Salix herbacea L. fragmented small population in the N-Apennines (Italy): response to human trampling disturbance

Author: Rossi Graziano   Parolo Gilberto   Zonta Laura   Crawford Julie   Leonardi Andrea  

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

ISSN: 0960-3115

Source: Biodiversity and Conservation, Vol.15, Iss.12, 2006-11, pp. : 3881-3893

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the conservation status of a Salix herbacea</i> L. population, located in the N-Apennines (Italy), toward the southern edge of the species’ distribution. A 3 year-long study (1999–2001) was conducted to evaluate the effects of human trampling on Salix herbacea</i>. Two stands, one trampled and one untrampled in the same site, were compared. The measured variables included: total vegetation cover; cover and female catkin number of Salix herbacea</i>. The trampled stand showed a decrease in both Salix</i> cover and sexual reproduction. We suggest possible conservation strategies to preserve the Salix herbacea</i> trampled stand from its local extinction.