engleski

Contribution to the phytosociological studies of the Adriatic islands: Phytocoenotic diversity of the Croatian island of Olib

The aims of the study were: i) to investigate the vegetation of the island of Olib for the first time, ii) to provide a contribution towards a better understanding of the phytocoenoses that have colonised the E Adriatic islands, and iii) to evaluate their levels of biodiversity in relation to phytogeographical position and geomorphological characteristics. The 18th largest Croatian island of Olib (26.13 km2) belongs to the group of the N Adriatic islands in the Zadar Archipelago. Fieldwork was carried out in 2015. For data collection the Braun-Blanquet approach (Braun-Blanquet 1964) was used. A total of 99 phytosociological relevés were classified by numerical methods. Altogether, 33 floristically and ecologically distinctive vegetation communities were identified and described (31 associations and 2 stands) within 28 alliances, 27 orders and 23 vegetation classes. Among them, Salsolo sodae-Cakiletum maritimae Jasprica et al. 2016 is described and proposed as a new association, belonging to the Cakiletea maritimae class. The study has revealed a great phytocoenotic diversity, currently the low anthropogenic influence and the high biogeographical value of the study area. Spatial distribution of halophilous plant communities highlights the importance of variation in salinity gradient due to the microtopography. The Quercus ilex woodlands are considered as the potential vegetation type (Myrto communis-Quercetum ilicis). A strong depopulation during the past half-century accompanied by the abandonment of agriculture, have caused the grasslands to become overgrown with woody vegetation.

phytosociology; biodiversity; syntaxonomy; Directive 92/43/EEC; Croatia; NE Mediterranean

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