abstract

The vegetation of the Asinara National Park, established in 1997, is dramatically degraded as a consequence of the intensive human use during the last centuries. Fire, overgrazing, intensive and extensive farming activities, carried out during the 112 years of the presence of a penal colony, determined the spread of secondary plant communities. Human induced effects are evident also in the communities of the psammophilous and hygrophilous geo-sigmeta.
Overall, 51 plant communities, ascribed to 21 classes, were detected. Six new associations and seven new subassociations were described. In the plant landscape three vegetation series and five geo-sigmeta were identified. 18 habitats of community interest were recognized. Issues concerning the management of the plant communities and plant landscape are stressed in the discussion.

keywords

biodiversity conservation, Habitat Directive, plant communities, potential vegetation, vegetation series