Coastal sand dune vegetation of Velika plaža (Montenegro)

Abstract

Velika plaža (Ulcinj, Montenegro) is the largest sandy beach along the coast of the eastern Adriatic that still has well-developed sand-dune vegetation. Although the characterization of the flora and vegetation of Velika plaža has been addressed by many authors, knowledge on its vegetation remained poor. We made a phytosociological study of sand beach vegetation comprising both dunal and wetland areas to provide a comprehensive survey of sand dune vegetation and habitat typology of Velika plaža. Based on 149 relevés (both from literature and recent field work), and with numerical classification (Flexible beta) and ordination (Non-metric multidimensional scaling) our results show that the vegetation of Velika plaža is much more diverse than previously known. Altogether, 19 plant communities from 6 vegetation classes were identified. Among them we described two new associations: Cuscuto cesatianae-Phyletum nodiflorae and Onobrychido caput-galli-Vulpietum fasciculatae.

Cryptic diversity of Oxythyrea flower chafers and its implication for conservation of non‐forest biotopes in the Balkans

“…It is estimated that about 70% of dune ecosystems of European coasts have been lost during the last century due to urbanisation (Brown & McLachlan, 2002). Unfortunately, this is true also for the Velika plaža in Montenegro (Stešević et al, 2020; Šilc et al, 2020), the locality where the first Adriatic‐Ionian population of O. dulcis was discovered by Mikšić (1978). The anthropogenic changes of Velika plaža were summarised by Šilc et al (2020) who states that a significant decrease of natural vegetation coverage is evident, whereas the coverage of roads, parking facilities, urban and ruderal areas and afforested zones is increasing.…”

Observations of juvenile sandbar sharks Carcharhinus plumbeus (Nardo, 1827) around the Bojana River delta (Southern Adriatic Sea)

“…The beach itself and its hinterland are recognized as important conservation areas for a variety of reasons. Velika plaža is known for its sand dunes and their associated unique vegetation as a highly vulnerable ecosystem (Stešević et al, 2020;Šilc et al, 2020). The beach has been recognized as a natural monument by the national legislation of Montenegro and several NATURA 2000 habitats have been designated in this area and its hinterland (Stešević et al, 2020).…”

“…Velika plaža is known for its sand dunes and their associated unique vegetation as a highly vulnerable ecosystem (Stešević et al, 2020;Šilc et al, 2020). The beach has been recognized as a natural monument by the national legislation of Montenegro and several NATURA 2000 habitats have been designated in this area and its hinterland (Stešević et al, 2020). The delta of the River Bojana and its surrounding area have been recognized as a local hotspot for coastal sharks of the genus Mustelus, which represent a common and traditional catch and which are considered target species by local fishermen (Ćetković, 2018).…”

Vegetation of the coastal dunes and wetland of Schinias National Park (NE Attica, Sterea Ellas, Greece)

“…The limited number of species (with very low coverabundance indices) is a common feature of this patchy and fragmented vegetation type throughout the Mediterranean region. This is because few plants can tolerate stormy wind, sand mobility and salt spray (Molina et al, 2003;Sýkora et al, 2003;Alegro et al, 2004;Šilc et al, 2016;Sarika et al, 2018;Stešević et al, 2019). Cluster A refers to the alliances Euphorbion peplidis (Ep, 1), Ammophilion (Am, 2), Maresion nanae (Mn, 3), Helichryso barrelieri-Centaureion spinosae 4) Rhizomatous geophytes and hemicryptophytes such as Elytrigia juncea, Sporobolus pungens and Medicago marina dominate this vegetation type as they are adapted to the harsh physical factors of the coastline and favor the dynamics of sand dune formation, evolution and stabilization (Sýkora et al, 2003).…”