Search

Aims: The restoration of unused urban‐industrial areas has great conservation potential as it can sometimes create a win‐win situation in terms of nature conservation and economic benefits. Financial data of restoration projects are rarely published. To close this gap, we report the cost–benefit analysis of different landscaping methods used in the greening of the outskirts of a factory industrial area. Location: The study area is located in a factory area in Nyíregyháza, Nyírség, Hungary. Methods: In this study, we compare the costs of the implementation and maintenance of three different types of grasslands (intensively and extensively managed park lawns and semi‐natural grassland, called eco area) and the ecological benefits in terms of vegetation and potential for pollinators. Results: The implementation and maintenance costs of the extensively managed park lawn were more than ten‐fold higher than that of the eco area, despite the higher price of native plant material. The construction of the extensive park lawn is the cheapest, but the eco area pays off in ca. 1.5 years compared to it, taking into account the lower maintenance costs. Seven years after implementation, the eco area is the most species‐rich, hosting the highest number of natural constituent species, but with similar vegetation cover as in the intensively managed park lawn without costly maintenance. The cover and species richness of legumes and forbs are also higher in the eco area, ensuring a food source for pollinators. Conclusions: Our results support that introducing species‐rich and diverse grasslands with native, habitat specialist species as an alternative to traditional landscaping in urban‐industrial areas can be economically and ecologically rewarding. The higher costs of planning, plant material, and implementation pay off in a short time due to low maintenance costs and can lead to a win‐win situation for nature as well as for the local economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modelling and analysis of spatiotemporal characteristics of plant invasion can help in mapping and predicting the spread of invasive plants. The aim of our research was to investigate the spatiotemporal variability of five common invasive plant species (Ailanthus altissima, Asclepias syriaca, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Solidago spp.) within different land cover (ecosystem)-type categories. The basis of the study was the National Geospatial Database of Invasive Plants (NGDIP) of Hungary, and the ecosystem types of the Ecosystem Map of Hungary (EMH). The GIS-based analysis of the detailed occurrence database of the invasive species (NGDIP) and the thematic land-cover (ecosystem)-type maps (EMH) examined allow us to answer the question of in which habitat types the occurrence and distribution of the given invasive plant has stagnated, decreased, or increased between 2006 and 2018. We developed a methodology with relevant data sources and demonstrated invasion variation, which can be used for future management planning and invasive biology research. Our results show that Asclepias syriaca and Robinia pseudoacacia are increasingly threatening grasslands and are also spreading more intensively in complex cultivated areas. The occurrences of Ailanthus altissima and Asclepias syriaca are declining in built-up areas due to the increasingly extreme environmental conditions of cities or modified urban planning. The spread of Solidago spp. is increasingly common in wetlands, threatening the biodiversity of floodplain (riparian) vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasion of alien species is one of the main drivers of land degradation threatening both natural and managed ecosystems. Ecological restoration is crucial in controlling invasion to improve biotic resistance and avoid further land degradation. We investigated the possibility of controlling the establishment of invasive alien species (IAS) by native seed addition. We tested if trait similarity or increased propagule pressure of native species results in the suppression of IAS at the early stage of development. We set up a sowing experiment with three widespread IAS in Hungary of different life forms and functional groups (Asclepias syriaca, Conyza canadensis, Tragus racemosus) and four Pannonic sand grassland species (Festuca vaginata, Galium verum, Gypsophila paniculata, Saponaria officinalis). We found no significant differences in germination ability and seedling emergence between native species and IAS, despite the differences in thousand‐seed weight. Using univariate general linear models, we found that the seedling establishment of IAS can be reduced by adding native species at high densities but also depending on the species identity. Instead of species of similar traits, the seeding of a competitor perennial grass of sand grasslands (F. vaginata) reduced the seedling emergence of all studied IAS the most. Our results confirm that IAS can be effectively controlled by native seed addition in the early establishment stage, especially applying higher densities and competitive species. We conclude that invasion‐resistant restoration can be achieved by the combination of several factors, including high‐density sowing of native species that match IAS in the early stage of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution ecosystem maps increase the efficiency of policy implementation. However, due to challenges related to both data and methods, such maps of appropriate scale and quality are still rarely available for nationwide analyses. We present solutions to some typical challenges of national-scale ecosystem mapping through the new Ecosystem Map of Hungary. It is a comprehensive, spatially and thematically detailed map with a hierarchical typology. The mapping methodology combined several novel elements from the integration of various large-scale databases in a (theoretical) data cube to the use of image-based predictive mapping (with a Random Forest classifier, using Sentinel-1 and -2 and environmental data). A participatory method involving local experts was used for validation, addressing the lack of suitable reference data as well as improving map-maker and map-user interaction. Besides the original objective of supporting conservation-related decision-making, further uses emerged from a variety of fields including spatial planning, education and recreation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A five step conceptual framework for green infrastructure planning was developed. • Three-dimensional zone cube model was developed for GI assessment. • Potential restoration areas were identified based on MPNV modelling. • Restoration areas were prioritised based on land-use conflicts and accessibility. • The framework is applicable anywhere for green infrastructure planning. The concept of green infrastructure (GI) offers a comprehensive approach for environmental sustainability with the network of multifunctional ecosystems providing positive ecological, economic and societal benefits. In our study, we showed a five step conceptual framework with a case study for Hungary to evaluate GI and spatially prioritise its development methods. We created a three-dimensional zone cube model to evaluate GI performance based on the three main pillars of GI (i.e. ecological condition, ecosystem services, and ecological connectivity). We designated zones for four development approaches (i.e. ecosystem preservation, enhancement, conversion, and connectivity improvement), identified target ecosystems for conversion by using multiple potential natural vegetation (MPNV) modelling, and prioritised them based on land use conflict and feasibility indicators. According to the condition assessment, 49% of Hungary's area may be regarded as part of the actual GI network. We identified 15.4% as possible ecosystem enhancement area, 80.3% as potential ecosystem conversion region, and 1.9% as potential landscape corridor areas in addition to 5.3% of the country's area with outstanding GI status recommended for preservation. As an illustration of how to prioritize the restoration of grasslands, we demonstrated that 3.15 million hectares would likely be suitable for grasslands, 1.96 million hectares experience one or more environmental conflicts, and 172,000 ha should receive priority because they are also Natura 2000 sites. Our framework provided a unified operational tool overarching GI performance assessment, designation, and development prioritisation applicable at the national level providing also means to quantify measurable targets to support sustainability commitments globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theavailability of seeds of native species in many countries for grassland restoration is limited; therefore, ex situ seed banks can gain importance as a source of germplasm in the future. We tested the usability of seed accessions of the Pannon Seed Bank for reintroduction with the aim to restore sandy grassland in Hungary. Seeds of 10 native sandy grassland species were seeded in the year of collection and after one or two years of storage. The establishment was estimated by counting seedlings along seeded transects for two vegetation seasons. This study produced the first numerical estimate we know about of native sand grassland species emergence in the field. A low establishment of the tested species was found, ranging from 0.002 to 8%. Within this range, Dianthus serotinus had the highest establishment, while Festuca vaginata, which was sown as matrix species, performed only medium establishment. The short‐term storage (1 or 2 years) of seeds had no significant effect, except for F. vaginata, where seed storage had a positive effect on reintroduction success. The year of seeding had the highest influence on recruitment. Four species were found to emerge over two years instead of only the first year. Based on our results, the weak seed yield of certain years and the low supply of native seeds in the market can be mitigated by using stored seeds. It is recommended to use multi‐year, scheduled seeding to reduce the negative impacts of particularly dry years and to increase the restoration success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species are among the main threats to grassland biodiversity, and nature conservation management seeks the best methods to eliminate them and to restore natural habitats. We studied the long‐term effect of mowing on the restoration of Pannonian sand grassland after elimination of invasive black locust (Robinia pseudo‐acacia) plantation in Hungary, Europe. Stands of R. pseudo‐acacia at three sites were felled and stumps herbicide‐treated in the winter of 1994–1995. Mowing with hay removal treatment was applied twice a year in 1995–2001 to assist grassland recovery. A block of 12 adjacent plots of 10 m by 10 m was assigned for the experiment at each site, with six control (unmowed) and six treatment (mowed) plots randomly selected. Vegetation was sampled in June and August yearly in 1995–1999 in all sites, plus in seminatural reference grasslands then re‐sampled six times until 2017 in two sites. Herbicide application with repeated mowing successfully eliminated R. pseudo‐acacia. In the unmowed plots, dense woody cover developed at all sites. Vegetation of mowed plots approached the reference grasslands in sites with better propagule availability of target species according to trajectory analyses. In these sites, higher cover of target species was found in mowed compared to unmowed plots, though still significantly lower than in the reference. Mowed plots were more prone to secondary invasion than the unmowed. The long‐term monitoring revealed that initial mowing assisted the restoration of Pannonian sand grassland, but further management is needed to control secondary invasion and increase target species cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There is increasing recognition that plant–soil feedbacks drive species co‐existence; therefore the below‐ground compartment should be better considered in ecological restoration. Addition of carbon is a restoration measure that relies on indirect plant–soil relationships by immobilizing soil nitrogen in microbial biomass to manipulate competitive hierarchies between plant species. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the impact of six years of carbon amendment in old‐field restoration in the long term, 20 years after the first application. Location: Old‐fields and reference sand steppe on dry calcareous sandy soil in Fülöpháza, Kiskun LTER site (46°53′ N, 19°24′ E), Hungary, Pannonian biogeographic region, Europe. Methods: We applied carbon amendment in the form of sucrose and sawdust on three abandoned agricultural fields between 1998 and 2003. Vegetation was surveyed in 1998–2006 and re‐sampled in 2008, 2010 and 2018 on permanent 2 m × 2 m coenological relevés for carbon‐amended, control and reference plots (n = 144). We used principal response curves (PRC) to describe vegetation development trajectories and linear mixed‐effects models to test changes in cover of vascular plants and cryptogams, nitrogen requirement groups and restoration species groups with time and treatment. Results: Carbon amendment resulted in lower soil nitrogen availability, and lower cover of vascular plants and cryptogams compared to control, but these differences became visible only four to five years after the first application and disappeared three years after the cessation of treatment. Minor treatment effects on the cover of oligotrophic, mesotrophic and target species were found. Conclusions: Carbon amendment did not speed up the recovery of sand grasslands; however, the reduction of cover (vegetation and cryptogam) can be a window of opportunity for other species to colonize that can be used as a complement to other treatments. Long‐term monitoring is especially important in evaluating restoration interventions that focus on indirect above‐ground–below‐ground linkages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To preserve the natural genetic pattern of species and to avoid the introduction of nonadapted ecotypes during restoration, seed transfer should be spatially restricted. Instead of applying administrative borders in the absence of species‐specific empirical data, biogeographical knowledge can be used as a proxy. Hungary was used as a suitable test region for this approach. The aims of the study were (1) to produce an evidence‐based seed transfer zone (STZ) map applying the Multiple Potential Natural Vegetation model; (2) to assess the uncertainty of the resulting STZ map; and (3) to compare the present seed transfer regulation based on administrative regions with the evidence‐based STZ map. The analysis was based on a floristic map, a vegetation map, and a landscape map of Hungary. Intersected polygons of the three maps were filled with Multiple Potential Natural Vegetation data and clustered to produce seven contiguous units that can serve as STZs. The uncertainty analyses provided a numerical comparison between the two approaches and demonstrated the inadequacy of defining administrative regions as STZs. The practical result of the study is the production of an evidence‐based STZ map that could replace the administrative map currently used for regulation in Hungary. Moreover, this map helps to develop native seed propagation and to enhance ecological restoration. We conclude that field‐based potential vegetation models, similar to the Multiple Potential Natural Vegetation, are suitable for STZ development in countries lacking an evidence‐based system for seed transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aichi Target 15 aims to enhance the resilience of ecosystems through the restoration of 15% of degraded land by 2020. Compliance with the target is still insufficient, partly due to the lack of appropriate baselines and knowledge of restoration efforts. The four-level model of ecosystem condition was suggested to set the baseline and support the estimation of progress. This study is the first to assess the condition of MAES ecosystem types at a country scale, using the suggested approach. Altogether 613,000 ha of land is in close to natural condition (Level 1), 893,000 ha in a slightly degraded state (Level 2), 1,907,000 ha in moderately degraded condition (Level 3), and 5,890,000 ha of land is in highly modified category (Level 4). An inventory of ecological restoration interventions was created based on the reports of the national park directorates and EU LIFE projects. The findings of the restoration database of 634 interventions were compared to the need for restoration of nine habitat types. Restoration efforts were focused at habitat types with the most extended degraded area, except for dry forest restoration and the fight against invasive species in all three forest types. This study provides a more reliable estimate of habitats in natural state than Habitat Directive reporting can achieve, and is therefore better suited for estimating compliance with the 15% target. Only 1% of degraded land was the target for restoration in the period of 2002–2016. The details of the survey regarding habitat and degradation types can support further restoration planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is an increasing need for aggregated biodiversity indicators to inform policy decisions at all levels from local to global. Despite their similar policy goals, low-level (e.g. local, regional) and high-level (e.g. continental, global) indicator development is generally performed independently, and the resulting indicators are often incompatible both in their structure and data requirements. In this paper we focus on a particularly flexible aggregation framework originally developed for global assessments, the Natural Capital Index. We show that with the use of appropriate fine-scale data, the NCI framework can be applied in low-level policy contexts as well. To support this statement, we show that several established low-level indicators are essentially conforming to the NCI framework, and can be seen as existing low-level NCI implementations. The concept is illustrated with an implementation for Hungary, and the potential advantages and shortcomings of low level NCI implementations are discussed. NCI-based low level indicators can be implemented in any region, where a local indicator of ecological quality is systematically surveyed. Given the recent surge in monitoring activities worldwide, fuelled by global change and reporting obligations, fine-scale NCI implementations can become important additions to existing ecological state indicators useful in a wide range of local and regional policy contexts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Urban-industrial restoration of complex native vegetation, such as grassland-forest mosaics could counteract land degradation and help develop methodology for larger scale complex restorations. We have studied the impact of grassland reconstruction techniques, the resulting biotic conditions, plus abiotic conditions on early woody survival in a forest-steppe reconstruction at an urban-industrial site. The study area is situated at the factory of the LEGO Group, Nyíregyháza in the acidic inland sand dune region of Nyírség, NE Hungary, Europe. Over 10,000 undercut 1-2-year-old saplings of 16 tree and shrub species were planted in patches of various size in November 2015 at ca. 20% of the restoration area. Specific plans were developed for each woody patch within the restored grassland. Tree and shrub survival was counted for all saplings in all patches in the summer of 2016. Vegetation height, cover of herb-layer, and elevation a.m.s.l. were estimated for each woody patch and soils were characterized for each restoration parcel. First year woody survival rates ranged between 4 and 66% for the different species. Only vegetation height had an overall negative impact on woody survival and seven species reflected some (often contradictory) impacts of the studied environmental variables. In our interpretation this shows that woody survival was basically independent of the grassland reconstruction techniques, but also that the management of the herb-layer of new woody plantations can be crucial in long-term maintenance. Our results support that the reconstruction of complex native habitats with a park-like appearance is a viable alternative to landscaping in industrial areas that can counteract land degradation and increase green infrastructure connectivity. The methods applied can be transferred to larger-scale restoration with modifications. • Forest-steppe reconstruction is a viable alternative to traditional landscaping • The impact of grassland introduction technique on woody survival was limited • Only height of the grassland had some impact on early woody survival • Six species reflected some impact of bare surface, soil or elevation • Similar landscaping in unused land can increase green infrastructure connectivity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the prevalence of neuroinvasive symptoms caused by the West Nile virus (WNV) has significantly increased in the past years throughout Europe, including Hungary. The rise may be attributed to changes in precipitation and climate. The WNV zoonosis is spread by mosquitoes. It is mostly asymptomatic, flu-like symptoms occur in 20% of the cases and in less than 1% a neuroinvasive disease with a lethal outcome may develop. Aim: Our aim was to demonstrate the neuroinvasive symptomatology and the diagnosis and treatment of WNV infections by describing our patient cases as well as to resolve differential diagnostic dilemmas. Method: We report the cases of 4 patients treated at the "Moritz Kaposi" Somogy County Hospital between the 31st July and 4th September, 2018, with WNV, whose diagnoses were confirmed by serological and molecular biological methods. An epidemiological overview of WNV infections was also given. Results: Four patients were confirmed to have had WNV infection in the given time period. A wide range of neurological symptoms were observed in each patient and death occurred in one case. The patients were elderly with a number of comorbidities. Conclusions: The appearance of more severe, neuroinvasive symptoms following WNV infections is also characteristic of Hungary. The treatment of the infection is supportive, including giving pain relievers and the management of secondary infections. It is important to consider the possibility of a WNV infection in the case of a neurological disease of unknown origin, particularly if the symptoms indicate encephalitis. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(51): 2026-2035.

Background: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in children is relatively rare, and the long-term analysis of therapy results has not been done yet in Hungary., Purpose: In this review we summarise the incidence, clinical features, prognostic risk factors and treatment results of children's LCH in Hungary, using data from the National Childhood Cancer Registry in Hungary in a 20-year period between 1981 and 2000., Results: From January 1981 to December 2000, 111 children under 18 years of age were newly diagnosed with LCH in Hungary. The male-female ratio was 1.36:1, the mean age: 4 years 11 months. The minimal and median follow-up time was 3.48 years and 10.98 years respectively. 38 children had single-system disease, while in 73 cases we found systemic dissemination already at the time of diagnosis. Twenty-two patients were treated only by local surgery, 7 by surgery with local irradiation and 5 children received only local irradiation. In two cases remission was obtained with local steroid administration. 75 patient received chemotherapy. During the twenty years 14 children died, 9 due to the progression of the disease. Sixteen of the 111 patients had relapse with a mean of 2.16+/-1.29 years after the first diagnosis. Three patients with relapse got chemotherapy generally used in lymphoma and remission was achieved. The overall survival of all patients (n=111) was 88.3+/-3.1% at 5 years and 87.3+/-3.2% at 10 and 20 years., Conclusion: Childhood LCH is a well treatable disease and the survival rate is high. Even disseminated diseases have a quite good prognosis in childhood.