Scholarlink

Abstract <p>Effective conservation and management strategies require up-to-date, detailed taxonomic-based knowledge of a landscape’s biodiversity, even in areas not formally protected. In the Salto-Cicolano District (Central Apennines), a region experiencing significant demographic decline, our field research involving a large number of taxa-specific experts identified a remarkable biodiversity hotspot within a small mountain site. Over a 4-year period (2021–2024), we recorded 504 species across multiple taxonomic groups, including vascular plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Notably, we recorded rare and endangered species such as <i>Salamandrina perspicillata</i>, <i>Triturus carnifex</i>, <i>Rhinolophus hipposideros</i>, and <i>Myotis bechsteinii</i>. Our findings suggest that the exceptional species richness of this site results from the interplay between natural features (narrow rocky ravines and stream waters) and small-scale human-made structures (troughs, a spring collector, and a semi-artificial cave), which provide critical microhabitats. Despite its inaccessibility and natural barriers, emerging threats—such as poorly managed agritourism and habitat degradation and fragmentation—could jeopardize this fragile ecosystem. Recognizing and preserving such overlooked biodiversity hotspots is vital for regional conservation planning. Our taxonomic-based study highlights the importance of integrating small, high-diversity sites into broader conservation frameworks to preserve ecological integrity in human-modified landscapes.</p> Graphic abstract <p></p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Taxonomy for conservation: multi-taxa survey evidences a biodiversity hotspot in the Central Apennines (Salto-Cicolano District)

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年4月6日

查看全文
  • Pierangelo Crucitti,
  • Danilo Russo,
  • Giovanni Amori,
  • Marcello Vitale,
  • Corrado Battisti,
  • Roberto Antonelli,
  • Davide Brocchieri,
  • Marco Giardini,
  • Luigi Lenzini,
  • Paolo Mazzei,
  • Nicolò Pellecchia,
  • Luca Tringali,
  • Giorgio Biondi,
  • Simone Calvi,
  • Livia Cavuoto,
  • Edoardo Di Russo,
  • Guido Donati,
  • Fabio Miarelli,
  • Pietro Rusconi

摘要

Abstract

Effective conservation and management strategies require up-to-date, detailed taxonomic-based knowledge of a landscape’s biodiversity, even in areas not formally protected. In the Salto-Cicolano District (Central Apennines), a region experiencing significant demographic decline, our field research involving a large number of taxa-specific experts identified a remarkable biodiversity hotspot within a small mountain site. Over a 4-year period (2021–2024), we recorded 504 species across multiple taxonomic groups, including vascular plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Notably, we recorded rare and endangered species such as Salamandrina perspicillata, Triturus carnifex, Rhinolophus hipposideros, and Myotis bechsteinii. Our findings suggest that the exceptional species richness of this site results from the interplay between natural features (narrow rocky ravines and stream waters) and small-scale human-made structures (troughs, a spring collector, and a semi-artificial cave), which provide critical microhabitats. Despite its inaccessibility and natural barriers, emerging threats—such as poorly managed agritourism and habitat degradation and fragmentation—could jeopardize this fragile ecosystem. Recognizing and preserving such overlooked biodiversity hotspots is vital for regional conservation planning. Our taxonomic-based study highlights the importance of integrating small, high-diversity sites into broader conservation frameworks to preserve ecological integrity in human-modified landscapes.

Graphic abstract