The Colosseum Floras As Bio-Indicators Of The Climatic Changes In Rome

Abstract

Over the last four centuries several botanists have analysed the Colosseum flora, and by using modern ecological and biogeographical approaches to these same floras, we have observed similar trends with respect to the climatic phenomena as those of the historic Torre Calandrelli Observatory and by other older historical records. The elements of which can be summarised as follows: 1) a substantial reduction of all the biogeographical components taken as indicators of cooler and damper habitats, such as the Euro-Asiatic and Boreal areas starting from the 17th Century in particular; 2) a decrease in numbers of all the species more dependent on water (independent of their chorology); 3) similar clear-cut increases in the species belonging to phytosociological classes typical to Mediterranean climatic conditions, to the detriment of those typical to Middle-European temperate bioclimates. All of which can be interpreted as clear indicators of non-negligible climatic changes towards hotter and drier conditions independent of local variations due to urbanisation.

Biodeterioration Patterns and Their Interpretation for Potential Applications to Stone Conservation: A Hypothesis from Allelopathic Inhibitory Effects of Lichens on the Caestia Pyramid (Rome)

“…All the historical photographic images display the prolonged presence of various BPs, which decreased in the last few decades. The current decrease in rainfall and increase in xeric conditions in the city have already been highlighted in the literature [55,56]. These micro-and bioclimatic changes and the recent restoration activities explain the reduction of BPs in recent years.…”

“…In the first place, it is likely related to the increase in atmospheric pollution, considering its relevance in reducing biodiversity [53] and allowing only a few resistant organisms to survive when the microclimate is favourable [19]. Other negative factors were the above-mentioned reduction of humidity and rainfalls, as well as the increase in the temperature, which occurred in the last few decades, due to climatic changes and urban development [55,56]. Finally, restoration activities with traditional biocide treatments, which are carried out with higher frequency [44], contribute to maintaining the monument free from microbial colonisation.…”

Temporal floristic variations as indicator of environmental changes in the Tiber River in Rome

“…The comparison of floras from the same area in different years allows not only to reconstruct the historical flora of a site but also to highlight any transformations in land use and climate that have occurred there (Caneva et al , 2005Pignatti et al 2005;Ceschin et al 2009). …”

Multitemporal floristic analysis on a humid area in Rome’s archaeological site as indicator for environmental change

“…Over the last few decades, a progressive increase in floristic studies using species or communities as bioindicators, especially in urban environments, has taken place (Anzaldi et al 1992;Brande et al 1990;Caneva 2004;Caneva et al 2003Caneva et al , 2005Celesti Grapow 1995;Celesti Grapow and Blasi 2003;Celesti Grapow et al 1989;Ceschin et al 2005;Cornelini and Petrella 1994;Godefroid 2001;Hruska 1990;Kowarik 1990;Menichetti et al 1989;Sykora 1990). This increase is linked to the need to know and analyse natural plant heritage in order to protect it, especially when it is threatened by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of urban areas.…”