Land | Special Issue : The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning

Research

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17 pages, 7474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research into the Influence Mechanisms of Visual-Comfort and Landscape Indicators of Urban Green Spaces

by Yumeng Meng, Jiaxuan Shi, Mei Lyu, Dong Sun and Hiroatsu Fukuda

Land 2024, 13(10), 1688; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101688 - 16 Oct 2024

Viewed by 647

Abstract

Urban green spaces play a crucial role in providing social services and enhancing residents’ mental health. It is essential for sustainable urban planning to explore the relationship between urban green spaces and human perceptions, particularly their visual comfort. However, most current research has [...] Read more.

Urban green spaces play a crucial role in providing social services and enhancing residents’ mental health. It is essential for sustainable urban planning to explore the relationship between urban green spaces and human perceptions, particularly their visual comfort. However, most current research has analyzed green spaces using two-dimensional indicators (remote sensing), which often overlook human visual perceptions. This study combined two-dimensional and three-dimensional methods to evaluate urban green spaces. Additionally, the study employed machine learning to quantify residents’ visual comfort in green-space environments and explored the relationship between green spaces and human visual perceptions. The results indicated that Kitakyushu exhibited a moderate FCV and an extremely low Green View Index (GVI). Yahatanishi-ku was characterized as having the highest visual comfort. Tobata-ku demonstrated the lowest visual comfort. Natural, GVI, openness, enclosure, vegetation diversity, landscape diversity, and NDBI were positively correlated with visual comfort. FCV and ENVI were negatively correlated with visual comfort. Vegetation diversity had the most impact on improving visual comfort. By integrating remote sensing and street-view data, this study introduces a methodology to ensure a more holistic assessment of green spaces. Urban planners could use it to better identify areas with insufficient green space or areas that require improvement in terms of green-space quality. Meanwhile, it could be helpful in providing valuable input for formulating more effective green-space policies and improving overall urban environmental quality. The study provides a scientific foundation for urban planners to improve the planning and construction of healthy and sustainable cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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29 pages, 7138 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Landscape Ecological Quality of Two Different Farm Management Models: Polyculture Agroforestry vs. Conventional

by Gemma Chiaffarelli, Nicolò Sgalippa and Ilda Vagge

Land 2024, 13(10), 1598; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101598 - 30 Sep 2024

Viewed by 574

Abstract

Low-intensity, diversified agricultural land use is needed to counteract the current decline in agrobiodiversity. Landscape ecology tools can support agrobiodiversity assessment efforts by investigating biodiversity-related ecological functions (pattern–process paradigm). In this study, we test a toolkit of landscape ecology analyses to compare different [...] Read more.

Low-intensity, diversified agricultural land use is needed to counteract the current decline in agrobiodiversity. Landscape ecology tools can support agrobiodiversity assessment efforts by investigating biodiversity-related ecological functions (pattern–process paradigm). In this study, we test a toolkit of landscape ecology analyses to compare different farm management models: polyculture agroforestry (POLY) vs. conventional monoculture crop management (CV). Farm-scale analyses are applied on temperate alluvial sites (Po Plain, Northern Italy), as part of a broader multi-scale analytical approach. We analyze the landscape ecological quality through landscape matrix composition, patch shape complexity, diversity, metastability, and connectivity indices. We assess farm differences through multivariate analyses and t-tests and test a farm classification tool, namely, a scoring system based on the relative contributions of POLY farms, considering their deviation from a local CV baseline. The results showed a separate ecological behavior of the two models. The POLY model showed better performance, with significant positive contributions to the forest and semi-natural component equipment and diversity; agricultural component diversity, metastability; total farm diversity, metastability, connectivity, and circuitry. A reference matrix for the ecological interpretation of the results is provided. Farm classification provides a quick synthesis of such contributions, facilitating farm comparisons. The methodology has a low cost and quickly provides information on ongoing ecological processes resulting from specific farm management practices; it is intended to complement field-scale assessments and could help to meet the need for a partially outcome-based assessment of good farm practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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19 pages, 7034 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Striped Field Mouse Invading Human-Modified Environments of Lithuania during Last Five Decades

by Linas Balčiauskas and Laima Balčiauskienė

Land 2024, 13(10), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101555 - 25 Sep 2024

Viewed by 532

Abstract

The striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) is expanding in several European countries, but the details of this process are not always documented due to a lack of long-term studies. We conducted an analysis of changes in relative abundances and proportions of [...] Read more.

The striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) is expanding in several European countries, but the details of this process are not always documented due to a lack of long-term studies. We conducted an analysis of changes in relative abundances and proportions of A. agrarius in small mammal communities in nine different habitat groups in Lithuania during 1975–2023. We found an increase in the abundance and proportion of A. agrarius, increasing synanthropization of the species, and tolerance to anthropogenization of habitats. Temporal variations in the relative abundance and proportion of species were observed, with lower values in February–July and higher values in September–January. The main finding is a remarkable increase in species presence in the country after the 1990s, with a peak observed in the 2010s–2020s, confirmed by eight local studies. During these decades, it was the third most abundant species, representing 19.8–20.0% of the individuals caught. It is also important to note that A. agrarius has recently been most abundant in commensal habitats (0.029 ± 0.006 individuals/trap day), with the highest species proportion in agricultural areas (24.8 ± 1.8%). There are many indications that the expansion of A. agrarius in Lithuania is becoming invasive. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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16 pages, 1623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vulnerability of Agricultural Households to Human–Wildlife Conflicts around Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Northern Benin

by Sylvain Efio, Etotépé A. Sogbohossou, Yves Z. Magnon, Bertrand Hamaide, Rigobert C. Tossou and Brice A. Sinsin

Land 2024, 13(9), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091473 - 11 Sep 2024

Viewed by 749

Abstract

The Pendjari Biosphere Reserve is one of the protected areas of Benin where biodiversity conservation policies intertwine with the economic development of local populations. It is located in the Atacora region in northern Benin, which has a high prevalence of poverty and food [...] Read more.

The Pendjari Biosphere Reserve is one of the protected areas of Benin where biodiversity conservation policies intertwine with the economic development of local populations. It is located in the Atacora region in northern Benin, which has a high prevalence of poverty and food insecurity among households. Agriculture and livestock farming are the primary activities of the local communities in the villages surrounding the reserve. However, wild animals sometimes cause damage to people’s fields or livestock. To deal with the damage caused by wild animals, local populations have developed several mitigation measures that may not be effective, leading them into a vulnerable situation. Vulnerability is often associated with the impacts of natural disasters and their management, anticipation, and recovery. In the context of human–wildlife conflict, vulnerability refers to the level of risk farmers face from issues such as crop raiding, livestock depredation, and human injury caused by wildlife, as well as farmers’ ability to cope with such damage. To assess the vulnerability of households, we used the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI). Data were collected from July to December 2019 through questionnaires and interviews. We surveyed 320 households to collect data on their socio-demographics, livelihoods, social networks, natural capital, food and water security, and the incidence and severity of human–wildlife conflicts. The results showed that farmers around the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve are highly sensitive to human–wildlife conflicts, with a low adaptive capacity, revealing their vulnerability. More precisely, farmers are vulnerable in terms of major components of the LVI such as water, food, social networks, and livelihoods. Conservation policies are expected to pay more attention to local populations’ vulnerability to human–wildlife conflicts in order to improve their tolerance towards wildlife and guarantee the success of conservation efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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23 pages, 4780 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Shoreline Translocation during Road Expansion Was Successful for Most Waterbirds but Not for Waders

by Magne Husby

Land 2024, 13(9), 1384; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091384 - 28 Aug 2024

Viewed by 577

Abstract

Coastal wetlands are one of the most threatened ecosystems due to, firstly, their relative rarity and, secondly, the strong human interest in these coastal sites for infrastructure development, and recreation. These coastal wetlands also serve as important migration stopover sites for a range [...] Read more.

Coastal wetlands are one of the most threatened ecosystems due to, firstly, their relative rarity and, secondly, the strong human interest in these coastal sites for infrastructure development, and recreation. These coastal wetlands also serve as important migration stopover sites for a range of waterbirds. There is great international interest in mitigating the negative effects of human land development and in restoring degraded habitats. I evaluated the response of one waterbird community to the mitigation action implemented during road expansion in an important waterbird coastal habitat in central Norway. Using a novel mitigation method, the shoreline was moved seawards to allow space for a continued shoreline habitat and the extended road. By weekly monitoring the waterbird community during spring and autumn migration periods (n = 7 of each), I found similar biodiversity, evenness, and abundance of geese, dabbling ducks, diving ducks, gulls, and waders when data for the whole wetland were used. However, after construction waders were partially displaced from the zone closest to the road to a zone further away. For some groups of birds, shoreline translocation can be a fruitful mitigation action aiming to reduce the negative effects of infrastructure expansion in coastal areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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10 pages, 1694 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Data Quality of National Monitoring Schemes: Filling the Gap between Specialists and the General Public

by Benjamin Bergerot and Benoît Fontaine

Land 2024, 13(8), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13081252 - 9 Aug 2024

Viewed by 490

Abstract

Worldwide, large-scale biodiversity monitoring schemes are developing and involve many non-specialist volunteers. If the opening of schemes to non-specialists allows for the gathering of huge amounts of data, their quality represents a controversial issue. In the framework of the French Garden Butterfly Observatory [...] Read more.

Worldwide, large-scale biodiversity monitoring schemes are developing and involve many non-specialist volunteers. If the opening of schemes to non-specialists allows for the gathering of huge amounts of data, their quality represents a controversial issue. In the framework of the French Garden Butterfly Observatory (FGBO), we studied non-specialist volunteer identification errors based on identifications provided during a one-shot experiment. With 3492 butterfly pictures sent by 554 non-specialist volunteers, we directly measured identification errors and misidentification rates for each butterfly species or species group targeted by the FGBO. The results showed that when non-specialist volunteers identified butterflies at the species level, identification errors (i.e., the misidentification rate) reached 20.9%. It was only 5.0% when FGBO species groups were used. This study provides novel insights into the trade-off between data quantity and quality provided by non-specialist volunteers and shows that if protocols, research questions and identification levels are adapted, participatory monitoring schemes relying on non-specialists represent a powerful and reliable tool to study common species at a large scale and on a long-term basis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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22 pages, 2148 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Dynamics of Vegetation Structure, Composition and Carbon Stock in Peatland Ecosystem of Old Secondary Forest in Riau and South Sumatra Provinces

by I Wayan Susi Dharmawan, Nur M. Heriyanto, Raden Garsetiasih, Rozza Tri Kwatrina, Reny Sawitri, Denny, Titiek Setyawati, Pratiwi, Budi Hadi Narendra, Chairil Anwar Siregar and Ilham Kurnia Abywijaya

Land 2024, 13(5), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050663 - 11 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1285

Abstract

Lowland tropical rainforests provide an abundance of biodiversity as well as dynamic and stable ecosystems. These forests include tropical peat forests in various locations and forest types that have vegetation structure and composition characteristics, and carbon stocks that still need to be explored [...] Read more.

Lowland tropical rainforests provide an abundance of biodiversity as well as dynamic and stable ecosystems. These forests include tropical peat forests in various locations and forest types that have vegetation structure and composition characteristics, and carbon stocks that still need to be explored more deeply. Research on the structure and the composition of the vegetation and carbon stock in the old secondary peat forest was carried out in the protected areas of Bukit Batu, Riau Province, and Muara Merang, South Sumatra Province. Based on a 1-hectare permanent plot established in Bukit Batu and Muara Merang, 25 subplots of 20 m by 20 m were established in each location for measurement purposes. The results showed that Bukit Batu and Muara Merang had 42 and 36 species belonging to 26 and 20 families, respectively. Bukit Batu had a species diversity index (H’) of 2.93, and the dominant tree species were Palaquium xanthochymum with an importance value index (IVI) = 66.27%, Eugenia sp. (IVI = 32.76%), and Litsea sp. (IVI = 18.39%). The Muara Merang location had a species diversity index (H’) of 2.82, and the dominant tree species were Eugenia sp. (IVI = 60.88%), Alseodaphne insignis (IVI = 26.34%), and Adenanthera pavonina (IVI = 22.11%). In Bukit Batu, forest stands with a diameter of ≥10 cm contained a biomass of 178.10 tonnes/ha and carbon stock of 83.70 tonnes C/ha, which is equal to 307.20 tonnes CO₂/ha. Meanwhile, in Muara Merang, it was 190.41 tonnes/ha and 89.49 tonnes C/ha, which is equal to 328.44 tonnes CO₂/ha. This research, especially that in Bukit Batu, Riau Province, enriches the data and information available to date and is very useful in supporting restoration practices in Riau Province’s Giam Siak Kecil Biosphere Reserve, which was designated by UNESCO as part of the Man and Biosphere Program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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28 pages, 6015 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Country Perspectives on Hay-Making Landscapes as Part of the European Agricultural Heritage

by Alexandra Kruse, Jana Špulerova, Csaba Centeri, Sebastian Eiter, Viviana Ferrario, Suzan Jurgens, Drago Kladnik, Zdeněk Kučera, Teodor Marusca, Dragomir Neculai, Hans Renes, Hanne Sickel, Maurizia Sigura, Martina Slámová, Kari Stensgaard and Peter Strasser

Land 2023, 12(9), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12091694 - 29 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2342

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of traditional hay-making structures and the related agricultural landscapes in Europe. The information was collected using a standardised questionnaire that was completed by experts from different countries. What all countries had in common was that hay production with [...] Read more.

This paper provides an overview of traditional hay-making structures and the related agricultural landscapes in Europe. The information was collected using a standardised questionnaire that was completed by experts from different countries. What all countries had in common was that hay production with its corresponding structures was widespread. However, the scope and importance differed among the countries today. We found differences in type and extent, in degree of awareness, and in the cultural meaning of hay-making structures. The differences were connected with built structures, as well as with other tangible and intangible aspects of cultural heritage. The distribution of the broad variety of hay-making-related structures, especially semipermanent ones, has changed throughout history, as well as the hay-making techniques, as a result of agrarian specialisation, land reclamation, and consolidation. Today, in some countries, the relevance of hay-making was mainly connected to horse keeping and landscape management (like in Germany and Hungary), while in others (like Slovakia and Slovenia), it was still predominantly used for cattle and sheep. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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13 pages, 8472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Past Human Activities on the Current State of Vegetation in Historical Settlements of a Wine-Growing Cultural Landscape (Svätý Jur, Slovakia)

by Natália Hurajtová, Veronika Piscová, Petra Gašparovičová and Michal Ševčík

Land 2023, 12(9), 1690; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12091690 - 29 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1011

Abstract

The aim of our study is to reconstruct the human influence on the current vegetation in selected parts of the cadastral territory of Svätý Jur. Svätý Jur is a town with more than 700 years of winemaking tradition, located on the oak-hornbeam-forested slopes [...] Read more.

The aim of our study is to reconstruct the human influence on the current vegetation in selected parts of the cadastral territory of Svätý Jur. Svätý Jur is a town with more than 700 years of winemaking tradition, located on the oak-hornbeam-forested slopes of the Little Carpathians and surrounded by terraced vineyards. Human activity has changed the natural landscape of Svätý Jur since the Neolithic period. It is possible to trace the influence of past human activities on current vegetation by mapping vegetation onto historical landscape structures. For our research, we chose two study sites—Biely Kameň Castle and Hillfort Neštich. Our research has shown that there are significant differences in plant communities as well as in their environmental requirements between the investigated sites. Nitrophilous species indicative of human activities were recorded at both sites. At Hillfort Neštich, we recorded the occurrence of an interesting combination of species of Atropa, Phytolacca and Rubus. We have recorded their current occurrence and searched for its causes. In addition, we evaluate the current state of the vegetation of the castle and the hillfort in relation to the human past and today’s use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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28 pages, 16685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Assessment of Geodiversity for Conservation Purposes in Slovenské rudohorie Mountains (Slovakia)

by Mária Barančoková, Daniela Hutárová and Maroš Nikolaj

Land 2023, 12(9), 1650; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12091650 - 23 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1235

Abstract

A geodiversity assessment is one of the basic steps in the development of geoprotection activities. It is important to establish parameters that quantify the elements and locations of abiotic nature. Here, the focus is on those who are richer than the average population. [...] Read more.

A geodiversity assessment is one of the basic steps in the development of geoprotection activities. It is important to establish parameters that quantify the elements and locations of abiotic nature. Here, the focus is on those who are richer than the average population. In doing so, it is possible to manage areas for the protection of important geoheritage and develop sustainable activities, e.g., geotourism. The monitored territory (Slovenské rudohorie Mts.) lies in southeast Slovakia and occupies an area of 4986 km². The geodiversity assessment is based on overlaying a grid onto different maps at a scale of 1:500,000, where the final geodiversity index is the sum of six indices calculated in 5 × 5 km grid squares. These indices consist of a geological index, a geomorphological index (composed of two sub-indices: geomorphological subdivision and morphological–morphometric types), a hydrological index (composed of three sub-indices: the type of aquifer, the density of the river network, and the occurrence of springs and mineral waters), a soil index, a tectonic index, and a mineral resources index (composed of four sub-indices: the occurrence of ore, non-ore, construction, and energy resources). The resulting geodiversity index map is presented in the form of five isoline classes: very high (10% of the monitored area), high (28%), medium (32%), low (23%), and very low (7%). The geodiversity map of the territory of the Slovenské rudohorie Mts., together with the indices, creates a useful tool for conservation, management, sustainability programs, and education at the national level. However, Slovak legislation does not mention the concept of geodiversity, its protection, valuation, restoration, or responsible usage. Only its specific forms and processes are preserved as a natural resource supporting biodiversity. Considering the mineralogical richness of the area, some locations with a very high geodiversity may be the focus of mineral exploration. It is very important to set up appropriate landscape management for these sites. Valuable geotopes located in biodiversity cold spots that are not subject to protection within the state’s nature protection program should be considered as small protected areas (up to 1000 ha) at the fourth or fifth level of protection under Act No. 543/2002 Coll. or could form the core areas of a possible Geopark. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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20 pages, 22399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Variation in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration from 1980 to 2020 and Future Trends in Ecosystem Services

by Yongzheng Wang, Xinchen Gu and Haoran Yu

Land 2023, 12(4), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040929 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2354

Abstract

Over the past 40 years of reform and opening up, human activities in the Yangtze River Delta region have caused major changes in land use patterns and ecosystem functions. Clarifying the spatiotemporal change characteristics and future development trends of ecosystem service functions is [...] Read more.

Over the past 40 years of reform and opening up, human activities in the Yangtze River Delta region have caused major changes in land use patterns and ecosystem functions. Clarifying the spatiotemporal change characteristics and future development trends of ecosystem service functions is the basis for rational land development and utilization. In this study, the InVEST model and the CASA model were used to calculate habitat quality, water conservation, carbon sequestration and oxygen release, and soil conservation ecosystem services in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration from 1980 to 2020. The spatial pattern, change law, and future trend of these services were analyzed using the Theil–Sen median trend analysis, Mann–Kendall test, and Hurst index analysis. The results show that the four types of ecosystems in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration (habitat quality, water conservation, carbon sequestration and oxygen release, and soil conservation) exhibited an overall spatial pattern of being high in the southwest mountainous area and low in the northeast plain, and the conversion from constructed to agriculture was the most frequent type of land conversion over the past 40 years. From 1980 to 2020, the average level of habitat quality showed a downward trend and is expected to continue to deteriorate in the future. Water conservation, carbon sequestration and oxygen release, and soil conservation showed a fluctuating upward trend, with the latter two primarily predicted to have a future trend of improvement. The changes in ecosystem services exhibit gradient effects and horizontal spatial differentiation. The decline in ecosystem service functions is more pronounced in the vicinity of large cities. It is thus necessary to accelerate the transformation of the economic development model, and abandon the extensive urbanization development model, and promote high-quality urbanization development on the basis of improving resource and environmental carrying capacities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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25 pages, 5204 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling Relationship between Rural Settlement Patterns and Landscape Fragmentation in Woodlands and Biological Reserves—A Case of Nanshan National Park

by Bo Li, Hao Ouyang, Tong Wang and Tian Dong

Land 2023, 12(4), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040741 - 25 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2326

Abstract

Exploring the influence of settlement patterns on the landscape fragmentation in woodlands and biological reserves is key to achieving ecologically sustainable development. In this research, we chose the Nanshan National Park in Hunan Province, China, as a case study, to explore the influence [...] Read more.

Exploring the influence of settlement patterns on the landscape fragmentation in woodlands and biological reserves is key to achieving ecologically sustainable development. In this research, we chose the Nanshan National Park in Hunan Province, China, as a case study, to explore the influence mechanisms. First, we identified the biological reserves through the landscape security patterns of biological conservation. Second, we constructed a coupling coordination model to analyze the coupling relationship between the settlement patterns and landscape fragmentation in the woodlands and biological reserves. The analysis showed that, overall, the effect of the settlement area on the landscape fragmentation in the biological reserves was more pronounced, while the effect of the settlement spread and shape on the landscape fragmentation in the woodlands was more obvious. From a type-specific perspective, we analyzed the coupling relationship between the settlement patterns and (1) the landscape fragmentation in different woodlands and (2) the landscape fragmentation in the biological reserves, namely concerning Leiothrix lutea and Emberiza aureola. We found that the effect of the settlement patterns on the landscape fragmentation of the Leiothrix lutea biological reserve was more significant than that of the landscape fragmentation of its main habitat, the evergreen broad-leaved forest. The effect of settlement patterns on the landscape fragmentation of the Emberiza aureola biological reserve was more significant than that of the landscape fragmentation of its other habitats. In addition, the results demonstrated that the habitat protection of the woodlands was not a substitute for the systematic protection of biosecurity patterns. This research could assist in developing more efficient conservation measures for ecologically protected sites with rural settlements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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Review

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24 pages, 4063 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vegetation Dynamics Studies Based on Ellenberg and Landolt Indicator Values: A Review

by Natalya Ivanova and Ekaterina Zolotova

Land 2024, 13(10), 1643; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101643 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1067

Abstract

Understanding the dynamics and system of interrelationships between habitats and plant communities is key to making reliable predictions about sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation and the risks of environmental crises. At the same time, assessing the complex of environmental factors that determine the [...] Read more.

Understanding the dynamics and system of interrelationships between habitats and plant communities is key to making reliable predictions about sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation and the risks of environmental crises. At the same time, assessing the complex of environmental factors that determine the composition, structure and dynamics of plant communities is usually a long, time-consuming and expensive process. In this respect, the assessment of habitats on the basis of the indicator properties of the plants is of great interest. The aim of our study was to carry out a comprehensive review of vegetation dynamics studies based on the Ellenberg and Landolt indicator values in the last five years (2019–2023). We identified their strengths and priority areas for further research, which will contribute to improving the ecological indicator values for studying vegetation dynamics. The analysis of publications was carried out based on the recommendations of PRISMA 2020 and the VOSviewer software(version 1.6.18). The wide geographical range and high reliability of Landolt and Ellenberg indicator values for the study of different plant communities and variations in their dynamics are demonstrated. At the same time, the application of these environmental indicator values has its peculiarities. For example, the Ellenberg indicator values show a wider research geography and are more often used to study the dynamics of forest ecosystems than the Landolt indicator values, which are more often used to study disturbed landscapes and the dynamics of individual species. However, these methods have been used with almost the same frequency for grasslands, wetlands and coastal vegetation. The citation analysis confirmed the high interest in the environmental indicator values and their widespread use in research, but also revealed the weak development of a network of relationships. This suggests that modern researchers are not well aware of, and rarely use, the results of research carried out in recent years, especially if they are based on indicator values other than those used by them. At the same time, a number of unresolved issues are clearly identified, which require additional research and a consolidation of research teams if they are to be addressed more successfully. We hope that the results of this meta-analysis will provide the impetus for further development of the concept of environmental indicators and help researchers to overcome the current questions around applying indicator values in the study of vegetation dynamics, as well as help researchers to understand the strengths of this methodology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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19 pages, 1486 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Contribution of Scientists to the Research in Biosphere Reserves in Slovakia

by Jana Špulerová, Veronika Piscová and Noemi Matušicová

Land 2023, 12(3), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12030537 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2314

Abstract

This review is aimed at summarizing the current state of knowledge of biosphere reserves (BRs) in Slovakia and assessment of research activities undertaken there and how they contribute to the mission and fulfillment of the goals of the designation process to the World [...] Read more.

This review is aimed at summarizing the current state of knowledge of biosphere reserves (BRs) in Slovakia and assessment of research activities undertaken there and how they contribute to the mission and fulfillment of the goals of the designation process to the World Network of BRs. We based our methodological approach on the literature review of the studies found in the scientific database Web of Science through keyword searches. The 121 studies were characterized by research subject, BR function examined, and contribution to the development of which particular aspect of BR. Most of the studies focused on biodiversity protection, management of BR, land use changes, and scenario modeling. The strengths of BR in Slovakia are a long history and continuity of research, close cooperation with some scientists and institutions, case studies of BR included in international projects, existing examples of participatory studies, and a wide range of research topics. An important contribution to research is that provided by existing long-term monitoring sites. The transboundary BRs in particular are involved in developing international collaborations within the World Network of BRs. We summarized the results of the literature review and gave a scientist’s perception of the development of BR in a SWOT analysis, including recommendations for further development in the form of a discussion of opportunities and threats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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