Monitoring of alien aquatic plants in the inland waters of Sicily (Italy)

Troìa, Angelo; Ilardi, Vincenzo; Oddo, Eĺisabetta

doi:10.36253/jopt-8414

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Such is, above all, the result of eutrophication, but other causal factors include changes to hydrological regimes (i.e., reduced levels of water flow), decreasing degrees of water transparency, and global warming, which are simultaneously transforming natural aquatic environments [ 5 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 ]. These ecological shifts are harmful to native aquatic plant populations while promoting the establishment of invasive species such as H. laevigata , leading to profound transformations in European ecosystems [ 12 , 14 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrocharis laevigata in Europe

García‐Murillo

2023

Plants

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Hydrocharis laevigata (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Byng & Christenh. [= Limnobium laevigatum (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Heine], Hydrocharitaceae, is a floating-leaf aquatic plant that is native to inland South America. It is an invasive species in several parts of the world. Reports of its presence in Europe have been recently published: naturalised populations occur in three locations on the Iberian Peninsula. The literature also contains records of the species in Hungary and Poland. In addition, it has been observed in Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands. H. laevigata is highly adaptable and can profoundly transform habitat conditions in its invasive range, causing major issues for ecosystem conservation and human activities. Until recently, H. laevigata was not to be found in natural environments in Europe. Factors explaining its spread include its use as an ornamental plant, the eutrophication of inland waters, and the effects of global warming. With a focus on Europe, this short communication provides information on the species’ distribution, taxonomy, biology, habitat, and negative impacts.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrocharis laevigata in Europe

García‐Murillo

2023

Plants

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“…This was previously shown by Kuhar et al [ 33 ]. As reasons for low invasiveness of alien aquatic species, Troia et al [ 57 ] report the low nutrient concentration in the water and a diverse macrophyte community, with efficient competitors. In general, the macrophyte assemblage showed a decrease in abundance of species with a wider ecological range, such as S. pectinata ( p = 0.066) and M. spicatum ( p = 0.035), and an increase in the abundance of taxa with narrower ecological range, such as Callitriche sp.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long-Term Changes in Macrophyte Distribution and Abundance in a Lowland River

Peternel

Gaberščik

Zelnik

et al. 2022

Plants

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The aim of this study was to reveal the changes of macrophyte community over time and along the course of the Ižica River. In 1996, 2000, and 2016, we surveyed the distribution and abundance of macrophyte species in the lowland Ižica River, which originates in the town of Ig and then flows through an agricultural landscape. We calculated the River Macrophyte Index (RMI), which reflects the ecological status of the river. In 2016, ecomorphological conditions of the river, using the Riparian, Channel and Environmental inventory, were also assessed. In just 10.5 km of the river, we identified 27 taxa of macrophytes, among which Potamogeton natans, Sagittaria sagittifolia, and P. perfoliatus were the most abundant. Detrended correspondence analysis showed that, in 1996, the surveyed stretches differed more according to macrophyte composition than in the following years. The assessed environmental parameters explained 43% of the variability of the macrophyte species; riverbank stability explained 20%, riverbed structure 10%, while vegetation type of the riparian zone and bottom type explained 7 and 5%, respectively. The species composition of the macrophyte community revealed significant changes over the years of the riverine ecosystem. Comparison of RMIs in 1996 revealed better conditions in the upper and middle part of the river, while in 2016, the situation was the opposite, since the conditions in the upper part deteriorated significantly over time, while the lower part of the river had the best ecological status. These changes may be due to a considerable increase in the population of the settlement Ig, while better status in the lower course of the river may be a consequence of improvements in the infrastructure and the use of sustainable agricultural practices in the catchment due to the establishment of a formal area of protection.

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Plant distribution and conservation in mediterranean islands’ lentic wetlands: there is more than aquatic species

Fois,

Cuena-Lombraña,

Artufel

et al. 2024

Biodivers Conserv

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This study investigates the distribution and conservation status of plant species in lentic wetlands of Mediterranean islands. Field data on vascular macrophytes were collected from the online national databases of the “Conservation of the island wetlands of the Mediterranean Basin” (MedIsWet). A comprehensive inventory of wetlands was conducted, and information on the main anthropogenic impacts and conservation priorities was compiled. In addition to all vascular hygro- and hydrophytes, we retained information on those species typically adapted to environments with intermittent or temporary wetness. A significant knowledge gap regarding the distribution and conservation of plant species in Mediterranean wetlands was found. A lower endemism rate was observed particularly in coastal wetlands. However, approximately 25% of species, mainly with relatively wide distribution, were identified as endangered or with unknown conservation status. Including all macrophytes adapted to seasonal wetness is crucial when considering wetland conservation efforts. The research emphasised the importance of considering diverse wetland types, including seasonal and permanent, natural and artificial, for effective plant conservation. Artificial wetlands emerged as potential habitats with considerable biodiversity conservation value. This study provides a comprehensive inventory of wetlands and valuable insights into the distribution, ecology, and conservation relevance of aquatic macrophytes in Mediterranean islands. The research enhances our understanding of biogeographic patterns and processes, offers critical information for the management and conservation of Mediterranean island wetlands, and presents a replicable approach that can be applied to other wetland contexts.

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Monitoring of alien aquatic plants in the inland waters of Sicily (Italy)

Cited by 4 publications

References 36 publications

Hydrocharis laevigata in Europe

Hydrocharis laevigata in Europe

Long-Term Changes in Macrophyte Distribution and Abundance in a Lowland River

Plant distribution and conservation in mediterranean islands’ lentic wetlands: there is more than aquatic species

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