRAIULUI

MASSIF, ROMANIAN CARPATHIANS)

Onete MarilenaInstitute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, Department of Ecology, Taxonomy and Nature Conservation, Bucharest, Romania

Abstract:

The diploid and perennial Dianthus callizonus (the little pink of Piatra Craiului) is considered as “the gem” of the genus Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae Family) being endemic in small high altitude areas on calcareous substrate, mobile, semi-fixed, fixed screes and grasslands from Piatra Craiului Massif (Romanian Carpathians). This very interesting species, relict born from two disappeared ancestors that existed before the differentiation of the two groups Alpini and Glauci, is a primitive stock of the genus from which were separated actual alpine pinks from other regions of Europe.

The 51 records performed in the massif offered information about D. callizonus integrative habitats, having as start the integrative plant associations. The analysis of the plant associations containing D. callizonus species highlighted that the associations: Soldanello pusillae – Salicetum kitaibelianae (Boscaiu 1971) Coldea 1993, Festucetum saxatilis Domin 1933, Seslerio haynaldianae - Caricetum sempervirentis Puscaru & al. 1956 are distributed on small areas at low altitude (1600-1700 m) in Piatra Craiului massif. The species is also found in associations: Salicetum retuso-reticulatae, Dryadetum octopetalae, Seslerio - Festucetum versicoloris, Rhododendro myrtifolii – Vaccinietum which when are distributed in other massifs of the Romanian Carpathians contain other small endemic alpine pink (i.e. D. gelidus). The stenotopic character of D. callizonus species is shown by the distribution of the integrative habitats dominantly on calcareous screes, grasslands and the edge of shrubs, only on areas with calcareous substrate. The growth strategies and active dynamics of D. callizonus population plead for the adaptation of the species at the particularly conditions of the naturally highly fragmented habitats from the massif.

We present also the endemic species from the habitats, the multivariate analysis of the integrative plant associations, and the integration of plant association in Romanian Habitats and Natura 2000 habitat classification. The conservative values of integrative habitats is high, most of them being endemic habitats or contain many rare and endemic species.

The factors affecting the habitats are presented. Monitoring and conservation of the habitats integrating this unique species lead at the conservation of the highly diverse and unique massif from the Romanian Carpathians and the world.

P-HAB20

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P-HAB21

THE RELICTUAL WOODLANDS WITH LAURUS NOBILIS L. OF SICILY (ITALY): PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL, PHYTOGEOGRAPHICAL, ECOLOGICAL

AND DISTRIBUTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Gianguzzi Lorenzo, Damico Agostino, Ilardi Vincenzo, Cuttonaro Pasquale, Cusimano DarioUniversity Of Palermo, Department Of Environmental Biology And Biodiversity, Palermo, Italy

Abstract:

The Council Directive 92/43/EEC – more commonly known as Habitats Directive, and aimed at the conservation of biodiversity in Europe – includes the forest vegetation with Bay Laurel in the “Arborescent matorral with Laurus nobilis” habitat (5230* code), considered as priority. In this regard, also in Sicily (Italy) some surveys have been undertaken in the territory aimed at monitoring sites, leading to the reporting of some interesting stations characterized by the presence of forest nuclei with a relic character (Gianguzzi et al., 2010), phytosociologically attributed to the association Acantho mollis-Lauretum nobilis (Arbuto-Laurion nobilis, Quercetea ilicis).

These forest stands, found mainly in the areas of Sicani, Nebrodi and Hyblaean Mountains, are characterized by very old L. nobilis stumps, showing signs of antique coppicing, with plenty of branches up to 13-15 metres high, and 30-45 cm in diameter. In these woodlands some other laurophyllous (Hedera helix, Rhamnus alaternus subsp. alaternus, Ruscus aculeatus, Smilax aspera and sometimes also Viburnum tinus) and lianous (Rubia peregrina var. longifolia, Asparagus acutifolius, Tamus communis, Clematis vitalba, Calystegia sylvatica and Rubus ulmifolius) species are associated with significant frequency, together with few other broad-leaved grasses, such as Acanthus mollis and Cyclamen hederifolium subsp. confusum, these latter dominant in the undergrowth.

Under the phytogeographical aspect, the Sicilian association is interpreted as a southern vicariant of other similar coenoses distributed in the Mediterranean region; in the regional area the coenose contributes to increase the variability of woody formations hitherto known for the insular territory, as well as to provide useful elements for the understanding of the most recent paleoenvironmental dynamics. In fact, the distribution of these residual nuclei is indicative of “ancient shelter sites” for that floristic component little tolerant to the climatic rigidities, where it remained shelved during the most critical stages of the Pleistocene-Holocene period. Given the scientific-naturalistic relevance of these residual forest nuclei, a careful conservation action would be appropriate, considered the habitats vulnerability because of the looming threats, determined primarily by human activities which affect the territory.


P-HAB22

HABITATS CORINE CARTOGRAPHY AT 1:10000 OF THE HCI “HOCES DEL CABRIEL” (VALENCIAN COMMUNITY, SPAIN)

Fabado Javier1, Casabó Joan1, Fabregat Carlos2, Soler Jaume X.1

1) Vaersa, Generalitat Valenciana. Valencia, Spain; 2) Jardí Botànic de la Universitat de València. Valencia, Spain

Abstract:

Cartography of the HCI “Hoces del Cabriel” at a 1:10000 scale is presented. This space is delimited by the Valencian municipalities of Villalgordo del Cabriel, Venta del Moro and Requena, occupies 13,224 Ha and is included, almost totally, in the Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park. Cartography has been made following CORINE habitat typology, as established in the methodology manual of Comunidad Valenciana habitat cartography at 1:10000 scale (Fabregat, 2010) and which corresponds directly with the Natura 2000 habitat types and is related to the different phytosociological units.

The result is a GIS-based cartography usable for the Natural Park and Natura 2000 network management at detailed scale, presented as maps according to predominant habitats, as well as maps of the habitats compiled in the Natura 2000. More than 60 different natural habitats have been differentiated, being Pinus halepensis pine forests (9540-Mediterranean pine forest with endemic mesogean pines) the most extended. It is also remarkable the presence of the prioritary habitats, protected as well by Valencian legislation, 1520-Mediterranean gypsum steppes (Gypsophiletalia), 1510-Mediterranean salt steppes (Limonietalia) and 9560-Endemic forests with Juniperus spp. Also, as a result of the cartography, modification of the L.I.C. perimeter is recommended.

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P-HAB23

EX-SITU ACTIVITIES IN AUSTRIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS: STRATEGIES TO SAFEGUARD THE SURVIVAL OF SPECIES OF SPECIAL

CONSERVATION CONCERN

Karl-Georg Bernhardt1, Michael Kiehn2, Roland Eberwein3, Gerold Hüthmayr-Stieglmayr4, Christian Berg5

1) University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna; 2) University of Vienna; 3) Botanical Garden Klagenfurt; 4) Alpengarten Villacher Alpe; 5) Botanical Garden Graz

Abstract:

Already in 2003, the Austrian Botanic Gardens Working Group started activities towards achieving Target 8 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (At least 75 per cent of threatened plant species in ex-situ collections, preferably in the country of origin, and at least 20 per cent available for recovery and restoration programmes). Existing collections of 10 member gardens (Alpine Garden Villacher Alpe; Arche Noah; BG City of Linz; BG Karl-Franzens-University Graz; BG Carinthian Center of Botany Klagenfurt; BG University of Applied Life Sciences Vienna; BG University of Innsbruck; BG University of Salzburg; BG University of Vienna; and Flower Gardens Hirschstetten, City of Vienna) were monitored for “red list species” and the status of the taxa was documented. The survey revealed that c. 40% of the Austrian endangered species are represented in ex-situ collections in Austrian BGs, but only half of them are of known origin. As regards the 520 critically endangered species, again c. 40% were found to be represented in BG-collections, with 100 species having documented data of origin. As result of this survey the Austrian Botanic gardens started a coordinated ongoing program to increase the number of species of special conservation concern in ex-situ collections: new living collections with a focus on conservation purposes were established (e.g., at the BGs of the University of Vienna or at the Carinthian Center of Botany Klagenfurt) and coordinated seed collecting activities were started to store relevant material in BG-seedbanks (at the University of Applied Life Sciences in Vienna and the Karl-Franzens-University Graz) in accord with international programs (e.g., the EU-6th framework funded program ENSCONET). Ex-situ activities in Austrian BGs are linked with in-situ programs (e.g., with LIFE-Nature-projects like “Pannonic Steppes and Dry Grasslands”).

The poster presents examples for these ex-situ activities and their relevance for conservation and the creation public awareness.


P-HAB24

SEED DORMANCY IN MEDITERRANEAN TEMPORARY PONDS A RELEVANT QUESTION TO PLANT PRODUCTION

IN RESTORATION PURPOSES

Prieto Mossi Josefa, Ibars Almonacil Ana M., Estrelles Perpiña ElenaIcbibe-jardí Botànic De La Universitat De Valencia

Abstract:

Mediterranean temporary ponds are designed as priority habitats (3170* Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC). Recovery or reinforcement plans in these habitats require the use of seeds from native origin to preserve genetic biodiversity of natural populations and to obtain plants adapted to local conditions with the aim of reaching higher survival. Research on germination in order to obtain accurate protocols for plant multiplication is recommended as a first step for the development of conservation programmes.

This study gives an approach of seed response in different species distributed from the shore to the centre of the pond. The main objective is to test the dormancy status in relation to the spatial distribution around the pool determined by water level fluctuations.

Assays have been developed for Damasonium polyspermum Coss., Eleocharis palustris (L.) Roem. & Schult., Lythrum hyssopifolia L., Lythrum thymifolia L. and Mentha cervina L. from the “Microrreserva del Lavajo de Abajo” in Sinarcas (Valencia, Spain). The basic experimental conditions to check germination were 20ºC and 12/12h photoperiod under a mean irradiance of 125µmol m-2 s-1. Different temperatures (constant or alternating, principally 20ºC and 30/10ºC), light regimes (12/12 photoperiod and absolute darkness) and pretreatments (cold stratification, scarification, chipping, gibberellic acid, nitrate and some combinations of these) were applied with the purpose of breaking seed dormancy when it was necessary.

The species growing in the shallow near-shore, that early is dry in spring, L. hyssopifolia, L. thymifolia and M. cervina, have non-dormant seeds, although they show a rigorous light requirement. The species inhabiting the deepest zone display seed dormancy; D. polyspermum have a germination delay caused by a mechanical resistance of the seed coat, a controversial exogenous type of dormancy, and seeds of E. palustris have physiological dormancy. The optimal seed treatments to overcome these dormant conditions in these two taxa are scarification (chipped with scalpel) and cold stratification with nitrate (1%) respectively.

An evident correlation has been found between dormancy level and zonation in the Mediterranean temporary ponds studied.

These results provide relevant data to establish protocols to management of this threatened habitat, in order to check viability of seed accessions preserved in ex situ germplasm banks, as well as to provide plant to cover in situ restoration programmes.

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P-HAB25

PRAT DE CABANES HABITAT MAPPING: AN EXAMPLE OF THE HABITATS CARTOGRAPHY OF THE VALENCIAN COMMUNITY

Casabó Joan1, Fabado Javier1, Fabregat Carlos2, Soler Jaume X.1

1) Vaersa; 2) Jardí Botànic de València

Abstract:

El Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca is a coastal marsh, 30 km N of Castellón and 100 km N of Valencia, which occupies 865 ha. It’s one of the last valencian places where this ecosystem, in which grow some noteworthy plants, is preserved. It was protected as Natural Park in 1988.

Prat’s vegetation has been studied by several authors (Boira, 1990; Costa, Pérez Badia & Soriano, 1990; Molina, 1999), and the first map was published at 1:50000 scale, within the Digital Map of Habitats of the Valencian Community by Ministerio de Medio Ambiente (1997). Later, Molina & al. (2000) published an environmental map at 1:20000 scale.

As part of the Habitats Cartography of the Valencian Community Project, Prat’s vegetation has been studied. To do this, we used the adaptation of CORINE biotopes established for the valencian country in Methodology Manual of Valencian Community Habitats Cartography at 1:10000 scale (Fabregat, 2010), in which this biotopes are also related with both Habitats of Community Interest (HCI) and phytosociological sintaxa.

The use of this methodology and the more detailed scale has allowed to recognize 83 CORINE biotopes (50 of them inside the Natural Park) against the 6 habitats identified in Molina & al. (2000) and the 20 syntaxa mentioned in Boira (1990). These biotopes were mapped on a 1:10000 GIS-based cartography which accurately determines their spatial distribution. Such information is useful for land management (environmental studies and planning), Natural Park management (limits fixation and identification of sensitive areas) and Nature 2000 network (identification of noteworthy areas for protection). The resulting map can be found on-line in the Generalitat Valenciana’s cartographic web server.


P-HAB26

GERMINATION ECOPHYSIOLOGY ON SAND DUNE COMMUNITIES AS A TOOL FOR PLANNING CONSERVATION STRATEGIES

Estrelles Elena1, López-Valiente Carmen1, Picó Jesús2, Soriano Guarinos Pilar1

1) Icbibe – Jardí Botànic, Universitat De València, Quart 80, 46008 València, Spain; 2) Ingeniería De Sistemas Y Automática, Instituto De Automática E Informática Industrial, Universidad Politécnica De Valencia, Camí De Vera 14, Valencia 46022, Spain

Abstract:

The degradation state of dune habitats is reflected in the Directive 92/43/EEC which contains in Annex I, some of them as priority habitats, and declares some of these environments as LICs.

Dune ecosystems are a complex system, resulting from environmental heterogeneity depending on the distance to the sea, whose typical vegetation zonation is repeated worldwide. This zonation responds to factors such as high temperature, salinity, flooding, sand burial, etc. In such a demanding habitat, germination is one of the most sensitive stages. The success of this phase will ensure the establishment of seedlings and the subsequent development of dune communities. As germination is the first phenotypic character that expresses a plant, natural selection will act on it first. To determine the adaptive features of this phase in sand dune species, and its correlations with the vegetation natural zonation we tested the germination of 15 species versus temperature (10, 15, 20, 25, 25/10, 25/15, 30/10, 30/20 and 40/20 º C) and determined its salt tolerance (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500mM). Objectives:

Determinate the optimal temperature range for maximum germination

Calculate thermal time and hydro time to assess the species competitiveness

Correlate germination response and the natural vegetation zonation

Identify the determinants to be used in conservation projects Results:

The application of the new indexes, I2 and ID, optimizes the discrimination between germination responses, considering

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jointly percentage and germination rate.

The species distribution in sand-dune communities is influenced by the germination behavior as the first barrier to overcome in order to succeed in such a complex environment.

Species showed a different behavior in their preference for regimes of constant or alternating temperatures and the extent of the range that produces the best results, depending on their distribution in the dune communities.

All species showed a low salt tolerance, and therefore, it seems that this factor does not affect the zonation.

Calculation of base temperature (Tb), thermal time (S), osmotic potential base (?b) and hydro time (O) has proven very useful. The thermal time turns out to be largely responsible for the distribution of species in multivariate analysis. Studies aimed at understanding the germination behavior have been very effective as a tool in planning and in management conservation programs and in degraded habitat restoration, as the case of those found in coastal areas.


GERMINATION TRAITS FOR RECOVERY OF THREATENED HABITATS WITH CLADIUM MARISCUS (L.) POHL

Soriano Guarinos Pilar1, Estrelles Elena1, Mainardi Fabio2, Galiè Marco2, Biondi Edoardo2

1) Icbibe – Jardí Botànic, Universitat De València, Quart 80, 46008 València, Spain; 2) Centro Orto Botanico Interdipartimentale Di Servizi, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy

Abstract:

The changes in the traditional land use in the coastline of the Marche Region (Italy) have led to the disappearance of much of the interdune wetlands. Cladium mariscus, included as VU in the red list of this region, is threatened by the regression of these environments.

It is a species from Caricion davallianae (Soncho maritimi-Cladietum marisci (Br.-Bl. & O. Bolòs 1958) Cirujano 1980), living in temporarily flooded soils with brackish water, currently present only in one locality, Lago Grande de Portonovo. The aim of this study was to acquire further knowledge about germination physiology of this species in order to gather the required information to in situ reintroduction plans, and to identify the correlation between this factor and the decrease of natural populations in some coastal areas. Specific objectives :

Characterize seed dormancy and pre-treatments used

Determinate germination response to temperature (constant and alternating regime) and salt stress

Assess the influence of the substrate type and the irrigation regime on seedling growth

Pretreatments:

Warm-stratification combined with cold stratification

Cold stratification

Mechanical and chemical scarification

Chemical treatments: KNO3, gibberellic acid, combined with an acid scarification

P-HAB27

90

We have studied the response to temperatures and NaCl in previously stratified seeds.

The seedling cultivation was carried out in three types of substrate with two irrigation regimes. Results:

The best results for stratification pretreatments were obtained after 90 days at 5°C (87%) and 120 days at 10°C (89%) in alternating temperature regime (30/20ºC). Warm and cold stratification reached 74% germination at 30/20 °C.The results obtained with mechanical and chemical scarification (H2SO4) were similar, around 20%. The best chemical pretreatments, H2SO4 + GA3 at 30/20°C, H2SO4 + KNO3 at 30/20°C and H2SO4 + GA3 at 30/10ºC, reached 77%, 51% and 50%, respectively. This species showed low salt tolerance. The germination percentage was almost zero from 50mM, although the germination recovery was higher in those seeds previously exposed to high salt concentrations. The best development of seedlings was obtained when grown in peat irrigated three times a week.

Thus, the results allow us to develop an effective protocol for plant production to recover this species in the Lago Profondo where it has disappeared. The knowledge of germination behaviour is indispensable in conservation plans and reintroduction of species in threatened habitats.


P-HAB28

A PROPOSED METHODOLOGY FOR THE IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF HIGH NATURE VALUE (HNV) FARMLAND: THE CASE STUDY OF THE MARCHE REGION (CENTRAL ITALY)

Galdenzi Diana1, Colosi Lorena2, Biondi Edoardo1, Pesaresi Simone1

1) Marche Polytechnic University, Department Of Environmental And Crop Science, Ancona, Italy; 2) Province Of Ancona, Territorial Information System, Ancona, Italy

Abstract:

Considering that farming areas accounts for about half of the EU’s total area, the biodiversity conservation is therefore strongly linked to agricultural practices that can create agro-ecosystems with a good environmental value.

As the high-productivity agro-ecosystems are subjected to increasing pressure and the crops in the high hills and mountainous areas continue to be abandoned, the recovery and preservation of biodiversity must provide the basis for more targeted productions according to both the potentiality of sites and services related to the different agro-ecosystems.

For these reasons, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aims to improve and sustain the “Agricultural Areas of High Nature Value” (HNV Farmland) biodiversity since agricolture is the major (usually the dominant) land use in Europe where high species and habitats diversity are often present.

The definition of HNV Farmland, that is already present in the current Rural Development Plan, was modified by the European Union which defined specific parameters and criteria in order to identify the dimension and the geographic localization of HNV inside the Member State of the EU.

Aim of this study is to present a methodological cartographical approach (geoprocessing) that is able to identify “High Nature Value” by using the available data of the Marche Region.

The map of naturalness and diversity of the Marche Region were derived from information related to the inherent characteristics of plant communities (species composition, structure, trends, dynamics, etc.) that are summarized in the phytosociological map of the Marche Region, on a 1:50.000 scale, recently drew for the project “Ecological Network of Marche” (REM, Rete Ecologica delle Marche).

The thematic layers processing, expressed in a grid of 1 square km, allowed to assess the state of naturalness, diversity, and the intensity of agricultural activities for each cell affected by an agro-pastoral activities. This assessment allowed the identification and classification of HNV areas in the Marche Region.

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The investigations can be considered as a preliminary methodological approach because the definition of HNV needs additional processing that consider the dynamics of vegetation and that assess the environmental context defined by ecological-vegetation series and geosigmeta.

The application of this methodology has allowed us also to evaluate the quality of agro-ecosystem of a significant part of the Regional Natural Park of Conero.


P-HAB29

PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS TO DEFINE ECOLOGICAL NETWORKS: A CASE STUDY IN THE PROVINCE OF ANCONA (CENTRAL ITALY)

Zivkovic Liliana, Biondi Edoardo, Pesaresi SimoneMarche Polytechnic University, Department Of Environmental And Crop Science, Ancona, Italy

Abstract:

The aim of this work is to propose a methodological framework useful to identify the elements of ecological networks with the purpose of conserving biological and landscape diversity. We present a procedure able to analyze the distribution of the habitats of 92/43/EEC Directive starting from phytosociological and geosynphytosociological data in order to identify the structural and functional units of the ecological network. The central nodes of the network (core areas and buffer zones) correspond to those where there is a greater density of habitats of 92/43/EEC Directive. The ecological connection elements are identified on the basis of the distribution of vegetation. As a case study this methodology was applied in the province of Ancona (Central Italy), an area that is heavily modified by human activities and in which it is essential for the conservation of biodiversity to maintain an ecological connection between natural and semi-natural ecosystems.

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P-HAB30

APPLICATION OF DIGITAL NETWORKS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES

Cano Ortiz Ana, Hernández GermanInterra Ingeniería y Recursos SL

Abstract:

Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are areas representative of land or sea ecosystems worthy of conservation, development and monitoring.

At the present time the main objective of the MAB Programme is the promotion of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere reserves are an essential tool for the development of conservation initiatives and for the sustainable exploitation of biodiversity.

Biosphere Reserves must be adapted to address the new challenges of our time, such as climate change and the loss of farmland and biodiversity. The Digital Platform for Biosphere Reserves (Digital BR) is aimed at the conservation of these reserves. Combining technology with a conservationist approach, the ambitious Digital BR initiative provides a powerful tool for the management, interpretation and simulation of biosphere reserves and other similar territories. The Platform aims at filling the gap in innovative tools for the management and conservation of BRs and opens up an excellent testing field for the joint development of new approaches.

Digital BR has the capacity to develop strategic models for each of the BRs taking into consideration the key elements involved in environmental sustainability, such as land and water use, biodiversity records, etc. The integration of dynamic simulation modules makes this initiative, at present in the development stage, a powerful means of reinforcement of the logistic capabilities of BRs. Digital BR is not only a more powerful tool than the usual geographical data systems but is also a training platform relying heavily on the use of ICT. The generation, integration and distribution of contents are also much easier with Digital BR. People using Digital BR will find it very helpful for work, communication and participation purposes.

The set of applications included in Digital BR is currently under implementation in some national and international biosphere reserves, such as that of the Galápagos Islands.


P-HAB31

JUNIPERUS TURBINATA GUSS. IN SOUTHERN SPAIN. DIAGNOSIS AND EVALUATION OF ITS FORMATIONS

Blanca Díez-Garretas1, Alfredo Asensi2 & Jaime Pereña3

1) Universidad de Málaga, Dpto. de Biología Vegetal, Málaga, Spain; 2) Jardín Botánico La Concepción, Málaga, Spain; 3) Consejería de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Andalucía, Málaga, Spain

Abstract:

Juniperus turbinata Guss. subsp. turbinata is a widespread taxon in the Mediterranean region. In the north of the Mediterranean basin it spreads from western Iberian Peninsula up to Anatoly littoral, including the major islands. In the south, it grows from the Moroccan Atlantic coasts up to the Middle East (Asensi et al. 2007). It is also present in Maghrebian mountains reaching 2000 m (Quézel & Medail 2003).

In the Annex of the Council Directive 92/43 EEC, the communities of Juniperus are included in the epigraphs: 5210 Arborescent matorral with Juniperus spp. and *2250. Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. Other formations of the Atlantic coast could be included in the epigraph *2270 Wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus pinaster. The symbol (*) indicates a type of prioritized habitat.

In southern Iberian Peninsula, Juniperus turbinata subsp. turbinata appears fundamentally in coastal sand dunes, cliffs of sandstones and also, in some interior zones of the Cadiz, Malaga and Seville provinces, on sandstones, limestones and dolomites. The species is considered as vulnerable in the Red List of Andalusia.

In the psammophilous ecosystems, these formations are included in Juniperion turbinatae alliance, whereas in other stations they form a part of Asparago-Rhamnion oleoidis alliance.

The aim of this communication is to establish the current situation of these and the criteria followed in their evaluation taking into account the recognized habitats in the Directive 92/43 of the EEC and their extension in the National Project of Habitats in Spain.

References:Asensi A., Díez-Garretas B. & Quézel P. (2007). Plant communities of Juniperus turbinata Guss. subsp. turbinata in the Mediterranean Region. A biogeographical, bioclimatical and syntaxonomical survey .Phytocoenologia 37 (3/4): 599-623Quézel P. & Médail, F. (2003): Écologie et Biogéographie des forêts du Bassin Méditerranéen. Elsevier, Paris. 571 pp.

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PLANT MICRO-RESERVES IN BISCAY (BASQUE COUNTRY, SPAIN). A SUITABLE MODEL FOR THREATENED VASCULAR FLORA?

Campos Juan Antonio1, Liendo Diego1, Renobales Gustavo2, Prieto Amador3, Biurrun Idoia1, García Mijangos Itziar1, Herrera Mercedes1

1) Dept. Plant Biology and Ecology. Faculty of Science and Technology. University of the Basque Country. Po. Box 644. E-48080 Bilbao (Spain); 2) Dept. Plant Biology and Ecology. Faculty of Pharmacy. University of the Basque Country. Paseo de la Universidad Nº 7. 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain);

3) Sestao Society of Natural Sciences. C/ Los Baños Nº 55. 48910. Sestao (Spain)

Abstract:

Human activity in recent centuries aimed at obtaining and exploiting natural resources has led to an increase in biodiversity loss rates worldwide, which results in more and more species being incorporated in lists and catalogues of threatened and/or endangered species. The traditional model of protected natural areas has not always proved to be suitable for conservation of rare and threatened species, since many of these species occur in special areas or micro-environments that are usually situated outside the aforementioned protected sites. To deal with this matter different strategies have emerged in recent decades, such as plant micro-reserves for vascular flora.

The aim of the present work is to analyse whether there is a need to create the plant micro-reserve protection figure in Biscay. On the basis of the model that was developed by the Regional Wildlife Service of the Generalitat Valenciana (Valencian Community, Spain) in the early 90s, these micro-reserves could be seen as small land plots of peak value in terms of threatened plant species singularity. Once theoretical aspects, such as the analysis of the plant micro-reserve figure in other regions and countries or the proposal of a legal framework for Biscay had been tackled, available data was used to deal with different questions. The presence of threatened vascular flora within and outside Biscay’s Protected Natural Sites network was studied along with the analysis of natural habitat types of Community interest mapped in the territory. For instance, some plant species considered to be critically endangered in Biscay according to IUCN criteria, e.g. Apium graveolens subsp. butronensis, Chamaesyce peplis or Genista legionensis show all of their populations outside that network. A preliminary study in order to select those places outside the Protected Natural Sites network with the highest singularity in terms of habitat types and threatened flora was carried out. Likewise, the possibility of selecting lands within the network for species and/or populations with special management requirements was also taken into account. Following the assessment of the previous points the viability of establishing this new protection figure in Biscay is discussed.

P-HAB32


P-HAB33

EFFECTS OF TOURISM FREQUENTATION ON COASTAL DUNE PLANT COMMUNITIES AND HABITATS IN NORTHERN SARDINIA

Farris Emmanuele, Pisanu Stefania, Filigheddu RossellaUniversità Di Sassari - Dipartimento Di Scienze Botaniche, Ecologiche E Geologiche

Abstract:

Coastal sand dunes are the most endangered habitats at the global and the Mediterranean level. The rapid increasing of mass tourism in Mediterranean areas in the last decades had as a consequence the increase of human impacts on plant populations and communities, driven by direct trampling, mechanical beach cleaning, infrastructure development, and invasive species introduction. Protection is therefore the only way to preserve the Mediterranean coastal plant biodiversity, and is guaranteed by protected areas establishment, such as National and Regional parks, protected marine areas (PMAs), and Natura 2000 sites. Here we compare the effects of tourism (in particular the presence of tourists and their trampling on vegetation) among protected and non-protected areas in northern Sardinia (Italy). The study was conducted in the National Park of Asinara, the Regional Park of Porto Conte, and the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo PMA. Non-protected sites were located in the northern Gulf of Asinara and Foci del Coghinas. We aimed to quantify species richness, frequency and cover in plant communities (Cakiletea maritimae Tüxen & Preising ex Br.-Bl. & Tüxen 1952 and Ammophiletea Br.-Bl. & Tüxen ex Westhoff, Dijk & Passchier 1946 classes; Malcolmietalia Rivas Goday 1958 order) among protected and non-protected areas and among sites within areas. Furthermore, we measured the effects of frequentation on the extension, density, population structure and reproductive performance of several threatened species, such as Anchusa crispa Viv., Anchusa sardoa (Illario) Selvi et Bigazzi, Astragalus thermensis Vals., Linaria flava (Poiret) Desf. subsp. sardoa (Sommier) Arrigoni, Rouya polygama (Desf.) Coincy, Silene corsica DC., and other plants considered as guide species to identify EU habitats. The monitored habitats were 1210 – Annual vegetation of drift lines, 2110 – Embryonic shifting dunes, 2120 – Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes), 2210 – Crucianellion maritimae fixed beach dunes, 2220 – Dunes with Euphorbia terracina, and 2230 – Malcolmietalia dune grasslands. Mensurative and manipulative experiments were carried out to accomplish our goals. The data gathered showed a highly significant effect of tourism frequentation on plant populations, communities and habitats, and constitute a basic tool to plan monitoring and management actions of Mediterranean coastal plant biodiversity.

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P-HAB34

SYNDYNAMIC, SYNECOLOGY AND SYNTAXONOMY OF EASTERN WHITE OAK WOODS (HABITAT 91AA*) ALONG TYRRHENIAN SECTOR

OF CENTRAL ITALY

Facioni Laura, Blasi Carlo‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology

Abstract:

Eastern white oak woods are recognized as a priority natural habitat type (Habitat 91AA*) according to Annex I of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). This Habitat includes mediterranean and submediterranean woods, dominated by Quercus virgiliana, Q. pubescens, Q. dalechampii and Fraxinus ornus, that develop on different substrates and that spread in the Italian Peninsula along both Adriatic and Tyrrhenian sectors (Biondi et al. 2009). The fact that these woodlands develop in areas particularly prone to human disturbance led to the disappearance and to the fragmentation of the Habitat. Despite its high biogeographic and conservation value, a synecological, syndynamical and syntaxonomical characterization of this Habitat in the Tyrrhenian sector of central Italy is still lacking. In order to fulfill this knowledge gap we carried out a synphytosociological analysis of eastern white oak forests along a large sector of the Tyrrhenian side of the Peninsula in the Latium region (central Italy). The vegetation analysis was carried out on 312 phytosociological relevés of forest, shrubland and grassland communities, performed in different calcareous mountain ranges (anti-Apennine and sub-Apennine). The vegetation sampling was stratified on homogeneous areas (land units) in terms of climate, lithology, and morphology, according to the ecological land classification approach (Blasi et al. 2000, 2004, 2005). All the relevés were analyzed by means of multivariate analysis in JUICE (Tichy 2002). Concerning forest communities the analysis pointed out that, within Carpinion orientalis alliance, eastern white oak woods showed a clear floristic and synecological differentiation between the submediterranean Q. virgiliana dominated woods (Lauro-Quercenion virgilianae) and the temperate Q. pubescens dominated communities (Cytiso-Quercenion pubescentis). A further coenological differentiation within both the suballiances was evident at the association and subassociation levels. In syndinamical terms the different eastern white oak communities represent the mature stages of five vegetation series, each one showing a peculiar combination of dynamical stages and a floristic composition whose variability is mainly related to a gradient of warmth. The knowledge of the high variability of the Habitat 91AA* and the definition of its distribution pattern are of primary importance in the management of Nature 2000 sites.

REFERENCES:Biondi E. et al. (eds.) 2009. Manuale italiano di interpretazione degli Habitat della Direttiva 92/43/CEE. Available via http://vnr.unipg.it/habitat/index.jsp Cited 12 May 2011Blasi C. et al. 2000. Ecosystem classification and mapping: a proposal for Italian landscapes. Applied Vegetation Science, 3: 233-242.Blasi C. et al. 2004. The map of vegetation series of Italy. Fitosociologia, 41(1): 21-25.Blasi C. et al. 2005. Defining and mapping typological models at the landscape scale. Plant Biosystems, 139(2): 155-163.Tichý L. 2002. JUICE, software for vegetation classification. J. Veg. Sci. 13: 451-453.


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P-HAB35

HABITATS DIRECTIVE AND CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY IN SICILY

Giovanni Spampinato1, Anna Guglielmo2, Pietro Minissale2, Pietro Pavone2, Saverio Sciandrello2

1) Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-forestali e Ambientali, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria – Cda Melissari, Lotto D, zv89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy, [email protected];

2) Dipartimento di Biologia “M. La Greca”, Sez. Biologia Vegetale, Università di Catania – Via A. Longo 19, 95125 Catania, Italy

Abstract:

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean area covering a surface of 25,000 sq km and a coastline of 1500 km, inclusive of the surrounding small islands. The variety of geomorphologic and bioclimatic conditions in the territory led to a remarkable diversity of habitats and landscapes and to a high richness in endemic species.

The Sicilian Region already in the 80s of last century recognized the importance of the natural heritage of the island by means of a “Plan of Reserves” aimed at the establishment of several protected areas.

Later on, with the application of the EU Directive 92/43, also known as the “Habitats Directive”, 204 Sites of Community Importance (SCI), 15 Special Protection Areas (SPA), 14 areas both SCI and SPA, for a total of 233 areas included in the Natura 2000 network have been proposed (as updated in 2005).

According to the data of the Italian Ministry of the Environment, the designation of SCI allowed to detect in Sicily 72 habitats of Community Interest among the 231 listed in Annex 1 to the Directive. In the “Italian Handbook for Habitat Interpretation” issued by the Italian Botanical Society, the distribution of habitats was updated and, concerning Sicily, the presence of 73 types of habitats of Community interest was checked, 20 of them of priority importance.

This study evaluates the importance of the EU Directive 92/43 habitats in the assessment, monitoring and management of ecosystems biodiversity in Sicily, wondering if the European habitats list is representative of the diversity of plant communities characterizing the vegetation of the island.

The classification of the habitats according to EU Directive does not constitute, in fact, a structured and uniform system, but simply a set of types belonging to different classification systems with different levels of detail. Therefore a scientific and technical issue for a correct interpretation of these habitats has arisen as well as for the assessment of their real aptitude to represent environmental diversity and vegetation in the Sicilian territory. For this purpose, a comparison between the current knowledge on phytosociological syntaxa known in Sicily and the habitats of the Directive is presented.

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P-HAB36

THE HABITATS DIRECTIVE MONITORING THE INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ON LANZAROTE (CANARY ISLANDS)

A BIOINDICATOR STUDY OF GLOBAL CHANGE IN ARID ZONES

Victoria Eugenia Martín Osorio, Wolfredo Wildpret de la Torre Universidad de La Laguna, Departamento de Biología Vegetal, La Laguna, Islas Canarias, España

Abstract:

Lanzarote was declared a UNESCO-Biosphere Reserve in 1993. The island is situated at the eastern end of the Canary Archipelago and has an area of 845.94 km2. Its maximum height is 670 m a.s.l. The average temperature in the coldest month (January) is 17ºC at sea level and 24ºC in the warmest (August). The climate is arid with winter rainfall, not exceeding 200 mm per year.

The objective of our research was to monitor the distribution of invasive exotic species over its territory, with the aid of the Geobotanical Information System (Martín Osorio et al. 2005). This method allowed us to establish a correlation between the presence of each species, the bioclimatic features and potential vegetation, in sample areas of 1000 x 1000 m2. Our project entails studying the evolution of the distribution-range of invasive exotic species on the island and also predicting which areas have the highest risk of being invaded. This is especially important for the Protected Natural Areas, Lanzarote has 51.33% of land area in the Natura 2000 Network. It will thus be possible to know the ecological behaviour of each species involved and its response to climatic change in an arid island ecosystem. This monitoring of invasive species will contribute to resolving the controversy whether the proliferation of invasive exotic species is favoured by rising temperatures in a framework of global climatic change, or if it is the result of direct human disturbance.

This work is a continuation of research on the nearby island of Fuerteventura (Martín Osorio et al. 2009), whose results were presented in the 5th European Conference on Biological Invasions, Neobiota: Towards a Synthesis. Fuerteventura was declared UNESCO-Biosphere Reserve in 2009. UNESCO is supporting global and regional observation to measure abiotic, biodiversity and social changes in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Martín Osorio VE, Wildpret de la Torre W, Hernández Bolaños B (2005) Avances significativos en la elaboración de la base de datos georreferenciada de Flora y Vegetación del Parque Nacional del Teide, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, mediante un Sistema de Información Geobotánica. Vieraea 33: 345-358.

Martín Osorio VE, Scholz S, Wildpret W (2009) Monitoring the invasive alien species on Fuerteventura (Canary Islands). In: Pysek P and Pergl P (Ed) Biological Invasion: Toward a Synthesis. Neobiota 8:135-152

Workshop:

Towards a prodrome of european vegetation

102

VEGETATION-PLOT DATABASES AND LARGE-SCALE VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION

Milan ChytrýMasaryk University, Department of Botany and Zoology, Brno, Czech Republic ([email protected])

Abstract:

During the last decade many electronic databases of vegetation plots were established in different European countries. These databases contain valuable information for describing biodiversity patterns, testing various macroecological hypotheses and monitoring in nature conservation. Our recent survey revealed that there are > 4.3 million vegetation-plot records in Europe, of which > 1.8 million are already stored electronically. Most plot records probably exist in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Spain, Czech Republic, Italy, UK, Switzerland and Austria. The largest numbers of plots per unit area are in the countries of Benelux and central Europe. To provide online information about vegetation-plot databases worldwide, the Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases (GIVD; http://www.givd.info) was compiled. This index includes 108 databases with more than 2.3 million plots. Most plots are in European databases (71 databases, 1.5 million plots). The majority of them have been collected since 1970.

Most European databases were established with an aim of revising national schemes of vegetation classification. Such data-driven projects have been realized in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Czech Republic, and to some extent also in other countries or regions. The project ‘Vegetation of the Czech Republic’ is an example of how a large vegetation database can be used to produce national overview of vegetation types that is tested against real data. Czech National Phytosociological Database was established in 1996 as a source of data for this project. In June 2011 it contained over 98 000 electronic vegetation plots taken from scientific publications, research reports, nature reserve inventories and field notebooks of vegetation scientists. A range of novel procedures to analyse vegetation databases was developed to support the Czech national vegetation classification. Most of these procedures were made freely available in the JUICE software. Vegetation classification of the Czech Republic was created using the Cocktail method, which attempts to reproduce the traditional Braun-Blanquet-type classification, but at the same time it reflects species co-occurrence patterns in the databases. The first three volumes of the planned four-volume national monograph of vegetation types were published in 2007-2011. They are accompanied by a computer expert system for automatic assignment of vegetation plots to vegetation units.

ORAL CONTRIBUTIONS

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TOW1

VEGETATION SURVEYS OF PRIORITY HABITATS USING MULTIPLE DATABASES: THE EXAMPLE OF RICH BROWN-MOSS FENS IN EUROPE

Jiménez-Alfaro Borja1, Hajek Michal2

1) Universidad De Oviedo, 2) Masaryk University

Abstract:

Vegetation data represent essential tools for the classification and assessment of priority habitats for conservation. In Europe, different initiatives are focused on the revision of national and subnational classification systems for providing synthetic documents or vegetation prodromes. However, few studies have compiled and merged vegetation data of different databases, and serious doubts exist about the possible implications of using heterogeneous sources and different classification systems. As a first attempt to review vegetation diversity of fen habitats in Europe, we collected more than 9000 plot-based vegetation samples related to rich brown-moss fens, provided by national vegetation databases, research groups and literature. In most cases (GB, SP, CZ, SK, FR, DE, AT, CH, NL, BG) data corresponded to phytosociological releves based on the traditional Braun-Blanquet system. In other countries of northern regions (DK, FI, NO, LV, PL) data was not previously subjected to formal classifications, and a wide description of the vegetation target was necessary to define prior to collecting data. The spatial cover of the European regions and the vegetation metadata were highly heterogeneous, and some countries with biogeographical importance for the vegetation under study (CR, SB, RO, HU, SE) were clearly underrepresented. However, a certain consensus among European specialists was found in order to describe, classify and interpret the main vegetation types of rich brown-moss fens in Europe. Our study shows a relative good ability of vegetation databases to perform continental-based surveys. Since such data is subject to spatial bias and heterogeneity, we highlight possible strengths and weaknesses of these sources for broad-scale research and conservation.


TOW2

CONTRIBUTION TO A PRODROME OF ALGERIAN VEGETATION: A SYNOPSIS OF FOREST COMMUNITIES

Rachid Meddour1; Meddour-sahar Ouahiba1, Zeraia Lamri2, Bensettiti Farid3, Derridj Arezki1

1) Faculté des Sciences Biologiques et Agronomiques, Université Mouloud Mammeri; 2) 9 Rue des Communautés, 34080 Montpellier, France;

3) Service du Patrimoine Naturel, Muséum National d’histoire Naturelle

Abstract:

The authors propose a synthesis of our current syntaxonomical knowledge and an update of the first synsystematic scheme of forest and preforest communities of Algeria (Meddour & Gehu, 1998), belonging mainly to two classes (Quercetea ilicis Br.-Bl. ex A. Bolos & O. Bolos 1950 and Quercetea pubescentis Doing ex Scamoni & H. Passarge 1959) and also, for riparian vegetation, to Querco roboris-Fagetea sylvaticae Br.-Bl. & Vlieger in Vlieger 1937 and Nerio oleandri-Tamaricetea africanae Br.- Bl. & O. Bolos 1958. The vegetation of shrub thickets of the class Rhamno cathaticae-Prunetea spinosae Rivas Goday & Borja ex Tüxen 1962, although marginal, is also considered in this work.

This synopsis provides a clear declination of all syntaxa described until nowadays in Algeria by the Braun-Blanquet approach, from the class until the lower unit considered here, that is the association (i.e. 5 classes, 7 orders, 24 alliances, 8 sub-alliances and 98 associations).

For each association cited, brief indications of physiognomic, structural, synecologic, synchorologic features are provided and its characteristic and differential species is given.

Many syntaxa individualized, but not formally incorporated into the phytosociological synsystem by their authors, have found their place, in light of their synfloristic and synecological affinities. Others syntaxa have presented problems of synonymy more or less solved. The overall picture raised many difficulties which have been annotated and discussed (especially for the order Pistacio lentisci-Rhamnetalia alaterni Rivas-Martinez 1975). This synopsis will allow in future to attach syntaxa newly described to the units already known, or conversely to highlight their original character.

Finally, we summarize alphabetically all syntaxa described in Algeria with their location in the different phytochorological districts. We can thus give an initial assessment of phytocoenotic biodiversity of these territories in our present knowledge on the forest vegetation classes.

Reference: Meddour R. & Géhu J.M., 1998. Observations sur le synsystème des communautés forestières et préforestières en Algérie. Doc. Phytosoc., N.S., 18, 33-47. Camerino

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ON THE PRESENCE OF THE ACERI GRANATENSIS-QUERCION FAGINEAE ALLIANCE IN MAINLAND PORTUGAL: A SYNTAXONOMIC

REVIEW FOR THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

Costa Jose Carlos1, Monteiro-Henriques Tiago1, Bellu Annalisa2, Aguiar Carlos3

1) Technical University Of Lisbon (tulisbon), Instituto Superior De Agronomia, Centro De Botânica Aplicada À Agricultura (cbaa), Lisboa, Portugal; 2) Technical University Of Lisbon (tulisbon), Instituto Superior De Agronomia, Centro De Ecologia Aplicada Prof. Baeta Neves (ceabn), Lisboa, Portugal;

3) Escola Superior Agrária De Bragança, Departamento De Biologia, Bragança, Portugal

Abstract:

The mesophilous woods dominated by Quercus faginea subsp. faginea or Acer monspessulanum thriving on neutral to alkaline deep clayish soils have been collected under the alliance Aceri granatensis-Quercion fagineae (Rivas Goday, Rigual & Rivas-Martínez in Rivas Goday, Borja, Esteve, Galiano, Rigual & Rivas-Martínez 1960) Rivas-Martínez 1987. Punctually, woods dominated by Q. faginea subsp. alpestris, Corylus avellana or Acer granatensis have also been ascribed to this alliance. In the Iberian Peninsula, these mesophilous woods are mainly found within the Western Mediterranean region, mainly in the eastern half of the Iberian Peninsula and occasionally in the Majorcan northern mountains, generally in mountainous areas under meso to supramediterranean, sub-humid to humid, euoceanic to semicontinental bioclimates (Rivas-Martínez et al. 2002). This alliance belongs to the Quercetalia pubescentis order from the Querco-Fagetea class, and was not represented in Portugal until the actual moment. We present two new associations, one dominated by Quercus faginea subsp. faginea and a second one dominated by Acer monspessulanum for the Portuguese territory.

We analysed 188 Iberian vegetation relevés ascribed to the Aceri granatensis-Quercion fagineae alliance using a cluster analysis (both agglomerative and k-means clustering). The results were generally consistent with the phytosociological unit, but minor changes are proposed. A subsequent analysis of the indicator value (of Dufrêne & Legendre) of species is presented, highlighting the species with higher indicator values resulting statistically significant on the permutation test.


TOW4

STEP BY STEP CLASSIFICATIONS OF SOPHY’S DATABASE RELEVÉS

Henry Brisse1, Patrice De Ruffray2, Emmanuel Garbolino3, Gilles Grandjouan4

1) Université Daix-marseille Iii, Umr 6116 I.m.e.p., Université Aix-marseille 3, Faculté Des Sciences De Saint-jérôme, Avenue Escadrille Normandie-niemen, Boite 451, 13397 Marseille Cedex 20, France; 2) Université De Strasbourg, I.b.m.p., 12, Rue Du Général-zimmer, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France;

3) Mines Paristech, Crc - Centre De Recherche Sur Les Risques Et Les Crises, Bp 207, 1, Rue Claude-daunesse, 06904 Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France; 4) Université Des Sciences Et Techniques Du Languedoc, Umr 5554 I.s.e.m., Place E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France

Abstract:

For over thirty years the database SOPHY characterizes, numerically, the socio-ecological behavior of plants and defines the environment of all his relevés by their fidelities, raw or average ones, in respect of more than 8.000 indices of variables.

Plants characterize not only the relevés but they are also considered as indices of variables. The fidelity of a plant at each of its co-occurring plants is the probability that the appropriate environment for these co-occurring plants can also be appropriated for the considered plant.

One of the goals of SOPHY is to reestablish phytosociology on stable digital bases starting from the relevés themselves. However, to circumvent the impossibility to classify 200.000 records, it is necessary to proceed gradually, by carrying at each step more order and precision.

The first step is to create clusters of relevés as ecologically similar as possible using a geographical algorithm combined with a classification algorithm based on 1.000 records at once. This step produced 3.945 cores of relevés, each core containing between 1 and around 250 localized relevés.

The second step classifies 3.945 cores and produces a higher hierarchy of the main environments for plants in France. The types of environments obtained are 276 and they are now called Mesotypes. Each one is characterized by its particular components that are geographical and altitudinal parameters, constitutive and discriminant plants.

The third step assigns Mesotypes to these relevés, whether they are localized or not and whether they have already been taken into account in the first step or not. Relevés are thus affected to their most ecologically similar Mesotype. They are considered as isolated clusters, clusters which are then separated as they have between 5.000 and 15.000 records. Twenty of these clusters are thus produced.

The fourth step classifies and then successively, manages records of the twenty obtained clusters.

These results are complemented by links which allow finding at what classification and at what level of the hierarchy each relevé belongs to.

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SYNOPSIS OF THE GERMAN PLANT COMMUNITIES: PRINTED AND PROJECTED VOLUMES

Hartmut Dierschke1, Angelika Schwabe2

1) University Of Göttingen, Vegetation & Phytodiversity Analysis, Göttingen, Germany; 2) Darmstadt University Of Technology, Vegetation Ecology, Darmstadt, Germany

Abstract:

Meanwhile 10 volumes of the “Synopsis” are printed (edited by H. Dierschke for the “Floristisch-soziologische Arbeitsgemeinschaft FlorSoz / Tuexenia” and the “Reinhold-Tüxen-Gesellschaft”): Erico-Pinetea (1996), Quercion roboris (1997), Arrhenatheretalia (1997), Franguletea (1998), Rhamno-Prunetea (1999), Salicion arenariae (1999), Isoëto-Nanojuncetea (2000), Nardetalia strictae (2001), Molinietalia (2004), Dicrano-Pinion (2008). Further volumes will be published in irregular intervals. In preparation are: Ammophiletea, Juncetea maritimae, Montio-Cardaminetea, Oxycocco-Sphagnetea, Scheuchzerio-Caricetea fuscae, Potentillo-Polygonetalia.

All volumes, which are structured regarding the topics: syntaxonomy, floristic structure, distribution, ecology, dynamics, nature conservation and others, contain tables with roman presence columns. These volumes were prepared by different authors and discussed with experts in the frame of the “Working Group Syntaxonomy” of the “Reinhold-Tüxen-Gesellschaft” ( www.reinhold-tuexen-gesellschaft.de). The volumes were prepared without external grants and written by experts in the field of the syntaxonomical unit in question. In certain cases data input and processing was granted by the “Reinhold- und Johanna-Tüxen-Stiftung”. Printing of the volumes was financed by “Floristisch-soziologische Arbeitsgemeinschaft” and the journal of its members “Tuexenia” (www.tuexenia.de).


TOW6

SYNTAXONOMIC DIFFERENTIATION OF THE NORTH-EASTERN ITALIAN GREY ALDER WOODS

Sburlino Giovanni1, Giovagnoli Luciano2, Poldini Livio3, Tasinazzo Stefano4

1) University Of Venezia, Department Of Environmental Sciences, Venezia, Italy; 2) Nove (vicenza), Italy; 3) University Of Trieste, Department Of Life Sciences, Trieste, Italy;

4)Vicenza, Italy

Abstract:

The study consists in a phytosociological survey of the Alnus incana-dominated riparian woods occurring in the prealpine and alpine sectors of NE-Italy (Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli Regions). Unlike the Alnus glutinosa-dominated woods of the lowland-submontane belt, these communities generally present a good conservation status, although the river regulations often disrupted their continuity. The ecological diversity between the communities that inhabit the valley bottoms and those occurring at higher altitude corresponds to different granulometry of sediments and trophic degree. Furthermore, the Grey Alder woods of the prealpic district floristically differ from the meso-endalpic communities; consequently, the analysis highlights the originality of the prealpine phytocoenoses as regards the well-known corresponding ones that occur in the north side of the Alps, whereas the meso-endalpic communities can be considered as geographical races of Alnetum incanae. The syntaxonomical arrangement of the studied phytocoenoses (Fagetalia or Populetalia) is also discussed.

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QUERCUS PETRAEA (MATT.) LIEBL. WOODS IN NORTHERN APENNINES, TUSCANY AND CENTRAL ITALY: PHYTOGEOGRAPHICAL

RELEVANCE AND PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Viciani Daniele1, Di Pietro Romeo2, Gabellini Antonio3, Gennai Matilde1, Lastrucci Lorenzo1, Foggi Bruno1

1) University Of Florence, Department Of Evolutionary Biology, Laboratory Of Plant Biology, Florence, Italy; 2) University Of Rome “la Sapienza”, Department I.t.a.c.a., Rome, Italy; 3) D.r.e.am. Italia Scarl, Pistoia, Italy

Abstract:

Quercus petraea (Qp) has a mostly Atlantic-European distribution and is relatively widespread in various types of acidophilous woods in Northern Italy. In the Northern Apennines and Tuscany, although certainly less widespread than in the past due to anthropogenic causes, this oak still shows a certain continuity of distribution for both climatic and lithological reasons. Heading further southwards along the Italian Peninsula, Qp becomes more sporadic; however, the communities in which it appears, although quite rare and localized, are floristically well-characterized and syntaxonomically distinct. By means of statistical analysis of more than 200 wood relevés (published and unpublished) where Qp had a >25% cover, we investigated the actual reliability and distribution of the numerous associations with this oak existing in the Northern Apennines, Tuscany and Umbria, often described in works of local interest and not always floristically well-distinct.

Some preliminary results of this study can be summarized in the following way:

Physospermo cornubiensi-Quercetum petraeae Oberd. et Hofmann 1967: closest and most similar to the Po Valley and Alpine communities compared to those of the Italian Peninsula; present exclusively on the Northern slopes of the Liguria and Emilia Apennines and absent in Tuscany;

Serratulo tinctoriae-Quercetum petraeae Ubaldi et al. 1993: occasionally present on marly-arenaceous soils in central northern and eastern Tuscany. Some nomenclatural issues have to be resolved, as Ubaldi 2003 redefined the association, and it in part overlaps with Erythronio-Quercetum cerris Biondi et al. 2002;

Frangulo alni-Quercetum petraeae Arrigoni in Foggi et al. 2000 (= Ilici aquifolii-Quercetum petraeae Arrigoni 1997 nom. illeg.) not distinct from Hieracio racemosi- Quercetum petraeae fraxinetosum orni Arrigoni 1997: these communities in central Tuscany are similar to Hieracio racemosi- Quercetum petraeae Pedrotti et al. 1982 (described for Gubbio, Umbria) but are differentiated by the presence of several thermophilic species. Two aspects, influenced by management, can be identified: one with low cover and a strong presence of Pinus pinaster and shrubs, because of frequent coppicing and the presence of conifer plantations; the other more evolved, with sporadic P. pinaster and more mesic nemoral species;

Presence in Tuscany of at least 3 other Q. petraea-dominated communities whose floristic and ecological features do not allow a clear reference to the associations mentioned above, and for which the establishment of new syntaxa cannot be excluded.


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THE BIOGEOGRAPHICAL VALUE OF THE VEGETATION OF THE NORTH ADRIATIC SANDY COASTAL SYSTEM

Filesi Leonardo1, Sburlino Giovanni2, Buffa Gabriella2, Gamper Ulrike3, Ghirelli Leonardo2

1) University Iuav Of Venezia, Italy ; 2) University Ca Foscari Venezia, Italy ; 3) Office Of Landscape Ecology, Bolzano, Italy

Abstract:

The north-Adriatic sandy coastal system plays a very important role for nature and biodiversity conservation especially for its particular climatic features: in fact, it is the only strip in the whole Mediterranean basin being included in the Temperate climatic Region. Floristic migrations, at least in the most recent period of thermal oscillation and the role of ecological corridors carried by rivers are also essential features for understanding the presence of a great number of exclusive plants communities and their seral and spatial contacts.

One of the most important traits is the richness of species of different origin, Mediterranean together with dealpine and eastern species, in a system where a specialized but widely distributed flora generally occurs (Sburlino et al, 2008). Communities with the character of azonal vegetation have a wider range of distribution than the others:

1.- Vegetation of the mobile dunes: Salsolo kali-Cakiletum; Xanthio italici-Cenchretum; Sporobolo arenarii- Agropyretum; Echinophoro spinosae-Ammophiletum; Sileno coloratae-Vulpietum

2.- Vegetation of the humid fresh water lowlands: Carici elatae-Alnetum; Frangulo-Salicetum cinereae; Erucas tro-Schoenetum nigricantis *; Mariscetum serrati; Cyperetum flavescentis; Plantagini-Molinietum caeruleae *

3.- Vegetation of the slightly brackish wetlands: Eriantho-Schoenetum; Soncho maritimi-Cladietum; All the plant communities associated with extrazonal and zonal vegetation are endemic to the northern Adriatic coastal area.

4.- Series of the coastal holm oak: Vincetoxico-Quercetum ilicis*; Viburno lantanae-Phillyreetum *; Erico car neae-Osyridetum*; Tortulo-Scabiosetum*; Teucrio capitati-Chrysopogonetum*; Sileno conicae-Avellinietum*

5.- Series of the coastal juniper: Junipero-Hippophaetum*; Helychrisum italicum comm; Tortulo-Scabiosetum*; Sileno conicae-Avellinietum*

* endemic associationSburlino G., Buffa G., Filesi L., Gamper U., 2008, Phytocoenotic originality of the N-Adriatic coastal sand dunes (Northern-Italy) in the European context: the Stipa veneta-rich communities. Plant Biosystems 142 (3): 533-539

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COMMUNITY DIVERSITY OF CYNOSURUS CRISTATUS GRASSLANDS (CYNOSURION CRISTATI TÜXEN 1947) IN THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

Rodriguez Rojo Mª Pilar1, Font Xavier2, Pérez Badia Rosa1, Fernández González Federico1

1) Institute of Enviromental Sciences, University of Castilla-la Mancha, Toledo (Spain); 2) Department of Plant Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona (Spain)

Abstract:

Cynosurus cristatus grasslands are high productive semi-natural habitats rich in grasses and legumes with an important value for livestock farming. They require nutrient rich damp soils, rich or poor in carbonates, and are related to an intensive grazing that contribute to the natural fertilization. The ecological optimum of these communities, framed into Cynosurion cristati Tüxen 1947 (Arrhenatheretalia Tüxen 1931, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea Tüxen 1937), is related to temperate zones in the Eurosiberian Region, thus, favourable conditions in the Mediterranean Region occur on valley bottoms and foothills with an available soil moisture and a fine soil texture. In the Iberian Peninsula nine syntaxa mainly from the mid-northern have been described in the alliance.

We have compiled a Cynosurus cristatus community dataset with 600 relevés recorded from several authors stored in the SIVIM databank (Iberian and Macaronesian Vegetation Information System, http://sivim.info/sivi). On this dataset we have applied numerical and indicator species analysis in order to assess the community diversity in the Iberian Peninsula, the characteristic species of the different community types and the ecological patterns that best explain the variability of their floristic composition. The results showed that the floristic variability of Cynosurus cristatus grasslands in the Iberian Peninsula is mainly related to a complex biogeographic-lithological factor. The main floristic differences appeared between calcareous and siliceous grasslands. Calcareous grasslands comprise the Cantabro-Atlantic, Orocantabric, Pyrenean and Oroiberian classification groups while siliceous grasslands comprise the Carpetan-Leonese and Galician-Portuguese. Indicator species analysis considering all possible combinations of groups, provided the community distribution pattern of the characteristic species of interest.


NOVELTIES ON THE ALLIANCE FRAXINO ANGUSTIFOLIAE-ULMENION MINORIS: A REVISION FOR THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

Portela-Pereira Estevão1, Monteiro-Henriques Tiago2, Bellu Annalisa3, Pedro Arsénio2, Costa José Carlos2

1) University Of Lisbon, Institute Of Geography & Spatial Planning, Centre For Geographical Studies (ceg), Lisboa, Portugal; 2) Technical University Of Lisbon (tulisbon), Instituto Superior De Agronomia, Centro De Botânica Aplicada À Agricultura (cbaa), Lisboa, Portugal;

3) Technical University Of Lisbon (tulisbon), Instituto Superior De Agronomia, Centro De Ecologia Aplicada Prof. Baeta Neves (ceabn), Lisboa, Portugal

Abstract:

We present a revision of the tempori-hygrophilous and hygrophilous woods of the Fraxino angustifoliae-Ulmenion minoris alliance (Populion albae, Populetalia albae, Salici purpureae-Populetea nigrae). We propose three new associations: Smilaco asperae-Ulmetum minoris, Clematido campaniflorae-Celtidetum australis, Omphalodo nitidae-Fraxinetum angustifoliae. An agglomerative cluster analysis using 249 relevés revealed a satisfactory segregation of the new associations. An indicator value (of Dufrêne & Legendre) analysis allowed to underline the most relevant diagnostic species of the treated associations with statistical significance on the permutation test.

The Smilaco asperae-Ulmetum minoris is a micro to mesoforest dominated by Ulmus minor accompanied by Smilax aspera, Arum italicum, Oenanthe crocata, Hedera hibernica, Rosa sempervirens, Tamus communis, Vinca difformis, Laurus nobilis, etc. on clayish soils form the Sadensean-Dividing Portuguese Subprovince under thermomediterranean subhumid to humid, subhyperoceanic to semihyperoceanic bioclimate. The mesoforest Clematido campaniflorae-Celtidetum australis is characterized by the presence of Celtis australis, Fraxinus angustifolia, Polystichum setiferum, Clematis campaniflora, Tamus communis etc.; it occupies temporary streams of usually narrow valleys and water resurgences from the Lusitanian-Duriensean Sector, under mesomediterranean, dry to subhumid, euoceanic bioclimate. Omphalodo nitidae-Fraxinetum angustifoliae is a mesoforest from the Galician-Portuguese Sector, under meso to thermotemperate, humid, semihyperoceanic to hyperoceanic bioclimate Fraxinus angustifolia, Omphalodes nitida, Hedera hibernica, Salix atrocinerea, Frangula alnus, Quercus robur subsp. broteroana, Polystichum setiferum etc. During the realization of the relevés, the recently described Oenantho crocatae-Quercetum pyrenaicae was also found in other areas of the Dividing Portuguese Sector, as well as in the Alentejano District.

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116

PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL AND PHYTOGEOGRAPHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ON THE OROPHILOUS ALLIANCE BERBERIDO

AETNENSIS-CRATAEGION LACINIATAE (RHAMNO-PRUNETEA)

Gianguzzi Lorenzo, Caldarella Orazio, Cusimano Dario, Romano SalvatoreUniversity of Palermo, Department of Environmental Biology and Biodiversity, Palermo, Italy

Abstract:

The new alliance Berberido aetnensis-Crataegion laciniatae (Gianguzzi et al., 2011, in press) was recently described for the South-Thyrrhenian area, on the basis of two associations located in Central-Northern Sicily: 1) Lonicero xylostei-Prunetum cupaniani Gianguzzi et al. 2011; 2) Crataegetum laciniatae Brullo & Marcenò in Brullo, 1984. The coenological and phytogeographical autonomy of the syntaxon can be highlighted through the synoptic comparison of floristic-phytosociological data collected in the territory, with those of other coenoses already described for the central-southern part of the Italian Peninsula and for Sicily; in particular the associations of Berberidion vulgaris, as well as those of Pruno-Rubion ulmifolii.

The coenoses of Berberido aetnensis-Crataegion laciniatae are both characterized by the presence of endemic entities (Berberis aetnensis, Prunus mahaleb subsp. cupanianus, Amelanchier ovalis subsp. cretica, Sorbus aria subsp. cretica) or of particular phytogeographic relevance (Rhamnus saxatilis subsp. infectorius, Rosa heckeliana); to these other elements quite rare and exclusive are associated, indicated as “geographic differentials” species (Cotoneaster nebrodensis, Ribes uva-crispa subsp. austro-europaeum, Crataegus laciniata, Rhamnus catharticus, Lonicera xylosteum, Rubus canescens, Rosa sicula, R. montana, R. micrantha, R. rubiginosa), in addition to some peculiar “transgressive” species of the class Querco-Fagetea (Daphne laureola, Lamium flexuosum and Ilex aquifolium).

The alliance Berberido aetnensis-Crataegion laciniatae denotes a relict significance, as vicariant syntaxon of Berberidion vulgaris (with European gravitation) and of Lonicero arboreae-Berberidion hispanicae (Iberian Peninsula, in the Betican Province). Its phytogeographical location is tied to that of several other syntaxa already described for the Italo-Thyrrhenian area, related to various other aspects of vegetation: a) forest (Geranio striati-Fagion Gentile 1974; Pino-Quercion congestae Brullo et al. 1999); b) herbaceous-chamaephytic (Rumici-Astragaletalia siculi Pignatti & Nimis 1980; Erysimo-Jurinetalia bocconei Brullo 1984); c) cliff (Dianthion rupicolae Brullo & Marcenò 1979); d) steppic (Avenulo-Ampelodesmion mauritanici Minissale 1994); etc.

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Edita: Jardín Botánico, Universitat de València · Syntaxonomic differentiation of the...

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