Paulina Anastasiu

Potential Impact of Climate Change on Alpine Habitats from Bucegi Natural Park, Romania

The current chapter aims to highlight some of the potential threats that alpine habitats in Bucegi Natural Park might face given the anticipated climate changes, to document the potential prediction of vulnerability of one representative alpine grassland (Natura 2000 code 6150) and to promote the need to reduce the anthropic stress as an element of the adaptive management, in conditions of climate change.

Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Habitats and Their Effects on Invasive Plant Species in Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania

In climate change context, in Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) changes have occurred in habitats and species distribution. Invasive species were identified in the Natura 2000 habitat types 1210, 1310, 1410, 1530* (Priority habitat according to annex 1 of the European Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)), 2110, 2130*, 2160, 3130, 3150 and 91E0*. Moreover, 21 plant communities mainly consisting of alien plants were recognised in the field. The spreading potential of invasive species is greater in the fluvial delta in the western part of DDBR. Taking into account the climate change pressures and species features, a map of invasive species spreading potential was produced in order to be used for new management and control measures. The biggest challenge is the uncertainty of long-term effects on the measures taken under current climate change conditions.

Globally and European Threatened Plants Present in Dobrogea (South-Eastern Romania)

The present work is the result of research carried out within the framework of IPAs project, a practical application of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (2002 Hague) in Romania. The data provided constitute a scientific basis support for enlargement of the national network of protected areas and for selection of Natura 2000 sites in Romania. A significant part is occupied by studies performed in Dobrogea. New information regarding 16 threatened taxa at Global (4 species) or European (12 species) level, that still occur in Dobrogea, are provided.

„Dimitrie Brandza” Botanic Garden, Potential Centre for the Dispersal of Invasive Plants?

Abstract Botanic gardens are important centres for the conservation of plant diversity, but at the same time they can be responsible for plant invasions. As such it is paramount that botanic gardens evaluate their collections of exotic plants, monitor them and seek to minimise the risk of some species becoming invasive. In this context an evaluation of the collection of woody plants in the „Dimitrie Brandza” Botanic Garden, Bucharest, Romania was carried out, and it was established that although there are over 70 species with invasive potential, these do not represent a source of dispersal as the botanic garden is surrounded by artificial habitats undergoing regular maintenance. Nevertheless, indirectly, the Botanic Garden might have contributed to the process of invasion of some species as over the years it has offered vegetal material of plants known as invasive in international exchanges with other botanic gardens and even to the general public for private gardens.

Alien Species of EU Concern in Romania

Abstract Of the 37 species of the European Union concern eight are already present and two present a future potential risk for Romania. This paper brings updated information regarding these species in Romania. The presence of eight invasive alien species of concern to the European Union have already been recorded in Romania: two plant species Cabomba caroliniana and Heracleum sosnowskyi, two crustaceans Orconectes limosus and Eriocheir sinensis, two fish species Pseudorasbora parva and Perccottus glenii, one reptile Trachemys scripta and one mammal Myocastor coypus. Other two species of Union concern (Lithobates catesbeianus and Procyon lotor) may soon become invaders in Romania. We emphasize the urgent need to assess their current distribution and impact or potential to establish and possible impact at national level.

New chorological data for rare vascular plants from Romania

Abstract New chorological data about seven rare vascular plant taxa are reported in the present paper: Conringia austriaca, Jurinea multiflora, Linaria arvensis, Nonea pallens, Ophrys apifera, Ophrys scolopax subsp. cornuta, Saponaria officinalis. For Linaria arvensis, previously considered doubtful in the absence of the herbarium material, we confirm its presence in Romania. The report of Nonea pallens is the first for Dobrogea, while the report of Jurinea multiflora is the first for Muntenia region of Romania.

Neophytes In Protected Areas. Case Study: The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

Abstract The Danube Delta is a relatively young territory, formed about 14,000 years ago. It has quadruple status: Biosphere Reserve, Ramsar site, UNESCO World Heritage site, Natura 2000 site. Water and human activities are the most important factors influencing the flora of this area, including the penetration and spread of alien plants. The main goal of our research in this area was to inventory the alien plants and to identify those species which are invasive and potentially invasive in the natural and semi-natural ecosystems in order to propose measures for their prevention and mitigation. An inventory of these plants, conducted between 2009 and 2012 and based on bibliography and field research, comprises over 160 taxa. About half of them originated from America and less than a quarter of them from Asia. A relatively high number of species have unknown status in the Danube Delta; they were reported only from one or two localities and we did not record them during our extensive field work. In this category we also included some taxa of Xanthium without a very clear taxonomy. The taxa recorded as casual are usually ornamental plants escaped from cultivation; however among them there are some species which are known as invasive in other areas of Romania, as well as in Europe. There are 26 naturalised species, two of which established here over one hundred years ago. 37 invasive species were identified, many of them recorded in natural or seminatural places. In order to prevent and mitigate the spread of plants recognised as invasive, we propose the implementation of some measures such as providing relevant information to local communities and raising awareness about the damages caused by the alien species, and promoting further research on alien plant species in this protected area.

Plopul salt marshes (Tulcea county) - An unique area for halophytes in Romania

Abstract The Plopul salt marshes, Tulcea County, developed within the perimeter of Lake Beibugeac, have been identified as having a high concentration of halophytes on a relatively small area of about 100 ha. These have formed vegetal communities that fit within two types of Natura 2000 habitats: 1310 Communities of Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand and 1530* Pannonic salt steppes and salt marshes. Four of the 57 species recorded are rare at national level: Halocnemum strobilaceum, Limonium bellidifollium subsp. danubiale, Limonium meyeri and Salicornia prostrata. The area currently has a SPA (Special Protection Area) status, but the unique concentration of halophytes, the presence of Natura 2000 habitats and of rare species, also recommend the area for designation as a SCI (Sites of Community Interest).