Latest Articles from Vegetation Classification and Survey Latest 48 Articles from Vegetation Classification and Survey https://vcs.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 10:20:03 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://vcs.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Vegetation Classification and Survey https://vcs.pensoft.net/ How to classify forests? A case study from Central Europe https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/117703/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 5: 17-26

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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Research Paper Fri, 1 Mar 2024 09:13:15 +0200
Invasive species over-stabilise the vegetation of a mobile dunefield, Manawatū, New Zealand, disrupting natural succession https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/98391/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 343-360

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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Research Paper Fri, 22 Dec 2023 17:31:52 +0200
Classification and nomenclature of temperate forest types in Mexico https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/100796/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 329-341

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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Research Paper Wed, 13 Dec 2023 17:51:04 +0200
Syntaxonomic classification of forb steppes and related vegetation of subalpine and alpine belts in the Pamir-Alai Mountains (Tajikistan, Middle Asia) https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/102634/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 291-317

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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Research Paper Fri, 24 Nov 2023 18:02:39 +0200
A first syntaxonomic description of the vegetation of the Karstveld in Namibia https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/99045/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 241-284

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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Research Paper Tue, 24 Oct 2023 18:28:19 +0300
Transcaucasian Vegetation Database – a phytosociological database of the Southern Caucasus https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/105521/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 231-240

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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Long Database Report Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:55:56 +0300
Vegetation survey methodology in arable weeds is reported with less detail from vegetation science than weed science https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/105300/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 209-218

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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Review and Synthesis Mon, 2 Oct 2023 16:05:30 +0300
Vegetation types of the Arid Chaco in Central-Western Argentina https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/100532/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 167-188

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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Research Paper Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:43:53 +0300
Ecological and structural differentiation of the Sudanian woodlands in the Biosphere Reserve of Pendjari, Benin https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/91126/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 139-165

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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Research Paper Wed, 19 Jul 2023 08:40:00 +0300
Should we estimate plant cover in percent or on ordinal scales? https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/98379/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 131-138

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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VCS Methods Fri, 7 Jul 2023 17:00:03 +0300
Vegetation structure and composition at different elevational intervals in the arid Tankwa Karoo National Park, South Africa https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/86310/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 115-126

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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Research Paper Fri, 7 Jul 2023 17:00:01 +0300
Proposal (31) to conserve the name Brachypodietalia pinnati Korneck 1974 as a nomen conservandum with a conserved type https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/100985/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 63-68

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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Nomenclatural Proposal Tue, 11 Apr 2023 21:54:29 +0300
Modeling the potential distribution of floristic assemblages of high Andean wetlands dominated by Juncaceae and Cyperaceae in the Argentine Puna https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/95779/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 47-58

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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Research Paper Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:15:02 +0200
Plant diversity in traditional agroecosystems of North Morocco https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/86024/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 31-45

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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Research Paper Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:15:01 +0200
Vegetation Classification and Survey in the third year https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/100394/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 1-6

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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Editorial Fri, 13 Jan 2023 07:59:28 +0200
VegAndes: the vegetation database for the Latin American highlands https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/95750/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 287-296

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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Long Database Report Fri, 30 Dec 2022 17:51:08 +0200
Distribution of graminoids in open habitats in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/95767/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 273-286

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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Research Paper Tue, 20 Dec 2022 18:34:02 +0200
A vegetation classification and description of Telperion Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/85209/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 199-219

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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Research Paper Thu, 3 Nov 2022 08:52:46 +0200
Vegetation classification of Stipa steppes in China, with reference to the International Vegetation Classification https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/72875/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 121-144

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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Research Paper Wed, 29 Jun 2022 12:24:17 +0300
Vegetation classification for northwestern Arctic Alaska using an EcoVeg approach: tussock tundra and low and tall willow groups and alliances https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/65469/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 87-117

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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Research Paper Tue, 12 Apr 2022 14:00:28 +0300
Diversity of Mulgedio-Aconitetea communities in the Sudetes Mts. (SW Poland) in the Central European context https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/70200/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 67-86

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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Research Paper Wed, 9 Mar 2022 09:56:23 +0200
Plant diversity and structure in desert communities of the Andean piedmont in Ica, Peru https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/68006/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 53-66

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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Research Paper Mon, 7 Mar 2022 09:56:37 +0200
Integration of vegetation classification with land cover mapping: lessons from regional mapping efforts in the Americas https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/67537/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 29-43

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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Research Paper Tue, 15 Feb 2022 16:24:53 +0200
Fine-grain beta diversity in Palaearctic open vegetation: variability within and between biomes and vegetation types https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/77193/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 293-304

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/77193

Authors: Iwona Dembicz, Jürgen Dengler, François Gillet, Thomas J. Matthews, Manuel J. Steinbauer, Sándor Bartha, Juan Antonio Campos, Pieter De Frenne, Jiri Dolezal, Itziar García-Mijangos, Riccardo Guarino, Behlül Güler, Anna Kuzemko, Alireza Naqinezhad, Jalil Noroozi, Robert K Peet, Massimo Terzi, Idoia Biurrun

Abstract: Aims: To quantify how fine-grain (within-plot) beta diversity differs among biomes and vegetation types. Study area: Palaearctic biogeographic realm. Methods: We extracted 4,654 nested-plot series with at least four different grain sizes between 0.0001 m² and 1,024 m² from the GrassPlot database spanning broad geographic and ecological gradients. Next, we calculated the slope parameter (z-value) of the power-law species–area relationship (SAR) to use as a measure of multiplicative beta diversity. We did this separately for vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens and for the three groups combined (complete vegetation). We then tested whether z-values differed between biomes, ecological-physiognomic vegetation types at coarse and fine levels and phytosociological classes. Results: We found that z-values varied significantly among biomes and vegetation types. The explanatory power of area for species richness was highest for vascular plants, followed by complete vegetation, bryophytes and lichens. Within each species group, the explained variance increased with typological resolution. In vascular plants, adjusted R2 was 0.14 for biomes, but reached 0.50 for phytosociological classes. Among the biomes, mean z-values were particularly high in the Subtropics with winter rain (Mediterranean biome) and the Dry tropics and subtropics. Natural grasslands had higher z-values than secondary grasslands. Alpine and Mediterranean vegetation types had particularly high z-values whereas managed grasslands with benign soil and climate conditions and saline communities were characterised by particularly low z-values. Conclusions: In this study relating fine-grain beta diversity to typological units, we found distinct patterns. As we explain in a conceptual figure, these can be related to ultimate drivers, such as productivity, stress and disturbance, which can influence z-values via multiple pathways. The provided means, medians and quantiles of z-values for a wide range of typological entities provide benchmarks for local to continental studies, while calling for additional data from under-represented units. Syntaxonomic references: Mucina et al. (2016) for classes occurring in Europe; Ermakov (2012) for classes restricted to Asia. Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance; EDGG = Eurasian Dry Grassland Group; SAR = species-area relationship.

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Research Paper Thu, 30 Dec 2021 18:09:36 +0200
Braun-Blanquet meets EcoVeg: a formation and division level classification of European phytosociological units https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/71299/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 275-291

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/71299

Authors: Wolfgang Willner, Don Faber-Langendoen

Abstract: Aims: To link the Braun-Blanquet units of the EuroVegChecklist (EVC) with the upper levels of the International Vegetation Classification (IVC), and to propose a division level classification for Europe. Study area: Europe. Methods: We established a tabular linkage between EVC classes and IVC formations and identified mismatches between these two levels. We then proposed IVC division level units to organize EVC classes. Results: We organized the EVC classes into 21 formations and 30 divisions. We flagged classes that did not fit comfortably within an existing formation, either because its content corresponded to more than one formation or because it did not fit any formation description. In a few cases, we split EVC classes because they seemed too heterogenous to be assigned to a single formation. Conclusions: The IVC approach adds a set of physiognomic and ecological criteria that effectively organizes the EVC classes, which are already being increasingly informed by physiognomy. Therefore, the formation concepts are relatively natural extensions of concepts already embedded in the classes. However, physiognomic placement of Braun-Blanquet classes can be difficult when the sampling of the vegetation is at finer grain than usual in the respective formation (tall-scrub, annual pioneer communities). Some EVC classes seem too heterogenous to fit into the IVC formation system. Delimitation of these classes has often been a matter of debate for many decades, and the IVC perspective might help to solve these intricate issues. In other cases, mismatches between phytosociological classes and IVC formations might better be solved by emending the current formation concepts. Abbreviations: BB = Braun-Blanquet; EVC = EuroVegChecklist; IVC = International Vegetation Classification.

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Review and Synthesis Mon, 13 Dec 2021 11:51:42 +0200
Regional typology of spring vegetation in Parc Ela (Grisons, Switzerland) https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/69101/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 257-274

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/69101

Authors: Hallie Seiler, Daniel Küry, Regula Billeter, Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: Aims: The spring habitats of Central Europe are insular biotopes of high ecological value. Although subject to severe exploitation pressures, they do not yet have a comprehensive protection status in Switzerland. Contributing to this challenge is the controversy involved with their syntaxonomic classification. In the context of the development of a regional conservation strategy and the establishment of a national inventory of Swiss springs, we carried out a regional survey of spring vegetation and aimed to translate this into a classification system. Study area: Montane and subalpine zones of Parc Ela (Grisons, Switzerland). Methods: We selected 20 springs to cover different regions, elevations and bedrock types within the park. In each of them we recorded complete vascular plant and bryophyte composition as well as a range of environmental variables in three 1-m² plots that were placed to reflect the heterogeneity within the spring. After running an unsupervised classification with modified TWINSPAN, the distinguished vegetation units were characterized in terms of diagnostic species, species richness and environmental variables and placed within the syntaxonomic system. Results: Species richness was high (total species 264, mean 21.7 species in 1 m2). The two most important environmental gradients of the ordination were elevation/water conductivity and insolation/water pH/soil reaction EIV. We distinguished seven communities within two main groups. Conclusions: All unshaded springs, including those over siliceous bedrock, could be assigned to a broadly defined Cratoneurion. The petrifying springs were not strongly distinguishable floristically from other base-rich springs. The forest springs, although often not clearly differentiated from their unshaded counterparts, could be provisionally divided into the alliances Caricion remotae and Lycopodo europaei-Cratoneurion commutati. As there is a certain threat to these habitats in the park due to anthropogenic influence, protection measures are recommended, most importantly the appropriate management of alpine pastures. Taxonomic reference: Juillerat et al. (2017) for vascular plants, Meier et al. (2013) for bryophytes. Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance; DCA = detrended correspondence analysis; EIV = ecological indicator value; FOEN = Federal Office of the Environment (Switzerland); NCHO = Ordinance on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage; SD = standard deviation; TWINSPAN = Two Way Indicator Species Analysis; WPA = Federal Act on the Protection of Waters.

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Research Paper Mon, 13 Dec 2021 11:51:34 +0200
Poplar box woodlands of Eastern Australia: an assessment of a threatened ecological community within the IVC framework https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/71216/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 241-255

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/71216

Authors: John T. Hunter, Eda Addicott

Abstract: Aims: Ecosystems nationally at risk in Australia are listed under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC Act), and many cross State jurisdictional boundaries. The determination of these ecosystems across the State boundaries are based on expert knowledge. The International Vegetation Classification has the potential to be useful as a cross-jurisdictional hierarchy which also gives global perspective to ecosystems. Study Area: All bioregions that include Eucalyptus populnea as a dominant or major component of woodlands across the species known distribution. Methods: We use plot-based data (455 plots) from two states (Queensland and New South Wales) in eastern Australia and quantitative classification methods to assess the definition and description for the Poplar Box Woodland ecosystem type (hereafter “ecological community” or “community”) that is listed as endangered under the EPBC Act. Analyses were conducted using kR-CLUSTER methods to generate alliances. Within these alliances, analyses were undertaken to define associations using agglomerative hierarchical clustering and similarity profile testing (SIMPROF). We then explore how assigning this community into the IVC hierarchy may provide a mechanism for linking Australian communities, defined at the association and alliance levels, to international communities at risk. Results: We define three alliances and 23 associations based on the results of floristic analysis. Using the standard rule-set of the IVC system, we found that the IVC hierarchy was a useful instrument in correlating ecological communities across jurisdictional boundaries where different classification systems are used. It is potentially important in giving a broader understanding of communities that may be at risk continentally and globally. Conclusions: We conclude that the IVC hierarchy can incorporate Australian communities at the association level into useful units at higher levels, and provides a useful classification tool for Australian ecosystems. Taxonomic reference: PlantNET (http://plantnet/10rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/) [accessed June 2019]. Abbreviations: EPBC Act = Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act; IVC = International Vegetation Classification; NMDS = non-metric multidimensional scaling; NSW = New South Wales; PCT = Plant Community Type; QLD = Queensland; RE = Regional Vegetation Community; SIMPER = similarity percentage analysis; SIMPROF = Similarity profile analysis.

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Research Paper Mon, 6 Dec 2021 10:43:50 +0200
Grasslands of Navarre (Spain), focusing on the Festuco-Brometea: classification, hierarchical expert system and characterisation https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/69614/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 195-231

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/69614

Authors: Itziar García-Mijangos, Asun Berastegi, Idoia Biurrun, Iwona Dembicz, Monika Janišová, Anna Kuzemko, Denys Vynokurov, Didem Ambarlı, Javier Etayo, Goffredo Filibeck, Ute Jandt, Rayna Natcheva, Oktay Yildiz, Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: Aims: To clarify the syntaxonomic position of the grasslands in Navarre, with special focus on the dry grasslands, and to characterise the resulting syntaxonomic units in terms of diagnostic species and ecological conditions. Study area: Navarre (northern Spain). Methods: We sampled 119 plots of 10 m2 following the standardised EDGG methodology and analysed them together with 839 plots of similar size recorded in the 1990. For the classification, we used the modified TWINSPAN algorithm, complemented by the determination of diagnostic species with phi coefficients of association, which led to the creation of an expert system. We conducted these steps in a hierarchical manner for each syntaxonomic rank. We visualised the position of the syntaxa along environmental gradients by means of NMDS. Species richness, and structural and ecological characteristics of the syntaxa were compared by ANOVAs. Results: We could clearly identify five phytosociological classes: Lygeo-Stipetea, Festuco-Brometea, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, Nardetea strictae, and Elyno-Seslerietea. Within the Festuco-Brometea a xeric and a meso-xeric order could be distinguished, with two alliances each, and eight associations in total: Thymelaeo-Aphyllanthetum, Jurineo-Festucetum, Helianthemo-Koelerietum, Prunello-Plantaginetum, Carduncello-Brachypodietum, Helictotricho-Seslerietum, Calamintho-Seselietum and Carici-Teucrietum. Conclusions: The combination of numerical methods allowed a consistent and more objective classification of grassland types in Navarre than previous approaches. At the association level, we could largely reproduce the units previously described with traditional phytosociological methods. By contrast, at higher syntaxonomic level, our analyses suggest significant modifications. Most importantly, a major part of the units traditionally included in the Festuco-Ononidetea seem to fall within the Festuco-Brometea. We could show that bryophytes and lichens are core elements of these grasslands and particularly the Mediterranean ones of Lygeo-Stipetea, both in terms of biodiversity and of diagnostic species. We conclude that the combination of our different numerical methods is promising for deriving more objective and reproducible delimitations of syntaxa in a hierarchical manner. Taxonomic references: Euro+Med (2006–2021) for vascular plants, Hodges et al. (2020) for bryophytes and The British Lichen Society (2021) for lichens, except for Endocarpon loscosii, Heppia lutosa, Psora saviczii and P. vallesiaca, which follow Nimis and Martellos (2021), and Buellia zoharyi, Fulgensia poeltii, Lichenochora clauzadei and Toninia massata, which follow Llimona et al. (2001). Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016), except for those syntaxa specifically treated here and given with authorities. Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance; EDGG = Eurasian Dry Grassland Group; NMDS: non-metric multidimensional scaling; TWINSPAN = Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis.

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Research Paper Mon, 6 Dec 2021 10:40:33 +0200
The vegetation of rich fens (Sphagno warnstorfii-Tomentypnion nitentis) at the southeastern margins of their European range https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/69118/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 177-190

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/69118

Authors: Michal Hájek, Petra Hájková, Iva Apostolova, Desislava Sopotlieva, Irina Goia, Daniel Dítě

Abstract: Question: Rich fens of the Sphagno warnstorfii-Tomentypnion nitentis alliance require a specific combination of base richness and climate to occur. Their rarity at the southeastern margins of their European range has previously prevented rigorous vegetation classification. We asked how many associations may be delimited here and whether some of them are restricted to the high Balkan Mountains showing high endemicity. Study area: Entire territories of Bulgaria and Romania. Methods: We compiled all available vegetation-plot records, including some hitherto unprocessed data. We classified them by both divisive (modified TWINSPAN) and agglomerative (beta-flexible clustering) numerical classification method, with OPTIMCLASS1 applied to set the number of clusters. A semi-supervised approach (k-means) was additionally applied to confirm the classification of Southern-Carpathian (Romania) rich fens, where some Balkan taxa occur. Differences in base richness and elevation were tested by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s pairwise test. Results: Three associations were delimited and all three occur in Bulgaria, from where only one association had been previously reported. Two associations characterised by Sphagnum contortum and Balkan and Southern-European species occur in Bulgaria, but not in Romania, one at lower elevations around 1,200 m, and one at higher elevations around 2,000 m where pH is lower. One lower-elevation (around 1,300 m) association with S. warnstorfii and S. teres is shared between Romania, Bulgaria and Central Europe. Conclusions: We have described a new high-mountain association, with two subassociations that differ by successional stage and dominant peat moss species (S. contortum and S. warnstorfii, respectively). These subassociations could be reconsidered when more data from other Balkan countries are available. Rich fens in southeastern Europe are rare, have a diverse vegetation, and are deserving of the further attention of nature conservation authorities and vegetation scientists. Taxonomic reference: The nomenclature was harmonized following The Euro+Med PlantBase (Euro+Med 2021) for vascular plants and Hill et al. (2006) for bryophytes, except of Angelica pancicii that is accepted as a separate taxon in Bulgaria (Andreev et al. 1992; Delipavlov et al. 2003). Critical taxa, not always reliably differentiated in the field and in literary sources, were merged to aggregates: Alchemilla vulgaris agg. (all Alchemilla species), Anthoxanthum odoratum agg. (A. alpinum, A. odoratum), Molinia caerulea agg. (M. arundinacea subsp. arundinacea, M. arundinacea subsp. freyi, M. caerulea), Palustriella commutata agg. (P. commutata, P. falcata), Plagiomnium affine agg. (P. affine, P. elatum, P. ellipticum), Sphagnum palustre agg. (S. centrale, S. palustre). Syntaxonomic reference: Peterka et al. (2017) for alliances.

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Research Paper Thu, 7 Oct 2021 16:50:27 +0300
Xeric grasslands of the inner-alpine dry valleys of Austria – new insights into syntaxonomy, diversity and ecology https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/68594/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 133-157

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/68594

Authors: Martin Magnes, Wolfgang Willner, Monika Janišová, Helmut Mayrhofer, Elías Afif Khouri, Christian Berg, Anna Kuzemko, Philipp Kirschner, Riccardo Guarino, Harald Rötzer, Elena Belonovskaya, Asun Berastegi, Idoia Biurrun, Itziar García-Mijangos, Ermin Masic, Jürgen Dengler, Iwona Dembicz

Abstract: Aims: We studied the syntaxonomic position, biodiversity, ecological features, nature conservation value and current status of dry grasslands investigated by Josias Braun-Blanquet more than 60 years ago. Study area: Inner-alpine valleys of Austria. Methods: We sampled 67 plots of 10 m2, following the standardized EDGG methodology. We subjected our plots to an unsupervised classification with the modified TWINSPAN algorithm and interpreted the branches of the dendrogram syntaxonomically. Biodiversity, structural and ecological characteristics of the resulting vegetation units at association and order level were compared by ANOVAs. Results: All the examined grasslands belong to the class Festuco-Brometea. From ten distinguished clusters, we could assign four clusters to validly published associations, while the remaining six clusters were named tentatively. We classified them into three orders: Stipo-Festucetalia pallentis (Armerio elongatae-Potentilletum arenariae, Phleo phleoidis-Pulsatilletum nigricantis, Medicago minima-Melica ciliata community, Koelerio pyramidatae-Teucrietum montani), Festucetalia valesiacae (Sempervivum tectorum-Festuca valesiaca community); Brachypodietalia pinnati (Astragalo onobrychidis-Brometum erecti, Agrostis capillaris-Avenula adsurgens community, Anthericum ramosum-Brachypodium pinnatum community, Ranunculus bulbosus-Festuca rubra community, Carduus defloratus-Brachypodium pinnatum community). Conclusions: The ten distinguished dry grassland communities of the Austrian inner-alpine valleys differ in their ecological affinities as well as their vascular plant, bryophyte and lichen diversity. We point out their high nature conservation importance, as each of them presents a unique habitat of high value. Taxonomic reference: Names of vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens follow Fischer et al. (2008), Frahm and Frey (2004) and Nimis et al. (2018), respectively. Syntaxonomic reference: Names of orders and classes follow Mucina et al. (2016), references for associations and alliances are given in the text. Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance; DCA: detrended correspondence analyses; EDGG: Eurasian Dry Grassland Group; EIV: ecological indicator value; FL: Fließ; GR: Griffen; GU: Gulsen; KA: Kaunerberg; LA: Laudegg castle in Ladis; MA: Marin; NM: Neumarkt in der Steiermark; OM: Obermauern; PÖ: Pöls; PU: Puxer Loch; TWINSPAN = Two-way indicator species analysis; ZS: Zinizachspitze.

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Research Paper Fri, 1 Oct 2021 17:00:02 +0300
Long term changes of the inner-alpine steppe vegetation: the dry grassland communities of the Vinschgau (South Tyrol, Italy) 40–50 years after the first vegetation mapping https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/65217/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 117-131

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/65217

Authors: Maximilian Lübben, Brigitta Erschbamer

Abstract: Aims: The Vinschgau is the driest inner-alpine valley in the Eastern Alps and harbours a unique steppe vegetation. We studied these dry grassland communities and aimed to answer the following questions: Which plant communities can be found currently? Do the syntaxa described by Braun-Blanquet in the 1960s still prevail in the area? Has there been any change in species composition over the last 40–50 years? Study area: Along an approximately 40 km transect, the south-facing slopes of the Vinschgau valley (South Tyrol, Italy) from Mals to Plaus were investigated. Methods: For the classification, 92 relevés were sampled in 2019 and compared with 76 relevés from the 1960s and ´70s by means of vegetation tables and ordinations (Detrended Correspondence Analysis). Results: Based on our investigation, the majority of dry grassland communities can be classified as Festuco-Caricetum supinae. Three subassociations were defined by the dominant species Stipa capillata, Bothriochloa ischaemum and Stipa pennata agg. The comparison of new and old relevés shows an increase in species from the class Sedo-Scleranthetea (e.g. Trifolium arvense, Erodium cicutarium) and the association Artemisieto-Agropyretum. In addition, ruderal elements (e.g. Erigeron annuus, Convolvulus arvensis) have also migrated into dry grasslands. A shift in the dominance over time can be recognized as well. In particular, Festuca rupicola and to some extent also Stipa capillata, have increased in abundance and frequency. Conclusions: We suggest to include the investigated closed dry grasslands in the alliance Festucion valesiacae. The rank of the character species at association, alliance and order level should be re-analysed. In order to obtain a better syntaxonomic overview of western and eastern alpine dry grassland communities in relation to Eastern European dry grasslands, a comprehensive study is absolutely necessary. Furthermore, long-term vegetation dynamics and vegetation change need to be studied in more detailed future studies. Taxonomic reference: Fischer et al. (2008). Syntaxonomic references: Mucina et al. (2016) for syntaxa from alliance to class level; Braun-Blanquet (1961) for associations. Abbreviations: agg. = aggregate; cf. = confer (means ‘compare’); DCA = Detrended Correspondence Analysis; s. lat. = sensu lato; s. str. = sensu stricto

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Research Paper Fri, 1 Oct 2021 17:00:01 +0300
Terrestrial biomes: a conceptual review https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/61463/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 73-85

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/61463

Authors: John Hunter, Scott Franklin, Sarah Luxton, Javier Loidi

Abstract: Aims: We attempt to review the conceptualisation, science and classification of biomes and propose to limit the definition of a biome to potential natural vegetation as determined by general environmental variables. Results: Classifying the distribution and abundance of vegetation types on earth has been a central tenet of vegetation science since Humboldt’s classic studies in the early 1800s. While the importance of such classifications only grows in the wake of extreme changes, this review demonstrates that there are many fundamentally different approaches to define biomes, hitherto with limited efforts for unifying concepts among disciplines. Consequently, there is little congruence between the resulting maps, and widely used biome maps fail to delimit areas with consistent climate profiles. Conclusions: Gaps of knowledge are directly related to research avenues, and suggestions for defining and classifying biomes, as well as modelling their distributions, are provided. These suggestions highlight the primary importance of the climate, argue against using anthropogenic drivers to define biomes and stabilize the concept of biome to escape from the current polysemy. The last two decades have seen an emergence of new approaches, e.g., using satellite imagery to determine growth patterns of vegetation, leading to defining biomes based on the objective, observable qualities of the vegetation based on current reality.

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Review and Synthesis Wed, 30 Jun 2021 09:47:48 +0300
Syntaxonomy of the xero-mesophytic oak forests in the Republic of Tatarstan (Eastern Europe) https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/39583/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 47-58

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/39583

Authors: Maria Kozhevnikova, Vadim Prokhorov

Abstract: Aims: To develop a syntaxonomic classification of the xero-mesophytic broad-leaved oak forests of the Republic of Tatarstan with a preliminary analysis of their unique ecological features. Study area: The Republic of Tatarstan (European part of the Russian Federation). Methods: A total of 91 relevés were processed. Most of them (73.6%) were sampled in Tatarstan during 2016 and 2017, the remaining ones (26.4%) were historical published data. They were classified by means of a modified TWINSPAN algorithm using total inertia as a heterogeneity measure. Diagnostic, constant, and dominant species were identified using analytical tools in the JUICE 7.0 program. Results: The xero-mesophytic forests of the study area were assigned to four clusters. We describe two of them as new associations: Astragalo ciceri-Quercetum roboris ass. nova and Sanguisorbo officinalis-Quercetum roboris ass. nova. We classify them within the class Quercetea pubescentis. Conclusions: Our study is the first attempt to classify thermophilous and xero-mesophytic oak forests of the Republic of Tatarstan using the Braun-Blanquet system. Taxonomic reference: Czerepanov (1995). Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016) unless stated otherwise in the text. Abbreviations: GIVD = Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases; NMDS = Non-metric multidimensional scaling.

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Research Paper Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:24:32 +0300
Global Vegetation Project: An Interactive Online Map of Open-Access Vegetation Photos https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/60575/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 41-45

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/60575

Authors: Jesse R. Fleri, Sienna A. Wessel, David H. Atkins, Nicholas W. Case, Shannon E. Albeke, Daniel C. Laughlin

Abstract: The Global Vegetation Project (http://gveg.wyobiodiversity.org) is a new initiative to host an online database of open-access, georeferenced vegetation photos. The mission of the Global Vegetation Project is ‘to inspire and empower people of all ages to learn about the diversity of vegetation on our planet and to provide educators with a resource for teaching ecology online’. The beta release includes two R-Shiny web applications that allow users to 1) submit photos of plant communities through a user-friendly online portal and 2) explore submissions made by others through an interactive global map. The spatial coordinates of each photo are used to extract information about the location including long-term and recent climate data to create Walter and Leith climate diagrams for each photo. User submitted photos can be filtered by biome, temperature, precipitation, and elevation on the map. The Global Vegetation Project will evolve to match the needs of vegetation scientists and ecology educators. We intend to enhance the educational value of the mapping application by incorporating additional search features, global data layers, and the publication of curricula geared towards primary, secondary, and post-secondary education. We encourage the global community of vegetation scientists to use this resource in their classrooms and to contribute photos of vegetation to grow this valuable resource for the world.

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Report Wed, 14 Apr 2021 13:42:51 +0300
Grassland with tradition: sampling across several scientific disciplines https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/60739/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 19-35

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/60739

Authors: Monika Janišová, Anamaria Iuga, Cosmin Marius Ivașcu, Martin Magnes

Abstract: The traditional, low-input use of grassland in Central and Eastern Europe has provided high-quality food, clothing and manure for millennia. As an outcome of sustainable low-intensity agriculture, some rural areas have globally significant species richness. Traditional farming is still well preserved in several regions of the Carpathian Mountains. This is a unique opportunity to use the wisdom of our ancestors to keep grassland biodiversity for our descendants. We present a sampling methodology to survey traditionally managed grassland ecosystems holistically, including abiotic, biological and cultural phenomena, and reflect thus the multidimensionality of traditional farming. Our main objective was to reveal the connection between particular management practices and precisely measured plot plant diversity. Our motivation was to identify traditional farming approaches that result in both high biodiversity and sustainable grassland utilization in particular region, and confirm their impact also using statistical tests. The multitaxon vegetation sampling at seven spatial scales combined with soil analyses, detailed land-use information derived from interviews with the land parcel owners, satellite pictures and historical materials provide potentially valuable data for several scientific disciplines including syntaxonomy, plant ecology, environmental anthropology and ethnology. Examples of grassland management practices based on traditional ecological knowledge can serve as an inspiration for developing modern biodiversity conservation strategies applicable for rural regions. The database Grassland with Tradition is registered in Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases (GIVD) with the identifier ID EU-00-032. To date it contains data from 31 study sites in 7 countries (Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Ukraine). Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016).

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VCS Methods Wed, 17 Feb 2021 20:10:30 +0200
Floristic patterns of the neotropical forests, savannas and scrublands with Trithrinax campestris (Arecaceae) in central Argentina https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/59384/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 5-18

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/59384

Authors: Sebastián R. Zeballos, Marcelo R. Cabido, Juan J. Cantero, Alicia T.R. Acosta, M. Virginia Palchetti, Juan Argarañaz, Paula I. Marcora, Paula A. Tecco, Ana Ferreras, Guillermo Funes, Victoria M. Vaieretti, Georgina Conti, Melisa A. Giorgis

Abstract: Aims: Trithrinax campestris is one of the palm species with the southernmost distribution in the Neotropics. Despite that the vegetation types in which T. campestris occurs are nowadays heavily threatened by land use and land cover changes, their floristic composition and structure are still to be documented. In order to characterize T. campestris habitats, the aim of this study was to describe the floristic composition of the vegetation types in which this palm occurs and their relationships with different environmental factors. Study area: The survey was conducted in central Argentina in an area comprising the southern extreme of the distribution of T. campestris in the following phytogeographic areas: Espinal, Lowland and Mountain Chaco. Methods: Following the Braun-Blanquet approach we collected 92 floristic relevés recording a total of 601 vascular plant species. Vegetation was classified through the ISOPAM hierarchical analysis. Bioclimatic and elevation data were related to the floristic data through the ISOMAP ordination. Remote-sensed images (Landsat TM, ETM+ and OLI) were used to characterize the fire frequency in the 92 stands. Results: Four vegetation types that differed in floristic composition and in diagnostic species were discriminated: 1.1 Celtis tala/Sida rhombifolia closed forest; 1.2 Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco/Prosopis kuntzei open forest; 2.1 Jarava pseudoichu/Vachellia caven open savanna; and 2.2 Acalypha variabilis/Nassella cordobensis scrubland. The ISOMAP ordination showed that differences in floristic composition were related to elevation, topography and climatic variables.Out of the 92 stands, only 21 showed the occurrence of fires during the period 1999–2018. Conclusions: Our results evidenced that vegetation types (forests, savannas and scrublands) comprising T. campestris developed in a wide range of environmental conditions. This is the first study that focuses on all vegetation types in which T. campestris occurs in central Argentina and it is relevant for conservation and sustainable management of the only native palm species in the flora of this part of the country. 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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Research Paper Wed, 17 Feb 2021 20:07:01 +0200
Classification of tall-forb vegetation in the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mountains (Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Middle Asia) https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/60848/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 191-217

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/60848

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

Abstract: Aims: To complete the syntaxonomic scheme for tall-forb vegetation of the montane and alpine belts in the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mountains in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan with some remarks on its environmental predictors. Study area: Middle Asia: Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Methods: A total of 244 relevés were sampled in 2013–2019 using the seven-degree cover-abundance scale of the Braun-Blanquet approach. These were classified with a modified TWINSPAN algorithm with pseudospecies cut-levels 0%, 5% and 25%, and total inertia as a measure of cluster heterogeneity. Diagnostic species were identified using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. NMDS was used to explore the relationships between the distinguished groups. Results: Our classification revealed 19 clusters of tall-forb vegetation in Middle Asia. Among others we found forb communities typical for Tian Shan, western Pamir-Alai, forb-scree vegetation of Pamir-Alai, dry tall-forbs and typical forbs of the alpine belt. A total of eight new tall-forb associations and five communities were distinguished. The forb vegetation of Middle Asia has been assigned to the class Prangetea ulopterae Klein. The main factors differentiating the species composition of the researched vegetation are elevation, mean annual temperature, sum of annual precipitation and inclination of the slope. Conclusions: The paper presents the first insight into the comprehensive classification of the alpine forb vegetation in Middle Asia and fosters progress in explaining the relationship of boreo-temperate and Mediterranean-like (Irano-Turanian) vegetation in western Asian and central Asian subregions of the Irano-Turanian phytogeographical region. Taxonomic references: The nomenclature of the vascular plants follows generally Cherepanov (1995) and for Bromus spp. The Plant List (2020) Version 1.1. http://www.theplantlist.org/. Syntaxonomic references: The names of syntaxa are used in accordance with Ermakov (2012), Gadghiev et al. (2002) and Nowak et al. (2018). Abbreviation: NMDS = Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling.

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Research Paper Wed, 30 Dec 2020 13:34:44 +0200
Phytosociological overview of the Fagus and Corylus forests in Albania https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/54942/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 175-189

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/54942

Authors: Giuliano Fanelli, Petrit Hoda, Mersin Mersinllari, Ermelinda Mahmutaj, Fabio Attorre, Alessio Farcomeni, Vito Emanuele Cambria, Michele De Sanctis

Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the mesophilous forests of Albania including Fagus sylvatica and submontane Corylus avellana forests. Mesophilous Albanian forests are poorly known and were not included in the recent syntaxonomic revisions at the European scale. Study area: Albania. Methods: We used a dataset of 284 published and unpublished relevés. They were classified using the Ward’s minimum variance. NMDS ordination was conducted, with over-laying of climatic and geological variables, to analyze the ecological gradients along which these forests develop and segregate. Random Forest was used to define the potential distribution of the identified forest groups in Albania. Results: The study identified seven groups of forests in Albania: Corylus avellana forests, Ostrya carpinifolia-Fagus sylvatica forests, lower montane mesophytic Fagus sylvatica forests, middle montane mesophytic Fagus sylvatica forests, middle montane basiphytic Fagus sylvatica forests, upper montane basiphytic Fagus sylvatica forests, upper montane acidophytic Fagus sylvatica forests. These can be grouped into four main types: Corylus avellana and Ostrya carpinifolia-Fagus sylvatica forests, thermo-basiphytic Fagus sylvatica forest, meso-basiphytic Fagus sylvatica forest and acidophytic Fagus sylvatica forests. This scheme corresponds to the ecological classification recently proposed in a European revision for Fagus sylvatica forests Conclusion: Our study supports an ecological classification of mesophilous forests of Albania at the level of suballiance. Analysis is still preliminary at the level of association, but it shows a high diversity of forest types. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med PlantBase (http://ww2.bgbm.org/EuroPlusMed/) [accessed 25 Novemeber 2019]. Syntaxonomic references: Mucina et al. (2016) for alliances, orders and classes; Willner et al. (2017) for suballiances.

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Research Paper Wed, 30 Dec 2020 12:42:28 +0200
SIVIM Deciduous Forests – Database of deciduous forests from the Iberian Peninsula https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/61776/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 173-174

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/61776

Authors: Juan Antonio Campos, Arnau Mercadé, Xavier Font

Abstract: “SIVIM Deciduous Forests” is a thematic database established in 2015, focused on forest vegetation from the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. It was registered in the Global Index of Vegetation Databases (GIVD ID: EU-00-023) in January 2016. All types of temperate and submediterranean non-riparian deciduous forests of the phytosociological classes Carpino-Fagetea sylvaticae, Quercetea pubescentis and Quercetea robori-petraeae (formerly combined in the class Querco-Fagetea) are represented in the database. Currently, it contains 6,642 published vegetation plots of beech, birch, ash, lime and other deciduous mixed forests, as well as forests dominated by different species of deciduous and marcescent oaks, 100% of them classified at association level. Data are stored in TURBOVEG format, and are available upon request from the international vegetation-plot databases EVA and sPlot in semi-restricted regime. The relevés have also been included in SIVIM database, and thus they are freely available online. However, in SIVIM Deciduous Forests geolocation accuracy has been improved and the taxonomy and syntaxonomy unified. Plot size is available for 73% of the relevés, of which 82% are between 100 and 400 m2. Plant taxonomy is standardized to Flora iberica. During the last four years, data of SIVIM Deciduous Forests were requested via EVA and sPlot for different projects, and have been used for several studies with various objectives, from floristic, vegetation and habitat-related topics to macroecological studies, and from local to global scales. Abbreviations: EVA = European Vegetation Archive; GIVD = Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases; SIVIM = Iberian and Macaronesian Vegetation Information System.

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Short Database Report Mon, 21 Dec 2020 12:41:20 +0200
First Report of the European Vegetation Classification Committee (EVCC) https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/60352/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 145-147

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/60352

Authors: Idoia Biurrun, Wolfgang Willner

Abstract: The European Vegetation Classification Committee (EVCC) was established in 2017 by the European Vegetation Survey to maintain and update a standard phytosociological classification of European vegetation. Vegetation scientists can send proposals for modification of specific parts of the EuroVegChecklist, which is used as a baseline. The proposals are accepted or rejected based on recommendations issued by a specialist group and after voting by EVCC members. Here we report the results of the first voting, which took place from 4 June to 4 July 2020. EVCC members voted on the recommendations issued for three proposals of change concerning spring and dune vegetation, and mediterranean grasslands. As a result, EVCC accepted to modify the classes Ammophiletea and Helichryso-Crucianelletea, but rejected to include the alliance Philonotidion seriatae and the class Charybdido pancratii-Asphodeletea ramosi. These rejections are not final, and similar proposals can be submitted again with new data supporting the proposed changes. Abbreviations: EVCC = European Vegetation Classification Committee; SG = Specialist Group.

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Report Thu, 17 Dec 2020 20:11:02 +0200
What is an alliance? https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/56372/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 139-144

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/56372

Authors: Wolfgang Willner

Abstract: The alliance is the basic unit of the EuroVegChecklist, and it often serves as the lowest rank in broad-scale vegetation surveys. However, there is hardly any literature about the concept and definition of this syntaxonomic rank, leading to uncertainty in its application. Here, I explore the original association concept of Braun-Blanquet, which was based on absolute character species, and I show that this concept is more or less identical with the units that we now call alliances. By also incorporating the concept of central syntaxa, I propose the following definition: “An alliance is a moderately broad vegetation unit that either has one or several absolute character taxa or that can be interpreted as the central alliance of an order.” The one-to-one relationship between character taxa and vegetation units gives the latter a clear biogeographical and evolutionary meaning. Restrictions to the validity of character taxa – either to certain geographical areas or to physiognomic types – cause theoretical and practical problems and should be avoided. Possible exceptions are species with similar frequency in two formations or species introduced to other continents. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med PlantBase (http://ww2.bgbm.org/EuroPlusMed/) [accessed 1 July 2020].

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Forum Paper Mon, 16 Nov 2020 14:14:13 +0200
A new Vegetation-Plot Database for the Coastal Forests of Kenya https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/47180/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 103-109

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/47180

Authors: Maria Fungomeli, Anthony Githitho, Fabrizio Frascaroli, Saidi Chidzinga, Marcus Cianciaruso, Alessandro Chiarucci

Abstract: Biodiversity data based on standardised sampling designs are key to ecosystem conservation. Data of this sort have been lacking for the Kenyan coastal forests despite being biodiversity hotspots. Here, we introduce the Kenyan Coastal Forests Vegetation-Plot Database (GIVD ID: AF-KE-001), consisting of data from 158 plots, subdivided into 3,160 subplots, across 25 forests. All plots include data on tree identity, diameter and height. Abundance of shrubs is presented for 316 subplots. We recorded 600 taxa belonging to 80 families, 549 of which identified to species and 51 to genus level. Species richness per forest site varied between 43 and 195 species; mean diameter between 13.0 ± 9.8 and 30.7 ± 20.7 cm; and mean tree height between 5.49 ± 3.99 and 12.29 ± 10.61 m. This is the first plot-level database of plant communities across Kenyan coastal forests. It will be highly valuable for analysing biodiversity patterns and assessing future changes in this ecosystem. Taxonomic reference: African Plant Database (African Plant Database version 3.4.0). Abbreviations: DBH = diameter at breast height; GIVD = Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases; KECF-VPD = Kenyan Coastal Forests Vegetation Plot Database.

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Long Database Report Tue, 16 Jun 2020 23:14:49 +0300
A phytosociological survey of aquatic vegetation in the main freshwater lakes of Greece https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/48377/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 53-75

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/48377

Authors: Dimitrios Zervas, Ioannis Tsiripidis, Erwin Bergmeier, Vasiliki Tsiaoussi

Abstract: Aims: This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of European freshwater lake ecosystems with updated and new information on aquatic plant communities, by conducting national-scale phytosociological research of freshwater lake vegetation in Greece. Moreover, it investigates the relationship between aquatic plant communities and lake environmental parameters, including eutrophication levels and hydro-morphological conditions. Study area: Lakes in Greece, SE Europe. Methods: 5,690 phytosociological relevés of aquatic vegetation were sampled in 18 freshwater lake ecosystems during 2013–2016. The relevés were subjected to hierarchical cluster and indicator species analyses in order to identify associations and communities of aquatic vegetation, as well as to describe their syntaxonomy. Multiple regression analysis was applied to investigate the relationship between vegetation syntaxa and environmental parameters of lakes, i.e. physico-chemical parameters and water level fluctuation. Results: Ninety-nine plant taxa belonging to 30 different families were recorded. Forty-six vegetation types were identified and described by their ecological characteristics, diagnostic taxa and syntaxonomical status. Thirteen vegetation types, the largest number belonging to the vegetation class Charetea, are considered to be new records for Greece. The distribution of the vegetation types recorded in the 18 freshwater lakes was found to depend on environmental parameters and levels of eutrophication. Conclusions: An updated aquatic vegetation inventory was produced for Greek lakes, and primary results showed that the presence/absence of aquatic plant communities and the community composition in freshwater lakes can be utilized to assess the pressure of eutrophication on lake ecosystems. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med (2006–). Abbreviations: MNT = Mean number of taxa; WFD = Water Framework Directive.

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Research Paper Mon, 4 May 2020 20:48:06 +0300
The lowland seasonally dry subtropical forests in central Argentina: vegetation types and a call for conservation https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/38013/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 87-102

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/38013

Authors: Sebastián R. Zeballos, Melisa A. Giorgis, Marcelo R. Cabido, Alicia T.R. Acosta, María del Rosario Iglesias, Juan J. Cantero

Abstract: Aims: The native woody vegetation from the Espinal phytogeographic province in central Argentina, found in subtropical-warm temperate climates, represents part of the southernmost seasonally dry forest in South America. Although this vegetation has been studied for over a century, a complete phytosociological survey is still needed. This lack of knowledge makes its spatial delimitation and the establishment of efficient conservation strategies particularly difficult. The main goals of this study were to classify these forests and assess their current forest cover and to better define the extent of the Espinal phytogeographic province in Córdoba region, central Argentina. Study area: Espinal Phytogeographic Province in Córdoba region, central Argentina (ca. 101,500 km2). Methods: We sampled 122 stands following the principles of the Zürich-Montpellier School of phytosociology; relevés were classified through the ISOPAM hierarchical analysis. The extent of the Espinal phytogeographic province was established by overlaying previous vegetation maps, and a map showing the current distribution of forest patches was constructed based on a supervised classification of Landsat images. Results: Four woody vegetation types of seasonally dry subtropical forest were identified based on the fidelity and the abundance of diagnostic species: (1) Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco forest; (2) Zanthoxylum coco forest; (3) Geoffroea decorticans forest; and (4) Prosopis caldenia forest. These vegetation types were segregated along gradients of temperature and precipitation seasonality and soil-texture and sodium content. The remaining forest patches represent 3.43% of the extent of the Espinal province in Córdoba region of which only 1.05% is represented in protected areas. Conclusions: We present a classification of the Espinal forest based on a complete floristic survey. Despite the dramatic forest loss reported, our results show that some forest patches representative of the Espinal are still likely to be found in the area. However, urgent measures should be taken to establish new protected natural areas in order to preserve the last remaining forest patches. 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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Research Paper Mon, 4 May 2020 20:12:48 +0300
Forest characteristics, population structure and growth trends of Pinus yunnanensis in Tianchi National Nature Reserve of Yunnan, southwestern China https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/37980/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 7-20

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/37980

Authors: Cindy Q. Tang, Li-Qin Shen, Peng-Bin Han, Diao-Shun Huang, Shuaifeng Li, Yun-Fang Li, Kun Song, Zhi-Ying Zhang, Long-Yun Yin, Rui-He Yin, Hui-Ming Xu

Abstract: Aims: Pinus yunnanesis is commercially, culturally and economically important, but there is a lack of ecological data on its role in stand dynamics. Our aims are to clarify the structure, composition, regeneration and growth trends of primary mature P. yunnanensis forests. Study area: The Tianchi National Nature Reserve in the Xuepan Mountains, Yunlong County, northwestern Yunnan, China. Methods: We investigated forests containing P. yunnanensis, measured tree ages and analyzed the data. Results: Six forest types were identified: (1) coniferous forest: Pinus yunnanensis (Type 1); (2) mixed coniferous and evergreen broad-leaved forest: P. yunnanensis-Lithocarpus variolosus (Type 2); (3) mixed coniferous and deciduous broad-leaved forest: P. yunnanensis-Quercus griffithii (Type 3); (4) mixed evergreen broad-leaved and coniferous forest: Castanopsis orthacantha-P. yunnanensis-Schima argentea (Type 4); (5) mixed coniferous, evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved forest: Pinus yunnanensis-Schima argentea-Quercus griffithii (Type 5); (6) mixed coniferous and evergreen broad-leaved forest: Pinus armandii-Quercus rehderiana-Pinus yunnanensis (Type 6). The size- and age-structure and regeneration patterns of P. yunnanensis were highly variable within these six forest types. P. yunnanensis regeneration was well balanced in forest Type 1 as compared to the other five types. All six forest types were identified as rare and old-growth with P. yunnaensis trees reaching ages of more than 105 years (a maximum age of 165 years with a diameter 116 cm at breast height) except for the Type 4 forest (a 90-year-old stand). Growth rates of P. yunnanensis, based upon ring width measurements, were high for the first 10 years, then declined after the 10th year. In contrast, basal area increment (BAI) increased for the first 25 years, plateaued, and only declined as trees became older. Trees in the older age classes grew more quickly than younger trees at the same age, a consequence of either site quality or competitive differences. The BAI of P. yunnanensis in all age classes in the Tianchi National Nature Reserve was much higher than those of the secondary and degraded natural P. yunnanensis forests of other areas. Conclusions: The P. yunnanensis forests of the Tianchi area appear to be some of the last remnants of primeval and old-growth forests of this species. These forests are structurally diverse and contain a rich diversity of overstory, mid-story, and understory species. Taxonomic reference: Editorial Committee of Flora Republicae Popularis Sinicae (1959–2004) for vascular plants. Abbreviations: BA = basal area; BAI = basal area increment; DBH = diameter at breast height; H = height; RBA = relative basal area.

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Research Paper Mon, 4 May 2020 18:17:07 +0300
Vegetation classification goes open access https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/53445/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 1-6

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/53445

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

Abstract: With this inaugural editorial, we introduce Vegetation Classification and Survey (VCS), the new gold open access (OA) journal of the International Association for Vegetation Science (IAVS). VCS is devoted to vegetation classification at any spatial and organisational scale and irrespective of the methodological approach. It welcomes equally case studies and broad-scale syntheses as well as conceptual and methodological papers. Two Permanent Collections deal with ecoinformatics (including the standardised Database Reports published in collaboration with GIVD, the Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases) and phytosociological nomenclature (edited in collaboration with the respective IAVS Working Group). We discuss the advantages of OA as well as challenges and drawbacks caused by the way it is currently implemented, namely “pay for flaws” and publication impediments for scientists without access to funding. Being a society-owned journal, editorial decisions in VCS are free from economic considerations, while at the same time IAVS offers significant reductions to article processing charges (APCs) for authors with financial constraints. However, it is recognised that sustainable OA publishing will require that payment systems are changed from author-paid APCs to contracts between the science funding agencies and publishers or learned societies, to cover the production costs of journals that meet both quality and impact criteria. Abbreviations: APC = article processing charge, GIVD = Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases, IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science, JVS = Journal of Vegetation Science, OA = open access, VCS = Vegetation Classification and Survey.

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Editorial Mon, 4 May 2020 17:29:01 +0300
Plant communities and their environmental drivers on an arid mountain, Gebel Elba, Egypt https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/38644/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 21-36

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/38644

Authors: Maged M. Abutaha, Ahmed A. El-Khouly, Norbert Jürgens, Jens Oldeland

Abstract: Aims: Gebel Elba is an arid mountain range supporting biological diversity that is incomparable to any other region of Egypt. This mountain has a vegetation structure and floristic community similar to the highlands of East Africa and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. We aimed to provide the first classification of the vegetation units on Gebel Elba and identify the environmental factors controlling their distribution. Study area: Wadi Yahmib and its tributaries, which drain the north-western slopes of Gebel Elba, south-eastern Egypt. Methods: On the basis of 169 relevés, we used TWINSPAN to classify the perennial vegetation. We calculated separate GAMs for the deciduous and evergreen species to describe the patterns for each leaf strategy type with elevation. We used CCA to quantify the relationship between the perennial vegetation and the studied environmental factors. To estimate diversity and our sampling strategy, we used rarefaction curves for species richness. Results: We identified seven communities along the elevational gradient of Wadi Yahmib and its tributaries. We found that each community was restricted to a confined habitat depending on its drought resistance ability. Deciduous Vachellia woodland was the main vegetation type on Gebel Elba, while evergreen Olea woodland appeared in small fragments at higher elevations. We analysed the distribution patterns of deciduous and evergreen trees along the elevational gradient. We found a turnover at 500 m, indicating a potential ecotone between the Vachellia and Olea woodlands that was occupied by a Ficus community. CCA revealed the importance of altitude and soil quality in determining the vegetation structure of Gebel Elba. The species richness increased with elevation as a result of reduced stress and increased water availability at the upper wadis. Conclusions: This study identified seven vegetation units in the study area and showed the importance of orographic precipitation, soil quality and the complex topography in determining the habitats. Taxonomic reference: Boulos (2009); names updated according to POWO (2019). Abbreviations: CCA = Canonical Correspondence Analysis; GAM = Generalized Additive Model; TWINSPAN TWINSPAN = Two Way Indicator Species Analysis.

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Research Paper Mon, 4 May 2020 14:53:10 +0300
Montane mire vegetation of the New England Tablelands Bioregion of Eastern Australia https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/48765/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 37-51

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/48765

Authors: John T. Hunter, Vanessa H. Hunter

Abstract: Aims: To use unsupervised techniques to produce a hierarchical classification of montane mires of the study region. Study area: New England Tablelands Bioregion (NETB) of eastern Australia. Methods: A dataset of 280 vascular floristic survey plots placed across the variation in montane mires of the NETB was collated. Vegetation types were identified with the aid of a clustering method based on group averaging and tested using similarity profile analysis (SIMPROF) and through ordinations using Bray-Curtis similarity and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). A hierarchical schema was developed based on EcoVeg hierarchy and was circumscribed using positive and negative diagnostic taxa via similarity percentage analysis (SIMPER) and importance based on summed cover scores and frequency. Results: We defined one macrogroup to include all montane mire vegetation of the NETB and within these two groups and twelve alliances. Conclusions: Our study re-enforced the separation of bogs from other montane mire systems and confirmed the separation of fens and wet meadows, a distinction that previously had not been independently tested. Based on our results many existing montane mire communities of the NETB have been ill-defined at multiple hierarchical levels, leading to confusion in threat status and mapping. Additionally, nearly half of the alliances we recognise were found to have no correlates within current classification systems, which necessarily has implications for the effectiveness of current conservation planning. Taxonomic reference: PlantNET (http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/, accessed June 2016). Abbreviations: BC Act = Biodiversity Conservation Act; EPBC Act = Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act; NETB = New England Tablelands Bioregion; NMDS = non-metric multidimensional scaling; PCT = plant community type; RE = regional ecosystem; SIMPER = similarity percentage analysis; SIMPROF = similarity profile analysis.

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Research Paper Mon, 4 May 2020 11:07:25 +0300