Seminatural Grasslands: An Emblematic Challenge for Nature Conservation in Protected Areas

Autor: Daniela Gigante, Simone Angelucci, Federica Bonini, Federico Caruso, Valter Di Cecco, Domizia Donnini, Luciano Morbidini, Mariano Pauselli, Bernardo Valenti, Andrea Tassi, Marco Vizzari, Luciano Di Martino
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Land, Vol 13, Iss 3, p 386 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2073-445X
DOI: 10.3390/land13030386
Popis: Seminatural grasslands are among the most threatened habitats in Europe and worldwide, mainly due to changes in/abandonment of their traditional extensive use by grazing animals. This study aimed to develop an innovative model that integrates plant biodiversity, animal husbandry, and geo-informatics to manage and preserve seminatural grasslands in protected areas. With this objective, an integrated study was conducted on the seminatural grasslands in the hilly, montane, and (to a minimum extent) subalpine belts of the Maiella National Park, one of Europe’s most biodiversity-rich protected sites. Plant biodiversity was investigated through 141 phytosociological relevés in homogeneous areas; the pastoral value was calculated, and grasslands’ productivity was measured together with the main nutritional parameters. Uni- and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify the main grassland vegetation types, their indicator species and ecological–environmental characteristics, and their pastoral and nutritional values’ variability and differences. A total of 17 grassland types, most of which correspond to habitat types listed in Annex I to the 92/43/EEC Directive, were identified and characterised in terms of their biodiversity and potential animal load. To allow for near-real-time analysis of grasslands, an NDVI-based web interface running on Google Earth Engine was implemented. This integrated approach can provide decision-making support for protected-area managers seeking to develop and implement sustainable grassland management practices that ensure the long-term maintenance of their biodiversity.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals