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Simple Summary: Underwater visual surveys (UVSs) offer valuable insights into both common and elusive species within reef environments, shedding light on how they respond to environmental changes. Despite Italy's extensive 8300 km coastline, natural rocky stretches are rare along the Adriatic Sea, with one prominent example being Abruzzo's Trabocchi Coast (Chieti, Italy), famously celebrated by the poet D'Annunzio. Fourteen years of research on this rocky habitat has enabled consistent monitoring of this vulnerable area, already at risk from sewage mismanagement, as well as potential flooding and landslide hazards. Beyond the economically significant species it supports, the shallow waters of the Trabocchi reef serve as habitats for fish species that act as climate change sentinels alongside protected species listed under the Washington Convention for endangered flora and fauna. Integrating scientific research, policy, and sustainable local development is crucial to safeguarding this unique coastal ecosystem. Ultimately, the UVS methodology and similar efforts are highlighted as essential tools for increasing environmental awareness, advancing scientific research, and supporting conservation efforts. Ongoing qualitative assessments are particularly important in fragile coastal areas threatened by human activities, pollution, and climate change. This study explores the use of underwater visual surveys (UVSs) to assess biodiversity along the Trabocchi Coast of the Adriatic Sea, one of the few remaining areas with natural reefs in Italy's middle Adriatic region GSA17. Fourteen years of observations underscore the effectiveness of UVSs in ecological monitoring and enhancing understanding of the Trabocchi reef's biodiversity, which has thus far been minimally studied. The marine environment supports a complete and balanced trophic structure, from producers and invertebrates to vertebrate species, including herbivorous fish, a variety of predators, and even bottlenose dolphins. The Trabocchi Coast also serves as a nursery for commercially valuable species (56.5%) and hosts several "climate" indicator fish species (33.3%). Species of regulatory concern, such as Lithophaga lithophaga and Cladocora caespitosa, both listed under CITES Appendix II, as well as invasive species like Rapana venosa and the harmful dinoflagellate Ostreopsis ovata, which poses public health risks, are also found here. This work aligns with the 2023 National Biodiversity Strategy, emphasizing UVSs' role in raising awareness and supporting the conservation of marine resources under increasing anthropogenic pressures. Sustainable coastal management and responsible tourism are particularly vital for preserving the fragile ecosystems along the Trabocchi Coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) along the Sicilian coasts, using satellite data from 2016 to 2023, focusing on three distinct spatial domains: terrestrial areas within 1 km from the coastline, marine areas extending up to 1 km offshore, and marine areas up to 1 nautical mile from the coast. In coastal zones, ALAN is a significant anthropogenic pressure with potentially detrimental effects on ecosystems. By integrating satellite data with geographic datasets such as Corine Land Cover (CLC), Natura 2000 protected areas, and Posidonia oceanica meadows, this study aims to characterize and analyse the temporal and spatial variations in ALAN across these domains. The findings reveal substantial differences in light pollution between domains and over time, with coastal terrestrial areas exhibiting the highest levels of ALAN. In contrast, marine areas further offshore experience reduced light pollution, particularly within the 1-nautical-mile domain. This study also indicates that protected areas, especially those within the Natura 2000 network, show significantly lower ALAN levels than non-protected areas, highlighting the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Statistical analyses, including ANOVAs, demonstrate that factors such as geographic domain, year, province, and CLC classes significantly influence ALAN distribution. This study advocates for considering ALAN as a critical factor in environmental impact assessments, such as those under the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSP) and Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), providing valuable insights to support policies aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of light pollution on coastal and marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean flora is characterized by a high number of narrow endemic plant species that are often restricted to a few small populations. One of these species, Valeriana amazonum, a perennial plant occurring only in the Supramontes region of central eastern Sardinia, is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List because of its restricted range, small population size and an inferred decline caused by several threats. During 2007–2022, we monitored all mature individuals of this plant annually and surveyed ecologically suitable sites for the species. We identified two previously unknown populations and also learnt of two successful translocations carried out independently by an unknown local citizen. As our monitoring data indicate there has been no decline in the number of mature individuals over the period of monitoring, the species’ conservation status requires reassessment. We recommend that V. amazonum should be recategorized as Near Threatened as it seems to be poorly known rather than highly threatened. This could also be the case with other narrow Mediterranean endemics, especially those that grow in inaccessible habitats for which long-term studies are needed to assess conservation status.

The expansion of forest cover and intensification of agriculture represent the main threats to the bush cricket Saga pedo, currently listed as Vulnerable globally by the IUCN and included in Annex IV of the European Union Habitats Directive. Gathering information on its ecology and population size is challenging due to its low abundance and localized distribution. Additionally, the elusive and cryptic behavior of this species reduces the likelihood of its detection, potentially resulting in population underestimations. Thus, in this study, we aimed to (1) estimate S. pedo population size in relation to environmental variables and prey availability and (2) predict abundance of S. pedo in our study area for future monitoring in nearby territories. We found that the population of S. pedo in our study area consists of 197 (±115) individuals with a detection probability of 21.01% (±11.09). Detection probability of S. pedo further decreases on windy days. Moreover, we found that the investigated population of S. pedo occupies suboptimal areas, as highlighted not only by the predicted abundances but also by the association between S. pedo and other subfamilies of orthoptera that are ecologically very distant from our target species and mostly linked to mesophilic biotopes. Most of the individuals we observed are concentrated in small clearings completely within wooded matrices and therefore isolated from each other. Based on our results, it is possible that forest expansion toward open meadows represents the main threat to this population, transforming the clearings and xeric meadows (to which S. pedo is linked) into small and fragmented patches that are suboptimal and insufficient to host viable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean flora is characterized by a high number of narrow endemic plant species that are often restricted to a few small populations. One of these species, Valeriana amazonum , a perennial plant occurring only in the Supramontes region of central eastern Sardinia, is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List because of its restricted range, small population size and an inferred decline caused by several threats. During 2007–2022, we monitored all mature individuals of this plant annually and surveyed ecologically suitable sites for the species. We identified two previously unknown populations and also learnt of two successful translocations carried out independently by an unknown local citizen. As our monitoring data indicate there has been no decline in the number of mature individuals over the period of monitoring, the species' conservation status requires reassessment. We recommend that V. amazonum should be recategorized as Near Threatened as it seems to be poorly known rather than highly threatened. This could also be the case with other narrow Mediterranean endemics, especially those that grow in inaccessible habitats for which long-term studies are needed to assess conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) along the Sicilian coasts, using satellite data from 2016 to 2023, focusing on three distinct spatial domains: terrestrial areas within 1 km from the coastline, marine areas extending up to 1 km offshore, and marine areas up to 1 nautical mile from the coast. In coastal zones, ALAN is a significant anthropogenic pressure with potentially detrimental effects on ecosystems. By integrating satellite data with geographic datasets such as Corine Land Cover (CLC), Natura 2000 protected areas, and Posidonia oceanica meadows, this study aims to characterize and analyse the temporal and spatial variations in ALAN across these domains. The findings reveal substantial differences in light pollution between domains and over time, with coastal terrestrial areas exhibiting the highest levels of ALAN. In contrast, marine areas further offshore experience reduced light pollution, particularly within the 1-nautical-mile domain. This study also indicates that protected areas, especially those within the Natura 2000 network, show significantly lower ALAN levels than non-protected areas, highlighting the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Statistical analyses, including ANOVAs, demonstrate that factors such as geographic domain, year, province, and CLC classes significantly influence ALAN distribution. This study advocates for considering ALAN as a critical factor in environmental impact assessments, such as those under the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSP) and Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), providing valuable insights to support policies aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of light pollution on coastal and marine ecosystems.

Biodiversity studies are essential for evaluating environmental quality and ecosystem integrity [...]

Abstract The expansion of forest cover and intensification of agriculture represent the main threats to the bush cricket Saga pedo, currently listed as Vulnerable globally by the IUCN and included in Annex IV of the European Union Habitats Directive. Gathering information on its ecology and population size is challenging due to its low abundance and localized distribution. Additionally, the elusive and cryptic behavior of this species reduces the likelihood of its detection, potentially resulting in population underestimations. Thus, in this study, we aimed to (1) estimate S. pedo population size in relation to environmental variables and prey availability and (2) predict abundance of S. pedo in our study area for future monitoring in nearby territories. We found that the population of S. pedo in our study area consists of 197 (±115) individuals with a detection probability of 21.01% (±11.09). Detection probability of S. pedo further decreases on windy days. Moreover, we found that the investigated population of S. pedo occupies suboptimal areas, as highlighted not only by the predicted abundances but also by the association between S. pedo and other subfamilies of orthoptera that are ecologically very distant from our target species and mostly linked to mesophilic biotopes. Most of the individuals we observed are concentrated in small clearings completely within wooded matrices and therefore isolated from each other. Based on our results, it is possible that forest expansion toward open meadows represents the main threat to this population, transforming the clearings and xeric meadows (to which S. pedo is linked) into small and fragmented patches that are suboptimal and insufficient to host viable populations.

On June 22, 2022, the European Commission proposed a nature restoration regulation with the aim of restoring degraded ecosystems across the EU by 2050. Under the proposal, Member States must prepare national restoration plans to meet various ecosystem-specific targets and obligations. Controversial is the non-deterioration obligation that will apply in areas where restoration measures are taken and in areas where certain habitat types occur. After the European Parliament (EP) and the European (Environment) Council had both adopted positions that include significant amendments of the non-deterioration provisions, in November 2023 the Council announced a compromise text as the result of the trilogue. This contribution assesses how the compromise text of the non-deterioration obligation addresses drawbacks from the previous proposals, identifies associated questions and offers some suggestions for the interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River valleys are known to be of high natural value; however, they are exposed to a strong human influence. Anthropogenic changes are evident in the structure and species composition of plant assemblages; therefore, vegetation is a very good indicator of the state of the environment. Convolvuletalia sepium tall herb communities are a natural component of riverside vegetation; they are protected in the EU (habitat 6430), yet have been very poorly studied, especially in SE Europe. Information regarding the geographical distribution of these communities, and their floristic composition and threats, along with effective conservation and restoration strategies, remains insufficient; therefore, this study was aimed at a comprehensive investigation of tall herbs. The paper presents results of the first detailed study of this group of communities in Montenegro. Classification of 70 vegetation samples (relevés) using the UPGMA produced six clusters corresponding to plant communities which were included in the Dorycnio recti-Rumicion conglomerati. Two of them were ranked as associations: Mentho longifolii-Pulicarietum dysentericae and Rubo sancti-Eupatorietum cannabini, the latter new to science. Others (communities of Rubus caesius, Rubus caesius-Eupatorium cannabinum, Helianthus ×laetiflorus, and Helianthus tuberosus) were left without a syntaxonomic rank. The ordination analysis with the CANOCO software confirmed the authors' hypothesis that the variability of the vegetation patches studied was related to the land use type and river size. Relevés taken in watercourses flowing through built-up areas were dominated by invasive alien species (IAS). Vegetation samples taken in heavily flooded areas, along the Zeta, one of the largest rivers surveyed, had a simplified species composition. Studies in Montenegro should be continued. Moreover, comparative studies of the Convolvuletalia sepium communities described in the Mediterranean region are also necessary. Attention is drawn to the overly narrow interpretation of habitat 6430 in the lowlands, as it lacks a representation of Mediterranean tall herbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses a fundamental threat to the wetlands. The Mediterranean basin is a biodiversity hotspot, and wetlands are important for maintaining this status. The current study evaluated the halophilous vegetation diversity of one of the most relevant Maltese wetlands, Il-Ballut ta' Marsaxlokk Natura 2000 site, also identified under the Water Framework Directive. A vegetation analysis was carried out according to the Braun–Blanquet approach. The processed dataset included both data from the literature and unpublished data. To quantify vegetation structure and diversity, a hierarchical classification (Chord distance; Ward linkage) and diversity and ecological indices were performed. Diachronic analysis of the taxonomic diversity indices and the Ellenberg indicator values were taken into account. We used an NMDS analysis to assess the ecological fingerprint of the vegetation. In addition, we provided an actual vegetation map for Il-Ballut ta' Marsaxlokk, based on drone orthophotos. We identified five EU Directive habitats in the study area (1150*, 1310, 1410, 1420, and 92D0) of which one (1150*) was reported for the first time. The ecological fingerprint of the halophilous vegetation has undergone changes over time, particularly due to increasing temperatures. In fact, the results showed that nutrients and temperature were the strongest environmental drivers of the site. The results and methodology of this study demonstrate how vegetation studies can serve as tools to improve knowledge, management actions, and landscape planning of Natura 2000 sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytosociological analysis of the Iberian Quercus faginea forests was carried out. For this purpose, 291 relevés were studied. A multivariate analysis consisting of a numerical classification based on the floristic composition of the relevés, was performed. The coherence and explanatory value of the current syntaxa are reviewed. As a result, the diversity of Iberian gall oak forests is resolved into 15 associations characterised according to their floristic, biogeographical, bioclimatic and synecological data supported by the statistical analyses. Thirteen have been described previously, and two new associations are proposed: Glandoro diffusae-Quercetum fagineae and Helianthemo mollis-Quercetum fagineae. A new combination, a lectotypification and a nomenclatural correction are also proposed. The Ios2 (ombrothermic index of the warmest bimonth of the summer quarter), Itc (compensated thermicity index) and Ic (continentality index) indexes proved to be fundamental to explain the syntaxonomic differentiation of the forests in the study. We consider that the differentiation and precision in the definition of clear syntaxonomic entities is vital to prioritize objectives in the conservation of these singular forests, and to ensure their adequate management in the context of the Habitats Directive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean Temporary Ponds (MTPs) are among the most precious habitats in the Mediterranean bioclimatic because they shelter extremely rare and isolated organisms from different taxa and are included in Annex 1 of the Habitat Directive under code 3170*. Nevertheless, their conservation is highly precarious to such an extent to be considered a disappearing ecosystem. To evaluate the perspectives of MTPs in the third millennium, we carried out a literature search, getting on the trail of the string "Mediterranean Temporary Ponds" to answer the following questions: is the focus of these research papers on MTPs sensu Habitat Directive? Do the research areas of investigation mirror the habitat distribution? Which are the main gaps in the issues analysed? Are all the components of the system considered? Our results highlighted the great interest of the scientific community in MTPs. However, it also brought out several problems and knowledge gaps related to the different features analysed: in many cases in which code 3170* is reported, it is just mentioned; the geographical distribution of the studied areas revealed gaps, particularly in the east Mediterranean and throughout the biogeographic regions; among the issues analysed a dearth of research papers related to the identification of the habitat and effects of climate change has emerged; the studies on the biotic components are strongly unbalanced on vascular plants and abiotic components, such as hydrology and water quality, are scarcely investigated. We believe that great efforts should be made to improve practical conservation actions for this habitat in the medium and long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses a fundamental threat to the wetlands. The Mediterranean basin is a biodiversity hotspot, and wetlands are important for maintaining this status. The current study evaluated the halophilous vegetation diversity of one of the most relevant Maltese wetlands, Il-Ballut ta’ Marsaxlokk Natura 2000 site, also identified under the Water Framework Directive. A vegetation analysis was carried out according to the Braun–Blanquet approach. The processed dataset included both data from the literature and unpublished data. To quantify vegetation structure and diversity, a hierarchical classification (Chord distance; Ward linkage) and diversity and ecological indices were performed. Diachronic analysis of the taxonomic diversity indices and the Ellenberg indicator values were taken into account. We used an NMDS analysis to assess the ecological fingerprint of the vegetation. In addition, we provided an actual vegetation map for Il-Ballut ta’ Marsaxlokk, based on drone orthophotos. We identified five EU Directive habitats in the study area (1150*, 1310, 1410, 1420, and 92D0) of which one (1150*) was reported for the first time. The ecological fingerprint of the halophilous vegetation has undergone changes over time, particularly due to increasing temperatures. In fact, the results showed that nutrients and temperature were the strongest environmental drivers of the site. The results and methodology of this study demonstrate how vegetation studies can serve as tools to improve knowledge, management actions, and landscape planning of Natura 2000 sites.

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The EU Habitat Directive adopted in 1992, requires member states of the European Union to protect species and habitats considered to be of 'Community Interest' and listed in annexes to the directive. The appropriate environmental assessment of "plans and projects" is an important part of the conservation process. Despite several amendments and guidelines supporting the implementation of the Habitat Directive, science based operational procedures, indicators, and impact criteria for assessing potential negative impacts on marine Natura 2000 areas are still lacking. The lack of a generic and operational methodology complicates the management of plans and projects with potential impact on marine Natura 2000 areas. In this study, generic methods for the assessment of marine aquaculture in the inner Danish waters in relation to Natura 2000 areas was developed and applied for assessment of nine existing marine fin fish farms, in accordance with the latest methodological guidance on the provisions of Article 6(3) and (4) of the Habitat Directive. The applied methodology is based on high resolution 3D hydrodynamic- and ecosystem modelling (MIKE by DHI), that describes the dynamical physical, chemical, and biogeochemical processes and changes of marine ecosystems in time and space. To our knowledge, this is the first study that formulates operational biological quality elements, key indicators, concrete and generic impact criteria, and assessment procedures for operational assessment across several distinct marine habitat types. The method represents a generic, operational, transparent, and science-based assessment tool, that simplifies management, and is widely applicable for quantification of environmental impacts from various marine activities and eutrophication related pressures across geographical zones and different marine habitat types in marine Natura 2000 areas. • Science-based method for assessment of impact on habitats in Natura (2000) areas. • The method is applicable for assessment of impacts from various pressures. • The method is applicable for assessment of impacts across geographical zones. • The study defines biological quality elements, indicators, and impact criteria. • The study defines procedures for assessment of several distinct marine habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A syntaxonomical revision of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class for the Sicilian territory is provided. This syntaxon gathers the ephemeral herbaceous hygrophilous plant communities linked to periodically submerged soils, widely distributed in the European, circum-Mediterranean and Macaronesian territories. Within this class, two orders are recognized, lsoëtetalia, with a prevalently Mediterranean distribution, and Nanocyperetalia chiefly occurring in the central-European and Atlantic territories, with scattered and marginal occurrence in the Mediterranean area. The order Isoëtetalia in Sicily is represented by four alliances, i.e., Isoëtion, Preslion cervinae, Cicendio-Solenopsion laurentiae and Agrostion salmanticae, while within Nanocyperetalia three alliances can be recognized, namely Nanocyperion, Verbenion supinae and Lythrion tribracteati. Overall, 32 plant communities are recognized, 11 of which are described for the first time. Each higher rank syntaxa and related associations are examined from a nomenclatural, floristic, ecological and chorological point of view. In particular, the associations were processed using cluster analysis in order to highlight the correlations between them. Regarding the floristic aspects, a checklist of the species occurring in the phytosociological relevés is provided, as well as a new combination concerning Solenopsis gasparrinii, a critical species of the Sicilian flora, is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of Wrinkled Bark Beetle Rhysodes sulcatus Fabricius, 1787 (Coleoptera: Rhysodidae), a rare and threatened saproxylic beetle of primordial and old-growth forests in the Palearctic region, is reported for Montenegro. The species has a discontinuous and localized distribution in the Alpine region, and is included in Habitat Directive and in the risk categories of the IUCN red list for saproxylic beetles. Rhysodes sulcatus was found in the Biogradska Gora National Park, in the north-western part of the Bjelasica mountain range in the Dinaric Alps (Montenegro), during September 2021 while surveying the beetle fauna in a old-growth beech forests at about 1,084 m elevation. This finding extends its known distribution into Alpine region and further confirms the important biogeographical role of this mountainous territory. I discuss distribution and conservation issues and provide recommended conservation measures that may be useful for protecting many other saproxylic beetles (e.g., increase of large deadwood masses). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A syntaxonomical revision of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class for the Sicilian territory is provided. This syntaxon gathers the ephemeral herbaceous hygrophilous plant communities linked to periodically submerged soils, widely distributed in the European, circum-Mediterranean and Macaronesian territories. Within this class, two orders are recognized, lsoëtetalia, with a prevalently Mediterranean distribution, and Nanocyperetalia chiefly occurring in the central-European and Atlantic territories, with scattered and marginal occurrence in the Mediterranean area. The order Isoëtetalia in Sicily is represented by four alliances, i.e., Isoëtion, Preslion cervinae, Cicendio-Solenopsion laurentiae and Agrostion salmanticae, while within Nanocyperetalia three alliances can be recognized, namely Nanocyperion, Verbenion supinae and Lythrion tribracteati. Overall, 32 plant communities are recognized, 11 of which are described for the first time. Each higher rank syntaxa and related associations are examined from a nomenclatural, floristic, ecological and chorological point of view. In particular, the associations were processed using cluster analysis in order to highlight the correlations between them. Regarding the floristic aspects, a checklist of the species occurring in the phytosociological relevés is provided, as well as a new combination concerning Solenopsis gasparrinii, a critical species of the Sicilian flora, is proposed.

The germination ability of four policy species from the Central Apennine were studied: Astragalus aquilanus, Iris marsica, Jacobaea vulgaris subsp. gotlandica, Klasea lycopifolia. Mature seeds were collected in the field, within an elevation range of 365-1932 m a.s.l. Different experimental conditions were tested and the best methods with optimal germination results are provided and compared for each species. First germination records are given for the investigated taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paracossulus (=Catopta) thrips, a species listed in Annex II of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC (Code: 4028), considered as extinct in Bulgaria, is re-discovered after more than 25 years in an isolated locality remote from previous sites. Some other rare and interesting species found in the same locality are commented on and illustrated; for some, this locality is at the edge of their range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senecio sarracenicus is a rare river corridor plant, featured on Red Data Lists of threatened flora in several European countries. The habitat typical for this species is protected in the European Union. The species constitutes its own association Senecionetum fluviatilis, but syntaxonomic separateness of this community was rejected by some authors who assigned it to the Convolvulo sepium-Cuscutetum europaeae. Comprehensive analysis of phytosociological material from different European countries was conducted using classification and ordination methods, and both associations from Poland were compared. The study showed a clear separation between both associations in terms of species composition and community structure as well as microhabitats they occupy in river valleys. The species composition of the Senecionetum fluviatilis is similar within Europe regardless of sample location. In Poland, Solidago gigantea is the most frequent neophyte among alien species penetrating the association under study. Although S. gigantea does not affect the diversity and total species richness, it does reduce the native species cover; when its coverage is large (>25%), it may in addition reduce the number of native species. This means that S. gigantea has a substitutive relation to native components of the association Senecionetum fluviatilis, particularly with respect to Senecio sarracenicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sword lily Gladiolus palustris Gaudin is protected on European level and listed in Annexes II and IV of the EC Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC. It grows in nutrient-poor, calcareous meadows in central and eastern Europe. Tree encroachment in montane meadows of the European Alps as a result of recent land use changes and the abandonment of traditional farming practices threaten the survival of this species. Conservation-driven mowing is considered a feasible conservation measure for maintaining high species diversity in abandoned semi-natural grasslands. To assess the effects of ten years of biennial mowing on a grassland community in the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, Italy (Site of Community Importance, Natura 2000 network), ten 25 m2 plots were established whereby four plots were placed in the mowed area, four in the non-mowed area and two in a small non-mowed patch of grassland inside the mowed area. In each plot the following variables were recorded, total percentage of plant cover, percentage cover of woody species, percentage cover of herbaceous species, percentage cover and number of flowering ramets of G. palustris and a complete list of species and their percentage abundance. Mowed plots showed a higher species richness than non-mowed plots. The number of G. palustris flowering ramets and percentage cover increased manifold in mowed plots compared to non-mowed plots. The resumption of mowing for conservation purposes undertaken by the managing authority halted the process of tree encroachment and avoided a drastic change in plant composition. Periodic mowing (every second or third year) was demonstrated to be a cost-effective conservation measure in non-productive grasslands to keep grasses at bay in favour of forbs of high conversation value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is focused on phytosociological and ecological peculiarities of the vulnerable species Carlina acanthifolia subsp. utzka in Ukraine and Poland at the northern distribution limit of the species. Based on the analysis of 86 relevés, we recognised three associations within Festuco-Brometea class in which Carlina acanthifolia subsp. utzka occurs. We also revealed an ecological differencies between habitats of the species using Didukh's phytoindication scale. It was concluded that the limited factors of Carlina acanthifolia subsp. utzka distribution are soil humidity, carbonate content and thermal climate. The assessment of ecological amplitude of Carlina acanthifolia subsp. utzka shows that the most vulnerable are the habitats in the Southern Podillia (Ukraine), at the eastern limit of the total range. It has been revised the carbonate content indices for Carlina acanthifolia subsp. utzka species and has been proposed new ecological amplitude according to our results. We propose to restore the C. acanthifolia subsp. utzka habitats using grassland management measures within Emerald and Natura 2000 sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Networks of protected areas are fundamental for biodiversity conservation, but many factors determine their conservation efficiency. In particular, on top of other human-driven disturbances, invasions by non-native species can cause habitat and biodiversity loss. Jointly understanding what drives patterns of plant diversity and of non-native species in protected areas is therefore a priority. We tested whether the richness and composition of native and non-native plant species within a network of protected areas follow similar patterns across spatial scales. Specifically, we addressed three questions: (a) what is the degree of congruence in species richness between native and non-native species? (b) do changes in the composition of non-native species across ecological gradients reflect a similar turnover of native species along the same gradients ? (c) what are the main environmental and human disturbance drivers controlling species richness in these two groups of species? Species richness and composition of native and non-native plant species were compared at two spatial scales: the plot scale (10 m × 10 m) and the Protected Area scale (PA). In addition, we fit Generalized Linear Models to identify the most important drivers of native and non-native species richness at each scale, focusing on environmental conditions (climate, topography) and on the main sources of human disturbance in the area (land use and roads). We found a significant positive correlation between the turnover of native and non-native species composition at both plot and PA scales, whereas their species richness was only correlated at the larger PA scale. The lack of congruence between the richness of native and non-native species at the plot scale was likely driven by differential responses to fine scale environmental factors, with non-natives favoring drier climates and milder slopes (climate and slope). In addition, more non-native species were found closer to road-ways in the reserve network. In contrast, the congruence in the richness of native and non-native species at the broader PA scale was mainly driven by the common influence of PA area, but also by similar responses of the two groups of species to climatic heterogeneity. Thus, our study highlights the strong spatial dependence of the relationship between native and non-native species richness and of their responses to environmental variation. Taken together, our results suggest that within the study region the introduction and establishment of non-native species would be more likely in warmer and dryer areas, with high native species richness at large spatial scale but intermediate levels of anthropogenic disturbances and mild slope inclinations and elevation at fine scale. Such an exhaustive understanding of the factors that influence the spread of non-native species, especially in networks of protected areas is crucial to inform conservation managers on how to control or curb non-native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal ecosystems are among the world's most threatened environments, as they undergo diverse anthropogenic pressures, which trigger habitat alteration along with rarefaction and/or local extinction of native species. In this study, we performed a floristic investigation aimed at assessing the environmental status of two protected sandy areas located on the Tyrrhenian coast of southern Italy, the southern Garigliano estuary area and Castel Volturno Nature Reserve. These localities show similar geomorphological and climatic conditions, but different land uses and management practices. The sampling of the vascular plants was carried out through geo-location of species, to allow their availability to national and international floristic mapping projects. At whole territory and habitat types level, major trends for shared and exclusive species composition were identified through the analysis of life form, chorology percentage spectrum and similarity index. We detected that the total vascular flora is composed by 429 species, and found out that Garigliano is slightly richer in species (317) than Castel Volturno (311). It is important to note that Garigliano and Castel Volturno's richness in plants was considerably significant in comparison with other coastal areas of central and southern Italy. Furthermore, although we pointed out that the studied areas showed a low degree of floristic similarity, the shrubland habitat encompassed the highest number of total species and plants of floristic interest (i.e., Italian endemic, rare in Campania, plants included in CITES convention, Habitat Directive, Regional Law of Campania 40/94, National and Regional Red List) in both areas. Finally, despite a severe alteration due to direct anthropogenic disturbance and large-scale alterations that occurred in the last 60 years, we showed that several species of phytogeographical interest are still found in the studied coastal sandy areas, confirming the great importance of this territory for plant diversity and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very few data are available on the biodiversity hosted by Acer-dominated forests in Europe, despite their importance for biodiversity conservation. In this paper we describe the moth assemblage of the Acer-dominated forest of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Monte Sparviere, southern Italy, where probably the highest diversity of maple species (6) is hosted at national level. We settled up ten monitoring sites, representative of the habitat complexity of the area, where moths were sampled monthly from March to November 2017. We found 371 species of Macroheterocera, among which tree-feeding species (in the larval stage) were particularly abundant and the presumably Acer-feeding Nothocasis rosariae was dominant. Despite a great homogeneity among individual species assemblages (the 26 most abundant species shared by all sites), the quantitative analysis of samples clearly separated pure Acer forests from mixed and Alnus forests, highlighting the importance of quantitative data for improving the use of nocturnal Lepidoptera as bioindicators. The richness of species at their boundary range and of conservation concern, make this area one of the most important for the conservation of Lepidoptera in southern Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Western Europe, the diving beetle Dytiscus latissimus (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) has become rare and went extinct in several countries during the last century. This study investigated whether larval development rate, metabolism and feeding ecology differ between D. latissimus and the congeneric D. lapponicus to explore factors explaining its decline.During instar I and II, D. latissimus larvae developed faster and gained more weight than D. lapponicus larvae. In accordance, D. latissimus larvae had higher oxygen consumption rates than D. lapponicus larvae, which signifies a greater energy expenditure.Food preference tests showed that D. latissimus larvae strongly prefer caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) with early instars being obligatory dependent on caddisfly larvae for their development. Only instar III larvae readily fed on alternative prey items. In contrast, D. lapponicus larvae had a broader diet and even rejected caddisfly larvae.Based on field observations, availability of caddisfly larvae strongly declined before the end of the larval development of D. latissimus, suggesting that time constraints on food availability limit completion of larval development.Our results suggest that food limitation during (early) larval stages is a possible bottle‐neck for this species, potentially explaining its disappearance from former localities. Promoting caddisfly larvae in the vicinity of D. latissimus oviposition sites, may possibly safeguard the present distribution of D. latissimus and support the species recovery. Although more research is needed, promoting leaf litter in shores may be beneficial to the shredding caddisfly larvae and in turn for their predator D. latissimus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shebenik-Jablanice National Park is located in east central Albania which is characterized by one of the most important outcrops of the Mirdita ophiolitic formation. Ophiolites are often serpentinized and rich in metals, and present therefore a specialized flora and vegetation, which has attracted much research, but which is still incompletely known. In this paper we present the main communities of this vegetation, which encompasses subalpine grasslands, scrub and dry grasslands. Six associations are presented as new (Stachyo scardicae-Buxertum sempervirentis, Daphno oleoidi-Ericetum herbaceae, Carici sempervirentis-Seslerietum coerulantis, Carici macrolepidis-Genistetum hassertianae, Alysso bertolonii subsp. scutarinum-Euphorbietum glabriflorae, Sedo serpentini-Festucopsietum serpentini) and a few others are presented without a formal description (Bornmuellera baldaccii community, Astragalus angustifolius community, Viola magellensis scree vegetation). Serpentinicolous dry grassland vegetation of the Shebenik mountains is compared to other communities of serpentines in Italy, Balkans and Greece and a new alliance is described for this community, Festucopsion serpentini (Halacsyetalia sendtneri) vicariant of the Centaureo-Bromion fibrosi which occurs in northern Albania and Kosovo. The alliance is characterized by a set of species which do not occur or are rare further north and by a relatively dry climate with Mediterranean affinity. We also present a thorny cushion vegetation with Astragalus angustifolius, which grows on limestone but is vicariant to the analogous community with Genista hassertiana. Finally, considering the rarity of these communities at continental scale, and their richness of endemic and rare species, we present the description of a new habitat for future inclusion in the Annex I of the Habitat Directive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laurus nobilis L. (Laurel) is considered one of the most emblematic epigones of the late-Tertiary laurophyllous biome, persisting within the Mediterranean vegetation. Describing its present ecology and coenology is crucial to understand its biogeographical history as well as to develop consistent conservation and management practices in the context of the European Habitat Directive. We used recently available vegetation and environmental databases to investigate the coenological amplitude of Laurus in Italy, and to elucidate significant aspects of its persistence in the country. The coenological amplitude was assessed using the clustering method. Ordination techniques and regression trees were used to understand which environmental factors influence, respectively, the occurrence and the abundance of the species and, therefore, characterize its niche. Our results show a wide coenological amplitude of Laurus with respect to other laurophyllous species, growing within a wide range of forest communities. While the occurrence of the species is limited by winter temperature and favored by precipitation seasonality, changes in its abundance show a more refined pattern. In this latter case, two main groups of Laurus populations were differentiated based on water availability. The first group depends on abundant precipitations during the year while the second one buffers the summer aridity with soils rich in nutrients and moisture. Our findings provide crucial knowledge on Laurus habitats in Italy. However, discrepancies between our results and guidelines of the European Habitat Directive arose. The results presented here allow scientifically sound procedures for the regional conservation and management program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Natura 2000 network (N2000) and national protected areas (NPAs) are recognised as the most important core ‘units’ for biological conservation in Europe. 2. Species distribution models (SDMs) were developed to detect the potential distribution of the rare and threatened cerambycid beetle Rosalia alpina L. in Europe, and the amount of suitable habitat within the N2000 network [special areas of conservation (SACs) and special protection areas (SPAs)], NPAs (e.g. national parks, regional parks, state reserves, natural monuments and protected landscapes) and the overall European protected area network (EPAN) (N2000 + NPAs) was quantified. 3. According to this analysis, the suitable habitat for R. alpina in Europe amounts to c. 754 171 km2 and stretches across substantially uninterrupted areas from Portugal to Romania (west to east) and from Greece to Germany (south to north). The overlay between the existing system of conservation areas in Europe (N2000 and NPAs) and the binary map for R. alpina showed that only c. 42% of potential habitat is protected. SACs and SPAs protect c. 25% and 21% of potential habitat, respectively. However, because the two site types often spatially overlap, when taken together the entire N2000 network protects c. 31% of potential habitat. Instead, NPAs offer a degree of protection of c. 29%. Overall, almost 60% of the area potentially suitable for the species is unprotected by the EPAN, an aspect that should be considered carefully when planning the conservation of this beetle at a large scale. 4. These results may also help to focus field surveys in selected areas where greater chances of success are encountered to save resources and increase survey effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species-based conservation legislation needs to be based on sound scientific data and updated taxonomic knowledge. European Union environmental legislation is among the most advanced in the world, yet there is not a clear and regular mechanism to update species' lists of Habitats Directive Annexes according the latest available scientific data. Here we reviewed the situation of the endemic Aeolian lizard Podarcis raffonei and indicate it as a case-study of possible ongoing species extinction into the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot as the result of failure to update lists of EU protected species. We recommend to implement a mechanism of periodical revision of the Annexes of the Habitats Directive with particular attention to endemic EU species included in the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered.

The stag beetle, Lucanus cervus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), is a flagship species for the conservation of European old-growth forests. Despite its popularity and many studies conducted, the lack of knowledge of its habits and ecological requirements leads to difficulties in locating the species in the field and to provide information for suitable planning conservation actions suitable for the species., In order to gather information on dispersal ability and space use, a radio-telemetry study was conducted in a relict floodplain forest surrounded by intensively cultivated land. During 2014 and 2015, from May to July, 55 beetles (34 males, 21 females) were radio-tagged, and 9 of these (7 males, 2 females) were telemetered immediately after the emergence from their development sites, by means of emergence traps., The use of radio-telemetry allowed to detect the oviposition sites and to study the first part of the adult life, when they resulted to be more active. Males were more prone to disperse than females but the home range size did not differ between the sexes. Dividing the season in three intervals, the most active individuals were recorded during the first and the second ones (first and second half of June). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of plant communities for conservation purposes is recognized in their inclusion in the “Habitat Directive” (92/43 EEC), that relates habitat types to plant community syntaxonomic units. However, habitat definitions in the Habitat Directive lead to several inaccuracies in local habitat characterization. Several wetland plant communities (and their corresponding habitats), rare in the Mediterranean basin, are not included in the Habitat Directive. This study proposes criteria for assessing the conservation importance of habitats. It deals with plant community types at the alliance level, as promising units for setting conservation priorities. The principle criteria considered as drivers for setting alliance conservation values are the distribution and abundance of plant species of conservation interest and their fidelity to a plant community. Multivariate methods were used, and a quantitative floristic index of alliance conservation priority was created. This procedure was applied to an important wetland in central Italy. Results emphasize: (i) high conservation values of some alliances not listed in the Habitat Directive, confirming various gaps in the current conservation law affecting Mediterranean wetlands; (ii) that habitats widely distributed in other biogeographical areas, may greatly underestimate their conservation importance in Mediterranean region; (iii) need to consider regional peculiarities when setting conservation priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ThePinus halepensisMill. forest vegetation of the central-eastern European Mediterranean basin (France, Italy, Croatia, Albania, Greece) is described here. This study was carried out considering published and unpublished phytosociological data, with the organisation of a systematic classification (syntaxonomic scheme) of the orderPinetalia halepensisaccording to the principal floristic variations, at multiple spatial scales and according to the physiognomic–structural, floristic, ecological and biogeographical characteristics. Five alliances and 25 associations are recognised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]