Search

In this note the authors report the first case of naturalization of the Malagasy smoke bush within Italian territory. Along with a description of the abiotic and biotic characteristics of the invaded site, the current demographic and dynamic trends of the detected population by means of growth-ring analysis was also assessed. Moreover, an overview on the history of its introduction in Europe is provided, underlining the key role played by the Mediterranean cities with respect to the acclimatization and spread of alien tropical and subtropical plants. Due to its low frequency under cultivation, the Malagasy smoke bush should not behave as an invader in the future; on the other hand, its ability to cover and smother neighbouring trees in very short times, make its spread within the whole Mediterranean area worth regular monitoring.

The avifauna of some green areas in the outskirts and in the urban centre of Palermo (Parco della Favorita, Fondo Micciulla, Orto Botanico, Valle del'Oreto) was investigated.Several censusing procedures were used: 1) mapping with direct search of nests in sample areas; 2) point counts for survey of the frequency of each species (E.F.P.). Mapping of nests enabled us to collect several biological data on the breeding of some species (Blackbird, Blackcap) and to compare very relevant parameters from a citrus plantation and a mixed plantation with citruses and loquat trees. The interference and presence of man proved a factor in the rate of breeding success. Absolute densities resulted particularly high. The analysis of the frequency of the species showed that bird diversity is closely connected with the composition of vegetation.