Latest Articles from Silva Balcanica Latest 5 Articles from Silva Balcanica https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:58:36 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Silva Balcanica https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/ Studies on Manna ash (Fraxinus ornus L.) In Bulgaria https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/article/101459/ Silva Balcanica 24(1): 35-45

DOI: 10.3897/silvabalcanica.24.e101459

Authors: Stela Gyudorova

Abstract: The purpose of this publication is to review and analyze the main studies of Manna ash in Bulgaria in order to present summarized information and acquire an objective view of the possibilities for proper perception of the importance of this local tree species and its use in various aspects of science and practice in our country. The study covers the period from the second half of the 1940s, when the first specialized journals in the field of forest science were published, until 2022. The focus of the study is on publications related directly or indirectly to various aspects of research on manna ash. The tracking of the chronology of forestry studies in Bulgaria shows trends towards a change in the perception of Manna ash as an inferior species and the search for its benefits for forestry practice, including rethinking its role from one of a weed species into an adjustable competitor, stimulating the regeneration of oaks and others indigenous species in plantations.The role of phytocoenological studies, which in relation to the Manna ash communities, both in natural and artificial forest plantations, with its participation have increased in recent years. With their help, it is possible to trace the stages of successions and fluctuations and behavior of Manna ash in xerothermic oak forests and austian pine crops – its ecological-coenotic strategy towards the main tree species.The studies of Manna ash in Bulgaria in the field of special uses are close to their European analogues and in a number of cases overtake them with new data and discoveries, mostly in terms of biologically active products and antiallergic agents obtained from this plant species, among which we have world patents.

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Research Article Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:00:02 +0200
A methodological approach for monitoring of riparian forests in protected areas on Danube islands https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/article/54963/ Silva Balcanica 21(2): 53-69

DOI: 10.3897/silvabalcanica.21.e54963

Authors: Georgi Hinkov, Plamen Glogov, Vania Kachova, Mira L. Georgieva, Cristian Anghelus, Аlexandru Liviu Ciuvat

Abstract: In the last decades, invasive plant species have rapidly settled on the islands in the Danube River. This process is closely related to anthropogenic activities, such as felling and cultivation of soil for affor-estation of Euro-American poplar trees throughout the Danube River basin. In this regard, it is im-portant to: (i) determine the speed and scope of invasive vegetation establishment and (ii) determine more precisely the ongoing successional dynamics. Monitoring in permanent plots is needed to track the changes and assist in decision-making processes for the management of protected areas on the islands in the Danube River. The aim of the study is to describe and justify an innovative approach to analyse the dynamic of the invasion species occurrence and development as related to site conditions and management across the islands in the Danube River. The following methodological approach was considered: (1) selection of islands with well-preserved and sufficient in area covered by natural forest vegetation; (2) differentiation of strata by forest type, age and canopy cover; (3) setting up permanent sample plots for long-term monitoring in natural riparian forests.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Oct 2020 17:15:00 +0300
Bird community structure of small islands: a case study on the Pahawang Island, Lampung Province, Indonesia https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/article/56108/ Silva Balcanica 21(2): 5-18

DOI: 10.3897/silvabalcanica.21.e56108

Authors: Dian Iswandaru, Indra Gumay Febryano, Trio Santoso, Hari Kaskoyo, Gunardi Djoko Winarno, Rudi Hilmanto, Rahmat Safe’i, Arief Darmawan, Dini Zulfiani

Abstract: Small islands are extremely vulnerable to ecosystem disturbances. One of the common factors im-pacting on island ecosystems is the rise of tourism activity and the associated conversion of man-grove forest’s function into tourism’s supporting facility. Those changes will ultimately affect the diversity of bird species inhabiting the island. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the structure of a bird community in the mangrove forests of the Pahawang Island. The study used the transect method with tracking implemented. The obtained data were analysed using the Shannon-Wienner diversity index. We recorded 28 species from 21 families. Out of 21 families, Columbidae had the highest number of species (three species). Seven feeding guilds were observed during the present study, the maximum number of species belonged to the insectivore group and the minimum – to the nectarivore and omnivore (1 species each) guilds. Based on the abundance rank, the most abundant species was the cave swiftlet (Collochalia linchi). Three of the recorded species are listed in the cat-egory “Protected” according to the Indonesia Law: the brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), sunda pied fantail (Rhipidura javanica), and the black-naped tern (Sterna sumatrana). All bird species that have been recorded during the present study is classified as “Least Concern” in the IUCN Red List. The values of the Shannon-Wienner index suggest neither high nor low diversity (H’ = 2.55). Mangrove forest ecosystems, including the mudflat on the Pahawang Island, are important supporting popula-tions of wild birds through providing foraging, roosting and nesting sites.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Oct 2020 17:15:00 +0300
Ecosystem services from mountain forest ecosystems: conceptual framework, approach and challenges https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/article/54628/ Silva Balcanica 21(1): 47-68

DOI: 10.3897/silvabalcanica.21.e54628

Authors: Maria Glushkova, Miglena Zhiyanski, Stoyan Nedkov, Rositsa Yaneva, Lora Stoeva

Abstract: Mountain ecosystems play an essential role in sustainable mountain development, providing benefits and values to humanity not only for the rich biodiversity they contain, but also because of their important role in climate regulation, water cycle, provisioning of recreation, tourism, cultural or spiritual values. The high biodiversity of the mountain areas allow the provision of a wide range of ecosystem services. However, different impacts to the environment threaten the delivery of these services and, consequently, the quality of life of people, both living in the mountains and outside the mountains. Recognizing, demonstrating and capturing the value of ecosystem services can play an important role in setting policy directions for ecosystem management and conservation and, thus, in increasing the provision of ecosystem services and their contributions to human well-being. Quantifying and mapping of these benefits can also help managers and decision makers to realize the importance of these sites for conservation and to allow the proper understandings of the impacts of mountain forest ecosystems on territorial development and welfare of local populations.The paper aims to outline the relevance and applicability of the ecosystem services approach for the assessment of the condition of mountain ecosystems and the services, they provide, for better understanding by the scientific community and to support decision makers in sustainable management of mountain regions.

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Review Article Tue, 30 Jun 2020 16:00:00 +0300
Study on the relict flora of Lozenska Mountain https://silvabalcanica.pensoft.net/article/54625/ Silva Balcanica 21(1): 5-28

DOI: 10.3897/silvabalcanica.21.e54625

Authors: Plamen Glogov

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to make an inventory of the relicts in the flora of Lozenska Mt., to clarify their origin, taxonomical, ecological and phytogeographical structure and to evaluate their role for the formation of the contemporary flora and vegetation, economic uses and measures for their con- servation. The study was conducted in the period 2017-2019. In order to cover the maximum area and different ecological niches, the sampling was conducted using the transect method. The surveyed territory and its two geographic regions, north-west and south-east, were divided into four sub re- gions (parts) and 19 transects were used for possible comparisons. The biology and ecology of the relict plants was made, thus allowing to group the species in biological and ecological groups, based on life forms, floristic and phytogeographical elements, synanthropy and economic uses. As a result, 61 species and three subspecies, belonging to 48 genera and 35 families, were identified as relict taxa. These number represent 7.4% of the whole flora of Lozenska Mt. (823 species) and 17.6% of the relict species in Bulgarian flora. Tertiary were 93.4% of the mountain’s relicts. The families with the richest number of relict species were Salicaceae (9 species) and Ranunculaceae (4 species). The genera with the largest number of relict species were Salix (5 species) and Populus (4 species). The most relicts (73.7% from their total number on the territory of the mountain) were registered in the south-west part of the mountain, while the smallest number (52.5%) was found in its north-east and south-east parts. The phanerophytes (dominated by the threes) prevailed with more than 60%, followed by the hemicryptophytes (16.4%) and geophytes (13.1%). Most of the relicts on the territory of the Lozenska Mt. have Euroasiatic (17.7%) and sub-Mediterranean (17.7%) origin. The established relicts are pre- dominantly heliophytes (61.3%), mesotherms (86.9%) and mesophytes (59.0%). Each of the studied species is a plant with economic benefits: forestry (36.1%), non-wood resources (88.5%) or ornamental uses (54.1%). Salix caprea and Polygonatum odoratum are included in the Bulgarian Biodiversity Act (2002). The other relict species fall under provisions of different laws, such as the Medicinal plants Act, Forestry Act, Biodiversity Act, including NATuRA 2000 legislative base.

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Research Article Tue, 30 Jun 2020 16:00:00 +0300