Phytogeographical Analysis and Ecological Factors of the Distribution of Orchidaceae Taxa in the Western Carpathians (Local study)

Abstract

In the years 2018–2020, we carried out large-scale mapping in the Western Carpathians with a focus on determining the biodiversity of taxa of the family Orchidaceae using field biogeographical research. We evaluated the research using phytogeographic analysis with an emphasis on selected ecological environmental factors (substrate: ecological land unit value, soil reaction (pH), terrain: slope (°), flow and hydrogeological productivity (m2.s−1) and average annual amounts of global radiation (kWh.m–2). A total of 19 species were found in the area, of which the majority were Cephalenthera longifolia, Cephalenthera damasonium and Anacamptis morio. Rare findings included Epipactis muelleri, Epipactis leptochila and Limodorum abortivum. We determined the ecological demands of the abiotic environment of individual species by means of a functional analysis of communities. The research confirmed that most of the orchids that were studied occurred in acidified, calcified and basophil locations. From the location of the distribution of individual populations, it is clear that they are generally arranged compactly and occasionally scattered, which results in ecological and environmental diversity. During the research, we identified 129 localities with the occurrence of 19 species and subspecies of orchids. We identify the main factors that threaten them and propose specific measures to protect vulnerable populations.

Geographical Distribution and Relationship with Environmental Factors of Paphiopedilum Subgenus Brachypetalum Hallier (Orchidaceae) Taxa in Southwest China

“…In this study, we explored the relationships between environmental factors and distribution patterns of Brachypetalum orchid species in southwest China. Moreover, we also found that many environmental factors played a significant role in the distribution of Brachypetalum orchid species in southwest China (Figure 9), which was consistent with the findings of previous studies [54].…”

“…Therefore, it is sufficient to demonstrate that Brachypetalum orchids have strong habitat and ecological preferences for karst landform in southwest China. This is consistent with the findings of Wittlinger and Petrikovičová [54], who also agreed that the presence of orchids was concentrated primarily in a portion of the karst area.…”

“…They accounted for 176 locations from a total of 194 mapped locations. This may be related to the fact that most orchids belong to the group of calcific to basophilic species [54]. Therefore, it is sufficient to demonstrate that Brachypetalum orchids have strong habitat and ecological preferences for karst landform in southwest China.…”

Endangered Forest Communities in Central Europe: Mapping Current and Potential Distributions of Euro-Siberian Steppic Woods with Quercus spp. in South Slovak Basin

“…Currently, the limiting factors include climate change, which is gradually leading to a decline in biodiversity, which are also interconnected, and their solution is key to sustaining life on Earth. From this point of view, there is a need to place greater emphasis on the protection of nature, so that we can ensure optimal conditions for the preservation of the original European phytocenoses and zoocenoses [2,3]. The conversion of forests from complex natural ecosystems to simplified commercial woodlands is one of the major causes of biodiversity loss.…”