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

Author

Listed:
  • Daniela Gigante

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, PG, Italy)

  • Simone Angelucci

    (Maiella National Park, Via Badia 28, 67039 Sulmona, AQ, Italy)

  • Federica Bonini

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, PG, Italy)

  • Federico Caruso

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, PG, Italy)

  • Valter Di Cecco

    (Maiella National Park, Via Badia 28, 67039 Sulmona, AQ, Italy)

  • Domizia Donnini

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, PG, Italy)

  • Luciano Morbidini

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, PG, Italy)

  • Mariano Pauselli

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, PG, Italy)

  • Bernardo Valenti

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, PG, Italy)

  • Andrea Tassi

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, PG, Italy)

  • Marco Vizzari

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (DSA3), University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, PG, Italy)

  • Luciano Di Martino

    (Maiella National Park, Via Badia 28, 67039 Sulmona, AQ, Italy)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Gigante & Simone Angelucci & Federica Bonini & Federico Caruso & Valter Di Cecco & Domizia Donnini & Luciano Morbidini & Mariano Pauselli & Bernardo Valenti & Andrea Tassi & Marco Vizzari & Lu, 2024. "Seminatural Grasslands: An Emblematic Challenge for Nature Conservation in Protected Areas," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:3:p:386-:d:1359161
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Forest Isbell & Vincent Calcagno & Andy Hector & John Connolly & W. Stanley Harpole & Peter B. Reich & Michael Scherer-Lorenzen & Bernhard Schmid & David Tilman & Jasper van Ruijven & Alexandra Weigel, 2011. "High plant diversity is needed to maintain ecosystem services," Nature, Nature, vol. 477(7363), pages 199-202, September.
    2. Daniele Viciani & Lorella Dell’Olmo & Antonio Gabellini & Daniela Gigante & Lorenzo Lastrucci, 2018. "Landscape dynamics of Mediterranean montane grasslands over 60 years and implications for habitats conservation. A case study in the northern Apennines (Italy)," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(7), pages 952-964, October.
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