A case study in the Moldavian Central Plateau, Romania - habitat distribution, conservation status and human impact in a protected area

Abstract

Abstract:The paper presents the results of the studies performed in the Natura 2000 site Pădurea Bârnova-Repedea (ROSCI0135), in order to identify and map habitat types and plant species of community interest. Palynological and archaeo-botanical studies in the region were reviewed, in order to assess the presence of the ancient forests. This protected area was designed to preserve forests from two habitats types of community interest, namely Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests and Dacian oak-hornbeam forests, and to shelter a species of wild and endangered orchid, Cypripedium calceolus L. During the field work other Natura 2000 habitats of community interest have been identified: mountain hay meadows, Ponto-Sarmatic steppes and Ponto-Sarmatic deciduous thickets. The information obtained provided new data on the habitats and plant species distribution. Field data were correlated with existing topographic maps and aerial photography. The use of the Geographic Information System allowed translating the field distribution of the species and habitat types into accurate maps, which can be used in the future by the managers of this site for implementing adaptive conservation measures. The human activities with potential impact on this Natura 2000 site have been recorded. The map of current pressures on the site was generated based on these impact categories.