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Biogeography

Volume XIII |

The role of Şarlota Park (Timiş County) in the colonisation of a new mammalian species – Fallow Deer (Dama dama L., 1758) in Romania

Abstract: Şarlota Park, located in Lipova Plateau, was founded between 1902 and 1904 at a distance of 42 km from the town of Timişoara. The aim was to create a hunting park, populated mainly with Fallow Deer. The first specimens, originating from the Habsburg Empire, were brought in animal trucks, colonised in the years 1904-1907, Şarlota railway station dating from 1896. As the species population grew to over 600 individuals, in the early 1950s specialists decided to have a number of specimens captured annually and colonise them in all of Romania`s provinces that offered similar environmental conditions. The animals were carried to the new sites in animal trucks and lorries. The captures (about 1,000 individuals) were made over 1942-1977, mostly between 1954 and 1970. The 73 transports resulted in the formation of 49 new populations of this species in Romania. It was the most outstanding action taken by the Romanian authorities to expand the area of a mammalian species.

Volume XII |

Hierarchical analysis of the threats for Species of Community Interest in the Iron Gates Natural Park, Romania

Abstract: Threats to biodiversity are diverse and the management of these threats is a major research direction in the conservation of biological diversity. Determining the status of a species is essential in identifying those in danger of becoming extinct and also to establish conservation priorities. For the management of all types of threats that manifest themselves for certain species of community interest in the Iron Gates Natural Park, we must first understand their causes and effects. Conservationists are increasingly interested in determining threats to biological communities, this being an important part of territorial and environmental planning strategies. The analysis undertaken for some geographical areas showed that the most important threats are the socio-economic and demographic variables, the fragmentation, destruction and degradation of habitats through various practices, the introduction of non-native species, illegal hunting or overfishing. In this context, for elaborating sustainable patterns of habitat management we must analyze and prioritize the threats that we are dealing with. The method requires an inventory of the main threats in the Iron Gates Natural Park, the threats for certain Species of Community Interest (Tulipa hungarica, Colchicum arenarium, Pulsatilla grandis). We have also applied a method used by WWF in order to achieve a hierarchy of the main threats and to establish logical and efficient actions that can be locally applicable.

Volume XI |

Tourism evaluation of IBA areas in the Serbian part of Banat

Abstract: On the territory of the Serbian part of Banat there are registered 9 internationally important bird habitats (Importan bird areas-IBA), which are an important resource of bio diversity, but also a significant market potential that can be marketed through tourism. The paper is based on Hilary du Cros model evaluation and analyses the tourism sector and management of IBA sites, investigating to what extent they are attractive to activate the tourism industry. In this way, we established utility value of IBA habitats with emphasis on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of subindicators.

Volume XI |

Invasive terrestrial plant species in the Romanian protected areas. Case study: Fallopia japonica in the Maramureş Mountains Natural Park

Abstract: Assessing invasive terrestrial plant species in protected areas is of major importance, taking into consideration the role they play as key drivers in conserving biological diversity. The paper is aiming to argue the Invasive Terrestrial Plant Species (ITPS) in the Romanian protected areas with a special focus on the species Fallopia japonica in the Maramures Mountains Natural Park. Fallopia japonica, also known as Polygonum cuspidatum or Reynoutria japonica is an herbaceous perennial plant, largely occupying the riparian ecosystems and causing serious damages to native vegetation. The species is broadly regarded as one of the most invasive plant species in Europe, also listed by the World Conservation Union as one of the world’s one hundred worst plant invaders. The paper seeks to analyze the potential spread of Fallopia japonica in a protected area-Maramures Mountains Natural Park – V IUCN category as well as Natura 2000 site (SPA and SCI) integrating comprehensive statistical and field data with modern computing methods (GIS-based). Consequently, based on accurate mapping and field investigation of Fallopia japonica in the study-area, the authors were able to identify specie’s main ecological requirements and preferences, spreading conditions etc. The current research will have great contribution to undertaking further studies on invasive terrestrial plant species development, distribution potential and impact upon native habitats.

Volume X |

Planning Nature Conservation and Tourism Development in Cheile Turzii

Abstract: Biodiversity conservation appeared as a result of the uncontrolled man induced impact upon the environment. In order to protect vulnerable habitats, certain protection decisions and politics were adopted worldwide. Protected areas were created. For these areas to be viable in terms of biodiversity protection as well as to ensure local population’s welfare, economic activities and resource exploitation, tourism in particular, were integrated. Cheile Turzii is a deeply rural area, where two natural complex reservations exist: Cheile Turzii and Cheile Turenilor. Nevertheless, the status of protected area is not taken into consideration by the local population that has a subsistence living standard and exploits the reservations’ natural resources. Tourism, along with other environment friendly activities, may be the solution for developing this area. Therefore, a territorial planning action is needed for setting the protected zones, the exploitation zones and future development zones.