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Based on unnoticed photograph of immature adult male Downy Emerald Cordulia aenea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Odonata: Libellulidae) withthree females of the dragonfly biting midge Forcipomyia (Pterobosca) paludis (Macfie, 1936) parasitizing on it in the NationalNature Park “Northern Podillya”, Lviv Region, western Ukraine, the latter species is recorded from Ukraine for the first time The photo was uploaded in the open natural history online database of the Ukrainian Biodiversity Information Network (UkrBIN) andwas later discovered there. This record extends the known range of F. paludis to Eastern Europe. &nbsp

Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl subsp. jamaicense (Crantz) Kük. — Habit: Herb. Habitat: LMWF; up to 2 300 m. Distribution: II. Voucher: Lake Nkunga, Alt. 1 900 m, 8 Aug. 2015, SAJIT 003851 (HIB). References: Hoensellaar et al. (2010), Agnew (2013)., Published as part of Zhou, Ya-Dong, Mwachala, Geoffrey, Hu, Guang-Wan & Wang, Qing-Feng, 2022, Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Mount Kenya, East Africa, pp. 1-108 in Phytotaxa 546 (1) on page 32, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.546.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6550464, {"references":["Hoensellaar, K., Verdcourt, B. & Beentje, H. J. (2010) Cyperaceae. In: Beentje, H. J. (Ed.) Flora of Tropical East Africa. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, 466 pp.","Agnew, A. D. Q. (2013) Upland Kenya wild flowers and ferns, 3 rd edn. Nature Kenya Publications, Nairobi, 733 pp."]}

Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl (Cyperaceae) is a rare species in Europe considered by several authors to be a relict of the early Holocene period. It is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, Annexes of the Habitat Directive and the Bern Convention. Communities with domination of this species are included in the Green Data Book of Ukraine. Substantial differences in major ecological factors for Cladium mariscus communities in the western (carbonate bogs) and the southern (marshes and floating swamps of the northern Black Sea) regions of Ukraine were shown. The author carried out comparisons of relevés characterizing different communities with Cladium mariscus within Europe. Based on the results of TWINSPAN analysis, four associations were identified, confirmed by floristic indices and ecological data: Cladietum marisci Allorge 1921, Soncho maritimi-Cladietum marisci (Br.-Bl. & O. de Bolòs 1957) Cirujano 1980, Dorycnio recti-Cladietum marisci Gradstein & Smittenberg 1977 and Junco maritimi-Cladietum marisci (Br.-Bl. & O. de Bolòs 1957) Géhu & Biondi 1988. Thus, in addition to the association Cladietum marisci, a new one was indicated for Ukraine, Junco maritimi-Cladietum marisci.

Lammefjorden is a reclaimed fjord in north-west Sjælland, Denmark. Sediment cores from the area were collected to study its development after the last deglaciation, in particular the sea-level history. Late glacial and Early Holocene lake and bog deposits occur below marine deposits. Sparse late glacial fossil assemblages indicate tree-less environments with dwarf-shrub heaths. Early Holocene deposits contain remains of Betula sec. Albae sp. and Pinus sylvestris, which indicate open forests. The wetland flora comprised the calciphilous reed plant Cladium mariscus and the water plant Najas marina. Marine gyttja from basins is characterised by sparse benthic faunas, probably due to high sedimentation rates. In some areas, shell-rich deposits were found, with large shells of Ostrea edulis, indicative of high summer temperatures, high salinity and strong tidal currents. A marine shell dated to 6.7 cal. ka provides a minimum age for the marine transgression of Lammefjorden.

Vereda is the wetland type of the Cerrado, often associated with the buriti palm Mauritia flexuosa. However, in Mato Grosso do Sul veredas may occur without M. flexuosa, generating legal misinterpretation and environmental damages, such as drainage for agriculture. As a case study, we inventoried the flora of natural and drained veredas of the Prata River, pointing out key-species for identification of veredas without M. flexuosa, providing subsidies for their characterization. We recorded 157 species (44 families), most being wet grassland plants and some aquatic macrophytes, 96 species being typical of the flora of veredas, plus woody and weedy species of drained ground. The macrophytes Chara rusbyana, Echinodorus grisebachii, Leptostelma tweediei, Ludwigia major, Nymphaea gardneriana, Piper fuligineum, Sinningia elatior and Utricularia lloydii are from the original flora of undisturbed vereda, the first being a macroalga typical of alkaline swamps. The sawgrass Cladium mariscus subsp. jamaicense occurs on organic soil, associated with filiform tussock grasses and sedges typical of veredas, characteristic in these wetlands, such as Andropogon glaziovii, Anthaenantia lanata, Axonopus comans, Saccharum villosum, Setaria paucifolia, Scleria composita and Rhynchospora albiceps. Our report adds to the scarce knowledge on these wetlands since we found two paludicolous orchids, Cyrtopodium hatschbachii (rare, endangered on the Brazilian redlist) and Bletia catenulata, plus the recent new species Cyperus valiae (Cyperaceae), a sedge endemic to this type of vereda. We present diagnostic indicator species of veredas without M. flexuosa (e.g. Echinodorus grisebachii, Chara rusbyana, Ludwigia sericea, L. major, Lessingianthus bardanoides etc.). As another novelty, we highlight plants indicating drained wetland. Our findings already support an improved law to preserve Cerrado wetlands.

In our endeavor to identify salt-tolerant plants with potential veterinary uses in ruminants’ production strategies, we focused on Cladium mariscus L. Pohl (sawgrass), due to its high total phenolic and tannin content, anti-radical properties, and ethnomedicinal uses. Aerial parts were collected along the year in Southern Portugal and evaluated for the nutritional profile and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), aiming for its use as feed. Acetone extracts were appraised for total contents in phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and tannins (CTC), as well as the chemical composition by HPLC-DAD and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, targeting its exploitation as phytotherapeutic products. Sawgrass biomass has a limited nutritive value, due to its high neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 596–690 g kg−1 dry matter (DM)) and acid detergent fiber (ADF, 330–418 g kg−1 DM) contents, low crude protein (51.8–87.3 g kg−1 DM) and IVOMD (172–317 g kg−1 organic matter (OM)). Despite differences among seasons, the mineral profile was adequate. The extracts were rich in TPC (88–112 mg g−1), CTC (115–169 mg g−1), and TFC (18.5–20.2 mg g−1), and displayed significant antioxidant capacity, particularly in summer and autumn, whilst no seasonal influence was detected for anti-inflammatory properties (30% reduction of nitric oxide production). Eleven phenolics were quantified: chlorogenic, ferulic, and syringic acids were the most abundant, especially in the autumn sample. Overall, despite the low nutritional interest, sawgrass extracts hold the potential as a source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds.

Within the multidisciplinary WASA project, 160 cores up to 5 m long have been obtained from the back-barrier area and off the coast of the East Frisian island of Norderney. Thirty-seven contained basal peats on top of Pleistocene sands of the formerGeestand 10 of them also had intercalated peats. Based on 100 acclerator mass spectrometry (AMS)14C dates and analyses of botanical as well as zoological remains from the peats, lagoonal sediments and the underlying sands, a variety of distinct habitats have been reconstructed. On the relatively steep slopes north of the present island, a swampy vegetation fringe several kilometres wide with carrs of alder (Alnus glutinosa) moved in front of the rising sea upwards of theGeestas it existed then until roughly 6 ka, when the sea level reached the current back-barrier region of Norderney at around −6 m NHN (German ordnance datum). From then on for nearly 4000 years a changing landscape with a mosaic of freshwater lakes and fens existed within this area. It was characterised by various stands ofCladium mariscus(fen sedge), alternating with brackish reed beds withPhragmites australis(common reed) and salt meadows withAster tripolium(sea aster),Triglochin maritima(sea arrowgrass),Juncus gerardii(saltmarsh rush) as well as mudflats withSalicornia europaea(common glasswort). As far as shown by our cores, this highly diverse, and for humans potentially attractive landscape was at least some 4 km wide and followed the coast for about 10 km. Before the rising sea caused diversification of habitats, wet heath as well as dry and dusty sand areas existed. In the course of time, parts of the wet heath turned into raisedSphagnumbogs under an oceanic precipitation regime before this diverse landscape was drowned by the rising sea and finally covered by marine sediments, while the earlier sediments and peats were partly eroded and redeposited.

Miguel-Ruano, M., Sanchez-Carrillo, S. 2020. The decline of aquatic vegetation in wetlands in response to the environmental degradation: the case of the cut-sedge (Cladium mariscus) in Las Tablas de Daimiel and its potential restoration. Ecosistemas 29(3):1963. https://doi.org/10.7818/ECOS.1963 Wetlands disappear at the rate that their biodiversity does. This study evaluates the causes of the serious decline that the cut-sedge (Cladium mariscus) experienced in Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park (PNTD) wetland, where the population has decreased from 1,100 ha in 1956 to 10 ha in 2019. To do this, we have carried out a comparative study in the La Mancha Humeda Biosphere Reserve, using the PNTD's cut-sedge population and the populations of other wetlands where this macrophyte is not in decline (Laguna del Masegar and Lagunas de Ruidera), which were grown in controlled conditions in the laboratory and later transplanted in PNTD wetland. Differences in C and N content, survival and growth rates, and seed viability and germination capacity indicated that the decline in the PNTD cut-sedge population is related to the hydrological degradation of the wetland, which has caused (i) population aging due to long-term use of clonal reproduction, (ii) a very low colonization of environmental-favorable habitats within the wetland due to a limited dispersion of generative propagules by hydrochory and (iii) a genetic isolation of the population due to the lack of hydrological connection with the other wetlands in the Upper Guadiana river basin. Restoration measures must be immediate, to recover stands in key areas of the wetland with specimens from nurseries and in the medium and long-term to promote the expansion of the cut-sedge to other areas of the wetland ecosystem.

Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich. is an endangered orchid species which occurs in wetland habitats. For successful conservation of this orchid it is necessary to recognize its adaptive traits and special habitat requirements. Therefore, we examined morphological and anatomical traits in relation to the water level, cover of vascular plants and seed viability of L. loeselii in habitats with different water level fluctuations. Field studies of L. loeselii were carried out in nine localities and four habitat types: alkaline fen, calcareous fen with Cladium mariscus, transition mire and quaking bog. The fluctuations of seasonal water level were defined in the range from dry substrate to short time flooding (up to two weeks). Leaf length and width of 30 flowering specimens of L. loeselii as well as angle between the leaf blade and the axis of the inflorescence were measured at each locality. Seed viability and root anatomy were examined in the laboratory. The leaf angle was significantly affected (P < 0.05) by water level in the studied habitat. The leaf length to width ratio in each population of L. loeselii did not show significant differences between the years, but was characteristic for the habitat type. L. loeselii sensitivity to the long-term flooding in the habitat is associated with a lack of aerenchyma in its roots. During short-term flooding specimens of L. loeselii can survive due to a shallow root system and hyponastic leaf movements. As evidenced by seed viability, the most favourable growth conditions for L. loeselii are in the habitats with partially water saturated substrate with balanced water supply.

Here, for the first time in SE Poland, we document the long-term development of a rich fen and assess its sensitivity to climate change and human impacts over the last ca. 3500 years. Our results are based on a high-resolution, continuous plant macrofossil remains, mollusc and pollen record, complemented by geochemical, mineral magnetic and physical characterisation, and radiocarbon dating from Bagno Serebryskie rich fen located in SE Poland. Based on the palaeoecological data we distinguished five stages of wet habitat conditions: 5000–3300, 2800–2150, 1600–1100, 750–230, 150–10 cal yr BP and five dry periods at ca. 3300–2800, 2150–1600, 1100–750, 230–150, 10 to − 64 cal yr BP. The pollen and geochemistry records, particularly Pb, show that the first human activity in the study area occurred ca. 3200 cal yr BP and increased markedly from 500 cal yr BP affecting local plant development including the population size of Cladium mariscus. Our study has shown that despite human impact (drainage, fire), Bagno Serebryskie peatland has hosted rare, presently protected species, such as Cladium mariscus for hundreds of years. We conclude that, in common with ombrotrophic bogs, rich fen ecosystems can provide a reliable source of palaeoclimatic and palaeohydrological data. Our study also shows that a large peatland (376 ha) can be as sensitive a palaeohydrological archive as smaller mires.

The Massaciuccoli Lake (northern Tuscany, Italy) Natura 2000 habitat map (1:10,000) was compiled from photo-interpretation and recent phytosociological studies, integrated by field surveys of the vegetation units. Conventional geographical information system procedures were used to select and manage spatial information. The following attributes were assigned to each map polygon: (i) vegetation type, (ii) habitat typology and (iii) percentage cover of the habitat type. Habitat types covering polygons smaller than 50 m2 were treated as points. A total of nine Natura 2000 habitat types were identified and mapped; they cover almost 20% of the study area. The results show that of all sites on the Italian peninsula, Lake Massaciuccoli Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus covers the largest surface area and is crucial for the national conservation of this habitat type. It is also of priority importance in Europe.

The purpose of this work was to conduct plant monitoring in the vicinity of Lake Kravtsovo within the framework of preserving animal and plant world biodiversity. Lake-swamp Kravtsovo - a unique object of the Stavropol upland, here you can study the diversity of almost half of the entire flora and fauna of Stavropol Territory. 139 species of vascular plants were registered in the studied territory, among which 11 are subject to protection – Paeonia tenuifolia L., Cladium mariscus (L.) Ponl, Iris notha M. Bieb., I. halophila Pall., Adonis vernalis L., Calamagrostis canescens (Weber) Roth, Utricularia vulgaris L., Carex panicea L., C. ericetorum Pollich, Lythrum thesioides Bieb, Thelypteris palustris Schott. In the structure of the coenosis, the most part is occupied by forbs – 67 %, then cereals – 27 %, legumes in a smaller amount – 6 %. The composition and structure of the community are changed in some way by grazing of farm animals, land plowing and afforestation (a characteristic increase in the proportion of shrubs and trees). The initial stage of pasture degression and the associated increase in the role of associated grazing species (poisonous, prickly, poorly eaten and weedy) are observed. The horizontal structure of the vegetation cover is also heterogeneous.

We present the paleoecological development of a rich fen located in the dune area on the SE Baltic coast, during the last 7500 years. The Apsuciems Mire hosts rare and endangered plant communities in Europe, such as Schoenus ferrugineus and Cladium mariscus. Analysis at high-resolution of plant macroremains in two peat cores was carried out to reconstruct local vegetation succession and fluctuations in moisture availability on the peatland, while a pollen record was developed to reconstruct plant succession, moisture variability and human activity at the regional scale. Based on the presence or the absence of macroremains of plants that occur in wet habitat e.g. Cladium mariscus, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Alisma plantago-aquatica and Botrycoccocus we distinguished four wet periods ca. 6000, 2000, 1750–1550, 1200–150 cal yr. BP and four dry periods (ca. 7000, 4600–4200, 1800–1750, 1550–1200 cal yr. BP) in the peatland’s development. A water level increase at 1200 cal yr. BP triggered the development of plant communities containing Chara sp., Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, then Cladium mariscus. Our study shows a link between climate change at the regional scale and vegetation development in Apsuciems Mire. We showed that changes in vegetation structure during last 150 years was caused by drainage and human activity.

Data on two vascular plant species new to Russian flora and other 32 notable regional records made in seven regions of European Russia (Vologda Region, Kostroma Region, Leningrad Region, Pskov Region, Yaroslavl Region, Saint-Petersburg and Udmurt Republic) are given. The presented material is derived from the floristic inventories conducted in 2006-2017, and critical study of the available herbarium. Euphrasia micrantha Rchb. and Senecio inaequidens DC. are reported as new to Russia, the first species as native and the secong one as alien. Bupleurum falcatum L. is reported as a new alien species for the flora of NW European Russia. Bidens frondosa L. is new for the Pskov Region. Cardamine flexuosa With. is reported for the Yaroslavl Region for the first time. Eight taxa are reported as new to the Kostroma Region, five of them (Alnus x hybrida R. Br. ex Rchb., Carex bohemica Schreb., Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl, Sedum maximum (L.) Hoffm. and Urtica galeopsifolia Wierzb. ex Opiz) considered native, and three others (Collomia linearis Nutt., Gypsophila elegans Bieb. and Silene armeria L.) as alien. Dryopteris x uliginosa (A. Br. ex Doll) Kuntze ex Druce is a new hybrid for the Kostroma Region, Leningrad Region and Udmurt Republic. In addition, 20 species with lacking regional records are reported to. The data presented points to a continuing spreading of alien plants across European Russia. On the other hand, the native flora of some regions is still poorly investigated.

Este trabajo presenta los cambios en la extensión de las superficies ocupadas por las praderas sumergidas de carófitos y por las formaciones emergentes de masiega en el humedal del Parque Nacional Las Tablas de Daimiel (Ciudad Real, España). Se estudian las dinámicas de ocupación desde los años cincuenta hasta la actualidad, y se relacionan con las perturbaciones más relevantes como sequía, incendios y contaminación. Se destaca el papel de estos dos componentes del ecosistema acuático como indicadores de la calidad ambiental de esta zona húmeda continental.

Pivovaroff, A.L.; Swift, C.; Battaglia, L.L.; Kunz, B.; Platt, W.J., and Yoder, C.L., 2015. Physiological profiles as indicators of response to hurricane disturbance for three coastal wetland species. Hurricanes alter light and water availability via canopy damage and storm surge delivery and are expected to intensify with climate change. Plant species respond to environmental changes by making physiological adjustments in situ or through distribution changes. Three years after Hurricane Katrina, we compared functional traits and water relations among three species along the coenocline at Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Fairhope, Alabama, U.S.A. Based on posthurricane distribution changes for these species, we hypothesized that (1) Cladium mariscus, whose distribution expanded slightly, is responsive to increased light availability in the disturbed forest at the landward end but is strongly limited by water stress at its seaward edge; (2) Baccharis halimifolia, whose distribution s...

This work analyses surface variations on charophyte meadows and cut-sedge beds in Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park (Ciudad Real, Spain) from the 1950s to the present, and its relationship with the changes that have occurred in the wetland meanwhile (e.g. droughts, fires, pollution episodes). Therefore, the role of these two parameters as environmental indicators at this continental wetland has been assessed. Este trabajo presenta los cambios en la extensión de las superficies ocupadas por las praderas sumergidas de carófitos y por las formaciones emergentes de masiega en el humedal del Parque Nacional Las Tablas de Daimiel (Ciudad Real, España). Se estudian las dinámicas de ocupación desde los años cincuenta hasta la actualidad, y se relacionan con las perturbaciones más relevantes como sequía, incendios y contaminación. Se destaca el papel de estos dos componentes del ecosistema acuático como indicadores de la calidad ambiental de esta zona húmeda continental.

Background and purpose: For a fairly long period, Velika plaža in Ulcinj, Montenegro has been considered to be one of the best-preserved sites with psammophilous vegetation along the Adriatic coast. In recent years, however, this area has been significantly transformed as a result of various human disturbances (e.g., a non-sustainable approach to touristic development, illegal dumping, sand exploitation etc.), and has become prone to alien plant invasions. We made a transect survey to assess the presence of alien species in the psammophilous communities.Materials and methods: In order to make a survey of the present state of plant life on Velika plaža, its floristic composition and zonation of plant communities, 20 transects were set perpendicular to the coast, regularly every 500 m. Quadrats (2 x 2 m) were laid contiguously in the form of a belt transect starting from the area with the first colonizing plants towards the end of the sand dune system with forest vegetation. This resulted in a matrix of 1124 plots and 196 species (15 alien and 181 native), on which multivariate analysis was performed.Results: Nine plant communities were detected, arranged in zonation from sea to inland. All of them were characterised by the presence of alien species. The least affected was the plant community dominated by Cladium mariscus, while the most affected ones were dominated by Scirpoides holoschoenus and Tripidium ravennae. Psammophilous vegetation is less affected by alien species than wetland communities. Foredunes are dominated by Xanthium orientale ssp. italicum, while Oenothera species are predominant on stable dunes.Conclusions: Sand dunes are a highly invaded ecosystem, with changed plant communities, so conservation measures should be considered.

The ovule and ovary development was investigated with the aim to establish from what is the scleroid cover of the Cladium mariscus fruit derived. It was proved, that like in other members of the Cyperaceae family, it derives from the ovary.

Extremophile plants, halophytes in particular, still remain largely unexplored and underutilized despite their high potential as source of industrial raw materials like natural antioxidants in industries related to pharmaceutical, cosmetics and functional ingredients. The goal of this study was to explore the phenolic content and the in vitro antioxidant and tyrosine inhibition properties of polyphenol-rich extracts of twenty-one extremophile plant species collected in saline habitats of the South of Portugal (Algarve). Aqueous acetone extracts of Lithrum salicaria , Cladium mariscus , Frankenia laevis , F. pulverulenta, Limoniastrum monopetalum , Aster tripolium and Typha domigensis had remarkable levels of total phenolics (≥230 mg GAE/g DW); Halopeplis amplexicaulis , Cladium mariscus , F. pulverulenta and Salsola vermiculata contained high levels of flavonoids (≥10 mg RE/g DW); tannins peaked in T. domingensis and C. mariscus (≥35 mg CE/g DW) and L. salicaria and A. tripolium had the upmost hydrocinamic acids content (≥60 mg CAE/g DW). Overall L. salicaria had the highest antioxidant activity and only P. lentiscus had the capacity to inhibit tyrosinase. As the most bioactive extracts were not cytotoxic towards mammalian cell lines, our results suggest that several halophytes present in Southern Portugal could be used in the food and/or cosmetic industries.

Synthetic wastewaters simulating physically pre-treated low-loaded winery effluents were treated for four months with five pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) using different plants. Species under study were Phragmites australis (HSSF-CW2), Lythrum salicaria (HSSF-CW3), Cladium mariscus (HSSF-CW4), and Iris pseudacorus (HSSF-CW5). The designation HSSF-CW1 was not planted, and was used as a control. The mean dissolved oxygen and oxidation – reduction potential values in all HSSF-CWs indicated anaerobic conditions in the bulk liquid. High pollutant-removal efficiencies were obtained. Apparently, the species with higher growth (Phragmites, Lythrum, and particularly Iris) improved total nitrogen (TN) and nitrogen as ammonium (N-NH4+) removals, but adversely affected sulphate (SO42−) anaerobic reduction. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies were high, although there were no clear indications how the kinds of plants might have influenced this parameter. A statistical analysis of variance indicated that only N-NH4+ removal efficiencies were statistically different owing to the influence of the different plants. In a second 6 month experimental period, polyphenols (13 mg L−1) were added to the synthetic wastewater to study possible inhibition effects. The addition of polyphenols did not seem to cause inhibition effects on COD, TN, and N-NH4+ removals, but clearly negatively affected SO42− removal. A new two-way analysis of variance confirmed that only SO42− removal was negatively affected by polyphenols, while the effects of the different plants were only significant for N-NH4+ removal. Polyphenols were nearly completely removed. First order rate constants obtained for COD, TN, SO42−, and polyphenol removals were similar to those reported by other authors.

Many wetland communities are fire prone or fire dependent, especially those dominated by forbs and grasses. Despite our considerable knowledge about fire effects on wildlife in uplands, there is a relative paucity of information about effects of fire in wetland systems. Long-legged wading birds (herons, egrets, ibises, storks, spoonbills; order Ciconiiformes) may benefit from fire through the exposure of prey after vegetation removal, or through a trophic response of prey to increased availability of nutrients and increased light. We conducted aerial surveys of foraging wading birds in prescribed burns and adjacent unburned areas in the central Everglades, Florida, USA, to determine if wading birds select for burned habitats. We measured aquatic prey density in burned and unburned sawgrass (Cladium mariscus [L.] Pohl ssp. jamaicense [Crantz] Kuk), and densities of prey injured or killed in the fires. We also observed foraging great egrets (Ardea alba L.) in and adjacent to prescribed burns to determine whether foraging success (i.e., capture efficiency and capture rate) differed between burned and unburned areas. Great egrets and white ibises (Eudocimus albus L.) selected for burns and areas of deeper water adjacent to burned areas, and avoided dense, tall, unburned vegetation. Measured densities of prey killed by the fire were very low. Live aquatic prey densities did not differ between burned and unburned sawgrass. Great egrets had higher capture rates in sloughs adjacent to burns than in burned areas, but were more efficient at capturing prey in burned areas than in adjacent sloughs. Prescribed fires created short-term shallow water habitats (burned areas) with limited submerged and emergent vegetation, making prey in burns more vulnerable despite lower densities (availability) compared to adjacent sloughs. This research suggests that prescribed fire in grass-dominated wetlands may attract predators like wading birds primarily because removal of vegetation makes prey easier to capture.

Ecotones are areas of sharp environmental gradients between two or more homogeneous vegetation types. They are a dynamic aspect of all landscapes and are also responsive to climate change. Shifts in the position of an ecotone across a landscape can be an indication of a changing environment. In the coastal Everglades of Florida, USA, a dominant ecotone type is that of mangrove forest and marsh. However, there is a variety of plants that can form the marsh component, including sawgrass (Cladium mariscus [L.] Pohl), needlegrass rush (Juncus roemerianus Scheele), and spikerush (Eleocharis spp.). Environmental factors including water depth, soil type, and occurrence of fires vary across these ecotones, influencing their dynamics. Altered freshwater inflows from upstream and increasing sea level over the past 100 years may have also had an impact. We analyzed a time series of historical aerial photographs for a number of sites in the coastal Everglades and measured change in position of mangrove-marsh ecotones. For three sites, detailed maps were produced and the area of marsh, mangrove, and other habitats was determined for five periods spanning the years 1928 to 2004. Contrary to our initial hypothesis on fire, we found that fire did not prevent mangrove expansion into marsh areas but may in fact assist mangroves to invade some marsh habitats, especially sawgrass. Disparate patterns in mangrove-marsh change were measured at two downstream sites, both of which had multiple fires over from 1948 to 2004. No change in mangrove or marsh area was measured at one site. Mangrove area increased and marsh area decreased at the second of these fire-impacted sites. We measured a significant increase in mangrove area and a decline in marsh area at an upstream site that had little occurrence of fire. At this site, water levels have increased significantly as sea level has risen, and this has probably been a factor in the mangrove expansion.

The history of the occurrence of Cladium mariscus (Cyperaceae) in NE Poland at the north-eastern limit of its distribution in Europe is discussed. The decline of the species may be related to gradual oligotrophication of its habitats, caused by the isolation of calcareous deposits and the decline of calcium carbonate in the substratum. The presence of C. mariscus in Kojle and Perty, lakes in NE Poland, is related to the occurrence of calcareous sediments, which may compensate for the lack of sufficient warmth. The occurrence of calcium carbonate in the substratum allows for the growth of C. mariscus in areas that are influenced significantly by a continental climate. The abundance of Ca2+ cations in the substratum compensates for that climatic factor.

Bipolaris salkadehensis sp. nov., isolated from the leaves of Sparganium erectum (Thyphaceae) and Cladium mariscus (Cyperaceae) collected in Iran, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by straight to slightly curved subcylindrical to fusoid conidia with end cells demarcated by thick dark septa and with monopolar and bipolar germination. Morphological data and ITS+5.8S rDNA sequence analyses support B. salkadehensis as a distinct species of Bipolaris .

Summary Recent fieldwork and additional herbarium research on some critical Cyperaceae from Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) revealed some interesting facts. Previous claims for the supposedly native species Cladium mariscus and Cyperus michelianus are, at least in part, erroneous and ascribable respectively to the non-native species C. jamaicense and C. pygmaeus. Kyllinga brevifolia is cited for the first time from Gran Canaria as a locally established turf weed. Finally, the identity of Fimbristylis ferruginea in Gran Canaria is thoroughly discussed.

We studied the phytosociology of plant communities with Schoenus nigricans , a character species of the alliance Caricion davallianae, in western Slovenia. Most of our releves are classified into the new association Astrantio carniolicae-Schoenetum nigricantis, whose stands grow on moist rocks and in the headwater section of springs and small brooks in dolomite wooded areas, especially in the Cerkno region, in the basin of the Idrijca river. Its character species and (geographical) differential species are Schoenus nigricans , Molinia arundinacea , Astrantia carniolica , Palustriella commutata , Carex flacca, Valeriana saxatilis, Salix glabra, Erica carnea and Primula carniolica . In addition to the typical form (subassociation - typicum ) we described also the subassociation with predominating Cladium mariscus ( - cladietosum marisci ). The studied dolomite headwaters are a Natura 2000 habitat type and the sites of several vulnerable and protected species. Their role as a biotope is therefore significant and requires adequate protection. Key words : phytosociology, synsystematics, dolomite springs, Schoenus nigricans , Cladium mariscus , Primula carniolica , Caricion davallianae , Natura 2000, Slovenia Fitocenolosko smo preucili rastlinske združbe zahodne Slovenije, v katerih uspeva vrsta Schoenus nigricans , znacilnica zveze Caricion davallianae . Vecino nasih popisov uvrscamo v novo asociacijo Astrantio carniolicae-Schoenetum nigricantis , katere sestoji porascajo vlažno skalovje in povirja studencev in majhnih potokov v dolomitnih gozdnatih obmocjih predvsem na Cerkljanskem, v povodju Idrijce. Njene znacilnice in (geografske) razlikovalnice so vrste Schoenus nigricans , Molinia arundinacea , Astrantia carniolica , Palustriella commutata , Carex flacca, Valeriana saxatilis, Salix glabra, Erica carnea in Primula carniolica . Poleg tipicne oblike (subasociacija - typicum ) smo opisali tudi subasociacijo s prevladujoco vrsto Cladium mariscus ( - cladietosum marisci ). Preucena dolomitna povirja sodijo med varstveno pomembne habitatne tipe v evropskem merilu (Natura 2000). So rastisca z vec ranljivimi in zavarovanimi vrstami, zato imajo velik biotopski pomen in potrebujejo ustrezno varovanje. Kljucne besede : fitocenologija, sinsistematika, dolomitno povirje, Schoenus nigricans , Cladium mariscus , Primula carniolica , Caricion davallianae , Natura 2000, Slovenija

Synthetic wastewaters simulating physically pre-treated low-loaded winery effluents were treated for four months with five pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) using different plants. Species under study were Phragmites australis (HSSF-CW2), Lythrum salicaria (HSSF-CW3), Cladium mariscus (HSSF-CW4), and Iris pseudacorus (HSSF-CW5). The designation HSSF-CW1 was not planted, and was used as a control. The mean dissolved oxygen and oxidation–reduction potential values in all HSSF-CWs indicated anaerobic conditions in the bulk liquid. High pollutant-removal efficiencies were obtained. Apparently, the species with higher growth (Phragmites, Lythrum, and particularly Iris) improved total nitrogen (TN) and nitrogen as ammonium (N-NH4+) removals, but adversely affected sulphate (SO42–) anaerobic reduction. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies were high, although there were no clear indications how the kinds of plants might have influenced this parameter. A statistical analysis of variance indicated that only N-NH4+ removal efficiencies were statistically different owing to the influence of the different plants. In a second 6 month experimental period, polyphenols (13 mg L–1) were added to the synthetic wastewater to study possible inhibition effects. The addition of polyphenols did not seem to cause inhibition effects on COD, TN, and N-NH4+ removals, but clearly negatively affected SO42– removal. A new two-way analysis of variance confirmed that only SO42– removal was negatively affected by polyphenols, while the effects of the different plants were only significant for N-NH4+ removal. Polyphenols were nearly completely removed. First order rate constants obtained for COD, TN, SO42–, and polyphenol removals were similar to those reported by other authors.

[EN]: Monitoring bird populations is essential for the proper management of natural areas, since birds serve as indicator species to assess the conservation status of ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to estimate population sizes using methods of the highest possible accuracy and reliability. In this study, the populations of three marsh-dwelling passerines were sampled in the Tablas de Daimiel National Park (central Spain) during the breeding season, using a double independent observer technique. Data analysis was performed using a hierarchical Bayesian model with covariates that can simultaneously determine the population size and detectability, as well as factors that significantly affect both parameters. The presence of the two most threatened species, the reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus witherbyi and the moustached warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon, was significantly and positively related to the coverage of fen sedge Cladium mariscus, an indicator species for waters of high quality and low fluctuation in depth. The bearded parrotbill Panurus biarmicus was the most generalist species with no positive association with any of the studied variables. The moustached warbler was more readily detectable until the beginning of May and early in the morning. [ES]: El seguimiento y evaluación de las poblaciones de aves constituye una herramienta fundamental para la adecuada gestión de espacios naturales, dado su carácter indicativo del estado de conservación de los ecosistemas. Por ello, resulta importante aplicar métodos que permitan la mayor precisión y fiabilidad para obtener tamaños de población. En este trabajo se muestreó la población de tres paseriformes palustres en el Parque Nacional de Las Tablas de Daimiel (centro de España) en época reproductora, a través de la técnica de doble observador independiente. Para el tratamiento de los datos se utilizó un modelo jerárquico bayesiano con covariables que permite determinar simultáneamente el tamaño poblacional y la detectabilidad, así como los factores que afectan significativamente a ambos parámetros. La presencia de las dos especies más amenazadas, el escribano palustre iberoriental Emberiza schoeniclus witherbyi y el carricerín real Acrocephalus melanopogon estuvo relacionada significativa y positivamente con el grado de cobertura de masiega Cladium mariscus, especie indicadora de una elevada calidad del agua y un régimen hídrico relativamente poco fluctuante. El bigotudo Panurus biarmicusresultó el más generalista y no seleccionó significativamente ninguna de las variables estudiadas. El carricerín real resultó más fácilmente detectable hasta primeros de mayo y a primera hora de la mañana. To Laura Phillips, Tammy Wilson, Fagan Johnson (USNPS) and Bill Thompson (USFWS) for their help with data from original R+BUGS code.

The effects of aquatic macrophyte (willows and sawgrass) removal on flow velocity, tufa deposition, POM dynamics, and macroinvertebrate community structure were studied in the tufa barrier habitats of the barrage system of Plitvice Lakes, Croatia. Samples were collected from two hydraulic habitats (fast < 100 cm s^-1 and slow < 100 cm s^-1) at both a control (no macrophytes removed) and impact (macrophytes removed) site. Samples were collected with a core sampler (four layers in vertical profile of barrier bed) monthly on 6 dates before and 7 dates after the removal of macrophytes. Macrophytes were removed in May 2002 at the impact site. After the macrophyte removal flow velocity decreased significantly at both hydraulic habitats. Retarded flow resulted in: (a) a decrease in macroinvertebrate density and diversity since most of the taxa were rheophilic (preferring habitats with higher flow velocity) and (b) an increase in POM concentrations (FPOM and UPOM) since decreases in flow velocity facilitate particle deposition in lotic habitats. The effects of macrophyte removal were present, and diminish along the vertical sediment profile of the barrier bed. Tufa deposition was not influenced by the macrophyte removal.

To assess whether winter mowing in wetlands fulfils the aim of preventing succession towards drier communities, 34 permanent quadrats (15 m2) were surveyed annually from 1984–1985 to 2000 within large mown and unmown (control) areas (several ha) in a calcareous lake shore fen (W Switzerland). Three trends were noticed: decrease of aquatic species, spread of Cladium mariscus and establishment of woody species (especially Alnus glutinosa and Frangula alnus). None of these trends was prevented by mowing, but mowing did prevent the accumulation of C. mariscus litter and kept woody saplings small. Succession was generally slow and often occurred in the form of sudden, discrete changes. Plant species richness increased with mowing and remained constant without mowing. Soil disturbance by the mowing machine contributed more to the effects of management on species composition than the periodic removal of biomass. It is concluded that mowing every three years in winter is insufficient to preserve semi-aqu...

The present study focuses on the processes taking place in the peatigenic layer (acrotelma), in order to trace the alteration of physical, chemical and petrographical features of the organic sediments in connection with the peat-forming factors. The ulterior aim is to propose a model for interpreting the coal-forming palaeoenvorinmental conditions. Finally, the mobility of the toxic trace elements is evaluated, in case of peat utilization for power generation in the future. Cores from the peatlands of Philippi (Prefecture of Kavala) and Nissi (Prefecture of Pella) in Northern Greece and of Keri (Zakynthos Island) in Southern Greece, were examined. The objective was to determine the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the organogenic sediments hosted in the peatlands and additionally, of the peat-forming plants that grow on the surface of the Nissi and Keri mires. A series of laboratory examinations were performed on the collected samples, including proximate and ultimate analyses, mineralogical determinations by applying X-ray diffraction and SEM, inorganic geochemical analyses using XRF, ICP-OES and ICP-MS, organic geochemical analyses using 13C CP/MAS NMR, FTIR and py-GC/MS techniques and organic petrographical examinations on intact samples. Regarding the mineralogical determinations a method for full quantification of the mineral phases has been developed taking into account the pattern of the organic phases. Additionally the application of X-ray diffraction in oxidized peat residues has been evaluated. The Philippi and Nissi peatlands comprise similar peat-forming environments, since: (a) both developed in intermontane basins, the subsidence of which is controlled mainly by the tectonic activity, (b) Cyperaceae, mainly Cladium mariscus and various Carex spp., constitutes the main peat-forming plants, (c) whereas both are affected by karstic waters. They are fens for most of the peat accumulation period. On the contrary, in Keri the peat accumulation developed in a coastal environment due to paludification controlled both by the tectonic activity and the eustatic sea level changes, and the environment is characterized as a brackish mire, where additionally Scirpus maritimus και Juncus maritimus thrive. Taking in consideration the peat-forming features in the three studied peatlands the coal facies indices were modified in order to reflect more precisely the syngenetic processes in the acrotelma. Additionally a model is provided that describes both qualitatively and quantitatively the characteristics of the organogenic sediments deposited in the telmatic and the limnotelmatic fields. Furthermore, the coalification pathways of the studied sediments are interpreted, in order to obtain diagnostic parameters that can be applied to coal palaeoenvironmental studies.

In two fen areas of northeastern Germany, different techniques of re-introduction to establish reed-bed species in formerly intensively used, species-poor, grasslands, after rewetting, were studied under three hydrological regimes (permanent inundation, temporary inundation, border irrigation) with the aims (1) to establish peat-forming vegetation and (2) to enhance species richness. Establishment was successful for nearly all species investigated under all hydrological variants. There were differences between individuals sown and those which had been planted. Wet, but not inundated soil linked with vegetation gaps create ‘safe sites’ which enable successful germination and seedling establishment. The survival rate for both planted and sown individuals was generally high, with the exception of Cladium mariscus, Eupatorium cannabinum and Phragmites australis Recommendations for restoration management include the establishment of the following successful species: Carex acutiformis, C elata and C paniculata to establish peat-forming vegetation; Iris pseudacorus, Lysimachia vulgaris, Lythrum salicaria to enhance species richness.