The Physical Damage of Climbing Activity on Sandstone Lichen Cover

Climbing activities affect cliff site species. With cliff sites harbouring unique species communities, the rise in popularity of outdoor climbing activities is a major threat. In this study, we assessed a previously unclimbed boulder before, during and after 500 climbing ascents. We observed an overall reduction in lichen cover by 4.2–9.5%, located around the footholds and combined foot- and handhold but not the handhold. We found the reduction in lichen cover to be strongest at the very start of the climbing treatment and to lessen over time. Therefore, management should focus on directing climbing activities to selected sites, while protecting sites with high conservation value where climbing is prohibited entirely.

Farmland biodiversity: wildflower-sown islands within arable fields and grassy field margins both promote spider diversity

Agricultural intensification and the concomitant landscape homogenization is leading to a worldwide decline in farmland biodiversity. Non-crop habitats in agroecosystems may counteract the loss of arthropods such as spiders and thus contribute to sustainable agriculture. However, the effectiveness of field margins and set-aside wildflower-sown patches in maintaining spider diversity is not well understood. Here, we investigated the effects of three different non-crop habitats, namely field margins, set-aside wildflower-sown patches under power poles (‘power pole islands’), and grassland fallows on spider diversity as compared to wheat fields in an agricultural landscape in western Germany. Using pitfall trapping and suction sampling, we show that species richness and overall conservation value were higher in non-crop habitats than in wheat fields. Interestingly, field margins and power pole islands differed from long-term grassland fallows only in conservation value, which was significantly higher in grassland fallows. Species assemblages differed considerably between grassland fallows, field margins and power pole islands, and wheat fields, documenting the added value of using different conservation strategies. Implications for insect conservation Small-scale non-crop habitats adjacent to wheat fields were surprisingly effective in promoting spider diversity in an agricultural landscape, with field margins and power pole islands being equally effective. To maximize overall diversity in agricultural landscapes, we propose a combination of larger long-term fallows and smaller non-crop habitats such as field margins or set-aside wildflower-sown patches.

Plži přírodní rezervace Poledňana v CHKO Beskydy [Gastropods of the Poledňana Nature Reserve in the Beskydy PLA]

The Poledňana Nature Reserve is located in the northeastern part of the Beskydy PLA, close to Staré Hamry town. The subject of protection are old growth forests with natural-like tree composition. During the survey in 2021, 43 species (42 terrestrial and one aquatic) of gastropods were recorded. The species composition consists predominantly of woodland dwellers (28 spp.; 65%) followed by eurytopic (5; 12%), hygrophilous woodland dwellers (4; 12%), hygrophilous (3; 7%), strongly hygrophilous (1; 2%) and one (2%) aquatic species. Endangered Bulgarica cana, indicating high conservation value of local forest fragment, vulnerable Daudebardia brevipes, Eucobresia nivalis, Vitrea transsylvanica, nearly threatened Bielzia coerulans, Bythinella austriaca and Vestia turgida are species of conservation importance. There is need to preserve non-interventional regime in the most valuable parts to retain and to establish favorable habitat conservation status. The tree composition in spruce-dominated areas should be gradually changed towards natural composition.

CONSERVATION STATUS OF PLANTS AND HABITATS UNDER TEN YEARS OPERATION PHASE OF A WIND FARM. CASE STUDY: SFANTA ELENA KARST PLATEAU, IRON GATES NATURAL PARK, ROMANIA

Located in the Iron Gates Natural Park, Romania, at the foot of the Locvei Mountains, the Sfanta Elena Karst Plateau is a very picturesque territory, characterized by a karst relief, covered by High Nature Value grasslands. In the last decade this territory has been subjected to increasing anthropogenic pressures, and specific concerns on biodiversity have been raised after the construction of a wind farm in 2011. Starting from a concern expressed by a scientist, our study aims to provide current data on plant species with conservation value and to assess the conservation status of orchid-rich grasslands around wind turbines after ten years of wind farm operation. During the operation period we identified 19 plant taxa with conservation value, eight of which which are orchid species. Four of them are new reports for this territory: Gymnadenia conopsea, Neotinea ustulata, Neottia nidus-avis and Orchis simia, as well other rare taxa such as Cirsium grecescui, Lathyrus sphaericus, Linum hologynum and Rumex thyrsiflorus, are mentioned for the first time. The orchid-rich grasslands in the wind farm area correspond to the Natura 2000 habitat 6210* whose structure and floristic composition are within the acceptable limits of Favourable conservation status. The conservation status of plant species is directly dependent on the quality of their habitat, as well as the variety of pressure and threat factors in the area.

Botanical Exploration and Conservation in Pasir Banteng and Pasir Pogor, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park

Cibodas Botanic Gardens (CBG) shall keep performing botanical exploration and ex situ conservation as part of the effort to rescue tropical montane rainforest plants, which tend to decrease in their natural habitat. Pasir Banteng and Pasir Pogor, Mount Gede Pangrango, were selected due to the potential threat and limited information on plants collected from these sites. The objectives of this study were to collect valuable plants, which have a conservation value and explore their potential usefulness. The study has begun by establishing a list of collectible plants. Then, the field activities were conducted by a plant collection explorative method along the hiking route, from 750 to 1,500 m asl, low-mid mountain as height as CBG, with no specific sampling point (found and collected). These plants have field treatment, were delivered to CBG, and would later be maintained in the garden. The study has obtained 31 species collected from Pasir Banteng and 20 species from Pasir Pogor. There were 35 families, with Orchidaceae being the most collectible. Some crucial findings were nine species included as least concern (LC) and a species as endangered (EN), based on their conservation status. At least six new species were identified as the garden enrichment of the CBG. In addition, at least fifteen species have potential utilization as construction materials, 29 species as ornamental plants, twelve species as medicinal plants, and some plants possessing multi-utilization. The results were significant in adding the collection’s richness and enhancing the conservation value of the plants conserved by CBG. It was also contributed to describing the plant species information of these sites. Keywords: botanical exploration, ex-situ, Pasir Banteng, Pasir Pogor, plant conservation

Floristic diversity and conservation value of the biodiversity refuge area of the Soubré hydroelectric dam (South-West of Côte d'Ivoire)

After the establishment of the biodiversity conservation area of the Soubré hydroelectric dam, scientific studies showing its value as a biodiversity reserve and its importance for the population were not implemented. As a result, no sustainable management strategy has been initiated. this study was conducted to make up for this shortcoming. It aims to assess its conservation value. The data collection methodology combined botanical inventories and an ethnobotanical survey. The analyse of data was based on the plant diversity and the importance of the area for local populations. Investigations show a rich flora of 346 species. There are 38 endemic species, 10 vulnerable and 8 locally threatened with extinction. This flora richness allows to attribute to the conservation area the High Conservation Value of category 1 (HCV 1). Among the species list, 84 are cited by the populations as useful plants. The use categories are, in order of importance, medicinal use, food use, Handicrafted use, timber. The organs sought are mainly the leaves in the practice of traditional medicine, the fruits in food and the stem in crafts, timber and firewood. Among useful species, 13 are very important for local population. Of these, 6 are less abundant in the area such as Ricinodendron heudelotii, Carpolobia lutea G. Don. The capacity for the area to serve as a refuge for useful species gives it the HCV 5. These results will allow the implementation of appropriate management.

IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE FORESTS WITHIN POTENTIAL NATURA 2000 HABITATS: CASE STUDY VRANICA MOUNTAIN

UDK: 630*9:502.1(234.422 Vranica) Nature conservation and sustainable management of forest resources become more important in Bosnia and Herzegovina, driven by the accession process toward the European Union as well as other international processes directed toward responsible management of forest resources. The forest certification has been widely adopted in the forestry sector and it implies meeting the sustainable forest management standard, whereas identification and proper management of high conservation value forests are one of the basic requirements. The NATURA 2000 ecological network is to become an important driver of reforms in the field of nature protection and forestry sector, due to the designation of new sites in forest area, which are under the responsibility of forestry institutions. This paper illustrates the scientific understanding of identification and management processes related to high conservation value forests that were proposed within potential NATURA 2000 habitats. The paper is based on analysis of main guiding principles for site designation and the role of the cross-sectoral approach applied identification and management of sites with high conservation value attributes. The case study research design was selected focusing on the Vranica Mountain due to recent activities implemented in this site. The in-depth face-to-face interviewing was used to collect qualitative data containing the key stakeholders' attitudes regarding the harmonization of NATURA 2000 habitats with the high conservation value forests – (HCVF), as well as the involvement of stakeholders in the processes of cross-sectoral cooperation. Results of this paper can be useful for the key forest and nature protection policy-makers, as well as to those responsible for managing of protected areas, or other stakeholders directly or indirectly involved in the process of identification and management of HCVFs and NATURA 2000 sites. Harmonisation of guiding principles and cross-sectoral cooperation during the identification and management of HCVFs and NATURA 2000 forest habitats enables the proper implementation of conservation and management measures based on sustainable forest management activities.

Ex-situ conservation through selection and breeding: A Review On 15 Years Toona sinensis Roem. & Toona sureni Merr. base populations

The ex-situ conservation of Toona sinensis and Toona sureni or surian weren’t supported list threatened species threat but by reduction of huge trees and leaving only small trees that are identical with the reduction of their genetic potential. Genetic potential plays a crucial role within the development of basic and breeding populations. The existence of the 15-year ex-situ conservation plot requires evaluation for simpler management to extend conservation value. The conservation area has collected genetic material from 52 populations from various islands in Indonesia and the progeny test area by testing 100 families from 10 selected populations because the basic source for assembling selected genetic material to supply superior seeds. Currently, genetic material from surian ex-situ conservation has been wont to develop genetic tests that are converted into seed orchards. Limitations of ex-situ conservation include maintenance of genetic material in artificial habitats, decreased genetic diversity, depression of close relative mating, adaptation to climate stress, and the potential for accumulation of weak alleles.it’s many constraints in terms of personnel, costs, and reliance on electrical power sources. supported the challenges within the future, efforts are needed to revamp through the unification of ex-situ conservation and progeny test management to support breeding population development. Strengthening the ex-situ conservation value of T. sinensis & T. sureni can be optimalization through solving all identified challenges and strengthening long-term management.