Search results for " BIODIVERSITY"

INVESTIGATION ON OLD-GROWTH FORESTS OF SICILY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

2014

Old-growth forests are natural forests that have developed over a long period of time, without experiencing severe, stand-replacing disturbance a fire, windstorm, or logging. According to UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA definition, an old-growth forest is a primary or a secondary forest which has achieved an age at which structure and species normally associated with old primary forests of that type have sufficiently accumulated to act as a forest ecosystem distinct from any younger age class. In a thematic contribution to the National Biodiversity Strategy, the authors report the following definition of Italian old-growth forests: Forest in which human disturbance is absent or negligible, and in which nat…

Plant landscape and phytodiversity in the ancient town of Erice (NW Sicily)

2018

The The town of Erice, in the province of Trapani, is an environmental unicum in the context of the ancient settlements of western Sicily. Its history, substrates, and particular climate, generated by its geo-orographic position, make it a particular hotspot of natural and cultural biodiversity. Located on the top of Mount San Giuliano, in addition to natural habitats with their specific florulas, the town shows small gardens and among the few inhabitants there is a widespread green culture. A tourist des- tination by its various architectural and landscape historical peculiarities, Erice presents a residential center made up by small stone buildings, with small courtyards or “bagli” often …

Species and habitat biodiversity measure and conservation at different scale in small Mediterranean islands

2017

Small islands are geographically and ecologically well-defined areas in which biological processes are easier to schematize than in the mainland. There is a vast range of biodiversity measures, due to the large concept of biodiversity and the range of spatial, temporal and taxonomic scales used. Many existing measures are well designed and informative. But, very often they are inadequate for purposes beyond those for which they were specifically designed. Knowledge on trends in biodiversity loss is hindered by the absence of reliable basic data for most groups of organisms as well as habitats. Plants are primary producers and key structural elements for most ecosystems and islands are among…

Impoverishment of Sicilian (Italy) historical and cultural assets by an alien insect species:the case study of the Real Palm Weevil

2012

Microorganisms and insects have a disastrous impact on the biodiversity, cultural heritage and economy of a geographic area. However, in recent decades, the negative effects of invasive alien species (IAS), including both animal and plant or microorganisms occurring outside their natural distribution range, are generally not well known. Invasive alien species are most often found in or near urban areas, as well as throughout the settled landscape. According to the World Conservation Union, IUCN 2012, IAS represent the second most significant threat to biodiversity after resource depletion of habitats, becoming predators, competitors, parasites, hybridizers and diseases for native plants and…

PLANT LANDSCAPE OF RAS DIMAS PENINSULA (GOVERNATORATE OF MONASTIR, CENTRAL COASTAL TUNISIA)

2014

The Ras Dimas lagoon lies along the coast of Central Tunisia (35°37'45.84"N, 11° 2'44.61"E), in the region of Sahel, about 20 km linear distance to the south from Monastir and about 160 km from Tunisi. The lagoon is made up by a sandy peninsula with white sands rich in limestone with fine granulometry, about 3 km long, up to 200 m wide and up to 2 m high, that contains about 120 hectares of sea. Previously this peninsula was regularly isolated from the continent forming the island of Edzira, in the last years, sea storms and the different streams course, likely caused by the restructuring of the Port of Bekalta, has given the actual configuration of a peninsula. In April 2013, as part of th…

THE PALMETUM, A NEW SECTOR IN THE PALERMO BOTANICAL GARDEN

2014

A “FREUD GARDEN” AT THE UNIVERSITY TOWN OF PALERMO (SICILY)

2014

DETECTING INVASION HOTSPOTS OF AILANTHUS ALTISSIMA WITH REMOTE SENSING

2014

Le piante vascolari del litorale trapanese: da Ronciglio a Capo San Vito

2013

Vascular flora of the Trapani littoral between Ronciglio and Capo San Vito (NW Sicily). – The list of the vascular plants observed and collected in the Trapani littoral between Ronciglio and Capo San Vito (NW Sicily) during the last 20 years is presented here and commented. In total, 541 specific and infraspecific taxa were recorded. This flora has marked Mediterranean characteristics as shown by the absolute prevalence of therophytes as well as Mediterranean chorotypes. Among the most interesting taxa belonging to this flora are some halophytes and rare endemics such as Biscutella maritima, Calendula maritima, Cynomorium coccineum, Erica sicula, Galium litorale, Halocnemum strobilaceum, Li…

Establishment of the nomenclatural status of two nomina, Stenothoe bella Krapp-Schickel & Lo Brutto, 2015 and Stenothoe levantina Krapp-Schickel & Lo…

2022

Stenothoe bella Krapp-Schickel & Lo Brutto, 2015 and Stenothoe levantina Krapp-Schickel & Lo Brutto, 2015 are now available according to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999, 2012). The present note serves to validate the names Stenothoe bella and Stenothoe levantina by fulfilling ICZN conditions for nomenclatural availability.