engleski

The coastal salt-marsh vegetation at three sites in South Croatia, NE Mediterranean

The coastal salt-marsh vegetation was investigated at three sites along the Croatian coast: 1) in the Neretva River Delta, 2) Bay of Vlašići on the northern Adriatic island of Pag, and 3) Bay of Nin near the city of Zadar. The sites were recognized as ‘Important Plant Areas’ (IPA’s) in Croatia, and represents the most important areas for biodiversity conservation on the eastern Adriatic coast (Alegro et al., 2010). In addition, the areas are part of the NATURA 2000 European Ecological Network of sites important for the species and habitats, as well as for birds. The study is based on a data-set consisting of 40 phytosociological relevés, carried out according to the Braun-Blanquet approach (Whestoff and van der Maarel, 1978). The following associations were identified: Suaedo maritimae-Salicornietum patulae Brullo et Furnari 1976 ex Géhu et Géhu-Franck 1984, Limonio-Artemisietum coerulescentis Horvatić (1933) 1934, Puccinellio festuciformis- Arthrocnemetum fruticosi (Br.-Bl. 1928) Géhu 1976 (= Salicornietum fruticosae Br.-Bl. 1928), Juncetum maritimo-acuti Horvatić 1934, and community dominated by Salicornia procumbens ssp. procumbens (= S. emerici). We would like to encourage further phytosociological research on the basis of the taxonomic delineation of Salicornia taxa in Croatia (Šajna et al., 2013), enriched with environmental and functional data. Major efforts should also be addressed to further research of the biodiversity of these areas and for a design of the most efficient conservation strategy.

botany ; ecology ; phytosociology ; vegetation

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