DOI: 10.3897/VCS.196138

Authors: Giacomo Calvia, Malvina Urbani, Francesco Mascia, Giuseppe Bertotto, Emanuele Genduso, Gianmaria Bonari

Abstract: Aims: Mediterranean watercourses are rather heterogeneous in their flow, particularly from a vegetation point of view. Streams with lotic waters are often characterised by a mixture of herbaceous to shrubby vegetation, while more lentic waters and less rocky parts of a river are mostly dominated by gallery forests or tall reed vegetation. Here, we studied vegetation dominated and co-dominated by Carex panormitana, a rare sedge endemic to the central Mediterranean (Sardinia, Sicily, and Tunisia). Study area: The island of Sardinia (Italy). Methods: Based on an extensive bibliographic review, long-term fieldwork, and a numerical classification approach, we analysed 218 original vegetation plots collected across the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, and investigated the plant communities with Carex panormitana in stream habitats on acidic substrates. Results: We described two phytosociological associations of the class Phragmito-Magnocaricetea, namely Osmundo regalis-Caricetum panormitanae and Mentho aquaticae-Caricetum panormitanae. The first association primarily occurs in northern Sardinia and is characterised by a higher proportion of mesophilous taxa, mostly herbaceous, rarely shrubs, being typical of hilly to low-mountain areas. The latter association is scattered across the island, although more frequent in central and southern Sardinia. Mentho-Caricetum exhibits a marked bioclimatic gradient, ranging from cooler areas of central Sardinia to lower stream stretches, and the warmer southern sectors of the island. Sardinian communities dominated and co-dominated by Carex panormitana are confirmed to be markedly different, both ecologically and floristically, from those previously described in Sicily, which are basiphilous, more sciaphilous, and often invaded by alien taxa. Conclusions: This study has provided a comprehensive understanding of the plant communities formed by Carex panormitana within Mediterranean watercourses characterised by pronounced seasonal hydrological fluctuations. Moreover, it represents a first step towards understanding the poorly known riparian communities of the order Magnocaricetalia in Sardinia. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med PlantBase (https://europlusmed.org/) [accessed 10 Feb 2026]. Syntaxonomic reference: FloraVeg (Chytrý et al. 2024) (https://floraveg.eu/vegetation/) [accessed 11 Feb 2026]. Abbreviations: ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021); MPO = Mediterranean Pluviseasonal Oceanic; NMDS = Non-metric multidimensional scaling; PCoA = Principal Component Analysis; UPGMA = Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic mean.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.183815

Authors: Riccardo Guarino, Orazio Caldarella, Alessandro Silvestre Gristina, Corrado Marcenò, Lorenzo Gianguzzi

Abstract: Aims: This study focuses on the shrublands growing on siliceous and calcium-poor substrates in the hilly and mountainous regions of northern Sicily. These vegetation types, typically found in abandoned rangelands, forest edges, and clearings, are dominated by several acidophilous shrubs. The aim is to analyze their composition, distribution, and ecological relationships with allied syntaxa. Location: Tyrrhenian mountain ranges of Northern Sicily (Nebrodi and Peloritani mountain ranges), extending from the Strait of Messina in the east to the central-western part of the island, encompassing diverse terrains characterized by nutrient-poor, acidic soils, influenced by a Mediterranean climate. Methods: Vegetation surveys were conducted using the Braun-Blanquet method; vegetation plots were classified using a modified TWINSPAN approach, and the resulting groups were floristically characterized by their diagnostic, constant, and dominant species. Multivariate statistical analyses were employed to classify the vegetation plots and to investigate their ecological relationships, distribution and syntaxonomy, compared with related vegetation described in Sicily and Southern Peninsular Italy (Calabria). Results: The study identified several new associations of shrubland vegetation, such as Carlino globosae-Cytisetum scoparii, Origano viriduli-Cytisetum villosi, Carlino globosae-Telinetum monspessulanae, and Achilleo ligusticae-Spartietum juncei, among others. Comparative analysis revealed many differences from the Siculo-Calabrian supramediterranean broom heath ascribed to the Violo messanensis-Adenocarpion commutati, leading to the description of a new alliance, named Achilleo ligusticae-Telinion monspessulanae, which can be considered a more thermophilic and mesophilous vicariant of the former. Conclusions: Our findings provide new insights into the vegetation classification of the Sicilian acidophilous shrublands. By identifying several new vegetation associations and analyzing their relationships with allied communities in Southern Italy, this study contributes substantially to the knowledge of the class Cytisetea scopario-striati in the south-eastern most limit of its distribution range. Taxonomic reference: Flora d’Italia (Pignatti et al. 2017–2019) for vascular plants. Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016) for alliances, orders and classes, Brullo et al. (2001b) and Guarino et al. (2017) for associations. Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance; CPO = Calabria-Peloritani Orogen; EIVE = Ecological Indicator Values for Europe 1.0; ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature; NMDS = non-metric multidimensional scaling; TWINSPAN = two-way indicator species analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.186732

Authors: Eli R. Bendall, Vera Wong, Stephen A. J. Bell, Rachael V. Gallagher

Abstract: Aims: When vegetation mapping does not match well to vegetation on the ground, it becomes difficult to manage and regulate appropriately. Here, we conducted field validation of regulatory vegetation map units known as Plant Community Types (PCTs) in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) assessing the potential extent of PCT misclassification, and generating new mapping and descriptions of rainforest communities. Location: Greater Sydney, Australia. Methods: We estimated cover-abundance for vascular species and presence of bryophytes species at 55 plots. We compared field data to that of locally mapped and other regional PCTs using ordination, PERMANOVA and government-developed tools for end users. We assessed the utility of bryophytes, which are typically overlooked in vegetation classification, for delineating between vegetation types. High-resolution spatial data and ground truthing were used to map the putative extent of rainforest in the study area. Results: We identified clear mismatches between local floristic composition and mapped PCTs. Vegetation at our field sites comprised two distinctive communities and did not correspond well to any locally defined PCT or other regional PCTs. Bryophyte assemblages also differed between our two surveyed communities. 65% of sites surveyed were in areas mapped as sclerophyll-dominated forest but had floristic assemblages consistent with rainforest. More broadly, >90% of putative rainforest identified by our mapping approach is mapped as sclerophyll forest under PCT mapping, with rainforest extent likely three to four times greater than PCT mapping indicates. Conclusions: We propose two new vegetation types in the GBMWHA and recommend these be included in revisions to the PCT classification: ‘Hawkesbury Warm Sheltered Gully Rainforest’ and ‘Hawkesbury Subtropical-Dry Bench Rainforest’. Fires and pressures from urban development will likely threaten the integrity of these rainforests in future. Revision of PCT mapping and measures aimed at mitigating threats to remaining patches is urgently required to protect the Outstanding Universal Values of the World Heritage Area. Taxonomic reference: Australian Plant Census, IBIS database (http://www.chah.gov.au/apc/index.html) [accessed 27 Jan 2026]. Abbreviations: GBMWHA = Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area; HK = Hawkesbury; NSW = New South Wales; PCT = Plant Community Type; SVTM = State Vegetation Type Map.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.198373

Authors: Jürgen Dengler, Iwona Dembicz, Łukasz Kozub

Abstract: Background: The majority of vegetation plots has been and still is being recorded on ordinal scales, meaning that the values have to be back-transformed to percent for many typical analyses. Little is known about how different back-transformation approaches affect this procedure. While generally the midpoints of the class borders are recommended for back transformation, one of the most widely used back-transformation for the 7-step Braun-Blanquet scale (as the most widely used ordinal scale) is the default back transformation in the software TURBOVEG. Thus, we asked whether this approach possibly biases results. Case study: We selected three datasets of different vegetation types recorded with percent and calculated how the use of the 7-step Braun-Blanquet scale with three possible back-transformations (arithmetic and geometric mid-point, TURBOVEG) would have influenced Shannon diversity, Shannon evenness and Simpson diversity. We found small and inconsistent changes for the first two but always substantial increases in case of the TURBOVEG back-transformation. Conclusions: The default TURBOVEG translation of the 7-step Braun-Blanquet scale can strongly bias analyses of vegetation plots stored in regional and collaborative databases in the case of cover-based biodiversity metrics, but likely also for any other analysis that involves species cover. It should thus be avoided.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.171300

Authors: Camille Roux, Gilles Thébaud, Jean-Paul Theurillat

Abstract: This article presents the results of regional documentary research concerning two publications by Josias Braun-Blanquet and Aimé Luquet from 1926. Each contains numerous names of associations and alliances that were previously considered homonyms of equal age in the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Art. 33). We show that Braun-Blanquet’s publication predates Luquet’s, and draw nomenclatural conclusions. We discuss several alliances that are widespread in Western Europe and were published by these authors or others in the same year: Adenostylion alliariae, Nardion strictae, Cardamino-Montion, Genisto pilosae-Vaccinion, Arrhenatherion elatioris, Caricion nigrae, Sphagnion medii, Fagion sylvaticae, Calamagrostion arundinaceae, Festucion variae, Piceion abietis, as well as their type associations. The discussion focuses on their nomenclatural status under the ICPN and how they are included in the current European classification (EuroVegChecklist) and in the Prodrome of French vegetations, according to their syntaxonomic concept. Taxonomic reference: WFO (2025). Abbreviations: Art. = ICPN article; CLF = Clermont-Ferrand university herbarium; EVC = EuroVegChecklist; EVCC = European Vegetation Classification Committee; GPN = IAVS Working Group for Phytosociological Nomenclature; ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature; MPU = Montpellier university herbarium; PVF1 = Prodromus of French Vegetation, first version at the level of the alliance; PVF2 = Prodromus of French Vegetation, second version at the level of the plant association.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.173501

Authors: José Carlos Costa, Carlos Neto, Frédéric Bioret, Isildo Gomes, Jorge Capelo, Maria Cristina Duarte, Pedro Arsénio, Tiago Monteiro-Henriques

Abstract: Aims: We illustrate the application of Total Differential Value (TDV) optimization – a vegetation classification technique – and introduce methodological innovations for identifying syntaxa at different ranks and their diagnostic species. This approach produced a new syntaxonomic synthesis for the coastal cliff vegetation of the Cabo Verde archipelago. Study area: Cabo Verde archipelago. Methods: We analysed 167 relevés sampled on coastal cliffs using a five-step approach: (1) Initial characterization of communities based on dominant species using formal logic rules. (2) Analysis of each physiognomic group for patterns of differential species using TDV-optimization, supporting the identification of preliminary associations. (3) Validation of associations by confirming the presence of differential species across them. (4) Application of TDV-optimization to the synoptic table to establish preliminary higher-rank syntaxa. (5) Validation of higher-rank syntaxa with characteristic species by assessing species fidelity across all 484 known relevés from Cabo Verde using the Differential Value (DiffVal) index. Results: The five-step classification procedure revealed 17 physiognomic-floristic units at the association level, supported by differential species. TDV-optimization successfully identified higher-rank syntaxa – two alliances, one order, and one class – based on exclusive species and with clear biogeographic and ecological interpretations. Partial DiffVal scores proved useful for distinguishing characteristic species at higher ranks. Conclusions: Based solely on presence-absence data, TDV-optimization and the DiffVal index proved effective for vegetation classification at different scales, revealing co-occurrence/co-absence patterns. The identified syntaxa emphasize Cabo Verde’s distinctness from Mediterranean and Eurosiberian communities, confirming its affinity with the Warm deserts and semi-deserts subbiome and its biogeographical placement within the Tropical Sahara region. Further research should expand knowledge of Cabo Verdean and other African vegetation and numerically validate its syntaxonomy to support evidence-based conservation policies. Taxonomic reference: Plants of the World Online database (POWO 2025), except for Campylanthus glaber subsp. spathulatus (Brochmann et al. 1997), Fagonia latifolia (Pinto Basto 2002), Launaea arborescens subsp. melanostigma and Tetraena vicentina (Rivas-Martínez et al. 2017), and Lotus bollei (Chevalier 1935). Syntaxonomic references: Mucina et al. (2016); Rivas-Martínez et al. (2017) for the endemic Cabo Verde vegetation. Abbreviations: DiffVal = Differential Value; IAP = Internal Assignment Precision; pDiffVals = partial values used in the calculation of DiffVal; TDV = Total Differential Value.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.176349

Authors: Dario La Montagna, Giuliano Fanelli, Michele De Sanctis, Alessio Farcomeni, Petr Maděra, Luca Malatesta, Kay Van Damme, Fabio Attorre

Abstract: Aims: To identify groups of species with similar geographic ranges in the non-endemic flora of the Socotra Archipelago, place them within a global biogeographic context, and examine how these chorotypes are reflected in Socotran vegetation types. Study area: The Socotra Archipelago (Yemen) and its surroundings, analysed against a 1° × 1° global grid to provide global context and a Socotra-centred regional focus. Methods: We assembled 4,493,566 GBIF records for 477 target taxa; 417 had usable occurrences and 389 met a ≥ 15-occurrence threshold for modelling. To obtain coarse-grained ranges, we fitted ensemble models and binarised predictions using conservative thresholds. Grid cells were grouped according to species turnover and geographic proximity using clustering methods, and statistical tests identified species associated with particular clusters. A second analysis focused on a Socotra-centred subset to resolve finer regional patterns. Species-level chorotypes were linked to synoptic vegetation tables to characterise vegetation types. Results: The global analysis identified ten spatially cohesive groups of species at the continent scale. The Socotra-centred analysis resolved finer regional structure. Socotra’s chorological spectrum is dominated by the Xeric Tropical-Subtropical chorotype (13.8%), with contributions from the Paleoarabian-Somali-Masai chorotype (10.1%) and Temperate-Subtropical Belt chorotype (9.2%). Vegetation types differed markedly in their chorological signatures: endemic-rich woodlands and shrublands showed high specialisation, whereas grasslands and halophytic communities exhibited more mixed spectra. Conclusions: Turnover-based partitions recover major Afro-Arabian structures and highlight the Red Sea-Gulf of Aden rim as a potential biogeographic hinge. The dominance of xeric Afro-Arabian chorotypes, together with a secondary signal from mesic Afrotropical and Indo-Pacific groups, suggests a flora structured by arid corridors and monsoon- or fog-related refugia. Linking chorotypes with vegetation types reveals an ecological gradient from endemic-rich communities to more open assemblages with broader biogeographic affinities. Despite known limitations, the approach provides reproducible co-distribution units connecting classical chorology with quantitative vegetation analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.171362

Authors: Erwin Bergmeier

Abstract: Aims: Despite the syntaxonomic overview of European vegetation, EuroVegChecklist (EVC), there are still considerable gaps in our knowledge regarding the occurrence, composition and distribution of plant communities in parts of Europe, such as the eastern Mediterranean region. This is mainly due to the lack of comprehensive local vegetation surveys. In order to progressively fill these gaps and provide basic data for the assessment and conservation of biological diversity, all vegetation formations of an island were examined. Study area: The island of Lemnos (North Aegean, Greece). Methods: A sample of 877 original relevés was grouped and further classified assisted by TWINSPAN down to alliance and association level. Results: The relevés include approximately 14,000 plant records of 842 vascular plant species, that correspond to about 80% of the island’s species pool. A total of 103 vegetation types (associations and equivalents) were classified, that correspond to 36 EVC-standardised classes and 77 alliances, including many associations and several alliances new or confirmed for Hellas. For the first time, a directory and identification key to the plant communities of an eastern Mediterranean island are presented. As a measure of regional habitat diversity, the ratio of numbers of taxa and alliances is offered. The most species-rich habitat types were ruderal pasturelands, cultivated fields and fallows, phrygana and dry grasslands, further saltmarsh and coastal hinterland habitats. The habitats with the highest proportion of indicator species were the dry grasslands and inland cliffs, the coastal dunes and rocks, and the permanently or seasonally wet areas. Conclusions: Comprehensive vegetation surveys on islands (and elsewhere) provide baseline information on habitat diversity, indicator species and conservation priorities. Such studies are needed to review and update the EVC and its species list of classes in regions insufficiently researched so far. Taxonomic reference: Dimopoulos et al. (2013), with updates on the Flora of Greece web, https://portal.cybertaxonomy.org/flora-greece/content). Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016); for exceptions and associations see information in the Suppl. materials 9, 10. Abbreviations: DSCEV = Diagnostic Species of Classes of the European Vegetation; EVC = EuroVegChecklist (Mucina et al. 2016); TWINSPAN = two-way indicator species analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.184722

Authors: Wolfgang Willner, Idoia Biurrun, Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: This editorial of Vegetation Classification and Survey (VCS) focusses on how to prepare good synoptic tables. While synoptic tables are a core element for the standardised documentation of classification schemes, we regularly find that authors are challenged with preparing them in a concise and informative manner. Thus, we explain the key aspects of synoptic tables and how we handle them in VCS. The central information should always be the percentage constancy, not a constancy class (loss of information) nor the phi-value or any other measure of fidelity (because these depend on which other columns are included in the table). While in the main text there is usually only space for a shortened synoptic table (which should include the most frequent companion species), it is crucial that a full version is provided in the supplementary material, and the criteria for shortening and sorting should be documented transparently. On a more general note, VCS is generally doing well with a first Journal Impact Factor of 3.0 being published and the CiteScore constantly increasing. Finally, we present the four Editors’ Choice articles of the year, among which Joelson et al. (2025; Vegetation Classification and Survey 6: 37–56) won the Editors’ Award 2025. Abbreviations: VCS = Vegetation Classification and Survey.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.175402

Authors: Riccardo Guarino, Thomas Becker, Iwona Dembicz, Christian Dolnik, Łukasz Kozub, Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: Aims: In Southern Europe, grassland phytosociologists typically do not record non-vascular plant taxa and focus either on annual or perennial vascular plants even when both groups co-occur spatially. By contrast, researchers from temperate and northern Europe typically aim to record the entire community. We thus asked how such a comprehensive sampling approach would affect vegetation classification and biodiversity analyses when applied to Mediterranean dry grasslands. Study area: Island of Sicily, Italy. Methods: We sampled homogeneous stands of dry grasslands of different soil types and from sea level to 1200 m a.s.l. with nested-plot series and additional 10-m2 plots, each with a complete list of all terricolous vascular plant, bryophyte and lichen taxa. For the 67 10-m2 plots we additionally estimated the cover values of the species and determined structural, topographic and soil variables. We subjected these 67 plots to TWINSPAN and determined diagnostic taxa for the clusters at two hierarchical levels. Results: The mean total species richness increased from 2.1 in 0.0001 m2 to 60.6 in 100 m2 with 15% non-vascular plant taxa on average. The four main TWINSPAN clusters corresponded to base-rich coastal sands (mainly Ammophiletea), acidic inland sands (mainly Poetea bulbosae), nutrient-rich loamy soils (mainly Chenopodietea) and alkaline clayish soils (mainly Lygeo-Stipetea). Each cluster contained annual and perennial plants and mostly also non-vascular plant taxa, both in the species combination and the diagnostic species. Conclusions: Alpha and beta diversity of Mediterranean grasslands is higher than previously thought. While our numerical analyses yielded well characterised and ecologically meaningful units, there was no separation of annual and perennial grassland types at the higher level. We thus recommend recording all vascular plant species occurring in the plot also in Mediterranean regions, so as to allow straightforward comparisons with the rest of Europe in biodiversity studies. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med (2025) for vascular plants and bryophytes (with very few exceptions given in the Methods), ITALIC 8.0 (Nimis et al. 2025) for lichens. Syntaxonomic references: Mucina et al. (2016) for alliances, orders and classes, except for the Ammophiletea where we adopt the European revision by Marcenò et al. (2024), while those for associations are provided in the syntaxonomic overview. Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance; CSR = competitive/stress-tolerant/ruderal; DCA = detrended correspondence analysis; EDGG = Eurasian Dry Grassland Group; EIVE = Ecological Indicator Values for Europe 1.0; NMDS = non-metric multidimensional scaling; TWINSPAN = two-way indicator species analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.157787

Authors: Cody Goodson, John Holloway, Zak H. Bartholomew, Anne C. Axel, Pamela Puppo, Peyton Debowsky, Kyle A. Palmquist

Abstract: Questions: Our objectives were to classify and map coastal vegetation types on a sea island that is undergoing rapid change from storm surge intensification and sea-level rise (SLR). Study area: The Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (MCRDPI) is a sea island in South Carolina, USA, dominated by tidal salt marshes with large, inland forested areas and developed areas supporting Marine Corps training activities. The climate is humid subtropical. Methods: We established 57 permanent vegetation plots within all the major coastal vegetation types present on the island, made detailed plant community measurements, and characterized the main environmental variables associated with each vegetation type. We employed cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination to delineate these types based on vegetation plot data and then cross-walked those types onto existing associations within the United States National Vegetation Classification (USNVC). Finally, supervised deep learning classification was employed on 0.5 m high-resolution RBG imagery to map the distribution of vegetation types and other land cover types. Results: We identified four marsh associations and eight forest/woodland associations. The distributions of these vegetation types were primarily related to salinity and elevation. In addition to these 12 vegetation types, we mapped 11 additional land cover types for a total of 23 distinct classes. The marsh types dominated the landscape, covering ~57% of the classified area, while forest types covered ~13%. Accuracy assessment yielded an overall accuracy of 62% and a Kappa statistic of 0.6. Conclusions: We identified 11 existing USNVC vegetation types that are widely distributed in the southeastern USA and mapped their spatial distribution. The permanent vegetation plots and vegetation map provide fundamental baseline information that can be used to monitor the effects of climate change on coastal vegetation, evaluate wildlife habitat use by species of conservation concern, and facilitate decision-making in a region that has been identified as a global hotspot of salt marsh loss. Taxonomic reference: Weakley (2022). Syntaxonomic reference: USNVC (2025). Abbreviations: DBH = diameter at breast height; MCRDPI = Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island; ROI = Regions of Interest; SLR = Sea-level rise; TEC = total exchange capacity; USNVC = United States National Vegetation Classification.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.180609

Authors: Wolfgang Willner, Andraž Čarni, Federico Fernández-González, Flavia Landucci, Jens Pallas, Massimo Terzi, Jean-Paul Theurillat

Abstract: We report the decisions of the GPN assembly in 2025 regarding previous recommendations of the Committee for Change and Conservation of Names (CCCN) and we discuss three Requests for a binding decision and four nomenclatural Proposals. Recommendations on acceptance or rejection of these Proposals are provided. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med PlantBase (https://europlusmed.org/) [accessed 14 Nov 2025] Abbreviations: CCCN = Committee for Change and Conservation of Names; GPN = Working Group for Phytosociological Nomenclature; IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science; ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature, ed. 4; VCS = Vegetation Classification and Survey.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.164437

Authors: Lina Rinne, Stefan Meyer, Erwin Bergmeier

Abstract: Aims: This study presents a novel characterization of agrestal plant communities associated with traditional, less intensively managed Mediterranean agro-ecosystems, focusing on the influence of seasonal phases, soil-, and land-use conditions, and the presence of obligate arable plant species. Study area: The island of Lemnos, North Aegean. Methods: The vegetation was recorded in spring and fall. We sampled 174 plots located in fields cultivated with cereals and pulses and in fallow and stubble fields across the island. We used non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to analyze compositional patterns and identify differences between seasons. NMDS and modified TWINSPAN clustering were applied to spring plots to distinguish plant communities and their differential species. Edaphic and other environmental influences were evaluated using a geological map and ecological indicator values. The frequency and distribution of obligate arable plant species were also assessed. Results: Fall vegetation was dominated by late-flowering annuals, biennials, and perennials colonizing fields after harvest. In spring, four distinct spring plant assemblages were identified in fields of winter cereals and pulses, structured along soil gradients ranging from acidic sandy to base-rich loamy soils and from dry to temporarily wet soils. Crop type and fallowing were also found to influence community structure. The island supports a high number of obligate arable species, including several threatened ones. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the ecological and botanical importance of Lemnos’ less intensively farmed agricultural landscape. Soil heterogeneity and seasonal phases promote considerable species and community diversity, resources for wildlife, and the persistence of specialized and rare arable plant species. In the face of increasing agricultural intensification across Europe, the conservation value of less intensive agro-ecosystems is evident. Lemnos offers a rare opportunity to preserve segetal biodiversity in situ. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med (2006-). Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016). Abbreviations: EIVE = Ecological Indicator Values for Europe; IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature; LC = Least Concern (Red List category); NT = Near Threatened (Red List category); NMDS = Non-metric Multi-Dimensional Scaling; PERMANOVA = Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance; PERMDISP = Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Dispersion; TWINSPAN = Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis; VU = Vulnerable (Red List category).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.177197

Authors: Jürgen Dengler, Iwona Dembicz

Abstract: The ongoing syntaxonomic revision of the class Koelerio-Corynephoretea in their entire range led to the need for nomenclatural decisions to ensure nomenclatural stability and clarity. Specifically, based on Article 52 ICPN, we propose the conservation of the widely used name Diantho deltoidis-Armerietum elongatae against the older names Armerio elongatae-Rumicetum tenuifolii and Armerio-Festucetum: (45) Diantho deltoidis-Armerietum elongatae Krausch ex Pötsch 1962 nom. cons. propos. Typus: Pötsch (1962: table 12, relevé 5) [Lectotypus, selected by Moravec (1967: 166)] (=) Armerio elongatae-Rumicetum tenuifolii Tüxen 1951 Typus: Neotypus selected here (see below) (=) Armerio elongatae-Festucetum Hohenester 1960 Typus: Dengler et al. (2003: p. 604) [Neotypus, selected by Dengler in Dengler et al. (2003): 604] Moreover, based on Articles 36 and 37 ICPN, we propose to reject the following ambiguous and/or dubious names: (46) Festuco ovinae-Thymetum angustifolii Tüxen 1937 nom. dub. propos. Typus: Gregor (2001: 8) [Neotypus (erroneously called Lectotypus), selected by Gregor (2001)] (47) Corynephoro canescentis-Caricetum arenariae Regel 1928 nom. dub. propos. Typus: Regel (1928: table 4, relevé 18) [Holotypus] Syntaxonomic reference: Berg et al. (2004), with nomenclatural updates in Dembicz et al. (2025). Abbreviations: CCCN = Committee for Change and Conservation of Names of the Group of Phytosociological Nomenclature; ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature, 4th edition (Theurillat et al. 2021).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.149158

Authors: Oleksandr Y. Khodosovtsev, Jan Vondrák, Anna A. Kuzemko

Abstract: Aims: To revise the syntaxonomy of epiphytic lichen communities on Fagus sylvatica from old-growth beech forests in the Carpathians and adjacent uplands, in particular (1) to identify the main syntaxonomic units and reveal their ecologіcal, structural, and compositional peculiarities; (2) to assign the associations to higher-rank syntaxa; (3) to define the position of the resulting syntaxonomic units in the system of syntaxa of lichen communities of Europe; and (4) to evaluate the potential use of epiphytic lichen communities on beech trees as indicators of the ecological integrity of forest habitats. Study area: Ukrainian Carpathians, Roztochchia, Podillia, and Khotyn uplands. Methods: 230 relevés of lichen communities from western Ukraine and data from literary sources (reference data) were classified using the modified TWINSPAN algorithm implemented in JUICE software in two steps, identifying units of higher and then lower rank consecutively. Results: The first step of the analysis resulted in seven clusters which were mainly interpreted as classes or orders. The second step of the analysis resulted in 20 units of association or unranked community level. 12 of these were recorded in the study area and included 267 lichen species. Conclusions: Epiphytic lichen communities on Fagus sylvatica in the old-growth beech forests of Western Ukraine are divided into five classes: Agonimietea repletae (a new class encompassing lichen communities occurring on exposed roots and the bases of old tree trunks with smooth bark), Arthonio radiatae-Lecidelletea elaeochromae, Hypogymnietea physodis, Neckeretea complanatae and Physcietea, and 12 assocations or unranked communities. The order Agonimietalia repletae, the alliances Biatorion radicicolae and Dictyocatenulation albae, and five associations are newly described here. The provisional alliance Biatorion vernalis is proposed for epiphytic lichens on mosses. Taxonomic reference: Nimis et al. (2018). Abbreviations: EUNIS = European Nature Information System; EVC = EuroVegChecklist; ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature; UNESCO = United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; OD = Original diagnosis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.146260

Authors: Flavia Landucci, Milan Chytrý, Svitlana Iemelianova, Kateřina Šumberová, Jean-Paul Theurillat

Abstract: In the course of a comprehensive revision of the syntaxonomy and nomenclature of the class Phragmito-Magnocaricetea Klika in Klika et Novák 1941, it appeared necessary to resolve some nomenclatural issues in accordance with the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature. In this article, we present five proposals and three requests for binding decisions. We also introduce the name Oenanthetalia aquaticae Hejný ex Landucci et al. ord. nov., the lectotypes of the names Phragmitetum australis Savich 1926 nom. corr., Typho-Scirpetum mucronati Tallon 1950, and Apion nodiflori Segal in Westhoff et Den Held 1969, and the neotypes of the names Oenantho aquaticae-Rorippetum amphibiae Lohmeyer 1950 and Scrophulario aquaticae-Apietum nodiflori Maas ex Segal in Westhoff et Den Held 1969. (40) Phragmitetum australis Savich 1926 nom. corr. et cons. propos. Typus: Savich 1926a: 57 (holotypus) (=) Scirpo-Phragmitetum australis W. Koch 1926 Typus: Koch 1926: 47 (holotypus). (41) Phragmition australis W. Koch 1926 nom. corr. et cons. propos. Typus: Phragmitetum australis Savich 1926 nom. corr. (typus cons. propos.) (42) Glycerio-Sparganietum neglecti W. Koch 1926 nom. dub. propos. Typus: Koch 1926: 52, tab. V, relevé 1 (lectotypus designated by Koska in Dengler et al. 2004: 371) (43) Glycerio-Sparganion Braun-Blanquet et Sissingh in Boer 1942 nom. dub. propos. Typus: Glycerio-Sparganietum neglecti W. Koch 1926 nom. dub. propos (Boer 1942: 240; holotypus) (44) Nasturtio-Glycerietalia Pignatti 1953 nom. dub. propos. Typus: Glycerio-Sparganion Braun-Blanquet et Sissingh in Boer 1942 nom. dub. propos. (Boer 1942: 240; holotypus) Taxonomic reference: POWO (2025). Abbreviations: CCCN = Committee for Change and Conservation of Names; ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.154417

Authors: Pavel Novák, Veronika Kalníková, Vojtěch Taraška, Nino Memiadze, Davit Kharazishvili

Abstract: Azonal communities of ravine forests are often confined to pristine sites, and represent habitats with species-rich biota. Despite their significance for conservation biology, little attention has been paid to this vegetation in the Caucasus, one of the global biodiversity hotspots. Aims: (a) to describe the variability, ecology, and distribution patterns of ravine forests at lower elevations of Colchis in Georgia; (b) to examine the syntaxonomic position of Colchic and Caucasian ravine forests; and (c) to outline the relationships between the identified vegetation types and environmental as well as biogeographic factors. Study area: Georgia, Türkiye. Methods: Two classification analyses (beta-flexible clustering) were performed; the first on vegetation plots of ravine forests (n = 45) from Georgian Colchis, the second on an extended dataset (n = 134) that included additional plots of Caucasian ravine forests and the alliance Alnion barbatae. NMDS was applied to visualize patterns of similarity among the communities. Results: Three associations of Colchic ravine forests were distinguished, mainly reflecting the climate and bedrock: Polysticho woronowii-Ulmetum glabrae (wet climate, volcanics), Pterido creticae-Tilietum begoniifoliae (wet climate, limestones), and Polysticho aculeati-Tilietum begoniifoliae (drier climate, limestones). The classification of the extended dataset resulted in two main clusters, Colchic alluvial forests (Populetalia albae) and scree and ravine forests (Aceretalia pseudoplatani). A further partitioning distinguished between Caucasian and Colchic ravine forests. The latter represent a newly established alliance Pterido creticae-Tilion begoniifoliae, characterised by a wealth of Colchic endemic and relict species. These forests are of particular importance for safeguarding the Colchic forest biota. Conclusions: The variability of the Colchic ravine forests primarily reflects site-specific and climatic conditions, which allow their classification into three distinct associations. These stands constitute a novel alliance which complements the so-far known vegetation diversity of the prominent Colchic forests, a hotspot of Tertiary relict flora in the Northern Hemisphere. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med PlantBase (https://europlusmed.org/) [accessed 10 Oct 2024]. Syntaxonomic reference: Higher syntaxa follow Mucina et al. (2016), exceptions and associations are accompanied by their author citations at the first mention. Abbreviations: DCA = Detrended Correspondence Analysis; GIVD = Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases; NMDS = Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling; TWINSPAN = Two Way Indicator Species Analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.160378

Authors: Zeke Marshall, Claire Wood, Ed Mountford, John Rodwell, Ian Strachan, Oli Pescott, Irina Tatarenko, John Hodgson, Kevin Walker, James Latham, Lindsay Maskell, Andrea J. Britton, Robin J. Pakeman, Tom Dargie, Ruth Mitchell, Laurence Jones, Alison Hester, Louise Ross, Sarah Dalrymple, Carly Stevens, Ed Rowe, Frances McCullagh, Stephen Willis, Rob Marrs, Lisa Norton, Simon M. Smart

Abstract: The GBNVPD (GIVD-code EU-GB-007) is the new centralised repository for the collection and storage of standardised vegetation plot data in Great Britain and the Crown Dependencies. The initial version of the GBNVPD (v1.0) described in this long database report comprises data from 63 individual sources and contains 277,070 samples from 200,733 plots, with a total of 4,463,300 occurrences of 4,086 accepted taxa (3,464 accepted species), surveyed between 1949 and 2024. Of the 63 constituent datasets 52 are newly submitted to the EVA and 9 to ReSurveyEurope. The database is available under a discretionary mixed-access regime and will be maintained and updated continuously in response to further digitisation of historic paper records, collection of pre-existing digitised survey data, and addition of future survey data. Abbreviations: EVA = European Vegetation Archive; GB = Great Britain; GBNVPD = National Vegetation Plot Database for Great Britain and the Crown Dependencies; NVC = National Vegetation Classification; UKCEH = United Kingdom Centre for Ecology and Hydrology; UKSI = United Kingdom Species Inventory.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.141917

Authors: Santiago Agustín Varela, Noelia Cecilia Calamari, Fabio Daniel Trinco, Juan Pablo Diez, Mariana Weigandt, Flavia Romina Barzán, Lucrecia Lezana, Roxana Paola Eclesia, Dardo Rubén López, Rubén Darío Coria, Pablo Luís Peri, Fernando Javier Umaña, Fernando Raffo, Juan Ignacio Gazzotti, Carlos de la Peña, Marcelo Wilson, Emmanuel Gabioud, Hernán Hernández, Sonia Beatriz Canavelli

Abstract: Question: Effective environmental management depends on accurate and efficient assessments of ecological conditions. This study introduces a method that combines remote sensing with a Rapid Assessment Method (RAM) to evaluate the environmental status of land units at the ranch scale. We ask whether this integrated approach can generate spatially explicit information to support the implementation and monitoring of sustainable livestock grazing in native forests. Study area: The study was conducted in three livestock ranches in Argentina. These ranches encompass heterogeneous landscapes characterized by varying soil types, vegetation cover, and topographic features that influence ecological conditions. Methods: Remote sensing imagery was used to delineate Ecological Sites (ESi) based on bio-geomorphic attributes such as soil, topography, and vegetation. These spatial units guided field sampling, where RAM was applied to assess environmental indicators. Field data were integrated into an Environmental Health Index (EHI), summarizing the ecological status of each ESi. Ordinary kriging interpolated EHI values across the landscape, enabling spatial visualization of environmental health patterns and spatial variability. Results: Mapping of EHI values showed that most land units exhibited intermediate to high environmental health, suggesting generally favorable ecological conditions across the ranches. However, some areas had low EHI values associated with signs of disturbance or degradation, including fire, flooding, invasive species, or overgrazing. Conclusions: The integration of remote sensing with RAM provided a detailed overview of ecological conditions at the ranch scale. The results can guide more focused and efficient fieldwork in areas requiring closer monitoring due to potential environmental degradation or changes linked to livestock management. This approach supports the implementation and evaluation of sustainable grazing management in native forests, offering a robust, scalable tool for environmental assessment. Additionally, by optimizing the allocation of sampling effort, it enables more informed decision-making to maintain and enhance ecological health in these production systems. Taxonomic reference: Anton and Zuloaga (2023). Abbreviations: EHI = environmental health index; ESi = ecological site; RAM = rapid assessment methodology; MBGI = silvo pastoral or forest management with integrated livestock.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.145406

Authors: Idoia Biurrun, Jokin Belmonte, Irati Sanz-Zubizarreta, Juan Antonio Campos

Abstract: Aims: Temperate hardwood riparian forests constitute an endangered habitat occurring mostly on the floodplains of major European rivers, and included in habitat T13 of the European Nature Information System (EUNIS). In this study we aim to 1) confirm their presence in small rivers of northern Spain, 2) revise their classification at association level, and discuss it at alliance level, 3) evaluate their diversity patterns and ecological preferences. Study area: Inner temperate and submediterranean valleys in northern Spain. Methods: We sampled 72 nested series of vegetation plots with grain sizes ranging from 0.0001 m2 to 200 m2, where the presence of vascular plants was recorded in all grain sizes and their cover estimated in 100 m2. 200 m2 plots were submitted to the EUNIS Expert System (EUNIS-ESy) and to agglomerative hierarchical clustering. Non-metric dimensional scaling was used for their ordination in the multivariate space. Diagnostic species were assessed by means of modified phi index and differences among forest types regarding their diversity and ecological preferences through analyses of variance. Results: The EUNIS-ESy classified five plots in habitat T13, 19 were classified in other deciduous forest types, and 48 were classified only at level 1 (forests) or remained unclassified. Three main clusters emerging from the agglomerative clustering corresponded to three associations from the alliance Alnion incanae: Carici pendulae-Fraxinetum excelsioris, Galio laevigati-Fraxinetum excelsioris, and Viburno lantanae-Ulmetum minoris. The mean species richness per plot was 75.3, with the highest values in the western Pyrenean association Galio-Fraxinetum, while Shannon diversity was lowest in the submediterranean Viburno-Ulmetum. Conclusions: These riparian forests provide refuge for several endangered species and might mark the southwestern distribution of hardwood riparian forests in Europe. It is therefore crucial to clarify their classification at alliance level, for which a comprehensive analysis of European temperate riparian, alluvial and mesic oak forests is required. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med PlantBase (Euro+Med 2024). Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016), updated in Chytrý et al. (2024), for high rank syntaxa; Biurrun et al. (2016) for associations and suballiances. Abbreviations: CWM = Community Weighted Means; DIV = Disturbance Indicator Values for European plants; EDGG = Eurasian Dry Grassland Group; EIVE = Ecological Indicator Values for Europe; EUNIS = European Nature Information System; EUNIS-ESy = EUNIS Expert System; NMDS = Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling; SAR = Species Area Relationship.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.144252

Authors: Iwona Dembicz, Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: Question: We asked whether ordinal cover scales cause biases in biodiversity indices derived from vegetation plots and, if so, whether a different back-translation of ordinal categories could improve the situation. Methods: We took three empirical vegetation-plot datasets from different regions and habitat types with species cover estimated in percent. We applied three ordinal cover scales (13-step Londo, 7-step Braun-Blanquet and 5-step Hult-Sernander-Du Rietz) and back-transformed the resulting categories to percent (mid-point of the respective cover class). For each plot, we then calculated three diversity metrics (Shannon diversity, Shannon evenness, Simpson diversity) before and after applying the ordinal scales and using arithmetic and geometric means for back-translation. Results: The Hult-Sernander-Du Rietz scale led to strongly increased values for the three diversity metrics when arithmetic mid-points were applied and to strongly decreased values when geometric mid-points were applied. Likewise, for the Braun-Blanquet and Londo scales the diversity indices had a positive bias in the case of arithmetic means and negative in the case of geometric means, but the differences were much smaller and not always significant. The ranking of communities by their biodiversity metrics was severely distorted for any combination of ordinal scale, biodiversity metric and transformation, but most strongly for the Hult-Sernander-Du Rietz scale. Conclusions: Our study suggests that in many cases the use of ordinal scales biases diversity metrics systematically. Since biodiversity metrics are commonly used to compare communities, our finding that the ranking of communities changed considerably when an ordinal scale was applied raises concerns about commonly applied practices. It suggests that in such studies percent cover estimates should be used. For the use of legacy data with ordinal scales we did not find a clear prevalence of arithmetic or geometric back-translation and thus recommend searching for alternative approaches.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.150538

Authors: Krzysztof Świerkosz, Anna Wójcicka-Rosińska, Iwona Kuras-Hilares, Paweł Pech, Kamila Reczyńska

Abstract: The LAURA database is a resurvey dataset documenting long-term changes in forest vegetation across southwestern Poland. It currently includes 842 phytosociological relevés from 409 plots across 20 sites. The dataset covers a wide range of forest types, from lowland riparian forests up to subalpine woods. The database primarily relies on archival data collected between 1955 and 2000, which are revisited at the originally described locations, mostly in nature reserves. The average time span between surveys is 35 years, with a minimum of 14 years. The LAURA database provides valuable insights into the long-term effects of environmental change on forest communities. It may facilitate studies on species composition shifts, biodiversity trends, and forest succession in response to factors such as climate change, land-use history, and conservation efforts. Additionally, by integrating part of its dataset (35%) with forestREplot and ReSurveyEurope, it contributes to large-scale comparative analyses of European forest ecosystems.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.151991

Authors: Domas Uogintas, Lukas Petrulaitis, Neringa Kitrytė, Viltė Šimanskaitė

Abstract: KELVEG – Roadside Vegetation of Lithuania (GIVD EU-LT-002) is a database that documents the diversity of roadside vegetation, tracks and monitors changes of non-native species’ impact on the roadsides, and adjacent habitats. The initiative was started in spring 2023. As of March 2025, 628 vegetation plots from randomly selected sites across the country have been included in the database. Vegetation plots were sampled along transects, starting at the edge of the roadside (road shoulder) and ending in an adjacent habitat. In each roadside part (road shoulder, first slope, second slope or flat part and adjacent habitat), 1 m2 square-shaped vegetation plots were taken. Additionally, 100 m2 square-shaped vegetation plots were sampled in adjacent habitats. In each vegetation plot, the cover of vascular plants and bryophytes was estimated using a percentage scale, and the cover and height of vegetation layers were measured. The aspect and inclination of slopes were measured using electronic compass and clinometer mobile applications, respectively. In each vegetation plot, soil samples were collected, and agrochemical analysis was performed to evaluate soil/substrate pH, the concentration of total nitrogen, humus, phosphate and potassium oxide, and microbiological activity. The data are available to potential users upon request from the corresponding author.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.140466

Authors: Tiago Monteiro-Henriques

Abstract: I present the Total Differential Value (TDV), an index designed for vegetation analysis based on the operational concept of differential species, as classically illustrated by Heinz Ellenberg and Dieter Mueller-Dombois. Given a phytosociological table and a grouping of its relevés, TDV is obtained by averaging the Differential Value (DiffVal) for each species in the table. DiffVal, grounded in combinatorial-discrete mathematics, quantifies the differential power of a species. The novelty of this approach lies in its distinction between two types of species absences: (i) absences from some relevés within a group and (ii) absences from all relevés representing a group. By leveraging the distribution of species absences among groups, this method effectively quantifies the differential power and distinguishes differential from non-differential species. I illustrate the computation of DiffVal and TDV and show that, because only differential species contribute to TDV, it reflects the strength of the differential species patterns in a classified table. TDV can be optimized (TDV-optimization), providing partitions of relevés. I demonstrate TDV-optimization using both an artificial and a well-known real-world data set. Key features of this method include its ability to identify patterns very closely resembling manual phytosociological tabulation and to detect reticulate patterns. TDV-optimization may lead to partitions where outlier or extreme relevés are isolated in groups; however, enforcing a minimum group size can highlight partitions with more balanced group sizes. An R package is now available, implementing DiffVal and TDV calculation as well as TDV-optimization. Abbreviations: DiffVal = Differential Value; EllPar = Ellenberg’s partition into three groups; NDR = number of discrepant relevés; NSS = number of significant species; TDV = Total Differential Value.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.151773

Authors: Alireza Naqinezhad, Idoia Biurrun, Victor Chepinoga, Jürgen Dengler, Arkadiusz Nowak

Abstract: This editorial introduces the Special Collection “Grasslands of Asia” in Vegetation Classification and Survey, highlighting the urgent need for systematic vegetation classification across Asia’s diverse grassland ecosystems. Despite their vast ecological, climatic, and cultural significance, Asian grasslands remain underrepresented in global vegetation studies. This gap results from uneven research capacities, methodological fragmentation, limited data accessibility, and complex geopolitical barriers. Grasslands across Asia, which include both natural types like steppes, savannas, and alpine meadows and semi-natural ecosystems, face escalating threats including climate change, overgrazing, land-use changes, habitat fragmentation, and socio-political disruptions. Inspired by discussions at the inaugural Asian Grassland Conference in 2022 and the establishment of the Asian Regional Section of the International Association for Vegetation Science (IAVS), this Special Collection aims to promote standardized vegetation classification methods, enhance cross-regional data sharing, and foster international collaboration. Although only seven contributions from West and Middle Asia were ultimately included, they significantly advance the understanding of grassland typologies in these regions. Moving forward, coordinated efforts at local, regional, and continental scales are essential, supported by platforms such as the Asian Regional Section of IAVS. Strengthening vegetation classification frameworks and regional databases will bridge existing methodological gaps and provide critical support for conservation planning, sustainable management, and biodiversity research in Asia’s grassland ecosystems. Abbreviations: China-VCS = China Vegetation Classification System; EDGG = Eurasian Dry Grassland Group; GIVD = Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases; IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science; IVC = International Vegetation Classification; TWINSPAN = Two Way Indicator Species Analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.134800

Authors: Grzegorz Ostrowski, Severin Aicher, Agnieszka Mankiewicz, Olha Chusova, Iwona Dembicz, Stefan Widmer, Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: Aims: To test the predictive power of mean ecological indicator values (EIVs) based on different EIV systems and weighting approaches. Study area: Preda in Grisons, Switzerland. Methods: We used three regional datasets of vegetation plots accompanied with measured soil pH values or mean annual near soil air temperature. We calculated mean EIVs for each plot with four EIV systems that cover the region, namely “Ellenberg”, “Landolt”, “Tichý” and the Ecological Indicator Values for Europe (EIVE), combined with four weighting approaches (unweighted, cover-weighted, square-root cover-weighted, inverse niche width weighted). We correlated the mean EIVs of each combination with the measured environmental variables and compared the mean Pearson r values. Results: No cover-weighting (0.78) was slightly better than square-root cover-weighting (0.75) and clearly better than full cover-weighting (0.68). In the two EIV systems providing a niche width measure (EIVE and “Landolt”), inverse niche weighting gave similar results than no weighting. Mean EIVE values (0.76) had significantly stronger correlations than “Tichý” (0.73), while the differences to “Ellenberg” (0.75) and “Landolt” (0.71) were not significant. Conclusions: The results suggest that even within the definition areas of two long-established EIV systems (“Ellenberg”, “Landolt”), EIVE gives at least as good predictions as these and significantly better than “Tichý”. Likewise, any type of cover-weighting reduces the predictive power of mean EIVs. Both findings could be the consequence of the statistical principle “wisdom of the crowd”, according to which the average estimate of several sources (be it regional scientists or plant species) is usually better than the estimate of one or few experts. Accordingly, EIVE currently is the best choice for mean EIVs in Europe, and no cover-weighting should be applied. We recommend that similar studies should be undertaken in other regions and for other niche dimensions. Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016). Abbreviations: EIV = ecological indicator value; EIVE = Ecological Indicator Values for Europe 1.0; R = ecological indicator value for soil reaction; T = ecological indicator value for temperature.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.139673

Authors: Javier Loidi

Abstract: An approach is proposed for a general multiscale classification of terrestrial vegetation applicable to the whole world; only the outline and principles are presented. Further development of the system should take place through future national and regional surveys. As in other proposals, there are several levels in this system, of which the upper ones are broad and cover large areas, while the lower ones have a local character. To distinguish it from other approaches, this classification is based on clearly defined and hierarchically sorted criteria: Climate, physiognomy, zonality and biogeography for the upper levels, and site conditions and disturbance, reflected by their floristic composition, for the lower ones. The upper level units are created using a top-down (deductive) approach, while the lower level units are created using a bottom-up (inductive) approach, using the Braun-Blanquet classification as a model for the areas where it is available. Both trestles overlap at level 3: Regional Subbiomes, which are the result of the division of Subbiomes (level 2) and can be underpinned by units of phytosociological classes at level 4. Only the zonal and intrazonal classes can be used for this, as the azonal and those conditioned by disturbance use to exceed the scope of a particular zone. Syntaxonomic references: Mucina et al. (2016) for high rank syntaxa, with the exception of Querco-Fagetea and Fagetalia sylvaticae which follow Loidi (2020); Rivas-Martínez et al. (2011a) for low rank syantaxa (alliances and associations); Rivas-Martínez (1997) for Heteromelo arbutifoliae Quercetea agrifoliae; Krestov et al. (2023) for Quercetea mongolicae and Miyawaki et al. (1964) for Fagetea crenatae.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.134621

Authors: Natalia Zoe Joelson, Alois Simon, Friedemann von Lampe, Gabriel Ángel Loguercio, Stefan Zerbe, Christoph Leuschner, Helge Walentowski

Abstract: Aims: To explore the relationship between plant communities and key environmental drivers in the Andes of northwest Patagonia, Argentina, and to evaluate the applicability of traditional phytosociological definitions to this region. Methods: We conducted 141 vegetation samples using a stratified systematic sampling design. This was done along two steep gradients of aridity and temperature, which are further modified by local factors that include successional changes due to fire and soil variation. We employed a series of multivariate approaches, including hierarchical clustering, Indicator Species Analysis (ISA), restricted Monte Carlo permutation tests, and both constrained and unconstrained ordinations, to identify (a) the main plant community types, (b) their representative species, and (c) the primary drivers of variation in species composition. Finally, we compared the obtained groups and species to associations described by earlier expert-based classifications. Results: From the set of analyses, we identified six different plant community types with 241 recorded species. We found significant differences across communities’ species composition and their environmental indicators. Among the considered environmental variables, elevation and annual precipitation had the strongest effect on species composition. Additionally, variation in composition was significantly related to forest structure, land use and soil characteristics. We further outlined the influence of locally biased classifications based on a predominance of sampling in areas western to the Andes in classification systems developed in the region. Conclusion: Our analysis allowed us to identify the most relevant environmental drivers and indicator species of the six classified plant communities based on numerical methods. The findings highlight the importance of considering full ecological gradients and communities’ responses for developing stable classification approaches. Taxonomic reference: Anton and Zuloaga (2023). Abbreviations: db-RDA = distance-based Redundancy Analysis; ISA = Indicator Species Analysis; NMDS = Non-metric Multi-Dimensional Scaling.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.122617

Authors: Svitlana Iemelianova, Liubov Borsukevych

Abstract: Aims: (a) To revise the previous classification systems for the Alnetea glutinosae vegetation in Ukraine using a representative dataset; (b) to define the vegetation types at the association level and outline their geographical distribution and species composition; (c) to describe the relationships between the defined associations and the main environmental factors. Study area: Ukraine. Methods: 5818 vegetation plots of floodplain forests, alder carr, and birch forests were collected in the field and digitized from the literature. We used PC-ORD beta-flexible clustering (beta = –0.3, Bray-Curtis dissimilarity, log-transformed percentage abundances) to distinguish the vegetation types. We plotted the classification results using an NMDS ordination diagram to visualize the similarity patterns among the vegetation types. Results. We distinguished six associations within three alliances: mesotrophic regularly flooded alder carr (Thelypterido palustris-Alnetum glutinosae, Carici elongatae-Alnetum glutinosae, Carici acutiformis-Alnetum glutinosae), basiphilous birch forests on mesotrophic mires (Salici pentandrae-Betuletum pubescentis) and acidophilous wet birch forests (Thelypterido palustris-Betuletum pubescentis, Eriophoro vaginati-Betuletum pubescentis). Using NMDS-ordination and Ellenberg-type indicator values we demonstrated that the main gradients for vegetation differentiation are the soil moisture and soil reaction, nutrients, and light availability. Conclusions: Using our comprehensive data set, we critically revised the previous concept and syntaxonomic structure of the class Alnetea glutinosae in Ukraine. We distinguished six phytosociological associations and highlighted the main environmental drivers determining vegetation differentiation and variability. Our study also provides an overview of the current distribution for each association of the Alnetea glutinosae in Ukraine. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med (2006-) for vascular plants, Hodgetts et al. (2020) for bryophytes. Syntaxonomic reference: Higher syntaxa follow Mucina et al. (2016). Abbreviations: db-RDA = distance-based redundancy analysis; EIVs = Ellenberg indicator values; EVC = EuroVegChecklist, GIVD = Global index of vegetation plot databases, ICPN = International code of phytosociological nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021); NMDS = Non-metric multidimensional scaling; NNP = National nature park.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.148065

Authors: Idoia Biurrun, Jürgen Dengler, Wolfgang Willner

Abstract: This editorial opens the sixth volume of Vegetation Classification and Survey (VCS), a gold open access journal of the International Association for Vegetation Science (IAVS). On occasion of the fifth anniversary of the start of the journal, we provide an analysis of the 119 articles published from 2020 to 2024, focusing on their content, geographic scope, article category and the collection they belong to, if any. For articles that performed a plot-based classification, we provide information on classification approach, plot size, importance value, taxonomic coverage, number of plots, and classification algorithm. We also analyze the bibliometric performance of VCS across the five years and predict a CiteScore of 3.6 and a Journal Impact Factor of 2.7 for 2024 (to be published in 2025). Using the Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) from the Scopus database, we identified the nine VCS articles published in the first five years that received at least twice as many citations as expected for their age and field. Next we present the four Editors’ Choice papers of 2024, among which Naftal et al. (2024; Vegetation Classification and Survey 5: 127–151) received the Editors’ Award. We conclude that VCS is on the right track, although we would like to encourage the submission of more classification papers based on large plot datasets, as well as methodological papers and comprehensive reviews. Abbreviations: CCCN = Committee for Changes and Conservation of Names; FWCI = Field-Weighted Citation Impact; JIF = Journal Impact Factor; IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science; VCS = Vegetation Classification and Survey.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.110546

Authors: Mohsen Yaselyani, Ali Bagheri, Hojjatollah Saeidi, Jalil Noroozi

Abstract: Questions: The mountains of Fereydunshahr County are one of the centers of plant endemism within the Zagros, however, its flora and vegetation remain relatively understudied. In this study we undertook research on the plant species diversity of the subalpine and alpine zones of this area, their life forms, chorology, and vegetation types. Study area: Mountains of Fereydunshahr County, Central Zagros, West Iran. Methods: Plant specimens were collected during the growing seasons of 2018 to 2020. A complete species list was prepared including their life forms, chorotypes, elevation range, and major vegetation types. Results: A total of 308 vascular plant species have been identified belonging to 185 genera and 47 families. The largest plant families recorded during the study are Asteraceae with 44 species, Fabaceae 32, Brassicaceae 29, and Lamiaceae 27. At genus level Astragalus with 23 species is the richest. Hemicryptophyte with 162 (53%) species is the major life form. Most of the species are Irano-Turanian elements (52%). A total of 57 species (19%) are endemic to Iran and 23 species (7%) are endemic to Zagros. Most species belong to the montane-subalpine zone (33%), followed by subalpine (20%), montane (15%), lowland-montane (10%), alpine (9%), and lowland-subalpine (5%). In the alpine zone a high proportion of the species are endemic, while the montane zone has a very low proportion of endemics. From the identified species, 24% belong to subalpine and alpine thorn-cushion grasslands, 19% to montane steppe shrublands, 5% to subalpine tall-umbelliferous vegetation types, 5% to wetlands, and 5% to chasmophyte vegetation. Conclusions: The area has a rich flora, but at the same time is under high pressure from anthropogenic activities, especially a very high level of overgrazing. The region is not a protected area, therefore, establishment of a protected area and efficient conservation planning for the region is highly recommended. Taxonomic reference: Flora of Iran (Assadi et al. 1989–2021) and, for families not yet covered in the previous source, Flora Iranica (Rechinger 1963–2015). Abbreviations: ES = Euro-Siberian; IT = Irano-Turanian; M = Mediterranean; SS = Saharo-Sindian.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.136825

Authors: Amir Talebi, Denys Vynokurov, Farideh Attar, Jürgen Dengler, Alireza Naqinezhad

Abstract: Aims: To provide the first syntaxonomic scheme of the main natural and semi-natural steppic vegetation types along a 3000-m elevational gradient. Location: South-facing slopes of Mt. Damavand, Iran. Methods: A dataset of 330 phytosociological plots of 25 m2 sampled in all main vegetation types of the region was subjected to unsupervised classification with TWINSPAN. After some manual adjustments to maximise the floristic distinctness of clusters, the resulting units were translated into syntaxa at the class, order, alliance and association level. Diagnostic species were determined with phi values as measure of fidelity. The differences in abiotic and vegetation parameters among associations/communities were visualised with boxplots and the environmental gradients associated with the community differentiation via detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). Results: We found four main groups that are ecologically well interpretable and considered at the level of phytosociological classes: rocky habitats (Tanacetalia kotschyi, class unknown), scree habitats (Didymophyso aucheri-Dracocephaletea aucheri), snow-beds (Salicetea herbaceae) and grasslands (Astragalo-Brometea). We distinguished six orders, nine alliances and 18 association-level communities, which were floristically well separated. Many of these syntaxa were new to science. Elevation was the main driver of species composition and formation of the major vegetation groups. Conclusions: This study contributes to advancing the syntaxonomic understanding of the vegetation of Iran. It is particularly valuable as it covers the complete elevational gradient of 3000 m and thus also comprehensively includes the vegetation types of the lower elevations that previously had been rarely studied syntaxonomically in Iran. Furthermore, this study is the first to examine mown (semi-natural) tall herb rich grasslands in Iran, which were assigned to the new alliance Cousinion petrocauli. Since our study was based on a regionally constrained dataset, we could not solve all syntaxonomic issues conclusively. This underscores the need for more comprehensive studies of the vegetation in the entire Alborz Mts as well as other Iranian mountain ranges in the future. Taxonomic reference: Catalogue of Life (Bánki et al. 2024). Abbreviations: DCA = detrended correspondence analysis, ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021), TWINSPAN = two-way indicator species analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.118023

Authors: Dario Ciaramella, Martina Marei Viti, Marco Landi, Kryštof Chytrý, Claudia Angiolini, Gianmaria Bonari

Abstract: Aim: To revise Pinus pinaster-dominated communities of the Italian peninsula with special regard to central-southern Tuscany, and assess their floristic and ecological differences. Study area: Tuscany and Liguria regions, Italy. Methods: We classified 251 vegetation plots using the Two-way indicator species analysis method and we explored vegetation patterns through Principal Coordinate Analysis. We then investigated the ecology using Ecological Indicator Values. Results: We identified four major groups, primarily distinguished by the substrate of their stands and along a latitudinal gradient. We classified the forests in central-southern Tuscany in the association Erico scopariae-Pinetum pinastri. This community includes thermophilous and mesophilous species primarily distributed in the Atlantic and Western Mediterranean regions. Comparison of community means of Ecological Indicator Values revealed significant differences in soil reaction, nitrogen, moisture, and light conditions, but not in temperature, between the central-southern Tuscany forests and the other clusters. We classified the other studied forest communities on acidic substrates within the association Erico arboreae-Pinetum pinastri, whereas those found on ultramafic substrates were placed in the Euphorbio ligusticae-Pinetum pinastri typus cons. propos., and in an informal group of secondary vegetation stands. Conclusions: Our analyses showed that the Pinus pinaster-dominated forests of central-southern Tuscany belong to the association Erico scopariae-Pinetum pinastri of the alliance Genisto pilosae-Pinion pinastri (class Pinetea halepensis). The presence of species of phytogeographical importance in the forest understory, underscores the high biogeographic and conservation value of these pine forests. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med (2024-). Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016), except for the changes proposed by Bonari et al. (2021). Abbreviations: EVC = EuroVegChecklist; ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature; PCoA = Principal Coordinate Analysis; TWINSPAN = Two-way indicator species analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.143360

Authors: Reginald T. Guuroh, Leslie R. Brown, Miguel Alvarez, Manfred Finckh, Ute Schmiedel, Gaolathe Tsheboeng, Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: Abstract: This editorial introduces the Special Collection of “African Vegetation Studies”. The collection includes seven research papers from four African countries. One paper examines the impact of traditional agro-ecosystems on plant diversity in Morocco. In Benin, one research paper focuses on vegetation associations in a biosphere reserve, and another is on land cover changes on inselbergs. In Namibia, one paper provides a syntaxonomic description of the Karstveld vegetation, while another models potential vegetation changes along a south-north rainfall gradient. Two papers present research on vegetation classification and descriptions of two natural areas in South Africa, namely the Tankwa Karoo National Park and the Telperion Nature Reserve. The collection demonstrates that there are important classification studies ongoing in different parts of the continent to better understand the diversity and complexity of African vegetation. At the same time our mini-review of the current status of vegetation classification and vegetation-plot databases in Africa highlights that much work remains to be done to achieve a comprehensive and internationally consistent vegetation classification for the countries of Africa, which would be beneficial for land use management, biodiversity conservation and ecological research. Abbreviations: EVA = European Vegetation Archive; EVS = European Vegetation Survey; GDP = Gross Domestic Product; IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science; IAVS-AS = IAVS Regional Section for Africa; VCS = Vegetation Classification and Survey.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.126066

Authors: Jordan T. Coscia, J. Berton C. Harris, Devin Floyd, Michael C. Beall, David Bellangue, Drew Chaney, Jared Gorrell, Evie Sackett, Ezra J. Staengl, J. Leighton Reid

Abstract: Aims: The grasslands of the North American Piedmont host diverse communities of sun-loving plants, but more than 90% of these grasslands have been lost across the region. Grasslands of the northern and central Piedmont of Virginia have received little formal study, but they are likely to be as diverse and threatened as they are in other parts of the eastern United States. To conserve the remaining Piedmont grasslands, we need to characterize floristic communities, identify the edaphic factors and disturbance regimes that drive their persistence, and develop methods to restore degraded grasslands. Study Area: Northern and Central Virginia Piedmont, USA. Methods: We surveyed plant communities and collected soil samples in 132 grasslands in old fields, powerline clearings, and roadsides. We used cluster analysis, indicator species analysis, and non-metric multidimensional scaling overlaid with soil and environmental variables to identify community groups. Results: We identified 695 plant taxa (87% of which are native) including 13 species that are rare in Virginia, two of which are globally critically imperiled (Pycnanthemum clinopodioides and P. torreyi). Six of our study sites contained 100 or more species with a maximum of 114 species in a single plot, making them among the most species-rich 100 m2 plots recorded in the United States. Cluster analysis and ordination indicated four community groups, which we refer to as the Northern Prairies, Central Prairies, Savanna/Woodlands, and Wet Grasslands. Conclusions: The descriptions of these community groups can be used as reference information to inform grassland restoration in Virginia. Virginia’s Piedmont grasslands are threatened by fire suppression, development, invasive species, and inappropriate management by utility companies. Swift action to conserve high quality grasslands and restore degraded ones is required to save these diverse plant communities. Taxonomic reference: Weakley et al. (2012). Abbreviations: NMDS = non-metric multidimensional scaling; PERMANOVA = permutational multivariate analysis of variance.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.142803

Authors: Wolfgang Willner, Andraž Čarni, Federico Fernández-González, Jens Pallas, Massimo Terzi, Jean-Paul Theurillat

Abstract: We report the decisions made by the Assembly of the Group of Phytosociological Nomenclature (GPN) in 2023 on previous recommendations of the Committee for Change and Conservation of Names (CCCN). Further, we discuss eight Requests for a binding decision and nine nomenclatural Proposals. Recommendations on acceptance or rejection of these Proposals are provided. We recommend the conservation of the following names: Mesobromion erecti (Braun-Blanquet et Moor 1938) Zoller 1954, Galio sylvatici-Carpinetum betuli Oberdorfer 1957, Lithospermo-Carpinetum betuli Oberdorfer 1957, Nanocyperetalia Klika 1935, Isoetetalia Braun-Blanquet 1936 and Molinio arundinaceae-Quercetum Neuhäusl et Neuhäuslová-Novotná 1967. Abbreviations: CCCN = Committee for Change and Conservation of Names; GPN = Working Group for Phytosociological Nomenclature; ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature; VCS = Vegetation Classification and Survey.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.114081

Authors: Soghra Ramzi, Jalil Noroozi, Hamid Gholizadeh, Behnam Hamzeh’ee, Younes Asri, Amir Talebi, Halime Moradi, Parastoo Mahdavi, Seyedeh Saeedeh Tamjidi Eramsadati, Somayeh Zarezadeh, Asghar Kamrani, Omid Esmailzadeh, Atefeh Ghorbanalizadeh, Maral Bashirzadeh, Adel Jalili, Jaber Sharifi, Aiuob Moradi, Mahmoud Bidarlord, Soudeh Siadati, Sajad Lotfi, Farideh Attar, Maedeh Mohammadpour Darzi, Zeynab Kazemi Gorji, Sharyan Ghasemi, Mehdi Dehghani, Soroor Rahmanian, Ali Esmailpoor, Anvar Sanaei, Sahar Ghafari, Parvaneh Ashouri, Arshad Ali, Abdolrahman Dehghani, Somayeh Hosseini, Hajar Hamedani, Samereh Tirgan, Mohaddeseh Maghsoudi, Aliakbar Daneshi, Javad Eshaghi Rad, Mohammadreza Eslami, Mahdis Ramezani, Zahra Mehrabi, Zahra Naqipour, Nadia Naseri, Hossein Bahari, Maryam Ashouri, Narges Vasefi, Seyed Abbas Seyedakhlaghi, Hamid Ejtehadi, Mohammad Farzam, Somayeh Mokhtari, Morteza Djamali, Elias Ramezani, Habib Zare, Nahid Masudian, Raheleh Alinejad, Mojdeh Kasiri, Mahboubeh Sadat Hosseini, Masoumeh Raeisi, Hooman Ravanbakhsh, Franz Essl, Hamid Jalilvand, Mehdi Abedi, Khadijeh Bahalkeh, Alireza Naqinezhad

Abstract: Iran, situated in Southwest Asia, showcases a diverse landscape, including three phytogeographical regions and two global biodiversity hotspots. This diversity is attributed to its intricate geology, mountainous terrain, wide altitudinal range, and heterogeneous climate, fostering a rich flora characterized by a significant proportion of endemism. We present an updated version of the Vegetation Database of Iran (IranVeg) (GIVD ID AS-IR-001), comprising 13,411 plots spanning six major habitat types. These encompass deciduous forests (18.0%), woodlands and shrublands (5.6%), steppes and other grasslands (52.0%), saline depressions (9.3%), wetlands (12.2%), and anthropogenic habitats (2.9%), derived from 100 published and unpublished resources, comprising 3,919 plant species, belonging to 961 genera and 147 families. The vegetation data of Iran have been assigned to 31 valid and invalid phytosociological classes. The oldest plots were recorded in 1936 in the Alborz Mountains in northern Iran, while more than 60% of all plots were collected after 2010. Plot sizes vary from less than 1 m2 to 10,000 m2 with the highest species richness of 101 species recorded in a 25 m2 montane grassland plot. IranVeg stands as the first national vegetation database in Iran, promising valuable insights into biodiversity patterns and facilitating the assessment of future environmental and anthropogenic changes. It remains open to further development through a collaborative network of vegetation scientists. This comprehensive database holds significant potential for advancing vegetation classification and survey efforts in Iran and beyond. Taxonomic reference: World Flora Online (WFO 2024).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.118821

Authors: Flavia Sicuriello, Fabrizio Ferretti, Paolo Colangelo, Bruno De Cinti

Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study is to describe the compositional and ecological diversity of the Natura 2000 Site ‘Cansiglio Forest’ (IT3310006). Study area: The study area is located in the South-Eastern Prealps between the Venetian-Friulian plain and the Cansiglio plateau, a typical karstic system. Methods: A total of 25 vegetation relevés, each of 250 m2, were sampled in the LIFE SPAN (LIFE19 NAT/IT/000104) project plots and were subjected to cluster analysis (Bray-Curtis, Ward) and NMDS ordination. Variables such as Ellenberg Indicator Values, environmental parameters, life forms, chorotypes, and phytosociological units were tested using ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test to assess significant differences between clusters. The indicspecies package was applied to study the association between species patterns and combinations of clusters. Results: We distinguished three clusters. Cluster A, characterized by several species, including Chaerophyllum hirsutum and Phegopteris connectilis, shows higher EIVs for moisture, acidic soil reaction and lower temperature, a more open canopy and mainly Circumboreal and Euro Asian species of Vaccinio-Piceetea. Cluster B1, a mixed forest of Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba with Circaea alpina, has intermediate EIVs, a closed canopy, low herbaceous layer cover, and higher cover of SE-European species. Cluster B2, a pure Fagus sylvatica forest with Lathyrus venetus, has lower EIVs for humidity and higher for temperature, and mainly Central European species of Carpino-Fagetea. Conclusion: The anthropogenic spruce forest is developing in the Cansiglio plateau and is favored by thermal inversion. It could be identified with Senecioni cacaliaster-Piceetum, but further study is needed to confirm. The mixed forest of Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba and the pure beech forest represent two facies of the Cardamino pentaphylli-Fagetum fagetosum, with the first one dominating on the coldest slopes and the second one on the highest and warmer belt. This community can be included in the Aremonio-Fagion alliance. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med PlantBase (2023). Syntaxonomic references: Mucina et al. (2016) for classes, orders and alliances; Willner et al. (2017) for suballiances. Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance; EIV = Ellenberg indicator value; FVG = Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia-Giulia; HSD = honestly significant difference; NMDS = non-metric multidimensional scaling.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.133613

Authors: Gwendolyn Peyre, Bianca O. Andrade, Alejandro Velazquez, Melisa A. Giorgis

Abstract: Our editorial introduces a Special Collection of scientific articles on current vegetation research in the most biodiverse of all biogeographic realms, the Neotropics. It contains nine scientific contributions dedicated to vegetation data, description and classification. Four research papers provide new vegetation classifications of important Neotropical biomes, namely the Arid Chaco in Argentina, Mexican temperate forests, and Andean wetlands in the Argentine Puna and southern Peru. Furthermore, one study provides a novel bioclimatic-vegetation classification approach applied to Mexican vegetation, while another proposes a new synthesis of the South American terrestrial biomes as geocomplexes. Finally, three vegetation databases are presented in the Special Collection: ArgVeg – Database of Central Argentina (GIVD ID: SA-AR-002), CACTUS – Vegetation database of the Dutch Caribbean Islands (GIVD ID: SA-00-004) and VegAndes: the vegetation database for the Latin American highlands (GIVD ID: SA-00-005). The Special Collection provides fundamental data and tools to better understand the diversity and complexity of Neotropical vegetation. Abbreviations: GIVD = Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases, IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science, IAVS-LACS = IAVS Regional Section for the Latin America and the Caribbean, VCS = Vegetation Classification and Survey

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.115726

Authors: Mónica Maldonado-Fonkén, Héctor Chuquillanqui, Bruno Vildoso, Reynaldo Linares-Palomino

Abstract: Aims: Ecosystems of the Tropical Andes include plant communities above 4,000 m in elevation, associated with wetlands known as bofedales. To enhance our understanding of them, we surveyed bofedal plant communities in the Peruvian Andes. Questions: Which are the most common bofedal plant communities, and what are their main characteristics? Study area: An east-to-west 68 km megatransect in Ayacucho and Huancavelica departments in Peru, the area of influence of a gas pipeline. Methods: We surveyed 127 (1 m × 1 m) permanent plots annually between 2017 and 2019 to assess plant communities, calculated diversity metrics, and applied non-parametric hypothesis testing analysis of similarities and multivariate analyses to the data. Results: We identified 13 plant communities with 3.5 to 11.7 mean species richness. Only seven were statistically different; the other six were rare and require additional surveys to define their status as independent communities. The Distichia muscoides-dominated community was found in most sites (90%), plots (55%), and along the entire elevational range we studied. D. muscoides, Plantago tubulosa, and Rockhausenia pygmaea were the most frequent species in the studied bofedales (in 30 of 31 sites). These species are usually cushion or carpet forming, so average plant cover was high in most plant communities where they occurred (89–98%). The seven plant communities (dominated by D. muscoides, R. pygmaea, Plantago tubulosa, P. rigida, Lachemilla diplophylla, Aciachne pulvinata and Juncus stipulatus) were consistent in their structural and compositional characteristics and maintained differences between them during our three-year study. Conclusions: We show that bofedal plant communities in the southern Peruvian Andes are more heterogeneous than the four broad types previously reported. This heterogeneity occurs at local site levels but also at landscape and regional scales. We highlight the importance of considering this heterogeneity when discussing and implementing management, restoration, and conservation actions in bofedales. Taxonomic reference: WFO (2024)

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.118433

Authors: Jalil Noroozi, Amir Talebi, Michael Suen, Gerald M. Schneeweiss

Abstract: Questions: The highest mountain peak of Zagros is located in the Dena mountain system (4409 m a.s.l.), which is identified as the second richest center of plant endemism of Zagros. In this study we (1) investigate floristic affinities of Dena Mts to adjacent mountain ranges based on the endemic species of the Iranian Plateau, (2) identify the species reaching the subnival zone, and (3) characterize the plant communities of the subnival zone of Dena Mts. Study area: Dena Mts is a calcareous mountain system in southern Zagros, Iran. Methods: The list of taxa endemic to the Iranian Plateau present also in Dena Mts was taken from our previously published data. Novel vegetation data were collected using the methodology of Braun-Blanquet. Classification was carried out in JUICE using the Modified TWINSPAN method. Results: Of the 242 taxa endemic to the Iranian Plateau present in Dena Mts, 22 taxa are endemic to the latter. Dena Mts have the strongest floristic affinity with the Yazd-Kerman massif, with which they share 84 taxa compared to 51 taxa shared with Alborz, 37 taxa shared with the Azerbaijan Plateau, and 15 taxa shared with Kopet Dagh-Khorassan. In Dena Mts, 38 taxa reach the subnival zone, most of them being endemic to the Iranian Plateau (68%). From scree habitats in the subnival zone, two new plant associations are described, Aethionemetum umbellati and Zerdanetum anchonioidei. These constitute a newly described alliance Galion pseudokurdici, classified within the class Didymophyso aucheri-Dracocephaletea aucheri. Conclusions: Although Dena Mts lie within a protected area, this will not prevent shrinking of alpine and subnival habitats due to global warming. Consequently, strong attention to the conservation of all range-restricted species of this mountain system, especially of alpine and subnival species, is highly recommended. Taxonomic reference: Flora of Iran (Assadi et al. 1989–2021) and, for families not yet covered in the previous source, Flora Iranica (Rechinger 1963–2015).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.126091

Authors: Nikolai Ermakov, Jean-Paul Theurillat

Abstract: Zonal light-coniferous forests are widespread on long-frozen soils in Southern Siberia. Their individuality was first recognised in 1982 by Guinochet, who proposed a new suballiance for them, Pino-Laricenion sibiricae, within the alliance Vaccinio-Piceion. Later, attempts were made to raise the suballiance to the rank of an alliance. However, they failed to publish the name Pino sibiricae-Laricion sibiricae validly according to the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (ICPN). Therefore, the name is validated here after discussing the reasons for rejecting all previous proposals. The validity of the corrected and mutated syntaxon names Rhododendro tomentosi-Laricetalia gmelinii and Rhododendro tomentosi-Laricion gmelinii, which are related to the alliance Pino sibiricae-Laricion sibiricae, is confirmed. Corrections and mutations of two association names are also performed. Taxonomic reference: World Flora Online Plant List (WFO) (https://wfoplantlist.org/) [accessed 28 July 2024]. Abbreviations: ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021); WFO = World Flora Online Plant List.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.126956

Authors: Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: This article aims to quantitatively assess how different formal aspects – beyond the relevance and quality of a study – influence how often a scientific paper is cited. As a case study, I retrieved all publications co-authored by myself from the Scopus database, of which 174 could be used for regression modelling. The citation impact was quantified as Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI), which is the citation number normalised by year, subject area and article type. I examined 13 easily accessible numeric and binary predictor variables, including the Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP), open access, special feature, number of authors, length of article and title, as well as formal aspects of the title. In the minimal adequate model, these formal aspects explained 50.2% of the variance in FWCI, with the SNIP alone explaining only 26.8%. Other strong positive predictors were title brevity, article length, special feature and the use of a colon in the title. By contrast, open access and the formulation of titles as factual statements did not have a significant effect. For authors who wish to make their articles more impactful, the main recommendation is to shorten the title and to disregard using factual statements that make the title longer. Abbreviations: FWCI = Field-weighted Citation Impact; JIF = Journal Impact Factor; OA = open access; SNIP = Source Normalized Impact per Paper: VCS = Vegetation Classification and Survey.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.127873

Authors: Jürgen Dengler, Kiril Vassilev, Erwin Bergmeier

Abstract: After a nomenclatural revision of the available names for the order of rocky grasslands of the Balkan Peninsula within the class Festuco-Brometea, based on Article 52 ICPN we propose the conservation of the name Koelerietalia splendentis against the name Halacsyetalia sendtneri. In syntaxonomic concepts not combining the limestone and serpentine rocky grasslands of the Balkans in a single order, the latter name would still be available as it is based on a different nomenclatural type. (39) Koelerietalia splendentis Horvatić 1973 nom. cons. propos. Typus: Chrysopogono grylli-Koelerion splendentis Horvatić 1973 (holotypus) (=) Halacsyetalia sendtneri Ritter-Studnička 1970 Typus: Potentillion visianii Ritter-Studnička 1970 (lectotypus: Kuzmanović et al. 2016) Taxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016). Abbreviations: ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature, 4th edition (Theurillat et al. 2021).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.120442

Authors: Fernando Gopar-Merino, Alejandro Velazquez, Alejandro González-Pérez, Sara del Río, Jean F. Mas, Ángel Penas

Abstract: Aims: The task of classifying and naming Mexican vegetation types has been undertaken by previous botanists, ecologists, and mapping agencies. However, discrepancies remain due to the lack of criteria and joint efforts from a geographical and botanical perspective. We aim to unravel the complex interactions between climate and vegetation in Mexico using climatic data and advanced mapping techniques, display in maps the transition from land cover to vegetation maps and couple geobotanical and bioclimatological approaches to provide a sound, unified system for identifying Mexican bioclimatic physiognomic patterns. Methods: Bioclimatic mapping was developed from the Digital Climatic Atlas of Mexico data source. In addition, land cover and vegetation data were obtained from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico regrouped as described by the Standardized Hierarchical Vegetation Classification. These data were analysed via standard map crossing technics using geographic information systems. Results and conclusions: The results revealed five ombrotypes and five thermotypes, leading to the identification of 13 different bioclimatic classes, which, when combined with physiognomic types, led us to recognize 11 forests, 3 shrublands and 3 herbaceous formations (at a scale of 1:4,000,000). The core outcome is a detailed bioclimatic/physiognomic vegetation map including forests, shrublands and areas dominated by Herbaceous/Non-Vascular formations. The map highlights the critical importance of harmonising methodologies to ensure comprehensive and accurate insights into Mexico’s bioclimatic diversity. Taxonomic reference: Villaseñor et al. (2005). Syntaxonomic reference: Velázquez et al. (2021). Abbreviations: INEGI = Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía; SECLAVEMEX = Standardized Hierarchical Vegetation Classification; WBCS = Worldwide Bioclimatic Classification System.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.99050

Authors: Leena Naftal, Vera De Cauwer, Ben J. Strohbach

Abstract: Objectives: Climate change is expected to have major impacts on plant species distribution worldwide. These changes can affect plant species in three ways: the timing of seasonal activities (phenology), physiology and distribution. This study aims to predict the effect of shifting climatic conditions on the major vegetation units along an aridity gradient through Namibia. Study area: Namibia’s vegetation is characterised by open woodland in the northeast to low open shrubland in the southern part of the country. These differences are a result of increasing aridity from north to south with a rainfall gradient from 100 mm to 600 mm. Namibia is projected to have an increase in annual mean temperature of 2°C by the end of the 21st century. Methods: A vegetation classification was done for 1,986 relevés using cluster analysis, a Multi-Response Permutation Procedure and indicator species analysis. The current distribution of the vegetation classes was modelled with Random Forest. Future projections for the most important climate variables were used to model the potential distribution of the vegetation units in 2080. This modelling approach used two scenarios of Representative Concentration Pathways (4.5 and 8.5) from two Global Climate Models – the IPSL–CM5A–LR and HAdGEM2–ES. Results: The predicted distribution shows a high expansion potential of Eragrostis rigidior-Peltophorum africanum mesic thornbush savannas, Combretum africanum-Terminalia sericea broad-leafed savannas and Senegalia mellifera-Dichrostachys cinerea degraded thornbush savannas towards the south under both scenarios. Conclusions: The model indicated the ability to classify and predict vegetation units to future climatic conditions. Half of the vegetation units are expected to undergo significant contraction. Overall, RCP8.5 conditions favour the proliferation of certain vegetation types, particularly Combretum collinum-Terminalia sericea broad-leafed savannas and Senegalia mellifera-Dichrostachys cinerea degraded thornbush savannas, potentially displacing other vegetation types. Taxonomic reference: Klaassen and Kwembeya (2013) for vascular plants, except Kyalangalilwa et al. (2013) for the genera Senegalia and Vachellia s.l. (Fabaceae). Abbreviations: CDM = Community Distribution Model; CMIP5 = Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 5; EVI = Enhanced Vegetation Index; GCM = General Circulation Model; IV = Indicator Value; ISA = Indicator Species Analysis; MAP = mean annual precipitation; MAT = mean annual temperature; MRPP = Multi-Response Permutation Procedure; NMS = Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling; RF = Random Forest; RCPs = Representative Concentration Pathways; SDM = species distribution model.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.104841

Authors: Arkadiusz Nowak, Sebastian Świerszcz, Alireza Naqinezhad, Sylwia Nowak, Marcin Nobis

Abstract: Aims: To analyse the syntaxonomy of open, deciduous woodlands at the southern margin of the steppe zone in the colline and montane belts of the Pamir-Alai, western Tian Shan and Iranian Mountains (Irano-Turanian region). Study area: Tajikistan (Middle Asia) and Iran (Southwestern Asia). Methods: We prepared two datasets: the first dataset contained 110 relevés from Tajikistan and Iran representing pistachio groves, the second one was a comparative dataset of 1,276 relevés of pistachio groves and floristically related woody and grassland phytocoenoses from the Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean regions. These two datasets were classified separately with the modified TWINSPAN algorithm with pseudospecies cut levels 0%, 2%, 10% and 25%, and total inertia as a measure of cluster heterogeneity. Diagnostic species were identified using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. A NMDS ordination was used to explore the relationships between the distinguished groups. Results: We found that Pistacia open woodlands are very distinctive in terms of species composition, including numerous endemics. Our observations in Pamir-Alai, Kopet-Dagh, Zagros, Alborz and other Central and southern mountains of Iran proved that pistachio open woodlands form distinct zonal vegetation of the colline-montane belt. We thus propose a new class Pistacietea verae, with the order Pistacietalia verae and appropriate type alliance Pistacion verae, including two associations: Pistacietum verae and Pistacietum khinjuk. Conclusions: Our research has shown that the Pistacia open woodlands are a distinct vegetation typical of the Irano-Turanian region and due to its specific ecology, phytogeography and unique species composition, should be regarded as a vegetation class Pistacietea verae. It needs further examination and comparison with similar vegetation in the western Irano-Turanian and Hindu Kush regions. Recognizing the unique pistachio open woodlands as a distinct vegetation class in the Irano-Turanian region is crucial for establishing effective conservation strategies in these understudied yet ecologically significant ecosystems, spanning potentially from the Zagros, Alborz and other Central and southern Mountains of Iran to Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan. Taxonomic reference: Plants of the World Online (POWO 2023), with World Flora Online (WFO 2023) for some problematic cases and Nobis et al. (2020) for Stipa spp. Syntaxonomic references: Mucina et al. (2016) for SE European syntaxa, Nowak et al. (2022a, 2022b) for all other syntaxa. Abbreviations: NMDS = Non-metric multidimensional scaling.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.106377

Authors: Hicham El Zein, Lamis Chalak, Safaa Baydoun, Carla Khater, Dominique Choueiter, Maher McKenna

Abstract: Aims: Lebanon is renowned in the Levant for its distinctive vegetation types with some biodiversity hotspots as Mount Hermon, with rare and endangered endemic plant species. We aim to present the ecological characteristics and spatial distribution of habitat types present on its western slopes through the analysis of plant communities. Study area: Mount Hermon, Lebanon. Methods: We surveyed 169 plots, each spanning an area of 314 m², from 2020 to 2023, in the district of Rashaya, calculated compositional dissimilarity using the Bray–Curtis index, conducted hierarchical clustering analysis using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA), applied the Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) method to investigate the relationship between species frequency per site and environmental parameters, and identified significant diagnostic species for each group. Results: We recorded 383 taxa, including 27 narrow endemics. Ten habitat types are described; three at the oro-Mediterranean level: hedgehog-heaths of Astragalus echinus and Noaea mucronata, hedgehog-heaths of Tanacetum densum and Astragalus cruentiflorus, cliffs of Rosularia sempervivum subsp. libanotica; three at the supra-Mediterranean level: grasslands with Eryngium glomeratum, woodlands of Quercus infectoria, Q. coccifera and Crataegus azarolus, evergreen woodlands of Q. coccifera; four at the montane level: scree deciduous woodlands of Prunus korshinskyi and Lonicera nummulariifolia, woodlands of deciduous P. korshinskyi and evergreen Q. coccifera, shrublands of Astragalus gummifer, and deciduous woodlands of Quercus look and Acer monspessulanum subsp. microphyllum. Four environmental variables exhibited significant influences in shaping vegetation composition: elevation, mean annual temperature, slope and northness. Conclusions: Five habitats are novelties proposed as sub-types for the national typology. Floristic affinities with Mount Barouk are highlighted. The nature reserve on the western slopes of Mount Hermon encompasses the majority of the identified habitats. The insights from this study and the habitat map are useful for the development of a management plan and conservation measures. Taxonomic reference: International Plant Names Index (IPNI 2023). Abbreviations: EUNIS = European Nature Information System; NMDS = nonmetric multidimensional scaling; UPGMA = unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean; WGS84 = World Geodetic System, 1984.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.119968

Authors: Nadiia Skobel, Łukasz Kozub, Iwona Dembicz, Steffen Boch, Hans Henrik Bruun, Olha Chusova, Valentin Golub, Aveliina Helm, Dmytro Iakushenko, Paweł Pawlikowski, Piotr Zaniewski, Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: This Long Database Report describes the historical background and current contents of the Nordic-Baltic Grassland Vegetation Database (NBGVD) (GIVD-code EU-00-002). NBGVD is the EDGG-associated collaborative vegetation-plot database that collects vegetation-plot data of grasslands and other open habitats (except segetal and deep aquatic vegetation) from the Nordic-Baltic region excluding Germany, namely Belarus, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, N Poland, NW Russia, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, and Sweden. Target vegetation types are lowland grasslands and heathlands, arctic-alpine communities, coastal communities, non-forested mires and other wetlands, rocky, tall-herb and ruderal communities. As of March 2024, it included 12,694 relevés recorded between 1910 and 2023. These were mainly digitised from literature sources (84%), while the remainder comes from individual unpublished sources (16%). The data quality is high, with bryophytes and lichens being treated in more than 80% of all plots and measured environmental variables such as topography and soil characteristics often available in standardised form. A peculiarity of the Nordic-Baltic region are the relatively small plot sizes compared to other regions (median: 4 m2). The available data stem from 35 vegetation classes, with Koelerio-Corynephoretea, Festuco-Brometea, Sedo-Scleranthetea, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea and Scheuchzerio-Caricetea being most frequent. We conclude that NBGVD provides valuable data, allowing interesting analyses at the regional scale and fills gaps in continental to global analyses. Still, since there are many more data around, we ask interested readers to contribute their own data or help find and digitise old data from the literature. Taxonomic reference: TURBOVEG species list “Europe”. Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016). Abbreviations: EDGG = Eurasian Dry Grassland Group, EVA = European Vegetation Archive, GIVD = Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases, NBGVD = Nordic-Baltic Grassland Vegetation Database

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.119253

Authors: Denys Vynokurov, Alla Aleksanyan, Thomas Becker, Idoia Biurrun, Dariia Borovyk, George Fayvush, Itziar García-Mijangos, Martin Magnes, Salza Palpurina, Ute Becker, Asun Berastegi, Beata Cykowska-Marzencka, Iwona Dembicz, Dieter Frank, Andreas Hilpold, Philipp Kirschner, Helmut Mayrhofer, Marine Oganesian, Iuliia Vasheniak, Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: Aim: To provide the first syntaxonomic, plot-based classification of the dry grasslands and thorn-cushion communities in Armenia. Study area: Armenia. Methods: We sampled 111 vegetation plots (10 m2) and recorded environmental and structural parameters. We collected additional 487 relevés from surrounding countries for a broad-scale comparison. We used modified TWINSPAN to derive a syntaxonomic classification system, whose units were then compared among each other regarding species composition, structure, site conditions and distribution. Results: The classification of Armenian vegetation plots resulted in a 12-cluster solution. Unsupervised classification of the broad-scale dataset yielded five main groups, which were used for the high-level syntaxonomic assignments of the Armenian data. We assigned about half of the plots of the Armenian dataset to the Festuco-Brometea, while the remaining represented a potential new class, preliminarily called “Ziziphora tenuior-Stipa arabica grasslands”. Most of the syntaxa below class level are new to science, therefore we provide formal descriptions of three orders (Plantagini atratae-Bromopsietalia variegatae, Onobrychido transcaucasicae-Stipetalia pulcherrimae, Cousinio brachypterae-Stipetalia arabicae), four alliances (Acantholimono caryophyllacei-Stipion holosericeae, Artemision fragrantis, Onobrychido michauxii-Stipion capillatae, Onobrychido transcaucasicae-Stipion pulcherrimae) and six associations. We found significant differences in the topographic, climatic and soil characteristics, and structural parameters, species life forms and distribution range types between the grassland types at different syntaxonomic levels. The mean species richness was 47.3 (vascular plants: 46.8, bryophytes: 0.4, lichens: 0.1). Conclusions: We found remarkable differences of the Armenian dry grasslands from the previously known units and described most of the higher syntaxa and all the associations as new to science. Our study provides arguments for a potential new class of Ziziphora tenuior-Stipa arabica grasslands separate both from the Euro-Siberian Festuco-Brometea and the Anatolian Astragalo-Brometea. Finally, we found plot scale richness of vascular plants clearly above the Palaearctic average of dry grasslands and that of non-vascular plants clearly below, which calls for further biodiversity analyses. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med (2023) for vascular plants, Hodgetts et al. (2020) for bryophytes, Nimis et al. (2018) for lichens except for Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis (Ach.) Hale. Abbreviations: EDGG = Eurasian Dry Grassland Group; DCA = detrended correspondence analysis; ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021); TWINSPAN = two-way indicator species analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.108560

Authors: Corrado Marcenò, Jiří Danihelka, Tetiana Dziuba, Wolfgang Willner, Milan Chytrý

Abstract: This manuscript provides a review of the phytosociological nomenclature of the European syntaxa included in the classes Ammophiletea arundinaceae, Honckenyo peploidis-Elymetea arenarii, and Koelerio glaucae-Corynephoretea canescentis. The nomenclature has been refined and updated following the 4th edition of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (ICPN). In the Appendix, we submit two proposals (37, 38) to conserve the names Ammophilion arundinaceae Braun-Blanquet 1933 and Medicagini marinae-Ammophiletum arundinaceae Braun-Blanquet 1933. Taxonomic reference: see references in the main text. Syntaxonomic reference: see references in the main text. Abbreviations: EVCC = European Vegetation Classification Committee; ICPN = 4th edition of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.117703

Authors: Wolfgang Willner

Abstract: Aims: Inconsistent treatment of the vegetation layers is one of the main problems in the floristic classification of forests. In this study I investigate whether a classification based solely on woody species leads to units similar to the Braun-Blanquet system or to something completely different. Study area: Austria (Central Europe) and adjacent regions. Methods: 23,681 forest relevés from the Austrian Vegetation Database were classified using TWINSPAN. Spruce and pine plantations and stands with a cover of non-native woody species > 5% were excluded from the dataset. Only native tree and shrub species were used in the classification while herbs, dwarf shrubs, cryptogams and all records of woody species in the herb layer were omitted. Results: The TWINSPAN classification revealed elevation (i.e., climate) as the main floristic gradient in the data set. Within lowland communities, soil moisture was the dominant factor. The higher units of the Braun-Blanquet system were mostly well reproduced. Conclusions: The higher levels of the phytosociological forest classification (class, order, partly also alliance) can basically be defined by taking only the shrub and tree layer into account. However, all past and current classifications suffer from arbitrary exceptions to this rule. This leads to many inconsistencies and blurs the main biogeographical patterns within European forests. Here I argue that using the tree and shrub species for defining the higher levels and the understorey species for defining the lower ones is best suited to meet the properties that users would expect from a good forest classification. Taxonomic reference: Fischer et al. (2008). Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016) if not stated otherwise. Abbreviations: EVC = EuroVegChecklist (Mucina et al. 2016).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.103154

Authors: Michal Hájek, Tomáš Peterka, Petra Hájková, Dirk Hinterlang, Harald Zechmeister, Milan Chytrý

Abstract: According to the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature, a younger name of a syntaxon may be conserved against its older name to improve the stability of the nomenclature and avoid misunderstandings in scientific communication. Here, we propose conserving the name Philonotidion seriatae Hinterlang 1992 for arctic-alpine, bryophyte-dominated, non-calcareous spring vegetation against the names Cardamino-Montion Braun-Blanquet 1925, Cardamino-Montion Braun-Blanquet 1926, and Montion Maas 1959. In current vegetation classification systems, the two name-giving taxa of Cardamino-Montion no longer indicate the character of the vegetation corresponding to the nomenclatural type of this alliance and are instead characteristic of other currently distinguished alliances. Maintaining the oldest name Cardamino-Montion in strict adherence to the Code would be a source of errors. In the current vegetation classification systems, two similar but counter-intuitive names would then have to be used: Cardamino-Montion for arctic-alpine springs (although the name-giving taxa are more indicative of montane springs) and Epilobio nutantis-Montion for montane springs (although the name-giving taxon Epilobium nutans is indicative of arctic-alpine vegetation). Hence, there is a risk that the name Cardamino-Montion may gradually become ambiguous. We also propose conserving the name Philonotidion seriatae against Mniobryo-Epilobion hornemannii Nordhagen 1943 to prevent confusion in case of a merger of these alliances. (36) Philonotidion seriatae Hinterlang 1992 Typus: Cratoneuro-Philonotidetum Geissler 1976 (holotypus) (=) Cardamino-Montion Braun-Blanquet 1925 Typus: Bryetum schleicheri Braun-Blanquet 1925 [≡ Montio fontanae-Bryetum schleicheri Braun-Blanquet 1925 nom. corr. et invers. (alternative name)] (holotypus) (=) Cardamino-Montion Braun-Blanquet 1926 nom. superfl. [≡ Cardamino-Montion Braun-Blanquet 1925] (=) Mniobryo-Epilobion hornemannii Nordhagen 1943 Typus: Mniobryo-Epilobietum hornemannii Nordhagen 1943 (lectotypus selected by Zechmeister & Mucina 1994) (=) Montion Maas 1959 nom. superfl. [≡ Cardamino-Montion Braun-Blanquet 1925] Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med PlantBase (http://europlusmed.org; accessed 4 January 2024)

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.118454

Authors: Jürgen Dengler, Idoia Biurrun, Florian Jansen, Wolfgang Willner

Abstract: On the occasion of the completion of the fourth volume of Vegetation Classification and Survey (VCS), we have analysed the performance of the journal since its inception. The number of papers and pages show a moderate increase over the years. VCS has been included in the Scopus database for more than a year and received its first CiteScore of 2.0 in summer 2023 but is not yet included in the Web of Science Core Edition. We therefore used data from the Scopus database to compare the citation impact of articles in VCS with that of 29 other ecological journals. By calculating normalized citation rates per journal and publication year, we found that VCS started at the bottom of the rankings in the first two years (28th out of 30) but improved to 26th in 2022 and 14th in 2023. Together with the known time lag and the strong positive relationships between the different citation metrics, this allows a projection of the future development of the CiteScores and, after inclusion in the Web of Science, the Journal Impact Factor (JIF). Using the Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) from the Scopus database, we identified the top 12 out of 95 VCS articles published in the first four years that received more citations than expected for their age and field. We also present the four Editors’ Choice papers of 2023, among which Strohbach and Strohbach (2023; Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 241–284) received the Editors’ Award in 2023. We conclude that VCS is on the right track, supported by the fact that in 2024 most authors will still be charged no or very low article processing charges (APCs). Abbreviations: APC = article processing charge; IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science; JIF = Journal Impact Factor; OA = open access; VCS = Vegetation Classification and Survey; WoS = Web of Science Core Edition.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.98391

Authors: Gillian L. Rapson, Ashley L. Murphy, Angelina R. Smith

Abstract: Aims: Mobile, coastal dunefields around the world are under threat from invasive plants, which may out-compete native plant species. These aliens may also accelerate stabilisation of the dunes, to the complete exclusion of early successional native flora. In a mobile dunefield we examine the impact of the increasing abundance of alien species on substrate stability and successional trends of the native vegetation. Study area: Tawhirihoe Scientific Reserve, Manawatū, New Zealand. Methods: We recorded species’ covers and environmental factors in quadrats placed randomly over the mobile dunefield, and analysed the vegetation and its successional patterns via multivariate analysis. We explored the degrees of stabilisation and nativeness, referencing changes over the last three decades. Results: Our analysis reveals seven vegetation types, three with a high native component and following an established successional trend, and the others becoming dominated by alien grasses and herbs, and associated with increasing dune stability. Biodiversity is trending towards aliens, especially behind the foredunes, and aliens occupy nearly double the area of the mobile dunefield as do natives. Coverage of unvegetated or mobile sand has declined to 21 % and is projected to decline further. Conclusions: Only the foredunes and dune-slack wetlands are now in a mostly natural state, while native rear dune vegetation is becoming rare, and natural succession appears to be interrupted. Alien species over-stabilise the dunefield, facilitating further alien invasion, the longer-term implications of which are unknown. Intervention to destabilise the dunefield seems the most viable management option. Taxonomic reference: Nga Tipu o Aotearoa (http://nzflora.landcareresearch.co.nz) [accessed 10 Jan 2023].

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.100796

Authors: Víctor Ávila-Akerberg, Rubén Rosaliano-Evaristo, Tanya González-Martínez, Brayan Pichardo-García, Diana Serrano-González

Abstract: Aims: To analyze and synthesize the principal contributions to the creation of a classification of established forests in sub-humid, temperate climatic regions in Mexico. Methods: Documentary analysis and review of works on the classification of the vegetation of Mexico, with emphasis from 1950 to the present. To identify and analyze the terms frequently used to refer to these plant communities, the following was done: literature search, analysis of frequencies and co-occurrences of these terms that appeared in the titles of the documents. A list of associations of these communities was compiled through a documentary review. Results: Vegetation classification proposals, both nationally and internationally, tend towards the standardization of criteria and nested hierarchical integration at various levels based on physiognomic, climatic, phenological and floristic attributes. The two highest levels of organization in these proposals are based on major vegetation, defined by vegetation forms and climatic criteria as “temperate forests”. Meanwhile lower levels, including the level of associations, are based on their floristic composition. The most frequently used term to refer to these plant communities, according to the documents used in the search, is “temperate forest”, although other terms frequently used are “coniferous forest”, “pine forest”, and “oak forest”. Conclusions: Knowledge about the classification of vegetation in Mexico dates back to pre-Hispanic times. However, it was not until the second half of the 20th century that solid proposals that are influential today were put forward. Given the high biological diversity of the country, it is still a pending task to characterize and make an inventory of the diversity at the level of associations that form this type of temperate forests. Taxonomic reference: Villaseñor (2016). Abbreviations: FVT = Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt; SECLAVEMEX = Mexican Vegetation Classification System; SMO = Sierra Madre Oriental; SMOc = Sierra Madre Occidental; SMS = Sierra Madre del Sur (SMS).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.108437

Authors: Jean-Paul Theurillat, Romeo Di Pietro, Norbert Bauer, Massimo Terzi

Abstract: For ninety years, the alliance name Festucion valesiacae has been widely and almost exclusively used to designate the al­liance of steppic, xeric grasslands on deep soils from Central Europe to western Ukraine. However, there is an earlier, hardly used heterotypic synonym, the Festucion sulcatae, that would be the correct name according to the rules [recte: Festucion rupicolae nom. corr.]. In order to preserve a well-established name, we propose to conserve the name Festucion valesiacae against the name Festucion sulcatae. In addition, we typify the name Festucion rupicolae Soó 1930 nom. corr. with the association Festuco rupicolae-Stipetum pennatae Soó 1930 nom. corr., for which we also select a neotype. This proposal is supported by the fact that the alliance Festucion valesiacae is the conserved type of the order Festucetalia valesiacae. (35) Festucion valesiacae Klika 1931 Typus: Ranunculo illyrici-Festucetum valesiacae Klika 1931 (lectotypus designated by Toman 1975: 131) (=) Festucion rupicolae Soó 1930 nom. corr. (≡ Festucion sulcatae Soó 1930 nom. inept.) Typus: Festuco rupicolae-Stipetum pennatae Soó 1930 nom. corr. (lectotypus hoc loco) Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med (2023) unless otherwise indicated. Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016). Abbreviations: EVC = EuroVegChecklist (Mucina et al. 2016); ICPN = 4th edition of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.104301

Authors: Oleg A. Anenkhonov

Abstract: The name Pino sibiricae-Laricion sibiricae was introduced in 1988 by Dostálek et al. and then again in 2004 by Ermakov. Further, the latter name, despite of homonymy, has been accepted in several Russian literature sources on the basis of a misapplication of ICPN Art. 37. The validity and legitimacy of the name introduced by Dostálek et al. are discussed and clarified, whereas Ermakov’s illegitimate homonym must be rejected according to Art. 31. Taxonomic reference: Catalogue of Life Checklist, Version COL23.5 (https://doi.org/10.48580/dfs6) [accessed 16 November 2023]. Abbreviations: ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.102634

Authors: Sebastian Świerszcz, Marcin Nobis, Grzegorz Swacha, Sylwia Nowak, Arkadiusz Nowak

Abstract: Aims: To complete the syntaxonomic scheme of subalpine forb steppes in the Pamir-Alai Mountains in Tajikistan with some remarks on its environmental predictors. Study area: Tajikistan. Methods: A total of 149 relevés were sampled in 2014 and 2021 using the seven-degree cover-abundance scale of the Braun-Blanquet scheme. These were classified with a modified TWINSPAN algorithm with pseudospecies cut-off levels of 0%, 2%, 5% and 25%, and total inertia as a measure of cluster heterogeneity. Diagnostic species were determined using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to show compositional differences between the distinguished alpine and subalpine grassland units. Results: Our classification revealed 12 clusters of alpine and subalpine grassland vegetation in Middle Asia. A total of nine new associations and three communities were distinguished. New vegetation types at potential class rank for Irano-Turanian subalpine and alpine grasslands have been proposed: forb steppes with Eremogone griffithii and Nepeta podostachys in subalpine and alpine belts and alpine grasslands with Festuca alaica and Festuca kryloviana for mesic habitats in the alpine belt. The main factors differentiating the species composition were the mean diurnal temperature range, the sum of annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality and the minimum temperature of the coldest month. Conclusions: Our study sheds light on the open habitat vegetation in the Pamir-Alai Mountains and has contributed to the consistent hierarchical classification of the vegetation of the eastern Irano-Turanian region. Subalpine and alpine forb steppes are a very interesting and distinct grassland type in Middle Asia. The syntaxonomic position of some of the distinguished communities is still unclear and further research on this type of alpine and subalpine vegetation within the mountains of Middle Asia is needed. Taxonomic references: The nomenclature of the vascular plants follows Plants of the World Online (POWO 2023) and problematic taxonomic issues were solved according to The World Flora Online (WFO 2023). Nomenclature of Stipa spp. follows Nobis et al. (2020, 2022) and of Geranium spp. Cherepanov (1995). The nomenclature of bryophytes follows Ignatov et al. (2006). Abbreviations: DCA = Detrended Correspondence Analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.101648

Authors: Javier Loidi

Abstract: To reduce the typological inflation observed in some territories where intensive phytosociological studies have been carried out and numerous descriptive papers have been published, an outline of the biogeographical amplitude of the different syntaxonomic ranks is proposed. Phytosociological classes are divided into five main vegetation clusters: 1. Zonal vegetation, determined mainly by climatic conditions; 2. Azonal coastal and saline vegetation; 3. Azonal rocky vegetation; 4. Azonal wetland and aquatic vegetation; 5. Highly disturbed anthropogenic vegetation. In each of these, the various ranks (class, order, alliance, association and subassociation) have a particular range which is expressed by the biogeographical territory in which they most likely occur. This area can refer to different respective categories: kingdom, region, province, sector and district. Some additional comments about typological inflation are made in order to focus on two phenomena: desire for fame and geographic drift.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.99045

Authors: Ben J. Strohbach, Marianne M. Strohbach

Abstract: Aims: The Karstveld in Namibia has been recognized as an area of high plant diversity. However, this area is also recognised as a hotspot of various forms of degradation including bush encroachment. Minimal baseline data on the composition and diversity of vegetation in this area is available, therefore this paper is a first attempt to rectify this data deficiency. Study area: The Karstveld in Namibia is formed around the Otavi Mountain Range in northern Central Namibia, consisting of strongly karstified carbonate bedrock, rising up to 2000 m a.s.l. The Karstveld includes the Ovambo Basin plains with shallow calcrete soils north of the range, up to the Omuramba Ovambo. Because of orographic effects, the area receives some of the highest rainfall in Namibia, with up to 600 mm per year. Methods: A set of 889 relevés with 868 species was selected from the GVID ID AF-NA-001 database. A partial data set, using trees, shrubs, dwarf shrubs and grasses only, was used for the classification with modified TWINSPAN. The initial result yielded four main groups, according to which the data was split and further classified. Several vegetation types observed during field surveys were not reflected in the classification results; these were refined using Cocktail with known characteristic species. Results: The four main units represented wetlands and grasslands with six associations, a Thornbush savanna – Karstveld transition zone with four associations, Kalahari vegetation with four associations and the Karstveld proper with eight associations. The latter are grouped together as the Terminalietea prunioides, with two orders and three alliances recognised under them. We describe 16 associations according to the ICPN. Conclusions: Although the associations presented in this paper are clearly defined, there exists a high degree of diversity within these. The Karstveld is also extraordinary species rich within the context of the arid to semi-arid Namibian environment. Taxonomic reference: Klaassen and Kwembeya (2013) for vascular plants, with the exception of the genus Acacia s.l. (Fabaceae), for which Kyalangalilwa et al. (2013) was followed. Abbreviations: ga = annual grass; gp = perennial grass; GPS = Global Positioning System, referring to a hand-held ground receiver; hl = herb layer, containing all hemicryptophytes, therophytes and geophytes, but excluding grasses (Poaceae); ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021); MAP = mean annual precipitation; NMS = nonmetric multidimensional scaling (Kruskal 1964); RDL = Red Data List (IUCN Species Survival Commission 2001); s1 = tall shrubs, i.e. multi-stemmed phanerophytes between 1 and 5 m; s2 = short shrubs, i.e. chamaephytes or ‘dwarf shrubs’ below 1 m; SOTER = Global and National Soils and Terrain Digital Database (FAO 1993); t1 = tall trees, > 10 m; t2 = short trees, between 5 and 10 m; t3 = low trees, i.e. single-stemmed phanerophytes between 2 and 5 m; TWINSPAN = Two Way Indicator Species Analysis (Roleček et al. 2009); WGS84 = World Geodetic System, 1984 ensemble.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.105521

Authors: Pavel Novák, Veronika Kalníková, Daniel Szokala, Alla Aleksanyan, Ketevan Batsatsashvili, George Fayvush, Sandro Kolbaia, George Nakhutsrishvili, Vojtěch Sedláček, Tadeáš Štěrba, Dominik Zukal

Abstract: The Caucasus is a hotspot of global biodiversity. However, even in the era of big data, this region remains underrepresented in public vegetation-plot databases. The Transcaucasian Vegetation Database (GIVD code AS-00-005) is a novel dataset which primarily aims to compile, store and share vegetation-plot records sampled by the Braun-Blanquet approach and originating from Transcaucasia (the Southern Caucasus), i.e. the countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The database currently contains 2,882 vegetation plots. The oldest plots originate from 1929, the newest from 2022, and their collection is ongoing. The data include mesophilous forests (phytosociological class Carpino-Fagetea) and various alpine and subalpine communities (e.g. Carici-Kobresietea, Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea) – selected other habitats are also represented. Most of the plots (84%) are georeferenced, 36% with high precision of 25 m or less. The database includes 2,500 taxon names; Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae and Rosaceae represent the most common families. Vascular plants are recorded in all plots, while data on species composition of bryophytes are available for 11% of plots. The database intends to contribute to the complex biodiversity research of this biologically unique territory. The data might be used in diverse projects in botany, biogeography, ecology and nature protection. Taxonomic reference: The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org/ [Accessed 10 Jan 2023]). Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016). Abbreviations: TVD = Transcaucasian Vegetation Database.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.110296

Authors: Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: With this Forum contribution I wish to shed light on the problematic developments in scientific publishing resulting from the strong push of science funders towards gold open access (OA). This has given rise to numerous “predatory” journals, that maximise profit at the expense of scientific quality. With a bibliometric analysis in the field of ecology I demonstrate that over the period 2014–2022 the publication numbers in “predatory” OA journals have grown exponentially (+44% annually), while in all other journal types, article numbers were stagnating or even decreasing since a few years. Then I highlight how different OA publication models from society-owned journals to publisher-owned “predatory” journals, differ in the prices authors pay and how the income is split between effective costs, pure profit and money transferred back to science. To help with the recognition of the different journal types, I provide a list journals in the fields of ecology and organismal botany that are owned by academic societies, as well as a list of criteria to recognize “predatory” journals. Authors, reviewers and editors should consider carefully where they submit papers or provide volunteer service. My suggestion is to prioritize society-owned journals, while avoiding cooperation with “predatory” journals. Science funders and libraries have played a major role in the negative developments reviewed in this paper, but at the same time they have the capacity to change the course, mainly by two steps: In the short term they should link the payment of article processing charges (APCs) to strict quality criteria, while in the medium term, they should overcome the gold OA system towards a diamond OA system that would avoid the inflation of low-quality publications and remove barriers not only from readers, but also from authors, while at the same time likely reducing the overall costs. Abbreviations: APC = article processing charge; AVS = Applied Vegetation Science; IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science; COVID-19 = Coronavirus disease 2019; DOAJ = Directory of Open Access Journals; JIF = 2-year Journal Impact Factor of the Web of Science; JVS = Journal of Vegetation Science; OA = open access; VCS = Vegetation Classification and Survey; WoS = Web of Science Core Collection.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.105300

Authors: Jana Bürger, Filip Küzmič

Abstract: Aims: Understand and illustrate differences and common methods in surveys of arable weed vegetation from the two scientific disciplines Vegetation science and Weed science; analyse the relationship between study aims and the employed methodology; assess in how much detail methodologies are reported and whether this changed over time. Study area: Europe. Methods: Literature review, classification of studies according to their reported aims and according to the journal scope. Results: Survey methods were reported in greater detail in studies aiming to describe management effects on weed vegetation compared to phytosociological studies. Methods employed in vegetation science and weed science differ in plot sizes, surveyed field parts and the seasonal timing of the survey. Conclusions: We recommend for future weed surveys to record and report on plot size and position relative to field limits, recording date, abundance scale, as well as the crop grown in a field. This information should also be retained when digitising published data and compiling large databases. A data standard should be developed in an interdisciplinary process.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.108769

Authors: Federico Fernández-González, Massimo Terzi, Romeo Di Pietro, Jean-Paul Theurillat

Abstract: The alliance name Poo-Astragalion has been widely used by Iberian phytosociologists for nearly fifty years to indicate a type of sheep pastures thriving on base-rich substrates. This alliance is currently classified in the order Poetalia bulbosae and class Poetea bulbosae. However, the revision of its original diagnosis highlights that this alliance name must be considered as an alternative name to the largely disused name Medicagini-Brachypodion distachyi. In order to stabilize the nomenclature, we propose the conservation of the traditionally used name Poo-Astragalion. On the other hand, the type association of the alliance (Poo-Astragaletum sesamei) turns out to be a superfluous name for another association neglected in the syntaxonomical literature, the Astragalo scorpioidis-Medicaginetum truncatulae. Hence, with the same objective of stabilizing the nomenclature, we propose the designation of a conserved neotype for the Poo-Astragaletum sesamei and the conservation of this name against the earlier heterotypic synonym in case of union of both associations. At the same time, we propose to complete the two names Poo-Astragalion and Poo-Astragaletum sesamei by selecting Poa bulbosa and Astragalus sesameus as the name-giving taxa, and to invert the name Poo-Astragaletum in accordance with its neotype (Astragalo sesamei-Poetum bulbosae). (33) Poo-Astragalion Rivas Goday et Ladero 1970: 165–169, nom. cons. propos. Typus: Poo-Astragaletum sesamei Rivas-Goday et Ladero 1970: 166–170 (holotypus). (≡) Medicagini-Brachypodion distachyi Rivas-Goday et Rivas-Martínez in Rivas Goday et Ladero 1970: 165–166 (alternative name) [original form: “Medicago-Brachypodion”] (34) Poo-Astragaletum sesamei Rivas-Goday et Ladero 1970: 166–170, nom. cons. et typus cons. propos. [original forms: “Poo-Astragaletum”, ”Poeto-Astragaletum sesamei”] Typus cons. propos.: neotypus hoc loco (see below). (=) Astragalo scorpioidis-Medicaginetum truncatulae Rivas Goday et Borja 1959 nom. corr. [original form: Astragalo scorpioidis-Medicaginetum tribuloidis nom. inept. (Rivas Goday and Borja 1959: 475, table 2)] Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med (2023). Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016). Abbreviations: EVC = EuroVegChecklist (Mucina et al. 2016); ICPN = 4th edition of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.89746

Authors: Ranmi Elsa Denise Ayeko, Sêwanoudé Scholastique Mireille Toyi, Achille Ephrem Assogbadjo, Brice Augustin Sinsin

Abstract: Aims: Land cover change in inselbergs and adjacent areas was studied from 2003 to 2018 in a region facing anthropogenic pressures to assess dynamics and preserve rare endemic species. Study area: Inselbergs and their adjacent areas in the Sudano-Guinean zone of Benin are included in this study. Methods: Land cover classes of inselbergs and adjacent areas were obtained through supervised classification of Sentinel-2 (2018) and Spot 5 (2003) satellite images. A Chi-square test was used to compare protected and unprotected LULC classes of inselbergs, with 10 m spatial resolution. Results: The results showed that forest and woodland decreased respectively from 8.55% to 3.05% and from 17.63% to 4.79% between 2003 and 2018 while tree and shrub savanna, and grassland increased respectively from 6.52% to 9.49% and from 7.60% to 16.69%. Field and fallow increased from 5.57% in 2003 to 26.12% in 2018 and tree plantation from 6.05% to 13.47%. The analysis of spatial comparisons using the chi-square test showed that the presence of inselbergs in a protected area has no significant effect on their land use. Conclusions: Natural vegetation in inselbergs and adjacent areas is being converted into human-made landscapes by farmers. An urgent conservation plan is needed, including awareness campaigns, tree planting, and sustainable forest management. Taxonomic reference: Akoègninou et al. (2006). Abbreviations: DEM = Digital Elevation Model; GCP = Ground Control Point; LULC = Land Use/Land Cover; ROI = Region of Interest; SRTM = Satellite imagery data, Shuttle radar topography mission.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.100532

Authors: Sebastián R. Zeballos, Alicia T. R. Acosta, Walter D. Agüero, Rodrigo J. Ahumada, Martín G. Almirón, Daihana S. Argibay, Daniel N. Arroyo, Lisandro J. Blanco, Fernando N. Biurrun, Juan J. Cantero, Justo Márquez, Alejandro Quiroga, Raúl E. Quiroga, Marcelo R. Cabido

Abstract: Aims: We address the following questions: 1) Which are the main vegetation types that currently occur in the Arid Chaco? 2) Do those vegetation types differ in terms of floristic composition, endemism, chorotypes and life forms? and 3) Is there any spatial association between the vegetation types and the environmental heterogeneity of the Arid Chaco? Study area: The southwestern extreme of the Gran Chaco, in Central-Western Argentina. Methods: The survey was based on a dataset comprising 654 relevés collected according to the Braun-Blanquet method. Data were classified by the hierarchical ISOmetric feature mapping and Partition Around Medoids (ISOPAM), and ordinated through isometric feature mapping (ISOMAP). Bioclimatic and edaphic variables were related to the ISOMAP ordination. Results: We recorded 439 vascular plant species, 62 endemic at the national level and 22 endemic species restricted to the study and surrounding environments in Central-Western Argentina. A total of nine vegetation types, belonging to four major clusters, were identified. The most prominent chorotypes included species distributed in the Chaco region and in the Arid Chaco/Monte phytogeographic units. The predominant life forms were micro- and nano-phanerophytes, followed by hemicryptophytes, chamaephytes and mesophanerophytes. Conclusions: Major results highlighted that xerophytic shrublands are the most common vegetation types in this area as a result of the historical and present use, while old growth forests were constrained to areas with low anthropogenic disturbance in the last decades or to protected areas. Most vegetation types (with the exception of halophytic environments) are poorly differentiated from a floristic point of view; however, they clearly differ in physiognomy. The floristic composition of the vegetation types described revealed numerous species in common with other sectors of the Chaco of northern Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Although the number of species restricted to the Arid Chaco was quite low, the most relevant chorotype included species with Western and Eastern Chaco distribution, conferring a clear Chaquenian identity to this area and discriminating it from other phytogeographic units. Taxonomic reference: Catálogo de las Plantas Vasculares del Cono Sur (Zuloaga et al. 2008) and its online update (http://www.darwin.edu.ar). Abbreviations: ISOMAP = isometric feature mapping; ISOPAM = isometric partitioning around medoids.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.91126

Authors: Eméline S. P. Assèdé, S. S. Honoré Biaou, Hidirou Orou, Madjidou Oumorou, Coert J. Geldenhuys, Paxie W. Chirwa, Brice Sinsin

Abstract: Aims: This study aims to: i) differentiate the plant associations in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari (BRP), ii) determine the ecological characteristics of their habitats and iii) present distribution maps on different soil types. Study area: The BRP, located in the Sudanian Zone of Benin. Methods: 202 phytosociological relevés were sampled according to the Braun-Blanquet method within the BRP. Ordination was performed using Detrended Correspondence Analysis to evaluate vegetation patterns. Soil parameters were used to characterize the vegetation types. Results: The numerical analysis of 202 plots and 249 plant species showed two major floristic groups that correlated with a moisture gradient: drylands versus wetlands. The dryland group was a mixture of woodland and shrub savanna, the dominant ecosystems of the study area. The wetland group encompassed species primarily from riparian forest, tree savanna and grass savanna on floodplains. Syntaxonomical analysis of the dryland group showed rocky and gravelly soil associations (Burkeo africanae-Detarietum microcarpi) and soils associated with or without fine gravels (Andropogono gayani-Terminalietum avicennioidis, Andropogono gayani-Senegalietum dudgeonii and Terminalietum leiocarpae). Syntaxonomical analysis of the wetland group showed riparian forest associations on sandy-clay soil (Coletum laurifoliae, Borassetum aethiopi and Hyparrhenio glabriusculae-Mitragynetum inermis) and floodplain associations on silt-clay soil (Terminalio macropterae-Mitragynetum inermis, Brachiario jubatae-Terminalietum macropterae, Sorghastro bipennati-Vachellietum hockii). Conclusions: Eleven new associations were identified in this study. If the distribution of plant associations was determined by different soil properties, the soil humidity would be one of the main ecological factors determining the establishment of plant species and thus plant association development. Taxonomic reference: Akoègninou et al. (2006), Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants (APG IV, 2016). Abbreviations: BRP = Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari; CBD = Convention on Biological Diversity; CCA = Constrained Correspondence Analysis; DCA = Detrended Correspondence Analysis; GPS UTM = Global Positioning System Universal Transverse Mercator.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.98379

Authors: Jürgen Dengler, Iwona Dembicz

Abstract: Question: We explored the error resulting from different methods for recording the cover of plants in vegetation plots, specifically the direct estimation of percent cover vs. the use of ordinal cover scales (7-step Braun-Blanquet and 5-step Hult-Sernander-Du Rietz). Methods: We simulated 121 plant species of different cover, sampled with 13 different levels of estimation precision. Estimation precision was either based on a constant coefficient of variation (0.1–1.0) across all cover values or on empirical data from Hatton et al. (1986, Journal of Range Management 39: 91–92) (× 0.5, × 1.0, × 1.5). Each sampling was repeated 10 times. Subsequently, we determined the mean relative and absolute errors that occurred in the data used for ensuing numerical analyses. Results: Except for few cases with unrealistic settings (very high estimation error and ignorance of species with lower cover values), direct estimation in percent yielded better results than the use of ordinal scales. Based on the empirical values of estimation accuracy, the use of ordinal scales inflated the mean absolute and relative errors nearly 2-fold in case of the 7-step Braun-Blanquet scale and about 1.5-fold in case of the Hult-Sernander-Du Rietz scale if only considering cover values above 1%. Conclusions: From our personal experience, the careful application of an ordinal scale is not faster than the direct estimation of percent cover. For this reason, we see no plausible argument supporting the use of ordinal cover scales when essentially all subsequent analyses are numeric. Abbreviations: Br.-Bl. = 7-step variant of the Braun-Blanquet scale and its numerical replacement as in Table 2; CV = coefficient of variation; H.-S. = Hult-Sernander-Du Rietz scale and its numerical replacement as shown in Table 1.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.105269

Authors: Massimo Terzi, Federico Fernández-González, Romeo Di Pietro, Jean-Paul Theurillat

Abstract: The alliance name Agrostion castellanae has been widely used for nearly sixty years to indicate a type of acidophilic perennial grasslands occurring in the Iberian Peninsula. At present, the alliance is classified in the order Agrostietalia castellanae, and the class Stipo giganteae-Agrostietea castellanae. However, the nomenclatural type (lectotype) of the Agrostion castellanae is a therophytic grassland, namely the association Holco setiglumis-Anthoxanthetum aristati, that was consistently classified for two decades by Iberian authors within the therophytic class Helianthemetea guttati. In order to preserve the name Agrostion castellanae in its current use, we propose to designate the association Festuco amplae-Agrostietum castellanae as the conserved type of the alliance. (32) Agrostion castellanae Rivas Goday 1958 corr. 1964: 353 nom. cons. propos. Typus: Festuco amplae-Agrostietum castellanae Rivas-Martínez et Belmonte 1986: 418 (typus cons. propos.). (≡) Agrostion castellano-tenuis Rivas-Goday 1958: 626 nom. inept. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med (2023). Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016). Abbreviations: EVC = EuroVegChecklist (Mucina et al. 2016); ICPN = 4th edition of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.86310

Authors: Mogamat Igshaan Samuels, Manam Saaed, Shayne Jacobs, Mmoto Leonard Masubelele, Helga Van der Merwe, Lesego Khomo

Abstract: Study area: The study was conducted in the Tankwa Karoo National Park, one of the driest areas in South Africa. Historic overgrazing has resulted in the poor and often degraded state of vegetation in large parts of the Tanqua Karoo region. Aim: This study assessed the spatial variation of vegetation structure and composition in the three main vegetation types namely: Tanqua Karoo (TK), Tanqua Wash Riviere (TWR) and Tanqua Escarpment Shrubland (TES), along an elevational gradient. Method: Using the point intercept survey method, vegetation cover, plant height, species diversity, life forms, proportions of perennials and annuals were examined in 43 sites, widely distributed in these vegetation types. Results: There were 150 vascular plant species belonging to 83 genera and 29 families recorded across all sites. The most diverse vegetation type was TES with 96 species belonging to 61 genera and 26 families. The vegetation structure was comprised mainly of shrubs and dwarf shrubs with a high proportion of leaf and stem succulent species. The mean perennial vegetation cover throughout the study area was 28 and annuals covered 22%, but this cover varied significantly between the vegetation types. The most dominant life forms were chamaephytes, which comprised 64% of all species, with cryptophytes (18%), therophytes (16%) and nanophanerophytes (2%) less abundant. Surveyed sites in the TES showed a clear association with each other but there was an overlap in the species composition and environmental conditions between some TWR and TK sites. This study highlighted the important role of elevation and topography as drivers of vegetation characteristics. Conclusion: The findings from this study can be used as a vegetation baseline to identify and prioritise degraded areas for active restoration in order to limit further degradation. Considering climate change, elevational studies may provide additional insight into species dynamics across landscapes. Taxonomic reference: Plants of Southern Africa Checklist (South African National Biodiversity Institute 2016). Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance; GPS = Global Positioning System; LFA = Landscape Function Assessment; NDVI = Normalized difference vegetation index; PCA = principal component analysis; PCo-A = principal co-ordinate analysis; TES = Tanqua Escarpment Shrubland; TK = Tanqua Karoo; TKNP = Tankwa Karoo National Park; TWR = Tanqua Wash Riviere.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.96710

Authors: Gonzalo Navarro, Federico Luebert, José Antonio Molina

Abstract: The classic and current perception of biome in its various meanings is fundamentally based on vegetation types that are considered as discrete or independent and fragmented entities in the landscape. Vegetation units are characterized by their physiognomy, which is based on the dominant life forms and mainly determined by climatic conditions. However, vegetation units are associated and mutually interacting at a landscape level. They are determined by local or regional, climatic, topographic and edaphic gradients within a given territory or geographic area. In this work, we propose a new conceptual and methodological approach aiming to better understand the biome concept in a landscape framework, developing ideas already partially advanced by us. In this sense, we consider the biome as a landscape complex (geocomplex), that spatially includes one to several vegetation geoseries which, in turn, each comprise the following possible geomorphologically linked vegetation series: i) the potential natural climatophilic vegetation (zonal vegetation) and their seral successional stages which occur repeatedly in the landscape; ii) edapho-xerophyllous vegetation (azonal vegetation such as occurs on rocky outcrops or sandy soils); and iii) edapho-hygrophilic vegetation (azonal vegetation such as flooded vegetation on river banks). Based on surveys and field data (more than ca. 300 transects) obtained by the authors in most South American countries from 1990 to the present, 33 South American geocomplex biomes and 16 macrobiomes were identified and synoptically characterized, through graphic general zonation models (phyto-topographic type-profiles) extrapolated from numerous observations along representative bioclimatical, geomorphological and biogeographically stratified transects. Field data and transect-plots are currently being processed to be included into the “GIVD database”. Taxonomic reference: Tropicos.org, Missouri Botanical Garden (https://tropicos.org) [accessed 1 Feb 2023]. In Memoriam: Salvador Rivas-Martínez

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.101114

Authors: John Janssen, Erik Houtepen, André van Proosdij, Stephan Hennekens

Abstract: The vegetation database CACTUS (registered in GIVD under SA-00-004) aims to bring together all plot-based relevés from the Dutch Caribbean Islands that are available from literature, unpublished resources, and recent field surveys. The database currently contains 2,701 vegetation descriptions. The database is used for vegetation classification, to investigate vegetation change over time, to assist in the planning of vegetation surveys, as a source for plant species distribution maps, and to inform nature conservation and policy. Taxonomic references: Van Proosdij (2012) for the Leeward Islands, Axelrod (2017, 2021) for the Windward Islands, except for St. Martin (Howard 1974-1989).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.100985

Authors: Jürgen Dengler, Wolfgang Willner

Abstract: After a nomenclatural review of the available names for the order of mesoxeric grasslands within the class Festuco-Brometea, we propose the conservation of the name Brachypodietalia pinnati (with a conserved type) against the names Brometalia erecti and Scorzoneretalia villosae. In syntaxonomic concepts not accepting a single order for the mesoxeric grasslands of Europe, the latter names could still be used, as they are based on different nomenclatural types. (31) Brachypodietalia pinnati Korneck 1974: 123 nom. cons. propos. Typus: Cirsio-Brachypodion pinnati Hadač & Klika in Klika and Hadač 1944 (lectotypus; Dengler et al. 2003: 608; typus cons. propos.). (=) Brometalia erecti W. Koch 1926: 20. Typus: Bromion erecti W. Koch 1926: 121 (holotypus). (=) Scorzoneretalia villosae Kovačević 1959: 7 Typus: Scorzonerion villosae Horvatić ex Kovačević 1959 (holotypus) Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016). Abbreviations: ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature, 4th edn (Theurillat et al. 2021).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.99167

Authors: Javier Loidi, Gonzalo Navarro-Sánchez, Denys Vynokurov

Abstract: A vector map of biotic units encompassing the entire terrestrial area of the earth is provided. It contains a hierarchical system of domains, ecozones, biomes and subbiomes, as a large-scale description of the terrestrial ecosystems. The map can be used for different analysis, including monitoring of climate change.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.95779

Authors: Elvira Casagranda, Andrea E. Izquierdo

Abstract: Aims: The aim of this work was to model the distribution of suitable environmental conditions of vegas with specific floristic characteristics. Vegas are high Andean wetlands that represent the main sequestered carbon stocks, biodiversity hotspots, and water regulating systems in the region. In these wetlands, plant communities are the main biological factor that determines functional processes, and plant species assemblages are associated with different ecogeographic features. Study area: Argentine Central Andean Puna ecoregion. Methods: For two different floristic assemblages of vegas, we develop ecological niche models of n-dimensional minimum volume ellipsoids through NicheToolBox, then obtain potential distribution maps. One floristic assemblage was dominated by the cushion-structured plant Oxychloe andina (Juncaceae) and the other by plants of the Cyperaceae family. Results: Elevation and precipitation were the main environmental factors determining the distribution of the two floristic assemblages. Juncaceae dominated vegas tend to be located in high, humid, and cold places, while Cyperaceae vegas are found at a lower elevation, with less humidity, and higher temperatures. According to the dominant climatic gradient in the region, potential distribution maps show that vegas of Juncaceae are commonly found towards the Northeast of the Puna while Cyperaceae vegas are more frequent at lower elevations to the South of the region. Conclusions: This study represents the first approach to niche modeling based on plant communities in vegas of the Argentine Puna, providing knowledge on the environmental factors that limit their distribution. This information could serve as a planning tool in a region exposed to growing perturbations such as mining and climate change. Taxonomic reference: Zuloaga et al. (2019). Abbreviations: AUC = Area Under the ROC Curve; NDVI = Normalized Difference Vegetation Index; ROC = Receiver Operating Characteristic.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.86024

Authors: Soufian Chakkour, Erwin Bergmeier, Stefan Meyer, Jalal Kassout, Mohamed Kadiri, Mohammed Ater

Abstract: Questions: While globalisation favours intensive yield-maximizing agriculture with cropping practices that entail agrobiodiversity loss, extensive production systems still exist in areas of marginal lands such as in mountainous regions or islands. It is overdue to study such systems, their sustainability and ecology as potential models for decentralized environmentally balanced land-use. For that purpose, we investigated the composition of the wild arable (segetal) flora in traditional thermo- to mesomediterranean cereal-growing agroecosystems of northwestern Morocco. Study area: The Tingitane (Tangier) Peninsula in the Northwest of Morocco. Methods: A sample of 94 relevés was collected in six areas in the foreland of the Rif Mountains. Results: We found 209 species in 150 genera and 41 families, a mean of 22 species per relevé and a Shannon index of 3.04±0.06. A TWINSPAN classification revealed a high level of similarity between the areas, with the plant communities corresponding to the order Brometalia rubenti-tectorum, but also differences in species composition as a result of climatic, soil and land-use effects. Therophytes dominated, but biennial and perennial herbs indicating shallow tillage and fields under fallow were also common. Almost half of the species found were agrestal species (confined to arable fields), and almost a third were apophytes (native species occurring in fields but also in natural habitats). Twenty-nine species (14%) of the segetal flora were regional endemics and six are considered nationally rare. Although there is evidence of recent structural and floristic diversity decline, traditional agroecosystems tend to favour native species including some of particular conservation interest. Conclusions: The traditional agroecosystems of the Rif Mountains fulfil criteria of High Nature Value agriculture but, in view of recent socio-economic change, require support by policy for their maintenance. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med PlantBase (http://www.europlusmed.org) [accessed 26 Nov 2022]. Syntaxonomic reference: EuroVegChecklist (Mucina et al. 2016). Abbreviations: TWINSPAN = Two Way Indicator Species Analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.98324

Authors: Jürgen Dengler, Florian Jansen, Olha Chusova, Elisabeth Hüllbusch, Michael P. Nobis, Koenraad Van Meerbeek, Irena Axmanová, Hans Henrik Bruun, Milan Chytrý, Riccardo Guarino, Gerhard Karrer, Karlien Moeys, Thomas Raus, Manuel J. Steinbauer, Lubomir Tichý, Torbjörn Tyler, Ketevan Batsatsashvili, Claudia Bita-Nicolae, Yakiv Didukh, Martin Diekmann, Thorsten Englisch, Eduardo Fernández-Pascual, Dieter Frank, Ulrich Graf, Michal Hájek, Sven D. Jelaska, Borja Jiménez-Alfaro, Philippe Julve, George Nakhutsrishvili, Wim A. Ozinga, Eszter-Karolina Ruprecht, Urban Šilc, Jean-Paul Theurillat, François Gillet

Abstract: Aims: To develop a consistent ecological indicator value system for Europe for five of the main plant niche dimensions: soil moisture (M), soil nitrogen (N), soil reaction (R), light (L) and temperature (T). Study area: Europe (and closely adjacent regions). Methods: We identified 31 indicator value systems for vascular plants in Europe that contained assessments on at least one of the five aforementioned niche dimensions. We rescaled the indicator values of each dimension to a continuous scale, in which 0 represents the minimum and 10 the maximum value present in Europe. Taxon names were harmonised to the Euro+Med Plantbase. For each of the five dimensions, we calculated European values for niche position and niche width by combining the values from the individual EIV systems. Using T values as an example, we externally validated our European indicator values against the median of bioclimatic conditions for global occurrence data of the taxa. Results: In total, we derived European indicator values of niche position and niche width for 14,835 taxa (14,714 for M, 13,748 for N, 14,254 for R, 14,054 for L, 14,496 for T). Relating the obtained values for temperature niche position to the bioclimatic data of species yielded a higher correlation than any of the original EIV systems (r = 0.859). The database: The newly developed Ecological Indicator Values for Europe (EIVE) 1.0, together with all source systems, is available in a flexible, harmonised open access database. Conclusions: EIVE is the most comprehensive ecological indicator value system for European vascular plants to date. The uniform interval scales for niche position and niche width provide new possibilities for ecological and macroecological analyses of vegetation patterns. The developed workflow and documentation will facilitate the future release of updated and expanded versions of EIVE, which may for example include the addition of further taxonomic groups, additional niche dimensions, external validation or regionalisation. Abbreviations: EIV = Ecological indicator value; EIVE = Ecological Indicator Values for Europe; EVA = European Vegetation Archive; GBIF = Global Biodiversity Information Facility; i = index for taxa; j = index for EIV systems; L = ecological indicator for light; M = ecological indicator for moisture; N = ecological indicator for nitrogen availability; R = ecological indicator for reaction; T = ecological indicator for temperature.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.100394

Authors: Jürgen Dengler, Idoia Biurrun, Florian Jansen, Wolfgang Willner

Abstract: We report on the completed third volume of Vegetation Classification and Survey (VCS). VCS has been included in the Scopus bibliometric database and will receive its first CiteSore in mid-2023. We announce the 2022 Editors’ Award for a paper selected from the four papers nominated for Editors’ Choice during 2022. We selected Liu et al. (2022; Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 121–144) for the Editors’ Award. This author team developed a comprehensive hierarchical classification system for the steppe vegetation over China. We present five Special Collections (two concluded and three ongoing) which form a backbone for VCS. Apart from Research Papers, Long and Short Database Reports were the prevailing article category in 2022. By contrast, there were no VCS Methods paper in 2022, and thus we encourage submissions particularly in this category. Finally, we welcome new members to the Editorial Board and open a call for free applications for our Editorial Review Board or as a Linguistic Editor. Abbreviations: APC = article processing charge; IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science; VCS = Vegetation Classification and Survey.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.95750

Authors: Gwendolyn Peyre, Daniel Montesinos, Daniela Giraldo, Antonio Galán de Mera, Barbara Ruthsatz, Federico Luebert, Marcela Ontivero, Nicolas García, Miguel Álvarez, Rosa Isela Meneses, Pablo Lozano, Daniela León, Maximilian Weigend, Fabien Anthelme, Milagro Palma, Carolina Rodriguez

Abstract: In the era of Big Data, Latin American countries and biomes remain underrepresented. To remediate this issue, promoting repositories for biodiversity data focused on Latin America is a main priority. VegAndes -Dpt the vegetation database for the Latin American highlands (GIVD: SA-00-005), is a novel dataset for georeferenced and standardized information on vascular pants in the region. The database compiles 5,340 vegetation plots sampled above the montane treeline and below the permanent snowline in 11 Latin American countries and spanning over seven decades. VegAndes currently encompasses 5,804 taxon names, corresponding to 3,858 accepted names, as well as 136 syntaxon names. The database is nested within a scientific consortium of Latin American experts on highland vegetation and piloted from the University of the Andes (Colombia). Because the VegAndes data can support multi-scale studies in botany, ecology and biogeography, the database makes an essential contribution to biodiversity research and management perspectives in Latin America. Taxonomic reference: TROPICOS (preferential source, www.tropicos.org/), World Flora Online (secondary source, www.worldfloraonline.org/).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.95767

Authors: Sebastian Świerszcz, Grzegorz Swacha, Małgorzata W. Raduła, Sylwia Nowak

Abstract: Aims: Landscapes of Middle Asia are exposed to human influence due to long-lasting pastoral tradition, and now are largely dominated by non-forest vegetation. Graminoids perform key ecosystem functions, and constitute an important feed source for livestock. We studied the distribution patterns of graminoids cover under climatic and grazing pressure gradients in different open vegetation types. Study area: Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. Methods: 1,525 vegetation plots representing five open vegetation types (mires, salt marshes, tall-forb communities, pseudosteppes and steppes) were extracted from the Vegetation of Middle Asia Database. We assessed the relative cover of graminoid species in each vegetation type. The importance of mean annual temperature, sum of annual precipitation, aridity and livestock density as drivers of relative cover of graminoids contribution patterns in the five vegetation types were explored with use of polynomial functions and commonality analysis. Results: Open ecosystems of Middle Asia are characterized by different graminoid contributions. The highest relative cover of graminoids was found for steppes, pseudosteppes and mires. Comparison of model fits for relationship between the graminoids cover, climatic parameters and livestock pressure indicated advantage of polynomial models. The best-fitting models for pseudosteppes were for mean annual temperature, Aridity Index and livestock density, for steppes mean annual temperature and Aridity Index, and for salt marshes mean annual temperature. For mires and tall-forb communities, the models showed a poor fit or no effect of the variables studied. Conclusions: Our study shows that climate and livestock pressure have an impact on the contribution of graminoids in open vegetation types, but a general pattern is difficult to describe. Ongoing climate change may influence the share of graminoids in salt marshes, steppes and pseudosteppes. Grazing (with a common effect of climatic factors) is the most important factor influencing graminoids contribution on pseudosteppes, confirming the secondary origin of this vegetation type. Taxonomic reference: The nomenclature of the vascular plants follows Plants of the World Online (POWO 2022) and problematic taxonomic issues were based on The World Flora Online (WFO 2022). Nomenclature of Stipa spp. follows Nobis et al. (2020).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.86102

Authors: Javier Loidi, Gonzalo Navarro-Sánchez, Denys Vynokurov

Abstract: Question: Is it feasible to establish a classification of large biotic units of the world related to climatic types? Study area: The world. Methods: A total of 616 localities have been selected, their climatic parameters calculated and subjected to a PCA. The climatic characterization of biomes and subbiomes has been completed after data analysis. Results: A hierarchical classification is proposed for the biotic units within four main domains: Cryocratic, Mesocratic, Xerocratic and Thermocratic, divided into 7 ecozones, 9 biomes and 20 subbiomes linked to climatically defined territories. Most of the units are intercontinental. The mountains represent an abbreviated version of the latitudinal zonation and the altitudinal belts are related to the corresponding units of the lowlands. For the bioclimatic units, a parallel classification is proposed to fit with that of the biotic units: 4 Macrobioclimates and 10 bioclimates. Furthermore, 7 ombrotypes and 7 thermotypes are recognized to frame the climatic variation within each climatic territory due to terrain ruggedness, particularly in relation to large or medium sized mountains. Conclusions: The southern hemisphere is substantially more oceanic than the northern hemisphere. This is due to the distribution of the land masses and the modifying effect they have on the flow of air and marine currents. As a result, there is one biome and one subbiome exclusively found in the northern hemisphere (6. Biome of the steppe, and 5.b Continental scrub and woodlands subbiome) and two others which are almost confined to it (2. Biome of the boreal forest, and 3. Biome of the temperate deciduous forests). The 7. Biome of the deserts and 5. Biome of the temperate aridiestival evergreen forests and shrublands occur on the western side of the continents and expand in their interior favoured by rain shadow and continentality effects. Taxonomic reference: The Plant List (2013). Abbreviations: ITCZ = Inter Tropical Convergence Zone; NH = Northern Hemisphere; PCA = Principal Component Analysis; SH = Southern Hemisphere.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.94256

Authors: Melisa A. Giorgis, Marcelo R. Cabido, Ana M. Cingolani, María V. Palchetti, Sebastián R. Zeballos, Juan José Cantero, Alicia T. R. Acosta

Abstract: The ArgVeg is a repository of vegetation-plots data registered in the Global Index of Vegetation Databases (GIVD ID: SA-AR-002). This report presents its main characteristics, potential uses, and future perspectives. In September 2022, the database contained 1092 vegetation-plot records, including 1184 valid native and non-native vascular plants. The database covers the main vegetation types of nine vegetation units of the Chaco, Espinal and Pampean phytogeographic provinces in central Argentina. Those types include native forests, shrublands, grasslands, halophytic vegetation and non-native woody communities present in either lowlands or mountain areas. This database represents a significant improvement in the availability of floristic information from subtropical and warm temperate areas in South America, which still represents a major knowledge gap worldwide. ArgVeg reflects the outstanding plant diversity of central Argentina and it is managed by the Plant Ecology and Phytogeography Group at the Multidisciplinary Institute of Plant Biology (Córdoba, Argentina). Not only the high biodiversity but also the complex landscape heterogeneity are the most important characteristics of the vegetation in this region. We hope to increase the number of plots in the near future and to strengthen regional and global networks to enhance the conservation and management of these endangered ecosystems.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.96011

Authors: Krzysztof Świerkosz, Kamila Reczyńska

Abstract: “VESTA - resurvey of natural, non-forest vegetation (Central Europe)” is a thematic, resurvey database focused on documentation of changes in natural, non-forest communities. Currently, the database includes 549 relevés (231 replots for 84 sites) corresponding to the classes Asplenietea trichomanis (incl. Polypodietea), Koelerio-Corynephoretea (rocky grasslands), Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea and Betulo carpaticae-Alnetea viridis. The project is continuous in character. It is based on the phytosociological relevés from own field studies which have been carried out in the Sudetes Mts. and their foothills since 1989. The subject of research have been all types of rocky communities (chasmophytic, grasslands, thickets), mountain and submountain tall-herb communities, subalpine thickets and heathlands. Relevés are collected according to the standard Braun-Blanquet method (species coverage scale: r, +, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and on rectangular or square-shaped surfaces with possible adjustment to the shape of the rocky outcrops. Initially (until 2008), the location of plots was marked on maps and field sketches. However, the fact that all relevés were collected by the owners of the database made it easier to revisit all plots and assigned a location compatible with GPS with SiRFstar III chipset. The accuracy of position measurements varies between 2 and 15 meters (on average 10 meters). Aspect is determined using electronic compass linked to GPS. Altitude is obtained from Google Earth and corrected with landmarks from topographical maps if necessary. The shading of the plots has been visually assessed so far. The bedrock type is derived from a Detailed Geological Map of the Sudetes (http://sudety.pgi.gov.pl/). Subsequent resurveys of the plots are conducted during field visits planned specifically for this purpose or during other research carried out in the same area.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.85209

Authors: Leslie R. Brown, Itumeleng P. Magagula, Alan S. Barrett

Abstract: Aims: This study identified, classified and mapped the different plant communities found on the Telperion Nature Reserve. Study area: Telperion Nature Reserve, Mpumulanga, South Africa. Methods: Using a 1:10,000 aerial photograph, Telperion was delineated into homogenous physiognomic-physiographic units. 294 sample plots (100 m2) were placed in a randomly stratified manner within identified homogenous units. Plant species present in sample plots were recorded and allocated a modified Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale value. Sample plot data were captured into TURBOVEG and exported for editing, classification and processing in JUICE. A modified TWINSPAN classification was applied to derive a first approximation of the plant communities in a synoptic table that was refined using Braun-Blanquet procedures. Species were manually arranged into groups. Diagnostic, constant and dominant species were statistically determined from the synoptic table. Threshold values for fidelity, frequency and canopy cover were set and a final phytosociological table was produced for describing the plant species composition for the different plant communities. Results: 22 plant communities were identified for Telperion. Five were major communities, 14 were sub-communities and 13 were variants. The five major plant communities were Cyathea dregei–Ilex mitis ravine woodland, Paspalum urvillei–Phragmites australis valley bottom wetland, Diospyros lycioides–Combretum erythrophyllum riparian woodland, Eragrostis curvula–Seriphium plumosum midslope plateau grassland, and Combretum molle–Englerophytum magalismontanum rocky ridge woodland. The plant communities were also described and mapped. Conclusions: The classification, description and mapping of Telperion’s vegetation provides a basis for management decision making about wildlife stocking rates, fire planning, and vegetation management. Findings indicate that Bankenveld vegetation is heterogeneous with a variety of habitats including woodland and grassland components. Telperion has a variety of plant communities and a high plant species diversity, making it a reservoir for plant species and an important conservation area. Taxonomic reference: SA-Plant Checklist-2019–2020, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2020, Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA) (http://posa.sanbi.org/) [accessed January 2022]. Abbreviations: BB = Braun-Blanquet; m a.s.l. = metres above sea level; TWINSPAN = Two-way indicator species analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.84418

Authors: Jaime Oliveira, José Antonio Molina, Gonzalo Navarro

Abstract: Bolivia is a country exceptionally rich in biodiversity and home to about 20,000 vascular plant species and 15 plant formations. Therefore, it is particularly important to document the biodiversity of this territory. The aim of the Bolivian Vegetation Ecology Database (BOVEDA; GIVD ID SA-BO-005) is to record floristic and ecological data of Bolivian vegetation. In the first stage, the database hosts 320 relevés from one of the most unique biogeographical units in the country, the Chaco. In total, 633 species belonging to 114 families have been recorded. Data on vegetation structure, soil, flooding regime and geomorphology have also been stored. The following nine vegetation structural types were identified: (1) deciduous forests of alluvial plains on well to moderately well drained soils; (2) deciduous to semideciduous Chaco forests transitional to the Andes; (3) deciduous and sclerophyllous Cerrado thorn-woodlands and shrublands transitional to the Chaco (Abayoy); (4) xeromorphic thorn shrubland and thickets on vertic, poorly drained soils; (5) woodlands and savannas on sand dunes and aeolian surfaces; (6) freshwater swamp forests; (7) saltwater swamp forests; (8) phreatophytic forests; (9) deciduous to semideciduous Chaco forests transitional to the Chiquitania. Further steps will be to incorporate new types of vegetation already recorded in the field such as Altiplano shrublands, Andean wetlands, Andean Polylepis forests, and vegetation of the dry inter-Andean valleys. Taxonomic reference: Jørgensen et al. (2015). Abbreviations: BOVEDA = Bolivian Vegetation Ecology Database; GIVD = Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.86799

Authors: Javier Loidi, Javier Amigo, Álvaro Bueno, Mercedes Herrera, Manuel A. Rodríguez-Guitián

Abstract: Abstract: The association Polysticho setiferi-Fraxinetum excelsioris was described as a meso-eutrophic thermophilic forest dominated by common oak (Quercus robur) with a distribution that includes the Oviedo district in Asturias and the Basque-Cantabrian area (N Spain and SW France). However, when a lectotype was chosen to comply with Article 19 of the ICPN, a relevé dominated by beech was selected, which leads to interpretive problems. Given that the most widespread interpretation of this association in the phytosociological literature is the one established by its original authors (i.e., a meso-eutrophic oak-ash forest), we consider that this name should be retained, but its type should be changed to a conserved neotypus according to Article 53 of the 4th edition of the ICPN. (30) Polysticho setiferi-Fraxinetum excelsioris (Tüxen et Oberdorfer 1958) Rivas-Martínez ex Díaz et Fernández Prieto 1994 Typus: see below (typus cons. propos.) Taxonomic reference: Castroviejo et al. (1986–2021). Syntaxonomic reference: Rivas-Martínez (2011). Abbreviations: ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.85083

Authors: Nicola Alessi, Vanessa Bruzzaniti, Fabrizio Buldrini, Emma Centomo, Marco Cervellini, Mirko Enea, Sara Landi, Chiara Lelli, Irene Montanari, Juri Nascimbene, Giovanna Pezzi, Gianmarco Virzí, Piero Zannini, Alessandro Chiarucci

Abstract: The importance of collection, storage and exchange of georeferenced vegetation plot-based data has significantly grown in the recent decades, because of the new potentialities offered by ecoinformatics. In this article we introduce the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna vegetation database (AMS-VegBank; GIVD code EU-IT-021) compiling 17,505 georeferenced vegetation-plot observations within a time span of 90 years. This database includes 337,799 occurrence data of vascular plant species, belonging to many different habitat types. The historical relevance of the presented database is highlighted by the presence of some of the most ancient vegetation-plot observations in Europe (years 1930–1938). The geographic coverage of the database is mostly for Italian territory but it includes also data from other countries. The thematic focuses represented in the database are various, such as small Mediterranean islands, the Dolomite Mountains and the Italian National Parks. The large amount of historical plots available for the country not previously included in existing databases, combined with the constant action to improve the georeferencing of existing data and the addition of new data, highlight the uniqueness of this database. AMS-VegBank represents thus an important tool for studying plant biodiversity within the context of continental and global vegetation plot databases. Taxonomic reference: All plant names reported in this article follow the nomenclature by Pignatti et al. (2017–2019). Abbreviations: EVA = European Vegetation Archive; GIVD = Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.82824

Authors: Yaroslav Golovanov, Larisa Abramova

Abstract: The Database of anthropogenic vegetation of Urals and adjacent territories (GIVD ID 00-RU-008) includes 4,327 vegetation plots of anthropogenic vegetation from 3 regions of the Russian Federation (the Republic of Bashkortostan, Orenburg, Chelyabinsk regions) and 1 region of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Aktobe region). All relevés were made between 1984 and 2021 AD. 1865 vegetation plots are from different literature sources (28 sources), 2462 are unpublished relevés from the authors. 94% of the relevés are geo-referenced. The ecological conditions were assessed by the use of average Landolt indicator values. The taxonomy of vascular species is given according to Cherepanov (1995). The vegetation plots in the database belong to nine vegetation classes. 7 anthropogenic (Sisymbrietea, Digitario sanguinalis-Eragrostietea minoris, Polygono-Poetea annuae, Artemisietea vulgaris, Epilobietea angustifolii, Bidentetea, Robinietea) and 2 semi-natural phytosociological classes: Molinio-Arrhenatheretea (anthropogenically transformed meadows, lawns, etc. of the union Cynosurion cristati Tx. 1947.) and Festuco-Brometea (anthropogenically transformed steppe communities found within human settlements). Vegetation plots include also invasive species (Acer negundo, Ambrosia trifida, Echinocystis lobata, Impatiens glandulifera, Solidago canadensis, Solidago gigantea, Heracleum sosnowskyi, Hordeum jubatum, Xanthium albinum etc.).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.83045

Authors: John T. Hunter, Donna Lewis, Eda Addicott, Sarah Luxton, Ian Cowie, Ben Sparrow, Emrys Leitch

Abstract: Aims: To develop an interim classification of the vegetation of the Northern Territory at the International Vegetation Classification (IVC) division (level 4) and macrogroup (level 5) levels. These types are produced to assist in the development of an integrated nationwide plot and floristically based classification of Australia allowing integration within a global perspective. Study Area: The Northern Territory of Australia covers an area of 1.42 million square kilometres, almost 20% of Australia’s land mass. It comprises three distinct climatic zones including tropical, subtropical and arid vegetation types. Methods: We used collated vegetation data held by two organisations: the Northern Territory Government, Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security and the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (a total of 45,710 plots used). We applied semi-supervised quantitative classification methods to define vegetation types at the IVC division and macrogroup levels. Analyses used kR-CLUSTER methods on presence/absence data. Macrogroups were characterised by taxa with the highest frequency of occurrence across plots. Additional analyses were conducted (cluster) to elucidate interrelationships between macrogroups and to assist in the assessment of division level typology. Results: We propose 21 macrogroups and place these within higher thematic levels of the IVC. Conclusions: We found that the IVC hierarchy and associated standard procedures and protocols provide a useful classification tool for Australian ecosystems. The divisions and macrogroups provide a valid framework for subsequent analysis of Northern Territory vegetation types at the detailed levels of the IVC. A consistent typology for the Northern Territory (and hopefully in future, for all of Australia) has numerous benefits, in that they can be used for various applications using a well-structured, systematic and authoritative description and classification that is placed in a continental and global context, readily enabling the one system to be used in studies from the local to global level. Taxonomic reference: Northern Territory Herbarium (2022). Abbreviations: DVT = Definitive Vegetation Type; IVC = International Vegetation Classification; nMDS = non-metric multidimensional scaling; NT = Northern Territory; NTVSD = Northern Territory Vegetation Site Database; NVIS = National Vegetation Information System; WA = Western Australia.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.87068

Authors: Arkadiusz Nowak, Idoia Biurrun, Monika Janišová, Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: With this editorial, we introduce the Special Collection “Classification of grasslands and other open vegetation types in the Palaearctic”. In searching the Web of Science for classification papers on Palaearctic grasslands, we found 207 studies from 1972–2021, including 106 typical classification works. These studies originated mainly from Europe, with only few from Asia and only one from Northern Africa. While Europe in the 20th century already had a strong tradition in regional classification studies, the launch of a common plot database (European Vegetation Archive, EVA) and a continental syntaxonomic reference list (EuroVegChecklist) have spurred the developments there in recent years. We then introduce the seven articles of the Special Collection. Four of them present regional studies of certain vegetation types, namely spring vegetation (Montio-Cardaminetea) in Grisons, Switzerland, dry grasslands (Festuco-Brometea) of the inneralpine valleys of Austria, montane to subalpine tall-herb vegetation (Mulgedio-Aconitetea) in the Sudetes Mts., Poland, and steppe depressions (Festuco-Brometea and Molinio-Arrhentatheretea) in Southern Ukraine. A new synthesis of the grassland vegetation of Navarre in Spain (all classes, focus on Festuco-Brometea), started with an unsupervised classification and translated it into a hierarchical expert system, while another study provided the first synthesis of the tall-herb vegetation (mainly Ulopteretea prangae) of Tajikistan. Finally, a study based on the GrassPlot database compared fine-grain beta-diversities across open vegetation types of the Palaearctic. Abbreviations: EDGG = Eurasian Dry Grassland Group, EVA = European Vegetation Archive, IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science, WoS = Web of Science.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.76387

Authors: Manuel A. Rodríguez-Guitián, Javier Amigo Vazquez

Abstract: The association Omphalodo nitidae-Coryletum avellanae was defined by assembling relevés on (mainly) Corylus avellana woods on nutrient-rich substrates in the westernmost part of the Cantabrian Range (NW Spain). However, a mesophytic oak forest dominated by Quercus robur (with noteworthy amount of Corylus avellana in the undercanopy) was selected as its holotype. The most common interpretation of this association in the subsequent literature has been as seral Corylus avellana forests. For this reason, we propose the application of article 53 of the ICPN (4th ed.), which allows the name to be maintained with a new nomenclatural type based on the more recent interpretation of this syntaxon. (29) Omphalodo nitidae-Coryletum avellanae Amigo, G. Azcárate et Romero 1994, typus cons. propos. Typus: Amigo et al. (1994), table 2: rel. 4 (typus cons. propos.) Taxonomic reference: Castroviejo et al. (1986–2020). Syntaxonomic reference: Rivas-Martínez (2011). Abbreviations: ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.72875

Authors: Changcheng Liu, Xianguo Qiao, Ke Guo, Liqing Zhao, Qingmin Pan

Abstract: Aims: The vegetation classification system of China (China-VCS) is not completed. Stipa steppes are the most important steppes in China. Here we made optimal use of available plot data to classify Stipa steppes into associations in a way that is consistent with International Vegetation Classification. Study Area: the Songnen Plain, Inner Mongolian Plateau, Loess Plateau, Tibetan Plateau, and the northwest mountain areas of China. Methods: We used 1337 plots to partition the Stipa steppes of China into clusters using hierarchical clustering. Supervised noise clustering was used to improve the classifications at the group, alliance, and association levels. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination was used to visualize the homogeneity of plots within each cluster, and we overlaid site and climatic vectors. Diagnostic species were identified for each cluster using Indicator Species Analysis. Results: We defined five biogeographic groups, 26 alliances, 91 associations, and 12 communities of Stipa steppes of China. The Stipa-dominated alliances in the framework of the current China-VCS were verified, but the four vegetation subformations of Tussock Steppe were not completely supported by this study. Conclusions: This is the first systematical and comprehensive classification for Stipa steppes in China based on plot data. Our classification used a set of dominant species and diagnostic species to define biogeogrpahic groups, alliances and associations, ensuring compatibility with the International Vegetation Classification. Taxonomic reference: Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae, Flora of China Abbreviations: AMT = Annual Mean Temperature; AP = Annual Precipitation; China-VCS = vegetation classification system of China; IVC = international vegetation classification; MTCQ = Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter; MTWQ = Mean Temperature of Warmest Quarter; NC = noise clustering; NMDS = non-metric multidimensional scaling; PDQ = Precipitation of Driest Quarter; PS = Precipitation Seasonality; PWQ = Precipitation of Wettest Quarter; TS = Temperature Seasonality

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.83889

Authors: Olivier Argagnon, Guilhem De Barros, Virgile Noble

Abstract: The SIMETHIS-Flore-CBNMed database (GIVD EU-FR-006) is a regional database managed by the Conservatoire Botanique National Méditerranéen dealing with occurrence data of the vascular flora of Southeastern France. It covers the following departments: Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude, Hérault, Gard, Lozère, Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Alpes-Maritimes. It includes around 19,300 phytosociological relevés of various vegetation types from the mediterranean coastal area to the alpine vegetation belt. Vegetation plots are unpublished relevés as well as digitized data from bibliographic sources (around 310 references). Almost all relevés are geolocalized. The oldest ones date from 1915 and the most recent from 2021 and the integration of new data is done continuously. The taxonomical scheme follows the French national taxonomic repository TAXREF (currently v.15). The database is part of the European Vegetation Archive under semi-restricted regime and will be updated every year. Some of the bibliographic data featured in SIMETHIS-Flore-CBNMed may also be present in SOPHY database (EU-FR-003). All the bibliographic data of SIMETHIS-Flore-CBNMed undergo a curation process regarding georeferencing, taxonomic nomenclature updates and syntaxonomic interpretation. Abbreviations: CBNMed: Conservatoire Botanique National Méditerranéen.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.65469

Authors: Aaron F. Wells, Christopher S. Swingley, Susan L. Ives, Robert W. McNown, Dorte Dissing

Abstract: Aims: The USNVC is the standard for vegetation classification in the US and is part of the broader IVC. Recent work on the USNVC in Alaska established macrogroups, groups and alliances. Here we incorporate tussock tundra and low and tall willow (Salix) groups and alliances for northwestern Arctic Alaska into the IVC and USNVC classification. Study Area: The study area encompasses the Seward Peninsula, the western Brooks Range, and the northwestern foothills and Arctic coastal plain of Alaska. Methods: We used data from 2,087 relevé plots collected between 1992 and 2019 from northwestern Arctic Alaska to prepare a draft association classification using cluster analysis, ordination, and sorted tables. The draft classification was subject to peer review and subsequently refined. We fit the tussock tundra and low and tall willow associations into the USNVC using NMDS and GAMs to evaluate the patterns of environmental gradients against the ordination axis scores. Results: We identified eight tussock tundra and 37 low and tall willow associations. The associations fit in two classes, two subclasses, two formations, two divisions, three macrogroups, four groups, and 13 alliances. A description of the alliances, and a field guide to the northwestern Arctic Alaska tussock tundra and low and tall willow associations, including a dichotomous key and descriptions, is provided. Conclusions: Many of the tussock tundra and low and tall willow associations fit seamlessly within the USNVC, while some alliances had yet to be defined, and we have proposed new alliances here. In still other cases, we proposed a new group and recommend broadening the concept of an existing group using a data-driven approach. Since not all available data from Arctic Alaska were used in this study, we suggest continuing with a more comprehensive analysis to fulfill the gap at the alliance and association levels for Arctic Alaska. Taxonomic reference: USDA NRCS (2021) for vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens. Syntaxonomic reference: USNVC (2019). Abbreviations: AVA-AK = Alaska Arctic Vegetation Archive; AVPD = Alaska Vegetation Plots Database; BCP = Beaufort Coastal Plain; CAVM = Circumpolar Arctic Vegetation Map; CBVM = Circumboreal vegetation map; EC = Electrical conductivity; ELD = ELS Legacy Database; ELS = Ecological Land Survey; GAM = Generalized additive model; IVC = International vegetation classification; LPI = line-point intercept; NMDS = Non-metric multidimensional scaling; PAM = Partitioning Around Medoids; PESC = Proportionate ericaceous shrub cover; SM = Supplementary material; US = United States of America; USNVC = U.S. National Vegetation Classification.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.70200

Authors: Krzysztof Świerkosz, Kamila Reczyńska

Abstract: Aims: To describe the compositional and ecological diversity of Mulgedio-Aconitetea communities in the Sudetes Mts. and their foothills. Study area: The Sudetes Mts. (Southwestern Poland). Methods: A total of 399 vegetation relevés from own field studies and the literature were sorted into groups that match the higher syntaxa of the EuroVegChecklist and associations described in the literature. Diagnostic species of the so delimited associations were determined with the phi-coefficient of association, and maps of the associations produced. Direct ordination methods were applied to identify the main environmental gradients shaping the plant communities. Results: We distinguished nine associations, belonging to four alliances: submontane and colline communities (Petasition officinalis: Geranio phaei-Urticetum dioicae, Petasitetum hybridi, Chaerophyllo hirsuti-Petasitetum albi, Prenanthetum purpureae), upper montane nitrophilous communities (Rumicion alpini: Rumicetum alpini); subalpine communities with a dominance of graminoids and ferns (Calamagrostion villosae: Poo chaixii-Deschampsietum cespitosae, Crepido conyzifoliae-Calamagrostietum villosae, Athyrietum filicis-feminae) and subalpine tall-herb communities (Adenostylion alliariae: Cicerbitetum alpinae). Altitude, light availability, and bedrock type, which determines nutrient availability and soil reaction, played an important role in differentiating the studied communities. Conclusions: For convenience, we placed the four alliances in four separate orders as in the EuroVegChecklist. The fact that our ordination diagram separated only two main groups suggests the need of further research in this matter. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med (2006-) for vascular plants. Syntaxonomic reference: Higher syntaxa follow Mucina et al. (2016). Abbreviations: db-RDA = distance-based redundancy analysis; EIV = Ellenberg indicator value; pANOVA = permutational analysis of variance; PCoA = principal coordinates analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.72194

Authors: Miguel Alvarez, Federico Luebert

Abstract: Aims: The Braun-Blanquet approach has been widely implemented to generate classification schemes at the country level and Chile is not an exception. In spite of numerous studies, a revised system for the whole country is still missing and most of the current surveys are restricted to a small set of vegetation groups or specific study sites. To fill this gap, we established a vegetation-plot database and updated the classification into a single syntaxonomic scheme. We also performed a comparison of this scheme with the formation system following the EcoVeg approach. Study area: Continental Chile. Methods: We compiled a database of 1,582 plot observations, which are classified into 29 classes, 43 orders, 65 alliances, and 162 associations according to the Braun-Blanquet approach. Results: These observations were assigned to 7 formation classes, 10 subclasses and 19 formations in the EcoVeg approach. There are several mismatches between phytosociological classes and EcoVeg formations, which indicates some inconsistencies in the current stage of syntaxonomy in Chile. Besides a big contrast on bioclimatic conditions within the country’s territory, the occurrence of intrazonal vegetation may explain the high diversity of phytosociological associations recorded in this database. Conclusions: This work may constitute the basis for the implementation of the EcoVeg classification at the levels of alliance and association and can be extended for other countries in the South American sub-continent.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.68006

Authors: Angie Montenegro-Hoyos, Nanette Vega, Reynaldo Linares-Palomino

Abstract: Aims: There is extensive documentation of the floristic composition and plant diversity patterns in the South American coastal deserts and the adjoining arid Puna. Surprisingly, the vegetation along the transition zone from these deserts in the coastal lowlands to the Puna highlands has been little studied. The main goal of this study was to characterize and compare the structure of plant communities in two localities in the Ica department, with the aim of contributing to the floristic knowledge of the desertic western Andean slopes along the lowlands to Andean transition zone. Study area: Huancacasa and La Bolivar localities located at approximately 740 and 3,000 m a.s.l. in the Ica department, Peru. Methods: We sampled 10 plots of 100 m × 60 m located between 740–1,600 m a.s.l. in La Bolivar and 15 modified Whittaker plots (MWPs) of 20 m × 5 m located between 2,800–3,000 m a.s.l. in Huancacasa and recorded species richness and abundance. We estimated alpha diversity, performed Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) and one-way Similarity (ANOSIM) analyses and plotted rank-abundance curves. Results: We recorded 215 species and morphospecies with coastal and Andean distribution, including 43 species (21.3%) that are either considered endemic to Peru or have been considered under some form of threat by Peruvian or international standards. Both plant communities differed in terms of composition, species richness, abundance, and dominant growth form, with higher values in the communities located at higher elevations. We added 83 species as new records for the Ica department. Conclusions: Our research reinforced the need to increase exploration and documentation of the vegetation within the lowland to highland transition zone along the dry western slopes of the Andes. Our results from such a transition in Ica department in southern Peru, show that much of its plant diversity seems to be, as yet, largely unknown. Taxonomic reference: The Plant List (2013). Abbreviations: ANOSIM = one-way Analysis of Similarities; BMAP = Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment Program; IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature; NMDS = Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling; USM = Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Herbarium).

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.67537

Authors: Patrick J. Comer, Jon C. Hak, Daryn Dockter, Jim Smith

Abstract: Aims: Natural resource management and biodiversity conservation rely on inventories of vegetation that span multiple management or political jurisdictions. However, while remote sensing data and analytical tools have enabled production of maps at increasing spatial resolution and reliability, there are limited examples where national or continental-scaled maps are produced to represent vegetation at high thematic detail. We illustrate two examples that have bridged the gap between traditional land cover mapping and modern vegetation classification. Study area: Our two case studies include national (USA) and continental (North and South America) vegetation and land cover mapping. These studies span conditions from subpolar to tropical latitudes of the Americas. Methods: Both case studies used a supervised modeling approach with the International Vegetation Classification (IVC) to produce maps that provide for greater thematic detail. Georeferenced locations for these vegetation types are used by machine learning algorithms to train a predictive model and generate a distribution map. Results: The USA LANDFIRE (Landscape Fire and Resource Management Planning Tools Project) case study illustrates how a history of vegetation-based classification and availability of key inputs can come together to generate standard map products covering more than 9.8 million km2 that are unsurpassed anywhere in the world in terms of spatial and thematic resolution. That being said, it also remains clear that mapping at the thematic resolution of the IVC Group and finer resolution require very large and spatially balanced inputs of georeferenced samples. Even with extensive prior data collection efforts, these remain a key limitation. The NatureServe effort for the Americas - encompassing 22% of the global land surface - demonstrates methods and outputs suitable for worldwide application at continental scales. Conclusions: Continued collection of input data used in the case studies could enable mapping at these spatial and thematic resolutions around the globe. Abbreviations: CART = Classification and Regression Tree; CONUS = Conterminous United States; DSWE = Dynamic Surface Water Extent; EPA = United States Environmental Protection Agency; FGDC = Federal Geographic Data Committee; IVC = International Vegetation Classification; LANDFIRE = Landscape Fire and Resource Management Planning Tools Project; LFRDB = LANDFIRE Reference Database; LiDAR = Light Detection and Ranging; NDVI = Normalized Difference Vegetation Index; NLCD = National Land Cover Database; USNVC = United States National Vegetation Classification; USA = United States of America; WWF = World Wildlife Fund or Worldwide Fund for Nature.

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DOI: 10.3897/VCS.67893

Authors: Federico Luebert, Patricio Pliscoff

Abstract: Aims: Chilean vegetation has previously received considerable attention, and several classifications are currently available. The most recent of these was presented for the first time in 2006 and updated in 2017 by the authors. Although widely utilized by researchers both in Chile and Latin America, this information is only available in Spanish, which hampers its usefulness for a broader scientific audience. Here, we provide an overview of the methods and the resulting classification and propose a correspondence between Chilean classification and the International Vegetation Classification (IVC) following the EcoVeg scheme. Study area: Continental Chile. Methods: Based on the criteria of the EcoVeg approach, we established a linkage of zonal and azonal vegetation units to the macrogroup level and to the formation classes of the IVC. We also generated a map to facilitate crosswalk between the classifications. Results: We recognize 23 macrogroups, 13 divisions and 11 formations of zonal vegetation, including three newly proposed macrogroups, one division and one formation. We further recognize 23 macrogroups, 23 divisions and 17 formations of intrazonal vegetation. Together, they encompass all six formation classes of natural vegetation of the IVC. We highlight those units so far not mentioned for Chile in the IVC. Finally, we provide a map of macrogroups and discuss the limitations and prospects of this approach for the classification of Chilean vegetation. Conclusions: Chilean zonal vegetation was successfully accommodated in the IVC down to the macrogroup level. The process of linking Chilean zonal vegetation and macrogroups led us to a few suggestions that may be used to improve the IVC. Taxonomic reference: Zuloaga et al. (2008). Abbreviations: IVC = International Vegetation Classification

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