2026-05-13T22:05:17Z https://ved.arphahub.com/oai.php

10.3897/ved.146670 2025-02-04 ved

University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Bonari, Gianmaria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5574-6067 Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic author Axmanová, Irena https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9440-7976 University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy author Bacchetta, Gianluigi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1714-3978 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Bagella, Simonetta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8519-2675 University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain author Fernández-González, Federico https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1234-4065 University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy author Gigante, Daniela https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1787-5164 University of Oviedo - CSIC - Principality of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain author Jiménez-Alfaro, Borja https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6601-9597 Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, author Kavgacı, Ali https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4549-3668 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Viciani, Daniele https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3422-5999 2025-02-04 2025-02-04 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 1 3 2025 10.3897/ved.146670 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/146670/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/146670/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/146670/download/xml/ The current issue is the first one of the journal Vegetation Ecology and Diversity, formerly Plant Sociology, the international peer-reviewed journal of the Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV). Vegetation Ecology and Diversity (VED) publishes original research articles covering all aspects of vegetation, ranging from plant communities to landscapes, including dynamic processes and community ecology. It prioritizes papers that emphasize plant community ecology and vegetation surveys to advance ecological models, interpret and classify vegetation, map ecosystems, assess environmental quality, manage and conserve plant biodiversity, and interpret and monitor European habitats. All the articles are freely available in Open Access (OA). In the present Editorial, we introduce the new journal name, the new Editorial Board and Social Media Team, several Topical Collections, and initiatives to support young researchers. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Classification habitat mapping phytosociology plant diversity plant ecology vegetation Introducing Vegetation Ecology and Diversity (VED) Editorial

10.3897/ved.139539 2025-02-19 ved

University of Rome 3, Rome, Italy author Acosta, Alicia Teresa Rosario https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6572-3187 University of Rome 3, Rome, Italy author Di Biase, Letizia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5675-2904 University of Rome 3, Rome, Italy author Sarmati, Simona https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7299-8541 University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy author Allevato, Emilia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0667-1027 University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Angiolini, Claudia Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Bagella, Simonetta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8519-2675 University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy author Bazan, Giuseppe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4827-9579 University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy author Bertacchi, Andrea https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3276-3876 University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy author Brancaleoni, Lisa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2495-3888 Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Venezia, Italy author Buffa, Gabriella https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0862-637X University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Calbi, Mariasole https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6018-4022 Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Caria, Maria Carmela https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7478-4819 University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy author Ciccarelli, Daniela https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9715-9779 University of Rome 3, Roma, Italy author Cutini, Maurizio https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8597-8221 NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy Università del Molise, Termoli, Italy author de Francesco, Maria Carla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5238-1154 University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy author De Natale, Antonino Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy author Fantinato, Edy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0114-4738 University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Fiaschi, Tiberio https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0403-2387 Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Sicurezza Energetica, DG Affari Europei, Internazionali e Finanza Sostenibile, Roma, Italy author Gangale, Carmen https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7533-6057 University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy author Gerdol, Renato https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1887-3788 University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Gianguzzi, Lorenzo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9007-7604 University “Mediterranea” of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy author Laface, Valentina Lucia Astrid https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2395-3181 NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Maccherini, Simona https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2025-7546 University “Mediterranea” of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy author MORABITO, ANTONIO https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2087-6731 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Mugnai, Michele https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4315-2920 University “Mediterranea” of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy author Musarella, Carmelo Maria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0120-190X University of Siena, Siena, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Pafumi, Emilia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1592-1964 University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy author Santangelo, Annalisa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5560-1725 University of Catania, Catania, Italy author Sciandrello, Saverio https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1132-5698 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Siccardi, Eugenia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4738-0633 University “Mediterranea” of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy author Spampinato, Giovanni https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7700-841X NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy Università del Molise, Termoli, Italy author Stanisci, Angela https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5302-0932 University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy author Strumia, Sandro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8304-7837 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Viciani, Daniele https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3422-5999 Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy author Del Vecchio, Silvia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8458-0433 2025-02-19 2025-02-19 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 1 6 2025 E Biondi author 2009 2009 10.1007/978-3-7091-8110-2 10.21426/B6110009 10.1111/avsc.12191 10.1093/aobpla/plv018 10.1007/s10531-014-0814-3 10.1111/j.1654-1103.2011.01265.x Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. 1992 text Official Journal of the European Union 1992 206 1992 7 50 S Ercole author 2021 2021 2006 2006 Euro+Med (2006) [2006+] Euro+Med PlantBase - the information resource for Euro-Mediterranean plant diversity. http://www.europlusmed.org 10.1177/0309133320919612 Antropizzazione delle dune del Mediterraneo. JM Géhu author C Ferrari author 1994 text Bologna: Edagricole 1994 160 176 10.1111/avsc.12307 JAM Janssen author 2016 2016 10.1111/avsc.12269 10.1111/jvs.13235 10.1111/1365-2435.14649 10.1371/journal.pone.0068850 10.3897/pls2020571/05 10.1111/geb.13346 10.1007/s00267-012-9809-6 10.17352/ojps.000026 10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.09.039 10.1111/1365-2745.13547 10.3897/ved.139539 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/139539/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/139539/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/139539/download/xml/ We present ReSurveyDunes — the first database of Italian coastal dune vegetation plots, developed through a collaborative network of Italian vegetation scientists. This paper describes the scope of the initiative, provides an overview of the available data, and highlights its key features, research applications, and future potential. ReSurveyDunes currently comprises 972 vegetation plots distributed across 11 Italian regions (Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Molise, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Veneto). The original plots were surveyed between 1974 and 2009, with a primary focus on herbaceous psammophilous coastal zonation (habitats 1210, 2110, 2120, 2130*, 2210, 2230, and 2240, as defined by the 92/43/EEC Habitats Directive). Resurveys were conducted in 2023 and 2024. Each plot dataset includes (i) a complete list of vascular plant species with cover estimates; (ii) geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude); (iii) sampling dates; and (iv) plot size. Designed to analyze fine-scale temporal trends in Italian coastal vegetation, ReSurveyDunes is a versatile tool for diverse ecological studies. It represents a valuable resource for evidence-based decision-making, enabling targeted conservation and management actions informed by up-to-date ecological data. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Coastal dune habitats Habitats Directive psammophilous vegetation resurvey temporal trends vegetation database ReSurveyDunes — a data resource of resurveyed coastal dune vegetation plots in Italy Data Paper

10.3897/ved.139363 2025-02-27 ved

University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy University of Molise, Termoli (CB) and Pesche (IS), Italy author Santoianni, Lucia Antonietta https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3486-0769 University of Camerino - Gran Sasso Laga National Park, Barisciano (AQ), Italy author Bartolucci, Fabrizio https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8199-6003 National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy author Carboni, Marta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9348-4758 University of Camerino - Gran Sasso Laga National Park, Barisciano (AQ), Italy author Conti, Fabio https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7391-6691 Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy author La Bella, Greta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9275-4517 University of Molise, Termoli (CB) and Pesche (IS), Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author Varricchione, Marco https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4716-6609 National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy University of Molise, Termoli (CB) and Pesche (IS), Italy author Stanisci, Angela https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5302-0932 2025-02-27 2025-02-27 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 1 9 2025 10.3897/ved.139363 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/139363/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/139363/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/139363/download/xml/ The MARA (Monitoring Alien species along mountain Roads in the central Apennines) database was developed to monitor the distribution of vascular plant species along mountain roads in the Central Apennines, Italy, focusing on alien (i.e. neophytes) and thermophilous plant species. Data were gathered in 2022 from 118 plots spanning an elevation range from 420 to 2125 meters a.s.l. along 3 main road corridors on three massifs (Gran Sasso, Maiella and Terminillo), following the MIREN road survey protocol. The database comprises 810 taxa (species and subspecies), of which 16 are identified as alien taxa. Major plant families in frequency are Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Fabaceae. MARA captures detailed information on species cover, taxonomy, and ecological traits, such as life forms and Ecological Indicator Values for Europe (EIVE) related to temperature. Notably, 53% of the alien species recorded were thermophilous, thriving in warmer environments, and predominantly concentrated below 1200 meters, though a few species extend to higher elevations. This suggests that rising temperatures due to climate change may facilitate the upward movement of these species, potentially disrupting native vegetation. For such reasons, the MARA database is a valuable resource for long-term ecological monitoring, providing valuable data for both national and international research networks. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Alien taxa MIREN sampling method thermophilous taxa vegetation database MARA Vegetation Database: Monitoring Alien species along mountain Roads in the central Apennines Data Paper

10.3897/ved.139958 2025-03-26 ved

Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia author Romanov, Roman https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6137-3586 Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts, Podgorica, Montenegro author Dragićević, Snežana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2788-5211 Unaffiliated, Marl, Germany author Raabe, Uwe Natural History Museum of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro author Biberdžić, Vera Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy author Salemi, Dario Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest, Hungary author Papp, Beata Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy author Troia, Angelo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5193-8865 2025-03-26 2025-03-26 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 1 12 2025 10.3897/ved.139958 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/139958/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/139958/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/139958/download/xml/ In this paper, we present the first reports of liverwort Riella macrocarpa in Montenegro, Sicily, and Greece. The species has been documented as occurring in former salt pans in Montenegro and Attica, in natural brackish ponds in Sicily, and in a flooded parking area in the Peloponnese. In these environments Riella macrocarpa was found growing either in monospecific communities or associated with charophytes, green algae and a few species of vascular plants. Notes on its habitats and communities based on our personal observations are presented. New distributional data on this species seems to confirm that R. macrocarpa is widespread throughout the Mediterranean, while its sister species, R. helicophylla s.s., appears to be rarer, reported so far only in the western Mediterranean countries. The mutation of the name Rielletum helicophyllae Cirujano, Velayos et García-Mur. 1993 (to Rielletum macrocarpae Cirujano, Velayos et García-Mur. mut. Romanov et al. nom. mut. nov.) is suggested here in agreement with the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature. Riella macrocarpa, already included in the Italian Red List (under R. helicophylla), is also a candidate for inclusion in the national Red Lists of Montenegro and Greece. Although this liverwort often occurs within protected areas, monitoring and conservation efforts are essential to better understand the risks and threats that the species and its habitat face. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Greece liverworts Mediterranean temporary ponds Montenegro Rielletum helicophyllae Rielletum macrocarpae Sicily New data on the distribution, ecology and syntaxonomy of Riella macrocarpa (Riellaceae, Marchantiophyta) Research Article

10.3897/ved.144362 2025-04-17 ved

University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Gholizadeh, Hamid https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3694-368X University of Siena, Siena, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Bonari, Gianmaria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5574-6067 University of Siena, Siena, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Pafumi, Emilia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1592-1964 University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy author Bertacchi, Andrea https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3276-3876 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Calbi, Mariasole https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6018-4022 University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Castagnini, Paolo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2485-1742 University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy author Ciccarelli, Daniela https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9715-9779 University of Siena, Siena, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Fanfarillo, Emanuele https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5742-737X Botanical Garden “Giardino dei Semplici”, Florence, Italy author Ferretti, Giulio https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4637-6068 University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Fiaschi, Tiberio https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0403-2387 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Foggi, Bruno https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6451-4025 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Gennai, Matilde https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3250-120X University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Lazzaro, Lorenzo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0514-0793 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Mugnai, Michele https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4315-2920 NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Rome Tre, Rome, Italy author Sarmati, Simona https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7299-8541 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Viciani, Daniele https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3422-5999 NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Angiolini, Claudia University of Siena, Siena, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Maccherini, Simona https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2025-7546 2025-04-17 2025-04-17 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 1 8 2025 10.3897/ved.144362 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/144362/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/144362/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/144362/download/xml/ Surveying vegetation is essential for documenting plant diversity, especially for coastal vegetation that results among the most threatened ecosystems globally. To support conservation and management programs, we developed the SALt-affected vegeTatIon dataset of Tuscany coaStal Habitats (SALTISH). This dataset comprises 734 newly sampled vegetation plots of 4 m2 (2 m × 2 m) from the Tuscany region in central Italy, including 569 sand dune plots and 165 salt marsh plots, recorded between 2018 and 2023. In total, the dataset contains 4,541 occurrences of vascular plant taxa. Overall, it comprehends 257 vascular plant taxa belonging to 165 genera and 56 families. The Poaceae family is the most diverse, represented by 50 taxa, while the most represented genus is Juncus, with seven species. Species richness within individual plots ranges from one to 55 species, with 622 plots (84%) containing fewer than 10 species. Juniperus macrocarpa emerges as the most frequent and dominant species in the dataset. Helichrysum stoechas, Festuca fasciculata, and Medicago littoralis are present in over 20% of the plots, whereas 157 taxa are recorded in fewer than 1% of plots. The dataset includes noteworthy taxa: four Italian endemics (Centaurea aplolepa subsp. subciliata, Limonium etruscum, L. multiforme, and Solidago virgaurea subsp. litoralis), eight taxa listed as threatened in the Italian Red List, and 18 archaeophyte and neophyte alien species. SALTISH provides critical data for monitoring and conserving threatened coastal habitats in Tuscany. This resource will facilitate comparisons of biodiversity status and vegetation changes over time and will aid in identifying habitats harboring rare and endangered plant species. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Coastal dunes Italy Tuscany salt marshes vegetation dataset vegetation plot SALTISH: The SALt-affected vegeTatIon dataset of Tuscany coaStal Habitats, central Italy Data Paper

10.3897/ved.140946 2025-05-28 ved

Department of Rural and Territorial Development, Regione Siciliana, Palermo, Italy author La Mantia, Antonino University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy author Rocca, Riccardo https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6946-9785 University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Gianguzzi, Lorenzo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9007-7604 2025-05-28 2025-05-28 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 1 14 2025 funder Università degli Studi di Palermo 10.13039/501100004913 10.3897/ved.140946 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/140946/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/140946/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/140946/download/xml/ This paper reports the presence of a nucleus of thermophilous maquis with Searsia tripartita within the “Monte San Calogero” Nature Reserve (Sciacca, Southwestern Sicily, Italy), within a Natura 2000 site (ITA040009). S. tripartita is a summer-deciduous shrub with a South-Mediterranean distribution range, which is relatively common in North Africa but with only a few disjunct occurrences in Sicily. Here we report on a site that is located at the northern limit of the species’ range. The local occurrence of the species was reported for the first time some 200 years ago by Gussone, as testified by two herbarium specimens kept in the Gussone Herbarium of Naples. This study explores the synecology and the dynamic trends of the S. tripartita maquis using vegetation field surveys and a diachronic analysis of historical images spanning 27 years, from 1998 to 2024. The plant community colonizes an extremely dry and stony area at the base of carbonate rocks, subject to dry-semiarid thermomediterranean bioclimatic conditions. The surveyed plant community can be referred to Calicotomo infestae-Rhoetum tripartitae, a distinct low maquis association considered endemic to southern Sicily, framed within the southern Mediterranean alliance Periplocion angustifoliae (order Pistacio-Rhamnetalia alaterni, class Quercetea ilicis). Additional considerations are given to the conservation status of the rare habitat of Community interest 5220* (Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC) in which this community is classified. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Habitat fragmentation Periplocion angustifoliae priority coastal habitat relict Mediterranean maquis semiarid ecosystems Rediscovery of a relict Searsia tripartita maquis in Southwestern Sicily (Italy) with data on habitat 5220 Research Article

10.3897/ved.142914 2025-06-30 ved

University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal author Costa, José Carlos https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7619-840X University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal author Neto, Carlos https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0912-0255 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland author Monteiro-Henriques, Tiago https://orcid.org/https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4206-0699 University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal author Pina, Ana Rita https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4928-2585 CIMO-Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal author Aguiar, Carlos https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8643-7112 University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Mascia, Francesco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8777-8928 University of Siena, Siena, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Bonari, Gianmaria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5574-6067 2025-06-30 2025-06-30 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 1 12 2025 10.3897/ved.142914 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/142914/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/142914/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/142914/download/xml/ This study refines the classification framework for Portuguese dune pine forests included in the alliance Coremato albi-Pinion pinastri at the association level after the syntaxonomic revision of Mediterranean pine forests of the class Pinetea halepensis. We collected 61 original vegetation plots between 2017 and 2022 in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula, analysing them through Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) and UPGMA clustering. Numerical analysis identified four associations within the alliance Coremato albi-Pinion pinastri, specific to the sandy Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Of these, three associations are newly described (Cytiso grandiflori-Pinetum pinastri, Aristolochio baeticae-Pinetum pineae, and Ulici australis-Pinetum pineae). Our study classified pine forests on sand in southwestern Iberia and identifies conservation-significant species in their understory. The floristic diversity in these psammophilous pine forests is enhanced by numerous endemics and relic species from the Tertiary period, shaped by past climatic refugia and multiple floristic migration routes, including Atlantic, Mediterranean, and North African pathways. This has resulted in a unique blend of thermophilic, oceanic, and xeric species with high conservation value. Our study contributes to the understanding of Atlantic dune pine forest ecology and inform habitat conservation efforts. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Flora psammophilous pine forests phytosociology Pinetea halepensis Pinus pinaster Pinus pinea vegetation sand dunes Vegetation classification and conservation aspects of Atlantic dune pine forests in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula Research Article

10.3897/ved.155222 2025-07-18 ved

University of Molise, Termoli, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author de Francesco, Maria Carla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5238-1154 National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy University of Molise, Pesche, Italy author Carranza, Maria Laura https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5753-890X National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy author Capotorti, Giulia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4705-727X Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author Del Vico, Eva https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3099-5717 University of Molise, Pesche, Italy Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA, Rome, Italy author D'Angeli, Chiara https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8983-4280 National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy author Montaldi, Alessandro https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1098-3683 University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy author Paura, Bruno https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8350-1198 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Santoianni, Lucia Antonietta https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3486-0769 University of Molise, Pesche, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author Varricchione, Marco https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4716-6609 University of Molise, Termoli, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author Stanisci, Angela https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5302-0932 2025-07-18 2025-07-18 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e155222 2025 10.1080/11263504.2013.870251 10.1016/j.crm.2015.01.003 10.3897/pls2024612/03 10.1080/11263504.2024.2320126 10.1002/aps3.11583 E Biondi author 2009 2009 2024 2024 CABI (2024) Acer negundo (box elder). In: CABI Compendium. CAB International, Wallingford. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.2862 10.5194/ica-proc-4-18-2021 10.1111/avsc.12519 10.1111/avsc.12798 2025 2025 Città di Campobasso (2025) Città di Campobasso. https://www.comune.campobasso.it/campobasso2/zf/index.php/servizi-aggiuntivi/index/index/idtesto/20346 [Accessed on 10 June 2024] C D’Angeli author 2024 2024 10.3897/VCS.98324 10.1038/s41597-022-01774-9 2024 2024 EASIN (2024) EASIN. https://easin.jrc.ec.europa.eu/easin [Accessed on 16 October 2024] 2017 2017 Eurostat (2017) Methodological manual on city statistics. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. 10.1080/11263504.2018.1441197 10.1080/11263504.2024.2320129 10.1016/j.ppees.2013.02.001 2025 2025 ISTAT (2025) ISTAT. https://www.istat.it/ [Accessed on 19 February 2025] 2024 2024 IUCN (2024) IUCN. https://www.iucnredlist.org/ [Accessed on 18 December 2024] 10.1111/oik.01416 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.02.022 10.1038/s41597-024-03963-0 10.1111/j.1466-8238.2011.00704.x 10.1111/geb.13712 10.1214/aoms/1177730491 10.1016/j.scs.2016.12.004 10.1111/geb.13603 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121555 2025 2025 NBFC (2025) NBFC. https://www.nbfc.it/en [Accessed on 21 January 2025] 10.3389/frsc.2023.1281430 10.1080/17445647.2017.1413017 10.1111/1365-2435.12722 S Pignatti author 1982 1982 S Pignatti author 2017–2019 2017–2019 2024 2024 Portal to the Flora of Italy (2024) Portal to the Flora of Italy. http:/dryades.units.it/floritaly [Accessed on 20 November 2024] 2024 2024 PostgreSQL Global Development Group (2024) PostgreSQL. https://www.postgresql.org [Accessed on 27 March 2025] 10.1046/j.1365-2699.1998.251177.x 10.3390/plants14020285 2023 2023 R Core Team (2023) R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing. https://www.R-project.org/ [Accessed on 11 December 2024] C Raunkiær author 1934 1934 10.1111/j.1365-2745.2009.01548.x 10.2305/IUCN.CH.2019.ERL.1.en 10.11646/phytotaxa.287.1.1 10.1080/11263504.2022.2104399 10.23855/preslia.2018.001 B Schloerke author 2024 2024 C Stace author 2019 2019 10.1007/978-3-642-87925-8 10.1080/11263504.2024.2415613 10.24189/ncr.2024.032 10.1007/s00035-007-0797-8 10.47941/ijars.1941 2024 2024 WFO (2024) World Flora Online. Published on the Internet. http://www.worldfloraonline.org [Accessed on: 29 October 2024] 10.1007/978-0-387-98141-3 H Wickham author 2023 2023 H Wickham author 2024 2024 10.2307/3001968 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2006.03.004 10.1016/j.ufug.2017.09.002 10.3897/ved.155222 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/155222/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/155222/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/155222/download/xml/ We developed the DALIA relational database (DAtabase of tree, shrub and LIAna taxa), which contains records of tree, shrub, and liana taxa recorded in the Functional Urban Area of Campobasso, a small city located in the inner-Mediterranean Region of Southern Italy. The DALIA database, developed through the PostgreSQL data management system, includes 170 species and subspecies (126 native and 44 alien) belonging to 46 taxonomic families (35 native species and 23 alien species). Each taxon, whether native or alien, was classified according to multiple ecological, functional, and biogeographic groups. Moreover, the diagnostic value for Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, the IUCN red list conservation category, and, specifically for alien taxa, residence time and invasion status are reported. We described the dataset by bar and donut charts, density plots, and box plots. Results highlighted that native taxa are mainly Eurasian deciduous and Mediterranean evergreen with a prevalent zoochorous dispersal. By contrast, alien taxa are from Temperate Asia, North America, and Tropical Asia and count many anemochorous species with winged diaspores. Alien plant taxa show different characteristics in terms of ecological and disturbance indicator values, indicating a potential greater competitiveness in highly disturbed environments than native ones. The DALIA checklist of native and alien plant taxa collects important ecological information that is useful for monitoring plant diversity, implementing ecological restoration actions, and supporting sustainable urban greenery plans and actions. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Dispersal mode Ecological indicators Urban biodiversity Woody flora inventory DALIA: a relational DAtabase of tree, shrub and LIAna taxa recorded in the Functional Urban Area of Campobasso (Italy) Data Paper

10.3897/ved.160563 2025-08-12 ved

University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Rivieccio, Giovanni https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0840-0212 University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy author Assini, Silvia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6480-6543 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Bagella, Simonetta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8519-2675 University of Catania, Catania, Italy author Blandino, Cristina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7176-2024 University of Catania, Catania, Italy author Cambria, Salvatore https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3828-1552 University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy author Caporusso, Cristina https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5694-7377 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Caria, Maria Carmela https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7478-4819 Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, CNR, Bari, Italy author Costanzo, Emanuele https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2002-0125 NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy author Gianguzzi, Lorenzo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9007-7604 University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, Pavia, Italy University of Torino, Torino, Italy author Gervasio, Giorgio https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3131-6309 Borgata Cresto, Sant'Antonino di Susa, Torino, Italy author Giuliano, Elio Department of Rural and Territorial Development, Regione Siciliana, Palermo, Italy author La Mantia, Antonino University of Torino, Torino, Italy author Lonati, Michele https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8886-0328 University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy author Longo, Giuseppe https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4003-9754 Università “Mediterranea” di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy author MORABITO, ANTONIO https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2087-6731 Università “Mediterranea” di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy author Musarella, Carmelo Maria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0120-190X University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy author Perrino, Enrico Vito https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0555-4139 Università “Mediterranea” di Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy author Spampinato, Giovanni https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7700-841X National Coalition of Independent Scholars, South Bend, United States of America author Tavilla, Gianmarco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4634-6440 University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy author Tomaselli, Valeria https://orcid.org/https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9121-9558 Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Brixen-Bressanone, Italy author Turco, Alessio https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9071-344X University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy author Bazan, Giuseppe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4827-9579 2025-08-12 2025-08-12 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e160563 2025 10.3897/ved.160563 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/160563/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/160563/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/160563/download/xml/ This contribution presents new Italian data on the distribution of Annex I Habitats. Specifically, 9 records are reported, including 3 occurrences within Natura 2000 sites and the addition of 9 new cells to the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new data refer to the Italian administrative regions of Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Piedmont, Sardinia, and Sicily. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) vegetation 3150 3170* 5110 5230* 6220* 9330 9380 9580* New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #139 to #147 Research Article

10.3897/ved.154284 2025-09-04 ved

Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bozen-Bolzano, Italy author Bricca, Alessandro https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0202-6776 University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy author Chelli, Stefano https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7184-8242 University of Padova, Padova, Italy author Petruzzellis, Francesco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3635-8501 University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy author Puglielli, Giacomo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0085-4535 University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia author Tordoni, Enrico https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9722-6692 2025-09-04 2025-09-04 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e154284 2025 10.3897/ved.154284 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/154284/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/154284/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/154284/download/xml/ Vegetation science is a branch of community ecology that relies on species identities and abundance to classify vegetation in coherent units and to explore species coexistence and turnover dynamics. The advent of trait-based ecology has expanded vegetation science, providing a framework that allows for a better understanding of plant strategies and the functional structure of communities. These complementary disciplines have remained largely independent among Italian plant ecologists. Therefore, in 2021, we launched the ITV-net initiative, a national collaborative effort for bringing together vegetation plots and field-measured plant trait data to develop a national platform that can serve both vegetation and trait-based ecologists. In the first data call, we were able to gather trait data on two key leaf traits (i.e., Leaf Area and Specific Leaf Area) for >700 species across 1,043 georeferenced vegetation plots, complemented with species relative abundances, across eight different EUNIS habitat types. Despite this remarkable first milestone, we aim to enlarge the scope of this initiative to include more vegetation plots and functional traits across more habitat types in Italy. Here, we provide an overview of the ITV-net initiative and its underlying methodological details as a ‘manifesto’ to spread the data call to other potential contributors in the Italian community of plant ecologists. Our ultimate objective is to bridge the vegetation science and trait-based ecological research in Italy towards developing a national database of vegetation plots and plant functional traits. We believe this effort will contribute to building a solid network among Italian plant ecologists to cross the artificial boundaries of different, yet complementary, disciplines. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Community ecology functional traits intraspecific trait variability plant strategies vegetation science ITV-net: leveraging intraspecific trait variability to bridge vegetation science and trait-based research in Italy Opinion Paper

10.3897/ved.157888 2025-09-10 ved

Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bozen-Bolzano, Italy author Bricca, Alessandro https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0202-6776 University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy author Tardella, Federico Maria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4319-9131 University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy author Catorci, Andrea https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9012-7635 2025-09-10 2025-09-10 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e157888 2025 10.3897/ved.157888 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/157888/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/157888/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/157888/download/xml/ Biodiversity is a multidimensional concept, and capturing its various facets simultaneously offers a more robust framework for predicting vegetation responses to anthropogenic disturbance. Yet, multifaceted studies exploring forest understory regeneration remain scarce. We investigate taxonomic (TD), functional (FD), and phylogenetic (PD) diversity in the understory plant communities of 38 hop-hornbeam forest stands in the Central Apennines (Italy), which differ in time since last coppice event, i.e., 20–25 years (younger stands) and 40–45 years (older stands). We tested differences in TD, and standardized effect sizes (SES) of FD and PD between younger and older stands using two-tailed t-tests. Further, we evaluated the presence of a random or non-random mechanism by checking the distribution of the SES-FD and SES-PD. Our results revealed no significant change in TD between the two forest age classes. However, SES-FD and SES-PD changed significantly. SES-FD shifted from convergence in younger forests to divergence in older ones, aligning with expectations that greater environmental heterogeneity in mature forests supports functionally distinct species. In contrast, SES-PD exhibited increasing convergence over time, suggesting that the forest understory becomes increasingly dominated by closely related species as regeneration progresses. This growing phylogenetic convergence may reflect long-term land-use impacts and a limited regional species pool, pointing to a gradual loss of evolutionary diversity. Overall, our findings emphasize that different facets of biodiversity shape the dynamics of forest regeneration, and that an integrated, multidimensional approach is essential to fully understand and predict these complex ecological processes. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Chronosequences coppicing disturbances functional diversity phylogenetic diversity plant traits Multi-faceted short-term dynamics of plant understory across forest regeneration stages Research Article

10.3897/ved.160170 2025-09-29 ved

University of Molise, Pesche, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author CONTE, ANTONIO LUCA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5053-2561 University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Di Pietro, Romeo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4983-8931 NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Molise, Pesche, Italy author Di Marzio, Piera https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3831-5388 University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy author Strumia, Sandro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8304-7837 CNR IMAA, Potenza, Italy author CILLIS, GIUSEPPE https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1851-1533 University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy author CAPUANO, ANDREA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5974-1434 University of Molise, Pesche, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Fortini, Paola https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4481-2126 2025-09-29 2025-09-29 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e160170 2025 10.3897/ved.160170 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/160170/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/160170/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/160170/download/xml/ The future of the Mediterranean oak forests is under threat from the dangerous effects of global climate change, such as increasing droughts and heatwaves. The combined or individual action of certain climatic and environmental factors can lead to oak decline in various oak forest types. A study was conducted between 2015 and 2022 in southern Italy, encompassing thirty oak forest stands dominated by various Quercus species, including Q. cerris, Q. frainetto, Q. ilex, Q. pubescens, and affected by oak decline. The study employed field sampling, NDVI data, and remote sensing techniques. The distribution of the forest stands encompassed both the Temperate and Mediterranean bioclimatic regions. A total of 18 quantitative and 4 qualitative variables were recorded and subsequently compared with a damage severity scale based on field observations. The values of the variables were analyzed using both descriptive and multivariate statistics to ascertain their role in triggering oak decline episodes. It was found that eight variables were the most significant in explaining the occurrence of oak decline. These were the first-semester average rainfall, average maximum summer temperature, Rainfall anomaly index, Downward shortwave radiation, Root zone soil moisture, and three indicators concerning the number, amplitude, and duration of heatwaves. Quercus pubescens forests were found to be the most affected by oak decline. The years 2017 and 2022 were characterized by high levels of stress, with the combined effect of groups of diagnostic variables in exceeding the critical thresholds proving decisive in triggering episodes of oak decline. A vulnerability map was finally created reporting three vulnerability classes for oak decline: low, medium, and high. The analysis revealed that approximately 97% (116,700 hectares) of forest plots classified as vulnerable (31.7% of the total forest area in the study region) were categorized as medium or high vulnerability. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Deciduous forest Mediterranean basin oak decline Quercus vulnerability map Oak decline in southern Italy: environmental and climate parameters for modelling purposes Research Article

10.3897/ved.167266 2025-11-14 ved

Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy author Zitarelli, Claudia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0992-3344 Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy author De Toma, Andrea https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7181-7294 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author Marzialetti, Flavio https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5661-4683 National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy author Cutini, Maurizio https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8597-8221 2025-11-14 2025-11-14 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e167266 2025 10.3897/ved.167266 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/167266/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/167266/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/167266/download/xml/ The central Italian Stipa mountain grasslands are a fascinating vegetation type of notable biogeographic interest, having remained along the Apennine chain since the last Pleistocene glacial phases. The present study focuses on the phytosociological description of grasslands dominated by Stipa dasyvaginata subsp. apenninicola, an endemic Apennine species. We sampled twenty-five plots in the Velino Massif and surrounding areas facing the northwestern side of the Fucino Basin and performed a cluster analysis combining our dataset with all published relevés of Stipa dasyvaginata subsp. apenninicola dominated communities in the Italian peninsula. The floristic and environmental differences between our dataset and the other communities led us to describe the new association Saponario bellidifoliae-Stipetum apenninicolae (class Helianthemo cani-Seslerietea nitidae), showing a xerophilous ecology. We further analyzed the variance in environmental data within our dataset, as well as its biological and chorological spectra. The peculiar floristic and ecological characteristics of these steppic grasslands highlight the need of preserving this type of vegetation, which may represent a valuable example contributing to the understanding of the formation of the contemporary vegetation landscape. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Central Apennines dry grasslands phytosociology syntaxonomy The Stipa dasyvaginata subsp. apenninicola mountain grasslands of the Velino Massif (central Italy) Research Article

10.3897/ved.176928 2025-12-01 ved

University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Misuri, Alice https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5352-0845 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Mugnai, Michele https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4315-2920 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Dell´Olmo, Lorella https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2913-8981 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Foggi, Bruno https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6451-4025 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Benesperi, Renato https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4296-3393 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Viciani, Daniele https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3422-5999 NEMO Nature and Environment Management Operators s.r.l., Florence, Italy author Giunti, Michele https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9339-6329 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Lazzaro, Lorenzo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0514-0793 2025-12-01 2025-12-01 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e176928 2025 10.3897/ved.176928 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/176928/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/176928/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/176928/download/xml/ Invasive alien species are a major threat to biodiversity, prompting management actions. Here, we present the first two years of monitoring Natura 2000 habitats on Capraia Island (Tuscan Archipelago, Italy), in relation to control measures for the invasive plant Opuntia stricta, within the LIFE TETIDE project (Turning Eradication Targets into Durable Effects). We randomly sampled 25 permanent 100 m² macroplots in the areas most affected by Opuntia stricta, recording the vegetation macrocategory and cover values of Opuntia stricta and Natura 2000 habitats. Within each macroplot, we surveyed two 4 m² subplots for compositional analyses. We used Linear Mixed-Effects Models to assess temporal and vegetation effects on Opuntia stricta and habitat cover; multivariate ordination and PERMANOVA to evaluate community composition, with environmental variables linked to the ordination; and Wilcoxon tests to validate habitat classification accuracy using species of the reference physiognomic combination according to the Italian Habitats Interpretation Manual. Our results indicate spatial heterogeneity in Opuntia stricta distribution, with a slight increase in coastal habitats. We recorded an ecological preference for coastal vegetation and low maquis, particularly on habitats 1240 “Vegetated sea cliffs of the Mediterranean coasts with endemic Limonium spp.”, 5320 “Low formations of Euphorbia close to cliffs”, and 5330 “Thermo-Mediterranean and pre-desert scrub”. We recorded a substantial representation of reference species across all habitats, except for 8220 “Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation”, which requires further investigation. Data collected provide a useful pre-intervention snapshot of Capraia’s habitats, pivotal for the full evaluation of the impacts of the project actions. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Conservation Insular ecosystem Invasive Alien Species Mediterranean Islands Plant community Vegetation ecology Monitoring Natura 2000 habitats to support Opuntia stricta containment on Capraia Island (Tuscan Archipelago, Italy) Research Article

10.3897/ved.173704 2025-12-08 ved

University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Rivieccio, Giovanni https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0840-0212 University of Siena, Siena, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Angiolini, Claudia University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Bagella, Simonetta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8519-2675 NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Bonari, Gianmaria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5574-6067 University of Siena, Siena, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Cannucci, Silvia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8415-1812 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Caria, Maria Carmela https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7478-4819 University of Bari, Bari, Italy author Carrugio, Francesca Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy author Crosato, Manuel University of Siena, Siena, Italy author De Simone, Leopoldo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3055-136X University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Fiaschi, Tiberio https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0403-2387 Unaffiliated, Peveragno (CN), Italy author Gallino, Bruno Unaffiliated, Polizzi Generosa (PA), Italy author Genduso, Emanuele NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy author Gianguzzi, Lorenzo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9007-7604 Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy author Iamonico, Duilio https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5491-7568 Department of Rural and Territorial Development, Regione Siciliana, Sicilia, Italy author La Mantia, Antonino University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy author Lonati, Michele https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8886-0328 Biodiversity Service and Scientific Research, Gran Paradiso National Park, Cogne, Italy author Mainetti, Andrea https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4629-9015 University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Mascia, Francesco Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bozen-Bolzano, Italy author Mei, Giacomo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5576-1929 Unaffiliated, Torino, Italy author Miserere, Luca University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy author Rocca, Riccardo University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy author Pittarello, Marco https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6748-8790 Institute for Timber Plants and the Environment, Torino, Italy author Selvaggi, Alberto https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2483-4790 University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy author Tomaselli, Valeria https://orcid.org/https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9121-9558 2025-12-08 2025-12-08 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e173704 2025 10.3897/ved.173704 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/173704/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/173704/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/173704/download/xml/ This contribution presents new data on the distribution of Annex I Habitats in Italy. A total of 10 records are reported, including 6 within Natura 2000 sites and the addition of 15 new cells to the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new records refer to the administrative regions of Apulia, Marche, Piedmont, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany and Veneto. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) 2120 3140 3240 4030 5220* 5230* 5330 7110* 7220* 9160 vegetation New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #148 to #157 Research Article

10.3897/ved.176328 2025-12-08 ved

Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina author Giorgis, Melisa A. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6126-6660 Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy author Zitarelli, Claudia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0992-3344 Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina author Davies, Agustín https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9809-1972 Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina author Palchetti, Virginia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0442-8640 University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy author Bazzichetto, Manuele https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9874-5064 Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina author Bertone, Gustavo Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina author Cabido, Marcelo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6168-7537 Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy author Acosta, Alicia Teresa Rosario https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6572-3187 2025-12-08 2025-12-08 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e176328 2025 10.3897/ved.176328 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/176328/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/176328/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/176328/download/xml/ The ReSurveyChaMon dataset provides a unique set of resurveyed vegetation plots spanning the sharp ecological transition between the Arid Chaco woodlands and the Monte steppe in central-western Argentina. The original plots were established in 1990 along a 300-km east-west transect covering a strong precipitation gradient, from xerophytic woodlands to desert shrublands, and were resurveyed in 2025 using the same protocol and plot size. In total, 104 vegetation plots are included in the dataset (52 original and 52 resurveyed). The dataset contains 164 vascular plant taxa from 113 genera and 41 families, with Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Cactaceae being the richest families. Species were assigned to life forms and chorotypes, and their native and endemic status (4 non-native and 39 endemic taxa) was also documented. All plots have been georeferenced, allowing integration with remote sensing and environmental data for future temporal and spatial analyses. ReSurveyChaMon offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore fine-scale vegetation dynamics across one of South America’s least studied dryland regions and provides a valuable baseline for biodiversity monitoring, conservation planning, and assessment of climate- and land-use-driven changes in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Argentina Arid Chaco biodiversity monitoring drylands long-term change Monte steppe resurvey temporal dynamics vegetation plots ReSurveyChaMon: a dataset of resurvey vegetation plots of the Argentine drylands Data Paper

10.3897/ved.174934 2025-12-10 ved

University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Denaro, Agnese https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9009-7305 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author Caria, Maria Carmela https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7478-4819 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Malavasi, Marco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9639-1784 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Rivieccio, Giovanni https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0840-0212 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Melis, Raimondo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0823-5077 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy Ecosystem of Innovation for Next Generation Sardinia (e.INS), Sassari, Italy author Farris, Emmanuele https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9843-5998 Ecosystem of Innovation for Next Generation Sardinia (e.INS), Sassari, Italy University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Maccioni, Alfredo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9266-9523 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Bruno, Angela University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Fadda, Michela National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy University of Rome 3, Rome, Italy author Acosta, Alicia Teresa Rosario https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6572-3187 University of Rome 3, Rome, Italy author Sarmati, Simona https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7299-8541 University of Rome 3, Rome, Italy author Sperandii, Marta Gaia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2507-5928 Ecosystem of Innovation for Next Generation Sardinia (e.INS), Sassari, Italy University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author Bagella, Simonetta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8519-2675 2025-12-10 2025-12-10 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e174934 2025 10.3897/ved.174934 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/174934/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/174934/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/174934/download/xml/ The vegetation resurvey is considered a valid approach for assessing how species composition, abundance, and distribution have evolved in response to anthropogenic pressures, climate change, and habitat alterations over recent decades. ReSarDu – Resurvey Sardinian Dunes – is the first regional database compiled from resurveys of coastal dune systems across Sardinia (Italy). It includes 418 resurveys ranging in size from 1 to 400 m2, collected between 2023 and 2025, based on 188 historical phytosociological relevés dating back to the 1970s. ReSarDu has been created to understand long-term vegetation changes in Sardinian coastal dune systems. By integrating historical and newly collected phytosociological data, we provide a comprehensive tool for assessing biodiversity trends and supporting effective conservation and restoration strategies. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Coastal dunes Habitats Directive Italy old surveys phytosociological relevés resurvey Sardinia vegetation Resurveying Mediterranean coastal dunes: insights from the ReSarDu database Data Paper

10.3897/ved.177152 2025-12-16 ved

Free University of Bolzano/Bozen, Bolzano/Bozen, Italy author Menegaldo, Irene Free University of Bolzano/Bozen, Bolzano/Bozen, Italy author Molbach Sforzini, Victoria Free University of Bolzano/Bozen, Bolzano/Bozen, Italy Competence Centre for Plant Health, Bolzano, Italy author Tognetti, Roberto Free University of Bolzano/Bozen, Bolzano/Bozen, Italy Competence Centre for Plant Health, Bolzano, Italy author Torresani, Michele 2025-12-16 2025-12-16 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e177152 2025 10.3897/ved.177152 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/177152/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/177152/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/177152/download/xml/ The alpine tree line represents one of the most climate-sensitive ecological boundaries, where multiple interacting factors determine vegetation distribution at its upper limit. This study investigates the spatio-temporal dynamics of the tree line in the Senales Valley (South Tyrol, Italy) between 1985 and 2023, combining multi-temporal Landsat imagery, Random Forest (RF) classification, and visual orthophoto interpretation performed by manually delineating the forest boundary to assess both spatial and elevational shifts. Climatic variables (temperature, precipitation, snow cover, and growing season length) were analysed using linear models (LM) and generalized additive models (GAM) to identify long-term trends and potential drivers of tree line migration. The results reveal a consistent increase in forest cover in all 16 study areas, averaging +44%, with the largest expansions occurring on slopes facing W. Elevational advances were recorded in 15 of 16 areas, averaging +32 m for Landsat-derived data and +45 m for orthophotos. Elevated minimum temperatures during spring and autumn, alongside warmer summers and a significant rise in precipitation during the same season, created conditions which maintained soil moisture and reduced water stress—factors known to facilitate tree line advancement. Wind exposure from the N-NW sector and associated föhn effects appeared to limit tree line expansion on S-SE facing slopes. Comparison between manual and RF-derived tree lines revealed overall high agreement, with deviations below one Landsat pixel (30 m) in most cases. This confirms that Landsat imagery combined with RF algorithms provides a robust, cost-effective method for assessing long-term tree line dynamics in heterogeneous alpine environments. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Climate change Landsat Random Forest classification remote sensing topographic factors tree line dynamics Tree line dynamics and forest densification in the European Alps revealed by Landsat images and machine learning: a case study in the Senales/Schnals Valley Research Article

10.3897/ved.176891 2025-12-16 ved

NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Cannucci, Silvia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8415-1812 University of Parma, Parma, Italy author Bolpagni, Rossano https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9283-2821 University of Siena, Siena, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Bonari, Gianmaria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5574-6067 NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Candini, Francesco https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8871-8487 University of Parma, Parma, Italy author Dalla Vecchia, Alice https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4974-0395 University of Siena, Siena, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Fanfarillo, Emanuele https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5742-737X University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Fiaschi, Tiberio https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0403-2387 NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Maccherini, Simona https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2025-7546 University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Mascia, Francesco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8777-8928 University of Parma, Parma, Italy author Scalia, Lorenzo https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5708-6549 University of Siena, Siena, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Angiolini, Claudia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9125-764X 2025-12-16 2025-12-16 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e176891 2025 10.3897/ved.176891 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/176891/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/176891/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/176891/download/xml/ Ponds are widespread yet highly vulnerable freshwater habitats that support diverse aquatic and terrestrial plant communities influenced by land use and water characteristics. The PONDY (Pond vegetation data and water physico-chemical parameters) dataset integrates vegetation and water physico-chemical data that have been collected to understand the responses of vegetation to environmental parameters. The dataset comprises 575 plots, of which 232 are aquatic and 343 are terrestrial, derived from 115 ponds across continental and insular areas of Italy. The dataset includes 743 vascular plant taxa and 5 macroalgae encompassing 364 genera and 89 families. Terrestrial plots host 690 taxa belonging to 87 families, while aquatic plots host 117 taxa belonging to 36 families. The dataset includes 10 taxa belonging to the Italian Red List and 39 alien species. Moreover, 11% of the aquatic plots have been classified in a Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC habitat type, while 48% have been classified in a EUNIS habitat type. The dataset contains, for each plot, measurements of physico-chemical water variables such as dissolved oxygen, water depth, and temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity, and nutrient concentration. The PONDY dataset provides comprehensive information on plant diversity and abundance, community composition, habitat types, and water chemistry in Italian ponds, serving as a key resource for studying plant–environment relationships, developing predictive models, and supporting freshwater conservation efforts. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Aquatic vegetation physico-chemical parameters ponds pondscape vegetation data Dive into the Italian PONDY dataset: Pond vegetation data and water physico-chemical parameters Data Paper

10.3897/ved.176908 2025-12-22 ved

University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Fiaschi, Tiberio https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0403-2387 University of Siena, Siena, Italy author De Simone, Leopoldo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3055-136X University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Mascia, Francesco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8777-8928 NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Bonini, Ilaria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9090-2926 NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Cannucci, Silvia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8415-1812 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Foggi, Bruno https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6451-4025 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Gennai, Matilde https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3250-120X University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Pandeli, Giulio https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2134-2302 University of Siena, Siena, Italy NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy author Maccherini, Simona https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2025-7546 NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Fanfarillo, Emanuele https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5742-737X NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Angiolini, Claudia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9125-764X 2025-12-22 2025-12-22 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e176908 2025 10.3897/ved.176908 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/176908/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/176908/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/176908/download/xml/ Riverine habitats play a vital ecological role, offering key ecosystem services, regulating hydrology, and supporting high biodiversity, including species and habitats of conservation concern. This study aimed to identify Annex I habitats under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) within a former protected area along the mid-upper Elsa River (Tuscany, central Italy). From 2021 to 2023, 85 vegetation relevés were collected to classify habitats, map their distribution, and assess major threats. Multivariate analyses revealed 15 Annex I habitats, including 32A0, reported here for the first time in Italy, and three priority habitats (7220*, 91E0*, 91AA*). Habitat 32A0, officially included in Annex I following the accession of Croatia to the EU, shows distinct ecological and structural features compared to habitat 7220*, despite sharing some bryophyte species. While the two often occur in close proximity or form mosaics, habitat 32A0 develops in active waterfalls with constant flow and low carbonate deposition, whereas habitat 7220* forms in slow-dripping areas with high tufa accumulation. The absence of habitat 32A0 from the Italian Habitat Manual underscores the need to revise national habitat classifications to improve identification accuracy and conservation strategies. Our study enhances knowledge of riverine habitats and stresses the importance of adaptive management to safeguard the Elsa River ecosystem. Key actions include continuous monitoring and control of invasive alien species. Incorporating the area into a nearby Special Area of Conservation would strengthen long-term protection in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Biodiversity conservation bryophyte-dominated vegetation Natura 2000 tufa cascades urban river wetland habitats Riverine ecosystem in central Italy: an insight into EU Habitats of the Elsa River and a new bryophyte habitat for Italy Research Article

10.3897/ved.175232 2025-12-22 ved

NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy author Gianguzzi, Lorenzo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9007-7604 Department of Rural and Territorial Development, Regione Siciliana, Palermo, Italy author La Mantia, Antonino University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy author Rocca, Riccardo https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6946-9785 University of Verona, Verona, Italy author Volpe, Andrea https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2711-9638 University of Catania, Catania, Italy author Cambria, Salvatore https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3828-1552 2025-12-22 2025-12-22 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e175232 2025 funder Università degli Studi di Palermo 10.13039/501100004913 10.3897/ved.175232 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/175232/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/175232/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/175232/download/xml/ The paper presents the results of a phytogeographic, ecological, phytosociological, and management-oriented study on the maquis vegetation dominated by Periploca angustifolia (class Quercetea ilicis) occurring along of southern coast of mainland Sicily. The species is a South-Mediterranean shrub, previously known in Europe only from some small islands surrounding Sicily (Linosa, Lampedusa, Pantelleria, and the Aegadian, and the Maltese Archipelagos), as well as from southeastern Spain and the Aegean islands of Crete, Khrisi, and Gavdos. Along with providing an updated overview of the species’ distribution, the study explores the historical reasons for its presence in Sicily, where it is part of a diverse group of biogeographically related species mainly found along the southern coasts. This further supports the hypothesis of connection routes contracted with North Africa during the drying of the Mediterranean in the Messinian period. Based on a synoptic comparison with similar associations present in the central-Mediterranean, the plant community investigated is proposed as a new syntaxon (association Asparago albi–Periplocetum angustifoliae ass. nov.), framed within the alliance Periplocion angustifoliae (order Pistacio–Rhamnetalia alaterni). Its role as a vicariant association with respect to the association Periploco angustifoliae–Euphorbietum dendroidis (occurring on the small islands of the Sicilian Channel) is also discussed, together with floristic, synecological, syndynamic, and conservation data. Finally, issues concerning afforestation with alien species—often carried out on a large scale throughout the Mediterranean area—are discussed, as such interventions may sometimes negatively affect ecosystems typical of endemic or particularly rare species. This is precisely the case of Periploca angustifolia in the study area, whose residual population had been brought to the brink of extinction by conifer plantations, leading to the alteration and consequent disappearance of its habitats. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Conservation habitat fragmentation Periplocion angustifoliae relict Mediterranean maquis semiarid ecosystems Fragments of subdesert vegetation in the Mediterranean Region: the Periploca angustifolia maquis (Periplocion angustifoliae, Quercetea ilicis) in Sicily Research Article

10.3897/ved.175765 2025-12-23 ved

Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia Algoritmy:SK s.r.o., Bratislava, Slovakia Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia author Ozvat, Aneta Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia author Sibikova, Maria Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia author Šibík, Jozef https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5949-862X BROZ – Conservation Association, Bratislava, Slovakia author Sigmund, Jakub Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia Algoritmy:SK s.r.o., Bratislava, Slovakia author Papco, Juraj Algoritmy:SK s.r.o., Bratislava, Slovakia Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia author Kollar, Michal Algoritmy:SK s.r.o., Bratislava, Slovakia Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia author Mikula, Karol https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5360-8779 2025-12-23 2025-12-23 2025 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 62 e175765 2025 10.3897/ved.175765 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/175765/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/175765/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/175765/download/xml/ Wetlands are essential ecosystems increasingly threatened by human activities and climate change. This study presents a method for classifying and monitoring wetland habitats in the Čiližská Radvaň protected area (Slovak Republic) using RGB drone imagery and the Natural Numerical Network (NatNet), a mathematically based supervised deep learning approach. The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of NatNet in identifying target habitat types and to assess the impact of ongoing revitalisation efforts. Habitat types were classified using RGB drone imagery and ground-truth training polygons that represented the dominant vegetation communities in Čiližská Radvaň wetland. The NatNet achieved the training classification success rate exceeding 97%, allowing the creation of relevancy maps successfully identifying spatial habitat distribution. Relevancy maps verified in the field reached classification accuracy of 0.88 and F1 score of 0.90 across all habitats together. Results showed observable shifts in habitat extent and structure after one year of restoration, confirming the suitability of the method for detecting ecological changes in wetland environments. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Drone imagery habitat revitalisation monitoring Natural Numerical Networks (NatNet) remote sensing supervised deep learning wetland habitat classification Wetland classification and revitalisation monitoring by using drone data Research Article

10.3897/ved.185067 2026-01-22 ved

National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Bonari, Gianmaria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5574-6067 Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic author Axmanová, Irena https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9440-7976 University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy author Bagella, Simonetta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8519-2675 Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author Di Pietro, Romeo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4983-8931 Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy author Fantinato, Edy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0114-4738 University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain author Fernández-González, Federico https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1234-4065 University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy author Gigante, Daniela https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1787-5164 University of Oviedo - CSIC - Principality of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain author Jiménez-Alfaro, Borja https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6601-9597 Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, author Kavgacı, Ali https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4549-3668 2026-01-22 2026-01-22 2026 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 63 e185067 2026 10.3897/ved.185067 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/185067/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/185067/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/185067/download/xml/ In this editorial, we announce the journal’s return to the Scopus database following the change of its name, and we comment on its performance in the first year under the new name Vegetation Ecology and Diversity (VED), including the number and type of papers published, the authors’ nationality, and the turnaround times. Furthermore, we present the Editors’ choice article as well as articles that were both most viewed and most cited. We also present new members of the editorial board, a new permanent collection, and we thank the VED reviewers 2025. Finally, we are pleased to announce that we are seeking a linguistic editor. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Alien plant invasions biostatistic analysis and data banks Habitats Directive phanerogamic and cryptogamic vegetation survey and classification plant community conservation and management plant community traits plant ecology and synecology syntaxonomy and nomenclature vegetation mapping One year of Vegetation Ecology and Diversity (VED) Editorial

10.3897/ved.182223 2026-03-05 ved

Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy Competence Center for Economic, Ecological and Social Sustainability, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy author Tavilla, Gianmarco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4634-6440 Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy author Minissale, Pietro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4047-4169 Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy author Cambria, Salvatore https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3828-1552 2026-03-05 2026-03-05 2026 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 63 e182223 2026 10.3897/ved.182223 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/182223/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/182223/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/182223/download/xml/ Although the chasmophytic vegetation of Sicily has been examined previously, it remains insufficiently explored due to the formidable challenges associated with accessing vertical cliff habitats. This study employed drone-based surveys combined with Braun-Blanquet methodology to investigate cliff vegetation in the Peloritani and Madonie Mountains. High-resolution aerial imagery enabled species identification and cover estimation on inaccessible rock faces. Twenty-three new relevés were combined with 33 literature records for multivariate analysis. Cluster analysis and DCA revealed floristic differentiation between Peloritani and Madonie phytocoenoses, contrasting with communities from Apennines that we used as an outgroup. We describe Athamanto siculae-Saxifragetum australis for the calcareous cliffs of Rocca Salvatesta (Peloritani), characterized by Athamanta sicula, Hypochaeris laevigata, and Saxifraga callosa subsp. australis. Additionally, we propose to change the name Asperuletum gussonei to Cynanchicetum gussonei for the high-elevation vegetation of the Madonie dominated by Cynanchica gussonei. Drone methodology proved effective for documenting cliff vegetation, offering a safe and replicable approach for advancing phytosociological knowledge in extreme habitats. This research contributes to the syntaxonomic revision of Mediterranean chasmophytic vegetation within the alliance Saxifragion australis. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Chasmophytic vegetation drone surveys Mediterranean cliff vegetation phytosociology Saxifragion australis UAV methodology A new plant association of the alliance Saxifragion australis described by drone-based phytosociology in northeastern Sicily (Peloritani Mountains) Research Article

10.3897/ved.181647 2026-03-05 ved

University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Calbi, Mariasole https://orcid.org/https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6018-4022 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Mugnai, Michele https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4315-2920 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Siccardi, Eugenia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4738-0633 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Volanti, Virginia Amanda https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7851-4607 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Lazzaro, Lorenzo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0514-0793 University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Gholizadeh, Hamid https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3694-368X University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Angiolini, Claudia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9125-764X University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Maccherini, Simona https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2025-7546 University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Viciani, Daniele https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3422-5999 2026-03-05 2026-03-05 2026 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 63 e181647 2026 10.3897/ved.181647 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/181647/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/181647/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/181647/download/xml/ Trait-based approaches are becoming pivotal in predicting vegetation changes and linking ecosystem structures to functions at varying geographical scales. Moreover, spatially explicit plant functional trait measurements for scarcely sampled species including infraspecific variation could be instrumental to better understand how plant functional traits mediate species’ responses to changing environmental conditions. Here we present a dataset of four functional traits measured at the individual level for 67 plant species native to coastal habitats of Tuscany and Liguria (central-northern Italy) including fore- and back dunes, dune slacks, saltmarshes, rocky cliffs, and anthropized coastal environments. We followed standard protocols to make a total of 698 measurements. For each species, we measured traits including leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and plant vegetative height (H) from multiple individuals to capture local intraspecific variability. This dataset adds to the valuable resources for studying plant strategies in Mediterranean coastal systems, assessing trait-environment relationships, and modeling plant community dynamics under environmental change. The data set is openly available for non-commercial purposes. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Functional traits intraspecific variation LA leaf traits Mediterranean SLA Integrating intraspecific functional trait data for 67 coastal plant species in central-northern Italy: the Priorcoast dataset Data Paper

10.3897/ved.177153 2026-04-01 ved

Department of Forest Engineering, Faculty of Forestry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Türkiye author Çoban, Süleyman https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1570-9795 Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Forestry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Türkiye author Bayraktar, Selim https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8023-4135 Marmara Forestry Research Institute, Istanbul, Türkiye author Şahin, Nilüfer https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0342-7272 2026-04-01 2026-04-01 2026 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 63 e177153 2026 10.3897/ved.177153 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/177153/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/177153/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/177153/download/xml/ The Belgrade Forest, located in the European part of Istanbul, represents an ecological and biogeographical transition zone where nemoral and Mediterranean elements coexist. Although comprehensive phytosociological studies have been conducted in the study area, differences in data structure, sampling intensity, and nomenclatural problems have prevented the establishment of a unified vegetation classification. In the present study, a total of 685 relevés derived from previous surveys were compiled and digitized in TURBOVEG, standardized, and analysed using numerical classification and ordination methods. The vegetation data were classified by TWINSPAN, and diagnostic species were identified based on the phi coefficient and constancy ratio. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was applied to determine major compositional gradients, and Ellenberg-type indicator values were used to interpret ecological differentiation. The analysis resulted in four forest associations and one pseudomaquis community, corresponding to Alnus glutinosa-Carpinus betulus riparian forest, Acer campestre-Carpinus betulus forests on humid soils, meso-thermophilous mixed beech-oak-hornbeam forests, and pseudomaquis vegetation. Among these associations, Equiseto telmateiae-Alnetum glutinosae ass. nov. and Hyperico calycini-Ericetum arboreae ass. nov. are here described as new. The principal ecological gradient reflected a transition from humid to relatively dry site conditions, consistent with slope aspect (site exposure to solar radiation) and soil depth variations. The resulting syntaxonomic scheme provides a harmonized framework for the classification and monitoring of forest vegetation in the Belgrade Forest and offers a baseline for assessing future ecological change and restoration priorities. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) DCA diagnostic species phytosociology syntaxonomy vegetation classification Numerical classification and syntaxonomical revision of the Belgrade Forest vegetation (Istanbul, Türkiye) Research Article

10.3897/ved.182774 2026-04-27 ved

Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Foggi, Bruno https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6451-4025 Carabinieri Biodiversity Department, Siena, Italy author Landi, Marco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5525-0758 Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Gennai, Matilde https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3250-120X Carabinieri Biodiversity Department, Pratovecchio, Arezzo, Italy author Zoccola, Antonio Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Pandeli, Giulio https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2134-2302 Carabinieri Biodiversity Department, Follonica, Grosseto, Italy author Quilghini, Giovanni Carabinieri Biodiversity Department, Siena, Italy author Brogi, Alessio Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy author De Simone, Leopoldo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3055-136X Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Fiaschi, Tiberio https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0403-2387 Carabinieri Biodiversity Department, Pratovecchio, Arezzo, Italy author Ciampelli, Paola Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Siccardi, Eugenia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4738-0633 Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy author Angiolini, Claudia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9125-764X 2026-04-27 2026-04-27 2026 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 63 e182774 2026 10.3897/ved.182774 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/182774/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/182774/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/182774/download/xml/ Montecristo Island, part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and strictly protected since 1971, remains one of the Archipelago’s least studied islands in terms of vegetation. The only detailed phytosociological study, conducted in the 1980s, did not address several sporadic or spatially restricted plant assemblages, particularly those occurring on cliffs. Our study examines and classifies these poorly known communities from floristic, ecological, and phytosociological perspectives, and compares them with analogous vegetation across the Tuscan Archipelago to clarify their syntaxonomic position. Forty relevés were collected in 2023–2024 on rock-face habitats using the Braun-Blanquet method. Multivariate analyses identified three distinct chasmophytic-chomophytic vegetation groups. The first consists of high-elevation, north-facing vertical cliffs dominated by Polypodium cambricum and several Montecristo endemics, including Saxifraga montis-christi and Hieracium racemosum subsp. amideii; for these stands we propose the new association Saxifrago montis-christi-Polypodietum cambrici. The second, encompasses low-elevation, thermoxerophilous cliff habitats characterized by Anogramma leptophylla and Asplenium obovatum subsp. obovatum, for which we propose the name Anogramma leptophylla and Asplenium obovatum subsp. obovatum community. The third includes shaded cliffs with ample elevation excluding the extremes, dominated by Cymbalaria aequitriloba and Arenaria balearica, corresponding to the association Arenario balearicae-Cymbalarietum aequitrilobae. Although poorer in species compared to the cliff communities of other Tuscan islands, these habitats contain distinctive bryophytes and several endemic or biogeographically important taxa, fitting within EU Habitat 8220. The study closes a major knowledge gap on Montecristo’s rock vegetation and refines the understanding of Tyrrhenian cliff plant communities, proposing syntaxonomical updates above the association level. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Asplenietea chasmophytic chomophytic cliffs Polypodietea Tuscan Archipelago The rock-faces vegetation of Montecristo Island: insights into the rupicolous communities of the Tyrrhenian Islands (Italy) Research Article

10.3897/ved.187137 2026-05-08 ved

National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy Consorzio del Giardino della Flora Appenninica, Capracotta, Italy Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy author Fortini, Paola https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4481-2126 Department of Planning, Design, and Technology of Architecture University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author Di Pietro, Romeo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4983-8931 Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy author Viciani, Daniele https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3422-5999 Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author Di Marzio, Piera https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3831-5388 Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy author Mezza, Ilaria https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5970-9997 Botanical Collections, Natural History Museum of the University of Florence, University Museum System, Florence, Italy author Lastrucci, Lorenzo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4455-389X 2026-05-08 2026-05-08 2026 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 63 e187137 2026 10.3897/ved.187137 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/187137/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/187137/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/187137/download/xml/ The hydrophilous and hygrophilous vegetation occurring within the Biferno and Sordo Rivers, in the Molise administrative region (central-southern Italy), was investigated according to the phytosociological approach and syntaxonomically classified. Twenty-three plant communities were identified belonging to the following classes: Salicetea purpureae, Alno glutinosae-Populetea, Phragmito-Magnocaricetea, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, Epilobietea angustifolii, Bidentetea tripartitae, Filipendulo ulmariae-Convolvuletea sepium, Lemnetea minoris, and Potamogetonetea pectinati. A new association, the Zannichellietum peltatae ass. nov. was described as an ecologically vicariant community of the Zannichellietum palustris. From a nomenclatural point of view, the following association names: Bolboschoeno maritimi-Schoenoplectetum tabernaemontani, Persicario lapathifoliae-Xanthietum orientalis and Stuckenietum pectinatae were all proposed as nomina mutata nova (Art. 45 ICPN). Numerous discrepancies in the interpretation and syntaxonomic classification of the communities investigated were highlighted comparing the Prodrome of the Italian vegetation and the EuroVegChecklist. Finally, six habitats of conservation value according to the 92/43/CEE Directive Habitats were identified and a critical analysis on the correspondence between specific plant communities and related Annex I Habitat codes was advanced. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Conservation Habitats directive hydrophilous and hygrophilous vegetation Molise region phytosociology syntaxonomy A contribution to the phytosociological knowledge of the Molise region’s river ecosystems (central-southern Italy) Research Article

10.3897/ved.182200 2026-05-08 ved

Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author Varricchione, Marco https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4716-6609 National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy author Carranza, Maria Laura https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5753-890X Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy author Dario, Ciaramella https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3646-0546 National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy author Citterio, Sandra https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5020-1095 Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy author de Francesco, Maria Carla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5238-1154 National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy author Montagnani, Chiara https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2030-2535 Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy author Santoianni, Lucia Antonietta https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3486-0769 National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy author Stanisci, Angela https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5302-0932 2026-05-08 2026-05-08 2026 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 63 e182200 2026 10.3897/ved.182200 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/182200/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/182200/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/182200/download/xml/ Identifying the most widespread or potentially Invasive Alien Plant species (IAPs) and understanding their distribution patterns across urban environments is essential for developing effective management strategies and mitigating their impacts on urban, peri-urban, and natural habitats. This study examines the occurrence and spatial distribution of a set of IAPs along an urbanization gradient and across EUNIS Habitats in a Mediterranean city of Southern Italy (Campobasso). The study was carried out across 14 urban grid cells (500 m × 500 m) reflecting different levels of urbanization. 26 IAP species were surveyed according to a national standardized protocol; for each record, GPS coordinates, cultivated versus spontaneous status, EUNIS Habitat type, and cover area were recorded. The influence of urbanization on IAP richness and occurrence was assessed using Mann–Whitney tests. For species with predominantly spontaneous occurrences (>80%), we analyzed their distribution across EUNIS Habitats and cover area classes. Grid cells with high cover and patch number of artificial surfaces were associated with significantly greater IAP richness and occurrence values. Slightly more than half of the total records consisted of spontaneously established individuals or populations belonging to ten species, with Senecio inaequidens, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Ailanthus altissima being the most frequent. Transport networks and other hard-surface constructed areas, followed by dry perennial anthropogenic herbaceous vegetation, emerged as the most invaded habitat types. Overall, the findings highlight the need for early detection and prevention efforts targeting “emerging” invasive species that, although currently infrequent, may possess high potential for future expansion. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Ailanthus altissima alien plants early warning EUNIS habitats invasive plants Senecio inaequidens urban ecosystems urbanization gradient Planting roots: distribution pattern of invasive alien plants in urban habitats of Campobasso (Italy) Research Article

10.3897/ved.189819 2026-05-13 ved

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Unit, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy author Cervellini, Marco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0853-2330 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Unit, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy author De Benedictis, Luciano Ludovico Maria https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5014-4526 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Unit, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy author Salvatori, Leonardo https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2522-9204 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Unit, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy author Chelli, Stefano https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7184-8242 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Unit, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy author Campetella, Giandiego https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6126-522X Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, PlantDive Lab, Florence, Italy author Selvi, Federico https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3820-125X Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, PlantDive Lab, Florence, Italy author Iacopetti, Giovanni https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1472-4435 BIOME Lab, Department of Biological, Geological & Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy author Ferrara, Arianna https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8178-3910 BIOME Lab, Department of Biological, Geological & Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy author Chiarucci, Alessandro https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1160-235X Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy author Canini, Antonella https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1132-8899 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Unit, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy author Francioni, Maura https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6839-0548 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Unit, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy author Scalet, Chiara https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3353-5795 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Unit, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy author Canullo, Roberto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9913-6981 2026-05-13 2026-05-13 2026 Vegetation Ecology and Diversity 3033-1447 63 e189819 2026 10.3897/ved.189819 https://ved.arphahub.com/article/189819/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/189819/download/pdf/ https://ved.arphahub.com/article/189819/download/xml/ The increasing availability of vegetation-plot data results from decades of field surveys conducted by numerous observers. This highlights observer error not as a marginal issue but as a structural component of uncertainty, with direct consequences for estimates of species turnover and temporal trends. Observer-related sampling bias can be investigated through variation in species richness, species composition and abundance. Specifically, pseudoturnover refers to changes in species composition caused by overlooking or misidentification of taxa between sampling events or among different observers surveying the same plot. Although the causes and implications of observer error have been widely discussed, it remains unclear whether observer-related pseudoturnover decreases within observer groups as a result of training. Using data from training and intercalibration sessions carried out in 2023 and 2025 within two forest monitoring programmes in Italy (the LIFE project ModerNEC and the Italian National Forest Inventory), we assessed whether targeted training and collective briefing reduce observer-induced pseudoturnover. We applied Bayesian multilevel models to estimate changes in inter-observer species richness variability and inter-observer dissimilarity. The former decreased across observers in both years, while the latter declined after training when using Jaccard and Euclidean distances in both years; Bray–Curtis dissimilarity decreased only in 2023 and increased in 2025. Overall, training and intercalibration are likely to reduce observer-induced pseudoturnover related to species presence, while variability in abundance estimation needs further study and remains a key challenge for future vegetation monitoring programmes. text/html en_US Italian Society of Vegetation Science (SISV) Intercalibration observer error pseudoturnover training vegetation resurvey Training and intercalibration reduce observer-induced variability in forest vegetation surveys Research Article