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The role of natural vegetation in the analysis of the spatio-temporal changes of coastal dune system: a case study in Sicily

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Abstract

The coastal dunes of the Mediterranean area are among the most vulnerable and seriously threatened ecosystems due to human activities. Habitat fragmentation is generally considered as one of the most influential factors in biodiversity loss. In this paper, we investigated the temporal and spatial changes in the floristic composition and abundance in sand dunes along a coastal strip of Sicily (Italy). Six transects perpendicular to the coastal line were selected in southern Sicily. For each transect, the floristic composition and cover of the species were determined using standard relevé methods. A total of 186 plots were collected. The plots data was analyzed using classification (UPGMA, Chord coefficient) and ordination methods (Detrended Correspondence Analysis). A total of 14 plant communities with specific floristic composition were established, belonging mainly to six habitats. To evaluate the reduction of the habitats of the complex dune system in the last 70 years, aerial photos from 1938 to 2007 have been used and elaborated with ArcGis 10.3. The cartographic analysis shows a radical transformation of the Macconi dune system with a reduction of the dune habitats. In particular, the results show a strong reduction/loss of habitats (2250, 2210 and 2120 EU code) as well as a strong alteration of the ecological succession of the psammophilous vegetation. Moreover, floristic richness and diversity index showed an increased trend from the coastal line towards inner dunal zone.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by LIFE project (LIFE11 NAT/IT/000232).

Conflict of Interest

The authors made the disclosure of potential conflicts of interest: G. Tomaselli is the scientific coordinator of the Life Project; S. Sciandrello was earner of a research grant funded by the Life project; P. Minissale participated in the research without the financial support of the Life project he has no potential conflict of interest. Anyway authors declare that these potential conflicts of interest did not affect the fairness and quality of their research.

Funding

This study was funded by LIFE project (LIFE11 NAT/IT/000232).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences University of Catania, via A. Longo 19, 95125, Catania, Italy

    Saverio Sciandrello & Pietro Minissale

  2. Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment, University of Catania, via S. Sofia 100, 95123, Catania, Italy

    Saverio Sciandrello & Giovanna Tomaselli

Authors
  1. Saverio Sciandrello
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  2. Giovanna Tomaselli
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  3. Pietro Minissale
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Correspondence to Saverio Sciandrello.

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Sciandrello, S., Tomaselli, G. & Minissale, P. The role of natural vegetation in the analysis of the spatio-temporal changes of coastal dune system: a case study in Sicily. J Coast Conserv 19, 199–212 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-015-0381-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-015-0381-0

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