An updated checklist of Mozambique’s vascular plants is presented. It was compiled referring to s... more An updated checklist of Mozambique’s vascular plants is presented. It was compiled referring to several information sources such as existing literature, relevant online databases and herbaria collections. The checklist includes 7,099 taxa (5,957 species, 605 subspecies, 537 varieties), belonging to 226 families and 1,746 genera. There are 6,804 angiosperms, 257 pteridophytes, and 38 gymnosperms. A total of 6,171 taxa are native to Mozambique, while 602 are introduced and the remaining 326 taxa were considered as uncertain status. The endemism level for Mozambique’s flora was assessed at 9.59%, including 278 strict-endemic taxa and 403 near-endemic. 58.2% of taxa are herbaceous, while shrubs and trees account respectively for 26.5% and 9.2% of the taxa. The checklist also includes ferns (3.6%), lianas (1.7%), subshrubs (0.5%) and cycads (0.3%). Fabaceae, Poaceae and Asteraceae are the three most represented families, with 891, 543 and 428 taxa, respectively. The extinction risk of 1,...
Robin Pouteau and Mark van Kleunen conceived the idea for this manuscript with input from Wilfrie... more Robin Pouteau and Mark van Kleunen conceived the idea for this manuscript with input from Wilfried Thuiller. All authors provided the data, Robin Pouteau performed the analysis and wrote the first draft of the manuscript with help from Wilfried Thuiller and Mark van Kleunen, and all authors contributed substantially to revisions. Foundation DFG (264740629). We appreciate the helpful comments by three anonymous referees and the Handling Editor, Melodie A. McGeoch.
Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali, 2022
This study aims to document the Mozambican traditional knowledge related to the use of plants. An... more This study aims to document the Mozambican traditional knowledge related to the use of plants. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Limpopo National Park (Gaza province, Mozambique). Data were gathered through field expeditions which involved interviews with five local healers, selected as key informants. 101 plant species, belonging to 49 families and 83 genera, related to traditional uses were recorded. For each species, vernacular name, use categories and used parts are reported. Most of the identified plants are used for medicinal purposes (94.1%) with an analogously extensive (44.1%) also directed to food use. Plants are also used for veterinary (14.7%), cosmetic (12.7%), and handicraft (12.7%) purposes. Whereas only few species are used as fuel (4.9%), several species (37.3%) are associated to local beliefs or mystical rituals. Roots are the most used part. To identify the most important plant species used by indigenous communities, an ethnobotanical value was calculated through Uses Totaled index. Based on such cultural index, the most valuable species are Euclea divinorum, Ximenia caffra, Elaeodendron schlechterianum and Peltophorum africanum. Our findings highlight the potential of Mozambique’s flora for future conservation and development research aimed at identifying genetic resources which could also open the way to notable commercial perspectives, including through the Access and Benefit Sharing process.
Peatlands in Southeast Asia are of global significance for biodiversity conservation and climate ... more Peatlands in Southeast Asia are of global significance for biodiversity conservation and climate regulation as well as of national and local significance for water management and livelihood support. Despite this, these ecosystems are among the least studied and monitored of the world, and are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities. Peatland degradation is responsible for the largest greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission source from the agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) sectors in the region. Peatland restoration is a key mitigation and preventative intervention to halt the degradation of these ecosystems. In recent years, a small number of studies have aimed to define peatland restoration processes and approaches, the latest being the 4Rs approach-Rewetting, Reduction of fire, Revegetation, and Revitalization. The latter component being focused on the local communities benefits, in terms of promoting diversified sustainable livelihoods. Based on evidence of successful peatland restoration interventions in Southeast Asia, which we define as being "community-led," we propose a 5Rs approach to peatland restoration instead, with community participation embedded in each component of the approach, beyond Revitalization, as well as in a fifth crosscutting component: Reporting and monitoring (R5). The new community-led 5Rs approach can support the ongoing formulation, refinement and implementation of peatland restoration strategies and activities in Southeast Asia and beyond by achieving ecological restoration goals, while obtaining local communities endorsement and support, needed for the long-term sustainability of the restoration interventions.
This dataset could be used to test whether the commonly observed positive range size–niche breadt... more This dataset could be used to test whether the commonly observed positive range size–niche breadth relationship, as posited by the "niche breadth hypothesis", exists for Fagus, one of the most dominant and widespread broad‐leaved deciduous tree genera in temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere. There are many ways to estimate niche breadth. Here, we estimated biotic and climatic niche breadths per species using plot‐based co‐occurrence data and climate data, respectively. The range sizes of the Fagus species were estimated with the raw data from the Chorology Database Halle. We examined the relationships of these estimates, and found that neither biotic niche breadth nor climatic niche breadth was correlated with range size, and the two niche breadths were incongruent as well. Our findings proved that the "niche breadth hypothesis" did not apply to the genus Fagus, and thus more attention should be paid to other factors (e.g., high among‐region variation in ...
<strong>EUNIS-ESy</strong> is an expert system for automatic classification of Europe... more <strong>EUNIS-ESy</strong> is an expert system for automatic classification of European vegetation plots to habitat types of the EUNIS Habitat Classification. The EUNIS classification and the principles of the expert system are described by Chytrý et al. (2020). The classification of a set of vegetation plots can be run in the JUICE program (Tichý 2002; https://www.sci.muni.cz/botany/juice/), TURBOVEG 3 program (Hennekens 2015) and an R script developed by H. Bruelheide et al. (submitted). This dataset contains two parts: (1) the expert system and related files necessary for running it; (2) characterization of EUNIS habitats based on the results of the expert system classification. <strong>1. Expert system and related files necessary to run it</strong> 1.1. <strong>EUNIS-ESy-2020-06-08.txt </strong>is a file containing the script for classification of vegetation plots by EUNIS-ESy. This version contains tested definitions for the revised classification Coastal, Wetland, Grassland, Shrubland, Forest and Man-made habitats, and preliminary non-tested definitions of the older classification of Marine, Aquatic and Inland sparsely vegetated habitats. 1.2. <strong>Nomenclature-translation-from-Turboveg-2-databases.zip </strong>is an archive containing the scripts for automatic translation of taxon concepts and names used in individual European Turboveg 2 databases (Hennekens &amp; Schaminée 2001; https://www.synbiosys.alterra.nl/turboveg/) to the nomenclature that can be used as an input for EUNIS-ESy. 1.3. <strong>EUNIS-ESy-User-Guide.pdf </strong>contains a brief user guide to the classification of vegetation plots by EUNIS-ESy using the JUICE program. Please read this guide carefully before running the expert system to avoid misclassifications. <strong>2. Characterization of the EUNIS habitats based on the results of the EUNIS-ESy classification</strong> 2.1. <strong>Habitat-Factsheets.pdf </strong>contains a summary of data on EUNIS Coastal, Wetland, Grassland, Shrubland, Forest and Man-made habitats. These data wer [...]
The Gulf of Naples is an important centre of endemism, well known from the floristic point of vie... more The Gulf of Naples is an important centre of endemism, well known from the floristic point of view, but much less from the phytosociological one. In this paper we investigated the non-forest vegetation focusing on communities rich in endemics. We described two communities as new: Eryngio amethystini-Santolinetum neapolitanae for the garrigues on limestone, Globulario neapolitanae-Loniceretum stabianae for the vegetation on dolomitic rocks, both from the Lattari mountains, and we extend the area of Crithmo maritimi-Limonietum cumani for the vegetation on volcanic rocks and rarely on limestones along the coast, which was known for a few localities. The syntaxonomical position and the phytogeographical context of these communities are discussed. A few taxonomic notes are added on rare or interesting species retrieved in the course of the enquiry.
Syzygium is the largest woody genus of flowering plants in the world and one of the most importan... more Syzygium is the largest woody genus of flowering plants in the world and one of the most important components of the forest vegetation in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Although the systematics of the genus is improving, a comprehensive appraisal of the environmental features and gradients of its species is still lacking. Our work aims to fill this gap by analyzing the georeferenced specimens collected at the Lae National Herbarium of PNG. A data set of 1,563 records of 131 species was used to assess their altitudinal gradients and the correspondence with the main vegetation types and to model their spatial ecological niche with respect to climatic, topographical, and pedological variables. Several species were found to be widely distributed throughout the region, while other species were restricted to narrow altitudinal belts or only occurred in specific vegetation types. Overall, the genus is also characterized by an increasing altitudinal turnover likely due to topography-driven isolati...
We analysed endemic threatened tree and reptile species of Socotra Island (Yemen), characterised ... more We analysed endemic threatened tree and reptile species of Socotra Island (Yemen), characterised by different ecological requirements and spatial distribution, in order to evaluate the usefulness of spatial ecological modelling in the estimation of species extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO). Point occurrences for the entire species range were used to model their spatial distribution by Random Forest (RF) and Generalised Linear Model (GLM). For each species the suitability area (SA) was obtained by applying the 0% omission error criterion on the probability map, and compared or integrated with EOO and AOO area obtained by topological methods such as the minimum convex polygon (MCP), α-hull and 2x2 km grid. RF showed a lower prediction error than GLM. Higher accuracy was achieved for species with higher number of occurrences and narrower ecological niche. SA was always greater than AOO measured with the 2x2 km grid method. SA was greater than EOO, measured by both MCP and αhull methods, for species with localised distribution, while it was smaller for widely distributed species. EOO-α-hull area was equal or smaller than that calculated by MCP depending on the spatial distribution of species. AOO measured considering the SA within the EOO-MCP was greater than that measured using the standard 2x2 km grid. Conversely, AOO calculated considering the suitable area within the EOO-α-hull showed variable results, being smaller or greater than the 2x2 km grid AOO depending on the ecological niche and spatial distribution of species. According to our results, SEM does not provide an effective alternative to topological methods for the estimate of EOO and AOO. However, it may be considered a useful tool to estimate AOO within the boundaries of EOO measured by the α-hull method, because it reduces some potential sources of inconsistency and bias.
Aims: Albania is one of the most diverse countries in Europe (over 4560 plant taxa in 28,748 km2)... more Aims: Albania is one of the most diverse countries in Europe (over 4560 plant taxa in 28,748 km2), but is still poorly known. We present here the phytosociological analysis of the forest communities of a mountain area in Central Albania. Study area: The Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park (SJNP; 34,000 ha), located along the border with Macedonia. Methods: 84 relevés have been carried out in the years 2012-2013 and subsequently 63 of these relevés were selected and classified by the Ward’s minimum variance Clustering, using package cluster of R software, to identify the forest communities of the park. Their diagnostic species have been selected using the fidelity coefficient in Juice software and for the ecological interpretation of vegetation differentiation we performed a non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis, using the vegan package of R. Results: The main vegetation belts in an altitudinal gradient are Quercus cerris-Quercus frainetto woodlands, Carpinus orientalis secondary formations, and forest dominated respectively by Quercus petraea, Fagus sylvatica and Pinus peuce. The vegetation is strikingly diverse, with 9 well characterized forest communities well segregated according to the large altitudinal gradient and the diverse geology (limestone and alluvial vs ophiolite and flysch). Conclusion: The forests of SJNP are characterized by striking β-diversity in a small area. The forests are often heavily exploited at lower altitude and the road network recently developed is causing new pressures and threats. The old growth beech forest (UNESCO World heritage site), the Balkan Pinus peuce forests and the marginal population of Pinus heldreichii deserve a careful monitoring and protection.
An updated checklist of Mozambique’s vascular plants is presented. It was compiled referring to s... more An updated checklist of Mozambique’s vascular plants is presented. It was compiled referring to several information sources such as existing literature, relevant online databases and herbaria collections. The checklist includes 7,099 taxa (5,957 species, 605 subspecies, 537 varieties), belonging to 226 families and 1,746 genera. There are 6,804 angiosperms, 257 pteridophytes, and 38 gymnosperms. A total of 6,171 taxa are native to Mozambique, while 602 are introduced and the remaining 326 taxa were considered as uncertain status. The endemism level for Mozambique’s flora was assessed at 9.59%, including 278 strict-endemic taxa and 403 near-endemic. 58.2% of taxa are herbaceous, while shrubs and trees account respectively for 26.5% and 9.2% of the taxa. The checklist also includes ferns (3.6%), lianas (1.7%), subshrubs (0.5%) and cycads (0.3%). Fabaceae, Poaceae and Asteraceae are the three most represented families, with 891, 543 and 428 taxa, respectively. The extinction risk of 1,...
Robin Pouteau and Mark van Kleunen conceived the idea for this manuscript with input from Wilfrie... more Robin Pouteau and Mark van Kleunen conceived the idea for this manuscript with input from Wilfried Thuiller. All authors provided the data, Robin Pouteau performed the analysis and wrote the first draft of the manuscript with help from Wilfried Thuiller and Mark van Kleunen, and all authors contributed substantially to revisions. Foundation DFG (264740629). We appreciate the helpful comments by three anonymous referees and the Handling Editor, Melodie A. McGeoch.
Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali, 2022
This study aims to document the Mozambican traditional knowledge related to the use of plants. An... more This study aims to document the Mozambican traditional knowledge related to the use of plants. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Limpopo National Park (Gaza province, Mozambique). Data were gathered through field expeditions which involved interviews with five local healers, selected as key informants. 101 plant species, belonging to 49 families and 83 genera, related to traditional uses were recorded. For each species, vernacular name, use categories and used parts are reported. Most of the identified plants are used for medicinal purposes (94.1%) with an analogously extensive (44.1%) also directed to food use. Plants are also used for veterinary (14.7%), cosmetic (12.7%), and handicraft (12.7%) purposes. Whereas only few species are used as fuel (4.9%), several species (37.3%) are associated to local beliefs or mystical rituals. Roots are the most used part. To identify the most important plant species used by indigenous communities, an ethnobotanical value was calculated through Uses Totaled index. Based on such cultural index, the most valuable species are Euclea divinorum, Ximenia caffra, Elaeodendron schlechterianum and Peltophorum africanum. Our findings highlight the potential of Mozambique’s flora for future conservation and development research aimed at identifying genetic resources which could also open the way to notable commercial perspectives, including through the Access and Benefit Sharing process.
Peatlands in Southeast Asia are of global significance for biodiversity conservation and climate ... more Peatlands in Southeast Asia are of global significance for biodiversity conservation and climate regulation as well as of national and local significance for water management and livelihood support. Despite this, these ecosystems are among the least studied and monitored of the world, and are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities. Peatland degradation is responsible for the largest greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission source from the agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) sectors in the region. Peatland restoration is a key mitigation and preventative intervention to halt the degradation of these ecosystems. In recent years, a small number of studies have aimed to define peatland restoration processes and approaches, the latest being the 4Rs approach-Rewetting, Reduction of fire, Revegetation, and Revitalization. The latter component being focused on the local communities benefits, in terms of promoting diversified sustainable livelihoods. Based on evidence of successful peatland restoration interventions in Southeast Asia, which we define as being "community-led," we propose a 5Rs approach to peatland restoration instead, with community participation embedded in each component of the approach, beyond Revitalization, as well as in a fifth crosscutting component: Reporting and monitoring (R5). The new community-led 5Rs approach can support the ongoing formulation, refinement and implementation of peatland restoration strategies and activities in Southeast Asia and beyond by achieving ecological restoration goals, while obtaining local communities endorsement and support, needed for the long-term sustainability of the restoration interventions.
This dataset could be used to test whether the commonly observed positive range size–niche breadt... more This dataset could be used to test whether the commonly observed positive range size–niche breadth relationship, as posited by the "niche breadth hypothesis", exists for Fagus, one of the most dominant and widespread broad‐leaved deciduous tree genera in temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere. There are many ways to estimate niche breadth. Here, we estimated biotic and climatic niche breadths per species using plot‐based co‐occurrence data and climate data, respectively. The range sizes of the Fagus species were estimated with the raw data from the Chorology Database Halle. We examined the relationships of these estimates, and found that neither biotic niche breadth nor climatic niche breadth was correlated with range size, and the two niche breadths were incongruent as well. Our findings proved that the "niche breadth hypothesis" did not apply to the genus Fagus, and thus more attention should be paid to other factors (e.g., high among‐region variation in ...
<strong>EUNIS-ESy</strong> is an expert system for automatic classification of Europe... more <strong>EUNIS-ESy</strong> is an expert system for automatic classification of European vegetation plots to habitat types of the EUNIS Habitat Classification. The EUNIS classification and the principles of the expert system are described by Chytrý et al. (2020). The classification of a set of vegetation plots can be run in the JUICE program (Tichý 2002; https://www.sci.muni.cz/botany/juice/), TURBOVEG 3 program (Hennekens 2015) and an R script developed by H. Bruelheide et al. (submitted). This dataset contains two parts: (1) the expert system and related files necessary for running it; (2) characterization of EUNIS habitats based on the results of the expert system classification. <strong>1. Expert system and related files necessary to run it</strong> 1.1. <strong>EUNIS-ESy-2020-06-08.txt </strong>is a file containing the script for classification of vegetation plots by EUNIS-ESy. This version contains tested definitions for the revised classification Coastal, Wetland, Grassland, Shrubland, Forest and Man-made habitats, and preliminary non-tested definitions of the older classification of Marine, Aquatic and Inland sparsely vegetated habitats. 1.2. <strong>Nomenclature-translation-from-Turboveg-2-databases.zip </strong>is an archive containing the scripts for automatic translation of taxon concepts and names used in individual European Turboveg 2 databases (Hennekens &amp; Schaminée 2001; https://www.synbiosys.alterra.nl/turboveg/) to the nomenclature that can be used as an input for EUNIS-ESy. 1.3. <strong>EUNIS-ESy-User-Guide.pdf </strong>contains a brief user guide to the classification of vegetation plots by EUNIS-ESy using the JUICE program. Please read this guide carefully before running the expert system to avoid misclassifications. <strong>2. Characterization of the EUNIS habitats based on the results of the EUNIS-ESy classification</strong> 2.1. <strong>Habitat-Factsheets.pdf </strong>contains a summary of data on EUNIS Coastal, Wetland, Grassland, Shrubland, Forest and Man-made habitats. These data wer [...]
The Gulf of Naples is an important centre of endemism, well known from the floristic point of vie... more The Gulf of Naples is an important centre of endemism, well known from the floristic point of view, but much less from the phytosociological one. In this paper we investigated the non-forest vegetation focusing on communities rich in endemics. We described two communities as new: Eryngio amethystini-Santolinetum neapolitanae for the garrigues on limestone, Globulario neapolitanae-Loniceretum stabianae for the vegetation on dolomitic rocks, both from the Lattari mountains, and we extend the area of Crithmo maritimi-Limonietum cumani for the vegetation on volcanic rocks and rarely on limestones along the coast, which was known for a few localities. The syntaxonomical position and the phytogeographical context of these communities are discussed. A few taxonomic notes are added on rare or interesting species retrieved in the course of the enquiry.
Syzygium is the largest woody genus of flowering plants in the world and one of the most importan... more Syzygium is the largest woody genus of flowering plants in the world and one of the most important components of the forest vegetation in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Although the systematics of the genus is improving, a comprehensive appraisal of the environmental features and gradients of its species is still lacking. Our work aims to fill this gap by analyzing the georeferenced specimens collected at the Lae National Herbarium of PNG. A data set of 1,563 records of 131 species was used to assess their altitudinal gradients and the correspondence with the main vegetation types and to model their spatial ecological niche with respect to climatic, topographical, and pedological variables. Several species were found to be widely distributed throughout the region, while other species were restricted to narrow altitudinal belts or only occurred in specific vegetation types. Overall, the genus is also characterized by an increasing altitudinal turnover likely due to topography-driven isolati...
We analysed endemic threatened tree and reptile species of Socotra Island (Yemen), characterised ... more We analysed endemic threatened tree and reptile species of Socotra Island (Yemen), characterised by different ecological requirements and spatial distribution, in order to evaluate the usefulness of spatial ecological modelling in the estimation of species extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO). Point occurrences for the entire species range were used to model their spatial distribution by Random Forest (RF) and Generalised Linear Model (GLM). For each species the suitability area (SA) was obtained by applying the 0% omission error criterion on the probability map, and compared or integrated with EOO and AOO area obtained by topological methods such as the minimum convex polygon (MCP), α-hull and 2x2 km grid. RF showed a lower prediction error than GLM. Higher accuracy was achieved for species with higher number of occurrences and narrower ecological niche. SA was always greater than AOO measured with the 2x2 km grid method. SA was greater than EOO, measured by both MCP and αhull methods, for species with localised distribution, while it was smaller for widely distributed species. EOO-α-hull area was equal or smaller than that calculated by MCP depending on the spatial distribution of species. AOO measured considering the SA within the EOO-MCP was greater than that measured using the standard 2x2 km grid. Conversely, AOO calculated considering the suitable area within the EOO-α-hull showed variable results, being smaller or greater than the 2x2 km grid AOO depending on the ecological niche and spatial distribution of species. According to our results, SEM does not provide an effective alternative to topological methods for the estimate of EOO and AOO. However, it may be considered a useful tool to estimate AOO within the boundaries of EOO measured by the α-hull method, because it reduces some potential sources of inconsistency and bias.
Aims: Albania is one of the most diverse countries in Europe (over 4560 plant taxa in 28,748 km2)... more Aims: Albania is one of the most diverse countries in Europe (over 4560 plant taxa in 28,748 km2), but is still poorly known. We present here the phytosociological analysis of the forest communities of a mountain area in Central Albania. Study area: The Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park (SJNP; 34,000 ha), located along the border with Macedonia. Methods: 84 relevés have been carried out in the years 2012-2013 and subsequently 63 of these relevés were selected and classified by the Ward’s minimum variance Clustering, using package cluster of R software, to identify the forest communities of the park. Their diagnostic species have been selected using the fidelity coefficient in Juice software and for the ecological interpretation of vegetation differentiation we performed a non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis, using the vegan package of R. Results: The main vegetation belts in an altitudinal gradient are Quercus cerris-Quercus frainetto woodlands, Carpinus orientalis secondary formations, and forest dominated respectively by Quercus petraea, Fagus sylvatica and Pinus peuce. The vegetation is strikingly diverse, with 9 well characterized forest communities well segregated according to the large altitudinal gradient and the diverse geology (limestone and alluvial vs ophiolite and flysch). Conclusion: The forests of SJNP are characterized by striking β-diversity in a small area. The forests are often heavily exploited at lower altitude and the road network recently developed is causing new pressures and threats. The old growth beech forest (UNESCO World heritage site), the Balkan Pinus peuce forests and the marginal population of Pinus heldreichii deserve a careful monitoring and protection.
The Habitat Directive requires Member States to implement surveillance of the conservation status... more The Habitat Directive requires Member States to implement surveillance of the conservation status of habitats and species of Community Interest. The aim of this handbook is to outline the methodological instruments for the implementation of a monitoring program of the Italian habitat types, as required by art. 17 of the Habitats Directive, with particular regard to the data collection at site level. The European guidelines (Evans & Arvela, 2011. Assessment and reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive - Explanatory Notes & Guidelines for the period 2007-2012 -Final Draft. European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity, p. 1-123) require the assessments to be carried out by compiling information on specific parameters and at biogeographical scale. Each parameter is considered separately, eventually combining all parameters in an evaluation matrix thus providing the overall assessment. For each habitat type several parameters have to be considered: “Area”, “Range”, “Structure and Functions”, “Future Prospects”. While “Range” and “Future prospects” need to be assessed only at the biogeographical scale, “Area” and “Structure and functions” can be assessed aggregating data collected at the site level; in this handbook, for each habitat of community interest present in Italy, we present monitoring forms for these two parameters. Altogheter, the handbook contains 124 forms, referring to 10 Coastal and Halophytic Habitats; 11 Coastal Sand Dunes and Continental Dunes, 15 Freshwater Habitats, 5 Temperate Heath and Scrub, 11 Sclerophyllous Scrub (matorral), 15 Natural and Semi-natural Grassland Formations, 8 Raised Bogs and Mires and Fens, 10 Rocky Habitats and Caves, 39 Forests. Each monitoring form has been produced with the support of leading national experts and sent to regional authorities for a review. The monitoring forms report the most effective available monitoring techniques for collecting the required parameters and variables, and define operational guidance for data collection. The monitoring forms describe priority variables (e.g. vegetation-plot based analysis) that need to be collected for complying with the Habitat Directive, and also indicate some optional or habitatspecific variables (e.g. substrate condition, water quality, etc.). The activities and methods suggested in this Manual are aimed at enabling the Regions and Autonomous Provinces to implement monitoring activities based on the collection of harmonized data by means of standardized technical protocols. A standardized basis of information is indeed essential for producing comparable data and generating reliable assessments on the conservation status of each habitat type at national level. Some important elements, such as the Favourable Reference Values and optimal thresholds for some of the parameters, are still under discussion at the European level and therefore will need to be further clarified in the near future
The European Red List of Habitats provides an overview of the risk of collapse (degree of endang... more The European Red List of Habitats provides an overview of the risk of collapse (degree of endangerment) of marine, terrestrial and freshwater habitats in the European Union (EU28) and adjacent regions (EU28+), based on a consistent set of criteria and categories and detailed data and expertise from involved countries1. Amongst terrestrial and freshwater habitats the highest percentage of threatened types (categories Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable) was found amongst mires and bogs (85% in the EU28, 54% in the EU28+), followed by grasslands (53%, 49%), freshwater habitats (46%, 38%) and coastal habitats (45%, 43%). Relatively low percentages of heathland and scrub, forests, and sparsely vegetated habitats were assessed to be threatened. Overall the amount of threatened habitats was higher in the EU28 (36%) than in the wider range of the EU28+ (31%). The European Red List of Habitats provides extensive additional information on habitat classification and definition, pressures and threats, conservation and restorability of habitats, distribution, status and trends in individual countries, and sub-habitats that may possibly be threatened. The information provided can inform and support European nature and biodiversity policy in a variety of ways, particularly in relation to the EU2020 Biodiversity Strategy targets. Further applications include the revitalisation of the EUNIS habitat classification, synergies with the Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services initiative, and the improvement of Red List methodologies.
The Global Drylands Assessment is a thematic study complementing the FA O Global Forest Resources... more The Global Drylands Assessment is a thematic study complementing the FA O Global Forest Resources Assessment, from which it differs in both scope and method. No individual country reported data to the Assessment, and no official country information has been used. Instead, the Global Drylands Assessment is based on the visual interpretation of satellite images in publicly available repositories (such as Google Earth Engine and Bing Maps), and it focuses solely on drylands.
A historical overview of the phytosociological method in Europe is presented. Some methodological... more A historical overview of the phytosociological method in Europe is presented. Some methodological and procedural differences in the application of the Braun-Blanquet approach, from the selection of the sampling plots to the assignment of relevés to existing or newly described units, are briefly compared. The main advantages and limitations of the phytosociological vegetation classification are reviewed and discussed, also in light of their applications for vegetation mapping and monitoring.
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amount of threatened habitats was higher in the EU28 (36%) than in the wider range of the EU28+ (31%). The European Red List of Habitats provides extensive additional information on habitat classification and definition, pressures and threats, conservation and restorability of habitats, distribution, status and trends in individual countries, and sub-habitats that may possibly be threatened. The information provided can inform and support European nature and biodiversity policy in a variety of ways, particularly in relation to the EU2020 Biodiversity Strategy targets. Further applications include the revitalisation of the EUNIS habitat classification, synergies with the Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services initiative, and the improvement of Red List methodologies.
Assessment, from which it differs in both scope and method. No individual country reported
data to the Assessment, and no official country information has been used. Instead, the Global
Drylands Assessment is based on the visual interpretation of satellite images in publicly available
repositories (such as Google Earth Engine and Bing Maps), and it focuses solely on drylands.