engleski

Geodiversity and its significance for bird diversity

Geodiversity is the diversity of geological, geomorphological and pedological features and is an indispensable part of the total natural diversity of individual ecosystems and ecosphere as a whole. Although is sometimes mistakenly identified only with geological phenomena and processes, it encompasses the geological, geomorphological and pedological diversity of lithosphere and pedosphere causally-consequently related. By recognizing the role of geodiversity for the genesis and development of organisms and importance for human society as a whole, the world is starting to strengthen the view that biodiversity and geodiversity are in complementary relationships, thus generating total natural diversity or ecodiversity. Considering the geographic, geological and geomorphological placement of the Pannonian basin, the Alps and the Dinarides, and the size of the territory, Croatia has large geodiversity. Recently, in line with European trends in nature protection, geodiversity is subordinated and neglected by the protection of the living world. Preserving geodiversity is one of the fundamental conditions for biodiversity conservation. Consequently, if we want to protect the species and habitats, it is also necessary to protect the geodiversity. Specifically, if we want to preserve the little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius), it is necessary to preserve the geomorphological process of meandering of the lower river and to create relief forms, in particular gravel bar, which is essential for nesting and survival of the species. In modern age, the role of humans in creating landforms is equal to other geomorphological factors. Although the amount of energy released by human activities is negligible in relation to the endogenous forces of the Earth (tectonic movements, volcanic activity, earthquakes), human influence is measurable and comparable to exogenous processes and at the same time affects them. Anthropogenic relief forms are the result of many human activities and have a significant impact on the environment and modify natural processes. Numerous human activities which have an impact on relief have been identified, e.g. mining, industry, construction of settlements, traffic, water management, agriculture, military activities, tourism and sport. These activities have a significant impact on the diversity of birds in a given area. For example, the Drava River area in Croatia is especially attractive during the winter months when on anthropogenic reliefs i.e. artificial lakes, winter a large number of birds. This is the result of anthropogenic influences from the 1970s and 1980s.

gediversity ; geoconservation ; relief processes ; relief forms ; anthropogenic influence

nije evidentirano