Assessment of Herbaceous Plant Composition, Diversity, and Indicator Species in the Juniperus drupacea Forest Openings of the Mountain Parnonas in Greece

Abstract

A significant challenge in community ecology is the establishment of ecological baselines, which permit the evaluation of the variations in ecological dynamics at different temporal and spatial scales. To our best knowledge, few studies have been conducted in the forest openings of Mt. Parnon to establish a baseline for future monitoring. Hence, a floristic study of the herbaceous plant species composition, diversity, cover, and biomass was conducted in the forest openings of the Mt. Parnon-Natura 2000 Site in Greece to develop an ecological baseline that could be utilized in decision making for conservation and the sustainable use of forest biodiversity and ecosystem services in the forest ecosystem of Mt. Parnon. In the spring season, a thorough floristic survey was performed on Mt. Parnon for two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022. Herbaceous plant composition, diversity, cover, biomass, and plant indicator species (indicator value analysis) in the forest openings of Mt. Parnon were assessed. In the studied area, 63 plant species belonging to 58 genera from 20 families were recorded. The most numerous families were Asteraceae and Poaceae, followed by Fabaceae. Variable plant diversity, herbaceous plant cover, and produced biomass were recorded in different sites. It is noteworthy that some plant species could be regarded as indicators of the sites in the study area [Geranium molle L., Cerastium candidissimum Correns, Vicia villosa Roth, Euphorbia myrsinites L., Odontarrhena muralis (Waldst. & Kit.) Endl., Medicago lupulina L., Lotus corniculatus L., Crepis fraasii Sch. Bip., Bellis sylvestris Cirillo, and Trifolium stellatum L.], and information about these indicators, including Ellenberg type indicator values, is also provided. This study contributes to the understanding of the relevant ecological topics and provides key elements that could be utilized in decision making for the conservation and sustainable use of forest biodiversity and ecosystem services on Mt. Parnon.

Conservation Responsibility for Priority Habitats under Future Climate Conditions: A Case Study on Juniperus drupacea Forests in Greece

“…Furthermore, recent investigations into this species' reproduction characteristics and patterns hold immense value in devising conservation strategies that ensure species diversity and survival, providing essential insights into both in situ and ex situ regeneration attributes and patterns [103]. Solomou et al [20] have also explored relevant ecological indicators that can inform management decisions and conservation policies, particularly in fire prevention and ecological preservation.…”

“…Many local-scale studies have been conducted to investigate potential measures and actions for the survival of Juniperus drupacea and its corresponding habitat. These investigations encompass various aspects, including in vitro micropropagation possibilities [18], assessments of genetic and epigenetic diversity [19], and assessment of plant composition within its habitat [20]. Additionally, Walas et al [21] projected the potential future range of the species, raising concerns about global endangerment.…”

Cedar vascular flora of Djebel Maadid. Floristic analysis – Conservation

“…These species indicate a humid atmosphere and fairly deep soil (MEDIOUNI, YAHI, 1989), as specified by Zedam (1991), this part of the forest provides potential conditions for the cedar's trees to yield more wood production than other areas. On the other hand, Solomou et al (2023) note that Bellis sylvestris Cirillo characterizes a state of ecological condition in which it adapts to grow in well-lit but also partially shaded positions, as well as in habitats with moderate nutrient availability. Additionally, Karahan (2020) reports that the genus "Bellis" colonizes moist habitats, often localized in forests.…”

Dynamics of Agronomic Characteristics and Plant Diversity in Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora Paláu) Cultivation in Greece

“…Greece is regarded as one of the European continent's most biologically varied countries, with a high level of endemism and plant diversity [1,2].…”