P. L. Nimis

Plant sciences and the Italian National Biodiversity Network

Abstract Several national and global initiatives aim to increase access to biodiversity information worldwide. The Italian National Biodiversity Network, started in the framework of the project “Sistema Ambiente 2010”, will organise and manage biodiversity data hosted by museums, universities and research centres in Italy, in order to make them widely available on the Web.

Evaluating the conservation status of epiphytic lichens of Italy: A red list

Despite the fact that Italy is among the lichenologically best known areas worldwide, a national red list of lichens is still lacking. The aim of this work was to provide a red list of the epiphytic lichens of Italy which could facilitate the inclusion of lichens in national conservation plans. The evaluation of the species against International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria was based on data from multiple sources which represent the best available information on the epiphytic lichens of Italy. The species were assigned to the IUCN categories mainly using criteria D and B. A total of 368 species were evaluated: for 23 species, information is missing from more than 50 years and they were listed as regionally extinct, 64 as critically endangered, 75 as endangered, 74 as vulnerable, 58 as near threatened, 20 as least concern and 54 species as data deficient. Our results indicate that more than one-fourth of the epiphytic lichens of Italy are likely to be threatened, so that further research and effort are needed to include lichens in the main national conservation plans. Our results also highlight the lack of information that still hampers the rigorous evaluation of Italian lichens against IUCN criteria.

Identification keys on mobile devices: The Dryades experience

Abstract This article describes the experience of project Dryades, coordinated by the University of Trieste, in developing interactive identification keys in the form of applications for mobile devices (iPhone/iPad/iPodtouch). All of our keys were previously generated from a database of morpho-anatomical characters using software FRIDA. The applications for mobile devices, which were tested Europe-wide during the project KeyToNature, have proved to be useful in education, in the promotion of nature-aware tourism and in projects of citizen science. The first-generation apps were stand-alone packages which consisted into a sequence of stand-alone HTML pages, while those of the second generation do incorporate the digital key as a true database into the mobile device. All of the hitherto published applications are basically in the form of illustrated dichotomous keys. Future developments will also include a multi-entry query interface, and will be extended to devices which use the Android system.

Moss bags as indicators of trace element contamination in Pre-alpine streams

Abstract Moss bags of the aquatic bryophyte Rhynchostegium riparioides (Hedw.) C.E.O. Jensen (=Platyhypnidium riparioides (Hedw.) Dixon) were transplanted into freshwaters of the Province of Belluno (NE Italy). This study was aimed at testing the bioaccumulation of trace elements in Pre-alpine Dolomitic streams, where this species does not grow naturally, and where analyses of water samples have never revealed trace element pollution. Mosses were collected after 13, 26 and 59 days of exposure. The concentrations of nine trace elements in the apical shoots were measured. Average concentrations reached in three control stations were adopted as background values, to calculate the contamination factor (CF). Transplants accumulated trace elements and discriminated between non- or scarcely contaminated waters (low CF) and polluted ones (high CF). Furthermore, two patterns of contamination were revealed by multivariate analysis: (I) metals (Cr, Cu, Ni) from galvanic industries, and (II) metals (Pb, Zn) from other industrial/domestic sources or mine sites.

Habitat types and lichen conservation in the Alps: Perspectives from a case study in the Stelvio National Park (Italy)

Abstract As a basis for promoting a lichen-oriented conservation strategy in alpine protected areas, this case study in the Stelvio National Park aims at comparing lichen communities of five habitats in terms of species richness and composition. Data are derived from an inventory in seven plots with five habitats each: (1) rural sites, (2) montane Picea abies-dominated forests, (3) subalpine Larix decidua/Pinus cembra-dominated forests, (4) small streams on siliceous bedrock, and (5) alpine mosaic of natural grasslands and siliceous rocks. In the analysis, three groups of species were considered: (1) all species, (2) species which in Italy are restricted to the Alps (referred to as “Alpic”), and (3) nationally rare species. A total of 428 species were found, including 79 Alpic and 59 nationally rare species. Substantial differences in the richness and composition of lichen species were found among the five habitats. In a conservation perspective, results indicated two main issues that should be considered: (1) each of the five habitat types contributes to lichen diversity by hosting different lichen assemblages and a pool of associated species and (2) forests managed by non-intensive practices and alpine mosaics should be prioritized in lichen conservation efforts, since they are the richest in Alpic and rare species.

A comprehensive datamodel for karyological databases

A project-independent data model for the entire range of karyological information provides a comprehensive picture of all data items presently used in karyological research and characterizes their logical inter-relation. It is presented in the form of a hierarchical decomposition of the subject matter down to attribute-level data items. The applied analytical methods are relevant for the structuring of information in other branches of biology. Only sporadic and inconsistent efforts have previously been made to make the huge amount of available karyological information accessible in electronic form. In the view of growing demand for the availability of scientific data on computer networks, further attempts are to be expected presently. The present data model provides a framework for the design of individual databases and ensures compatibility of the resulting datasets.

Distribution map of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asteraceae) in Italy

Abstract The spread of the invasive and allergenic Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. in Italy was analysed and mapped using distribution data from a wide range of sources. Ambrosia artemisiifolia occupies 1057 floristic quadrants which are mostly distributed in the Po plain. The distribution obtained represents the basis to implement urgent management strategies.

A digital flora of Rome

Abstract A complete guide to the rich flora of the metropolitan area of Rome (more than 1600 infrageneric taxa) was made available both as an online multi-entry query interface and as a stand-alone dichotomous key for mobile devices. From the general key, it will be possible to derive many smaller (and hence easier) guides to different parks and gardens of Rome, while teachers have been provided with additional software which permits them to create their own keys for any subset of species.