New Italian data on the distribution of some of the Annex I Habitats are reported in this contribution. Specifically, 16 records are presented including 9 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites, and 27 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Abruzzo, Apulia, Latium, Marche, Lombardy, Piedmont, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Veneto.
Palestine has rich floristic diversity due to its location, diverse biogeographical zones, and various topographical features. The Royal Irises (Iris section Oncocyclus), are a monophyletic group of herbaceous geophytes, consisting of 33 species, endemic to the Middle East. Within the West Bank of Palestine, three Royal Irises are documented. However, their distribution, population size, and status are not studied comprehensively. This study focused on evaluating the occurrence, distribution range, population size, status, number of flowers, inflorescence coloration variety, and habitats of the vulnerable and endemic Iris haynei, the endangered and sub-endemic Iris lortetii, and the vulnerable and sub-endemic Iris atrofusca. I. lortetii was found in 10 sites within Nablus district, with more than 12625 clones and 25088 flowers flowers recorded. I. haynei were documented in 4 sites within Jenin district, three are new to science, where 10729 clones and 9562 flowers were recorded. I. atrofusca was reported in 13 localities in Tubas and Ramallah districts, where 1853 clones and 8460 flowers were recorded, whereas six locatities are new to science. 12, 12, and 7 unique variations in coloration of inflorescences were observed for I. lortetii, I. atrofusca, and I. haynei, respectively. The results indicate that the population size and the distribution range of the three Royal Irises are larger than previously reported, whereas the documented inflorescences’ coloration variations are unique and considerable. This study sheds light on hotspot occurrence sites of endangered and vulnerable species in Palestine, which can assist in laying adequate conservation actions and management plans in the future.
We present the dataset “SArdinian GRAsslands” (SAGRA), a collection of georeferenced vegetation surveys sourced from different areas of Sardinia (Italy). SAGRA addresses a geographic gap in current databases, as plots from Sardinian grasslands are underrepresented. We collected vegetation data from different projects and organized it within a framework that allows for scalability to larger scales or integration into existing databases. The surveys include three categories of information: general, vegetation and management, and environmental. Overall, SAGRA comprises 1277 vegetation surveys, some of which were performed in different years in the same plots. This dataset encompasses 685 plots and 434 species, primarily therophytes.
During a phytosociological field-work campaign aimed at studying some relict Scheuchzerio-Caricetea boreal mires of the montane and subalpine belts of the Laga Mountains, the highest and largest siliceous massif of the Apennine range, several bryophyte taxa of particular biogeographic interest were collected. Among these taxa, Schljakovia kunzeana and Ptychostomum cernuum were found to be new records for the whole Apennine range while Hamatocaulis vernicosus (taxon included in annex II of Habitats Directive) and Scorpidium cossonii as new for the Central-Southern Apennines. Two further species, Bryum canariense, Plagiomnium cuspidatum, were found to be confirmations of old records for the Central Apennines dating back to the early 1900s. At the national and regional level, nine, out of the forty-four bryophyte taxa identified in this study, were found to be new for the Lazio administrative Region, and one taxon as new for the Abruzzo Region. The majority of these new records belong to the boreal chorotype, the Laga Mountains being one of the most important conservation sites for the relict circumboreal and arctic-alpine flora in the whole Mediterranean area. According to both the EUNIS Habitat classification and the EU Habitats Directive Annex I, several, out of the 44 bryophytes identified in this study, act as diagnostic species for European Community Habitats. Nevertheless, a complete correspondence between bryophyte taxon and habitat type was not found upon comparing these two environmental policy systems.
This paper provides an overall look on the diversity of lowland dry grasslands of the western Po Plain, useful to support their conservation and management. Specific aims were: 1) to identify lowland dry grassland-associated plant communities at alliance level, which is useful for their classification under the Council Directive 92/43/EEC, 2) to assess their synecological and synchorological differences, 3) to define the equivalent Directive habitats and their management implications. Seven subareas were analysed: Lomellina, Ticino River, Sesia River, Po River (North), Orba Stream, Scrivia Stream, and Serio River. Floristic-vegetational relevés were carried out considering vascular plant, moss and lichen species. Cluster analysis were performed to syntaxonomically classify them, while statistical tests were performed to characterize them by means of biological life forms, chorotypes and Ellenberg indicator values. Eight plant communities were classified at alliance level and three plant communities were classified at class level. The equivalence with three Natura 2000 Habitats (H2330, H6110* and H6210) was found. Of the 60 studied sites, the 68% are located inside the Natura 2000 Network, while the remnant 31% are located outside. Possible management actions include: cutting of woody species, mowing, sod-cutting, transplants of typical herbaceous species, and ex novo restoration using harvested seeds from donor grasslands.
New Italian data on the distribution of the Annex I Habitats are reported in this contribution. Specifically, 9 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites are presented and 34 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Abruzzo, Apulia, Calabria, Latium, Lombardy, Marche, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany and Umbria.
Island ecosystems face significant threats from biological invasions due to their unique biomes. In over a quarter of these ecosystems, the number of alien plants surpasses the total count of native ones, leading to notable impacts. This concern is particularly pronounced in the Mediterranean Basin, a globally important hotspot for plant diversity. In line with this, our study aimed to investigate the current distribution of six main alien plant species (Chasmanthe floribunda, Nicotiana glauca, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia stricta, Senecio angulatus, and Zantedeschia aethiopica) on Capraia Island in the Tuscan Archipelago, Italy. We identified invaded vegetation types and N2000 habitats (sensu 92/43/EEC “Habitats” Directive), created a detailed map of the current distribution of these six target species, and analyzed the relationship between their distribution and environmental factors. The six target species were found to be more widespread in areas of the island with higher levels of anthropogenic disturbance, with only O. stricta also spreading into natural habitats. Overall, the invasion covers an area of 71 hectares (3.6% of the island’s surface), of which over 70 hectares are invaded by O. stricta. The habitats most impacted by alien plant invasion include 5330 “Thermo-Mediterranean and pre-desert scrub”, 5320 “Low formations of Euphorbia close to cliffs”, 1240 “Vegetated sea cliffs of the Mediterranean coasts with endemic Limonium spp.”, and 6220* “Pseudo-steppe with grasses and annuals of the Thero-Brachypodietea”, all primarily invaded by O. stricta. Environmental factors most correlated with alien plant distribution include the distance from infrastructure, altitude, and slope aspect.
This article presents the results of a study on plant diversity at different levels in residual forest stands, located in the historical Favorita Park in Palermo, Italy (established and named in 1799 by King Ferdinand IV of the House of Bourbon). These forest aspects have naturally evolved for over two centuries, under minimal conditions of anthropogenic disturbance (e.g. deforestation, fires, grazing activities, etc.). This is especially true in the area known as “Bosco Niscemi”, spread over about 8.5 hectares, in the centre of the park. Bosco Niscemi is characterized by the widespread presence of old trees, abundant necromass and litter. In this study, four different soil profiles were analysed, and classified as follows: (i) Solimovic Regosol (Arenic); ii) Eutric Arenosol (Chromic); (iii) and (iv) Skeletic Regosol (Ochric). From a phytosociological point of view, four forest communities have been identified, two of which are described as new associations (Viburno tini-Phillyreetum latifoliae ass. nova and Teucrio flavi-Phillyreetum latifoliae ass. nova). The species richness was also found to be noteworthy, with the co-occurrence of several taxa (phanerogams and cryptogams) that are of biogeographic interest or rare in Sicily, including: i) vascular flora (e.g. Viburnum tinus and Arbutus unedo, both very rare throughout the western sector of Sicily); ii) bryophytes [Cryphaea heteromalla (new record of a very rare species in Sicily) as well as Hypnum cupressiforme and Leptodon smithii, also never previously found at such low altitudes]; iii) lichens (e.g. Bacidia rosella, Gyalecta derivata, Ramalina roesleri and Waynea stoechadiana); iv) mushrooms (e.g. Eichleriella leucophaea, only known location in Italy). Based on the scientific documentation produced in this study, these woods can be reported as “old-growth forests” to be included in the “National Network” that has been recently established in Italy (Ministerial Decree of 23 June 2023). This area might serve as an ideal control for urban environmental studies, given its pristine ecological setting.
New Italian data on the distribution of the Annex I Habitats are reported in this contribution. Specifically, 8 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites are presented and 49 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Campania, Calabria, Marche, Piedmont, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany and Umbria. Relevés and figures are provided as Supplementary material respectively 1 and 2.
Freshwater ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity conservation. They are among the most threatened habitats in the world. However, the wetlands of southern European mountains still lack fine-scale plant community studies. Here we studied submontane and montane palustrine communities of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines. Data from 123 vegetation plots dominated by palustrine species were analysed by means of cluster analysis. We identified 18 vegetation types that we attributed to five classes (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea, Montio-Cardaminetea, Isoëto-Nanojuncetea, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, and Epilobietea angustifolii), and to two Natura 2000 habitats (3130 - Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea, and 6430 - Hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels). According the 4th edition of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature we corrected the names Phragmition communis Koch 1926 nom. inept. in P. australis Koch 1926 nom. corr., Phragmitetum communis Savič 1926 nom. inept. in P. australis Savič 1926 nom. corr., Glycerietum plicatae Kulczyński 1928 nom. inept. in G. notatae Kulczyński 1928 nom. corr., Beruletum angustifoliae Roll 1938 nom. inept. in Beruletum erectae Roll 1938 nom. corr., and we mutated the name Scirpetum lacustris Chouard 1924 nom. inept. in Schoenoplectetum lacustris Chouard 1924 nom. mut. nov. Our study highlights the diversity of marsh vegetation of montane and submontane areas of Northern Apennines. Most of the palustrine communities, though important from the point of view of conservation, cannot be attributed at present to any habitat type legally protected at the European level.
New Italian data on the distribution of 17 Annex I Habitats are reported in this contribution. Specifically, 11 new occurrences in Natura 2000 sites are presented and 30 new cells are added in the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Apulia, Campania, Calabria, Lazio, Sardinia, Sicily and Tuscany.
Mediterranean grasslands stand out as biodiversity hotspots due to their inclusion of diverse habitats that foster a remarkable range of biological diversity, characterized by inter-annual variability of floristic composition. This study aims to assess the inter-annual dynamics of the floristic composition in a grassland within a typical silvopastoral system in the Mediterranean basin, within the framework of rainfall variability. The study was performed on a farm representative of Mediterranean silvopastoral systems in Central-Western Sardinia (Italy). Vegetation surveys started in the spring of 2018 and concluded in the spring of 2022. They were conducted annually in the spring (S) and winter (W) seasons, using the point quadrat method along eight permanent transects. The dynamics of floristic composition were compared within and between years in terms of variability of specific percentage contribution (CSP) of each plant species. The results highlighted substantial differences in the composition of plant assemblages between the two seasons (W vs S) and between surveys within each season for all a posteriori comparisons. Anthemis arvensis, Lolium rigidum, Festuca ligustica and Medicago polymorpha were the main discriminating plant species between seasons. Considering the discriminant species between the four winter surveys, we found a positive effect of August rain on Cynodon dactylon CSP and a negative one on Trifolium subterraneum CSP. Considering the spring surveys, we found a positive effect of January rain on L. rigidum and a negative effect on Plantago lanceolata. The rain affected the inter-annual dynamics of floristic composition in the Mediterranean grasslands. Other factors, such as temperature, remain to be investigated. Moreover, a more extended data series may allow us to strengthen our results.
Succession following the abandonment of traditional management practices can pose severe consequences for the conservation of semi-natural dry grassland communities. In the present study, we investigated whether the quantity of floral resources changes during succession of semi-natural dry grasslands and how this is related to pollinator richness and the number of pollination interactions at the community level. We addressed this issue by quantifying floral resources (i.e., number of flowers, nectar volume and number of pollen grains) and monitoring pollination interactions in dry grassland communities at different stages of succession, defined as the total cover of plant species of forest edges. The relationship between the quantity of floral resources and cover of plant species of forest edges was significantly hump-shaped, i.e., regardless of the type of floral resource, all peaked at intermediate values of cover of plant species of forest edges. The richness of animal-pollinated plants in bloom also showed a hump-shaped relationship with the cover of plant species of forest edges, while the richness of pollinator species and the number of pollination contacts were indirectly related to the cover of plant species of forest edges, as they were significantly associated with the number of flowers and the richness of animal-pollinated plants in bloom. Results suggest that succession of dry grasslands after abandonment may affect a crucial function in terrestrial ecosystems, namely animal-mediated pollination. Nevertheless, the conditions of early succession, which could be achieved by the presence of scattered shrubs, could ultimately be favourable for the pollination function in dry grasslands.
This paper presents a phytosociological study of dry and mesophilous meadows and pastures in the Locarnese region (Insubria - Southern Switzerland). Seventy-one vegetation relevés were analysed using both hierarchical classification and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination. Seven main clusters were identified and described as follows: (i) xerophytic grasslands on sandy soil dominated by Koeleria macrantha; (ii) mesophilous meadows with Arrhenatherum elatius and Centaurea transalpina; (iii) semi-dry meadows with Chrysopogon gryllus; (iv) semi-dry grasslands with Carex fritschii and Thalictrum minus; (v) nutrient-poor Phyteuma betonicifolium-Festuca nigrescens montane zone grasslands; Nardus stricta grasslands dominated by (vi) Festuca paniculata or (vii) Carex pilulifera. From a phytosociological point of view, a new association named Phyteumo betonicifolii-Festucetum nigrescentis, classified into the Nardo strictae-Agrostion tenuis alliance was proposed. In addition, we confirmed the presence of the Holco-Chrysopogonetum grylli association, within the Bromion erecti, which up to now was provisional only.
The sedge-moss vegetation of the moderately to low calcium-rich slightly acidic fens of the Caricion fuscae alliance depends on a very specific combination of ecological and climatic conditions to thrive. Until recently, the classification of this vegetation group was complicated by its rarity on the southern edges of its range in Europe. As part of a larger database of phytocenological relevés carried out in Mt. Luboten, we came across an interesting group of 15 relevés on fen vegetation sites. We were curious to know if this plant community was a previously known association or if it might represent something new within this alliance. We compiled a separate dataset at JUICE that includes four plant communities from this alliance, along with our 15 original releves. The classification was based on modified TWINSPAN and beta-flexible clustering as a numerical classification method, with OPTIMCLASS determining the appropriate number of clusters. Five associations were clearly delineated, with the four associations taken from the literature sources clearly grouped individually and a new, fifth association appearing as separate, with completely unique characteristics. This new association: Blysmo compressi-Eriophoretum latifoliae occurs at elevations of ~ 1650 m a.s.l. on NE and NW slopes of the mountain. With this work we offer the description of a new high-mountain fen association. These associations may play an important syntaxonomic role as more Balkan data become available on this alliance. The sedge-moss and fen vegetation in the Balkans is particularly rare and characterised by a very diverse and specific vegetation, so it rightly deserves more attention from vegetation scientists and conservation authorities.
Atlantic coastal cliff heathlands are chamaephytic vegetation dominated by Ericaceae , most often associated to Fabaceae (Ulex) and integrated from a phytosociological point of view into alliance of Dactylido oceanicae-Ulicion maritimi Géhu 1975 (class of Calluno vulgaris-Ulicetea minoris Braun-Blanq. & Tüxen ex Klika & Hadač 1944). This alliance gathers coastal heathlands under marine influences whose physiognomy is marked by prostrate or halo-anemomorphic chamaephytes. All Atlantic heathlands are included into habitats of European community interest which justify the designation of Natura 2000 sites. Within these protected areas, heathland conservation or restoration management issues raise the question of the choice of nature and frequency of management methods. For that, it seems important to understand the dynamics of cliff-top coastal heathlands. Stable heathlands, considered as permanent vegetation of primary character, can be managed without any intervention, while heathlands characterized by a progressive dynamic may be subject to interventionist management. The aim of this work is to present the main determinant abiotic and biotic factors driving the cliff-top coastal heathlands. Human uses may influence the composition and structure of these vegetation. This approach helps to assess the primary or secondary character of cliff-top coastal heathlands vegetation, their stability or dynamic. This article clarifies the notions of primitive, primary and secondary coastal heathlands. It proposes criteria to differentiate stable heathlands and unstable heathlands which are characterized by a progressive dynamic towards coastal scrublands or forest: abiotic conditions, floristic combination, physiognomy. The synphytosociological methodology is useful for establishing the typology of the series, permaseries and minoriseries, in which the different types of cliff-top coastal heathlands are included.
In order to transform the previous erroneous ideas acquired by many of the students, a teaching outside the classroom is proposed, making the students themselves the ones who build their own knowledge from practice. Analyzing alpha, beta and gamma diversity, intrinsic alpha diversity must be measured through the characteristic species, gamma through the companion species, and beta through the gamma/alpha relationship, taking into account this relationship the lower the beta. The higher the conservation status of the community, if beta = 1 it means that there is a balance between characteristic species and companions, if beta is < 1 it means that there is a predominance of characteristic species over companions. As a result to be taken into consideration, it is observed in the inventory analysis that anthropic action is the cause of the changes in diversity, which translates into an instability of the association, being able to change one community for another. For this reason, we consider it is necessary to teach about the meaning of characteristic and companion species, since the student must know how to discern between both types of species, which leads us to learn the ecological niche of the species.
This study identifies and analyzes the plant communities that allow the definition of the geographic limits between Temperate and Mediterranean macrobioclimates, for the center of Portuguese mainland. The altitude of Serra da Estrela, Açor and Lousã, combined with the increase in atmospheric humidity, allows the presence of vegetation typical of a Temperate macrobioclimate. Thus, based on the phytosociological methodology, floristic relevés were carried out in order to identify the series of vegetation existing in these territories. Through these relevés carried out, four new plant associations were identified: Cytisetum grandifloro-striati ass. nova, Scrophulario grandiflorae-Sambucetum nigrae ass. nova, Pruno lusitanicae-Coryletum avellanae ass. nova that lives in the submediterranean bioclimatic variant, mesotemperate humid to hyper-humid. A new association namely Genisto falcatae-Quercetum broteroanae ass. nova with two subassociations were also identified. Based on the vegetation distribution, new biogeographic limits are proposed. Thus, it was intended to identify the southern limits of the European Atlantic Province (Atlantic Orolusitania Subrovince) based on the vegetation cover, namely the distinction between the Estrela Sierran District and a new Biogeographical District, the Alvo-Gardunhense.
The plant landscape of Monte Pisano is characterized by a predominant forest component, with Pinus pinaster and Castanea sativa , of clear anthropic imprint. Another important component is constituted by dynamically advanced scrubs and woods of evergreen sclerophylls of natural origin, although often differently altered by the anthropic action and/or by fires, and dominated by Quercus ilex . Quercus suber is often found within holm oak woods, and – with lower frequency – inside the pine forests. Cork oak, in some cases, becomes dominant going to constitute the northernmost cork forests in Tuscany. The frequency of fires in Monte Pisano in the last decades seems to have led to an increase in Q. suber surface due to its known resilience to wildfires. The aim of this research is: a) to define the distribution of Q. suber in the area also in relation to repeated fire events in the past; b) to provide an updated characterization of these stands using a phytosociological approach; c) to identify stands and groups of trees that can be used as "seed forests" for post-fire forest restoration purpose, in relation to their marginal population characteristic. The study suggests a relationship between the spread of cork oak and the historical pattern of fires. This wide spread should be protected by forms of forest management unfortunately absent in this territory.
Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) is the cornerstone of nature conservation in Europe and is at the core of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. There is room, however, for its improvement, at least for northern Italy, where ambiguities in the definition of habitat types of Annex I of the Habitats Directive are not novel and interpretation difficulties have been highlighted. Sharpening the characterization of habitat types represents an opportunity for lowering classification uncertainties and improving conservation success. With the aim to refine the definitions of habitat types and associated typical species of the Habitats Directive, a group of vegetation scientists of the Italian Society of Vegetation Science based in northern Italy made the exercise of finding viable proposals for those habitat types having a problematic interpretation in the Alpine biogeographical region of Italy. Such proposals arise from group discussions among scientists, and professionals, thus offering a shared view. We prepared 9 habitat proposals important for this geographic area. They include new habitat types at the European level, new subtypes within pre-existing habitat types, including some adjustments of the recently proposed subtypes with respect to northern Italy, and recognition of priority criteria for a pre-existing habitat type. With a vision of tailored conservation, our proposals represent a starting point in view of a future update of Annex I. Furthermore, the list of typical species could be useful for preparing expert systems for automatic classification. Irrespective of legally binding solutions in place, we caution these proposals represent relevant baseline conservation indications that local and regional administrations of the Alpine Arch should consider.
