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Woodpeckers as cavity excavators are crucial in forest ecosystems, therefore, it is important to study their ecological needs, specifically at the territory scale, using mapping methodologies, of which there are uncertainties considering detection probabilities and the distances of the territory centres in different species and habitats. We studied the effects of the number of visits and isolation distance on detected woodpecker territories in the 1,000 ha forest mosaic of the Peszér forest in Central Hungary. We made territory mapping in 2020 along existing trails and forest roads on the present woodpecker species as Black, Eurasian Green, Great Spotted, Middle Spotted, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Eurasian Wryneck. We found a very low detection probability for single territories during one visit, while with the increasing number of visits it is more unlikely to overlook territories. Considering the isolation distances, by lowering the distance, more territories can be registered, which suggests that researchers should take great care choosing the proper distance for a given species whilst avoiding the over- or underestimation of territories. This paper has an actuality as BirdLife Hungary announced the Eurasian Green Woodpecker as the Bird of the Year in 2022, for drawing attention to this species' habitat preferences and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue is a collection of articles about the conservation, restoration and biodiversity of Palaearctic grasslands and was initiated by the Eurasian Dry Grassland Group at the 15th Eurasian Dry Grassland Conference (EDGC), held at Graz, Austria in 2019. The papers in this special issue cover a range of grassland habitats from montane dry grasslands to lowland sandy grasslands, feathergrass steppes and meadow steppes, and focus on the biodiversity values, conservation issues and restoration prospects of Palaearctic grasslands. We hope that the articles in this special issue will contribute to a better understanding of the ecology of grasslands and support their more effective conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flora of the southern part of Kosovo has previously been studied in a limited way due to the difficult terrain and the fact that up to the 1990s it was a military area. In this paper we report Galanthus elwesii Hook for the first time from Kosovo. This species is found in different habitats, mainly in siliceous substrate or wet meadows of the Dragash Municipality, South Kosovo. This species was collected in the Vraça Mountains, near Restelica, (part of National Park 'Sharri') on the road leading to the border with Macedonia. The study area consists of territories belonging to the phytogeographic system Skardon-Pindik (Sharri-Pindi) and includes the mountain ranges of Sharri. This research comprises the presence, description, spread and mapping of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A population of the criconematid species, identified as Criconema demani (Micoletzky, 1925), is reported from a natural habitat in northwestern Russia. Measurements and morpho-anatomy obtained with light microscopy and molecular characterization of this population are included in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents first materials on the fauna and distribution of the terrestrial isopods - woodlice (Oniscidea) inhabiting the central and southern parts of Kostanay Region (Kazakhstan, Northern and Southern Turgai), located in the steppe zone. Most of the specimens of woodlice were collected in the territory of the National Nature Reserve "Altyn Dala", a new protected area (established in 2012) and in the area of the Naurzum National Nature Reserve (established in 1931, World Heritage Site of UNESCO), on the Stipa lessingiana dry steppe. The list of woodlice includes six species (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea), belonging to five genera and three families in the study area. Four species are recorded for the first time in Kazakhstan - Desertoniscus subterraneus Verhoeff, 1930, Parcylisticus dentifrons (Budde-Lund 1885), Porcellio scaber Latreille, 1804, and Protracheoniscus major (Dollfus 1903). Distribution characteristics are provided for all of those species recorded in the study area. For the territory of Kazakhstan, according to a literature data, currently 16 species of terrestrial isopods have been recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is focused on the grassland communities in Hodrušská hornatina highland, Central Slovakia. We studied grasslands at 153 sites during the vegetation periods of 2013-2015 and recorded 303 species of vascular plants in the studied localities. The species richness ranged from 16 to 66 taxa per relevé. Data analysis (TWINSPAN, DCA) grouped the relevés into eight clusters. These clusters include five associations from three alliances: Holcetum lanati (Deschampsion cespitosae), Pastinaco sativae-Arrhenatherum elatioris, Alchemillo-Arrhenatheretum elatioris, Anthoxantho odorati-Agrostietum tenuis (all from Arrhenatherion elatioris) and Onobrychido viciifoliae-Brometum erecti (Bromion erecti). The other three clusters represent the transitional and successional stages of the communities listed above. A brief description of syntaxa is given. At some sites, the threatened, rare or protected taxa of Slovakia occurred as well, one from each of the categories of Critically Endangered and Vulnerable, nine species of the Nearly Threatened and six species from the category of Least Concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the status of rivers and valleys environment, protective measures are often insufficient - technical measures are also required. The paper presents two concepts of technical solutions proposed for the sections of the Świder and Rawka rivers, lying within the boundaries of natural protected areas. Due to the purpose of the project, the type of planned works, their scope and the expected fi nal result, these concepts may be typical examples of river restoration and river and valley revitalization. The proposed activity on the Świder river is to inhibit erosion of the deep riverbed, by reconstructing the former natural estuary. Therefore, these actions can be classified as typical river restoration. In the case of the Rawka river, the aim is to revitalize the river and the valley, by ensuring the ecological continuity of the riverbed and improving the status of valley habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palaearctic grasslands encompass a diverse variety of habitats, many of high nature value and vulnerability. The main challenges are climate-change, land-use change, agricultural intensification and abandonment. Many measures are in place to address these challenges, through restoration and appropriate management, though more work is necessary. We present eight studies from China/Germany, Greece, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine. The papers cover a wide range of grassland and steppe habitats and cover vegetation ecology, syntaxonomy and zoology. We also conducted a systematic search on steppe and grassland diversity. The greatest number of studies was from China, followed by Germany and England. We conclude that the amount of research being carried out on Eurasian grasslands is inadequate considering their high levels of biodiversity and vulnerability. We hope to encourage readers to address current major challenges, such as how to manage grasslands for the benefit of diverse taxa, to ensure that conservation initiatives concentrate on sites where there is good potential for success and for the generation of realistic and viable conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The restoration of the species composition of the meadow habitats is often linked to the introduction of the typical species' seeds. The effectiveness of that treatment requires getting the acquired detailed knowledge of the germination biology of peculiar species. Eight typical plant species of four non-forest habitats of the river valleys, representing the following types: Cnidion dubii (6440), Molinion (6410), Arrhenatherion (6510) and Festuco-Brometea (6210) were investigated. The diasporas were collected in the years 2014-2015 on the meadows of PLH 140016 protection area near Mniszew (Kozienice county, Mazovian voivodeship). The ability of seeds' germination in the laboratory conditions was studied. It was stated that Cnidion and Molinion meadows' species require pre-chilling to break the seeds' dormancy, while the Arrhenatherion meadows and xerotermophilous swards do not require such treatment. The Allium angulosum, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium and Eryngium planum were characterized by high vigour and germination capability as well as the low share of dead seeds. The extremely drought in 2015 caused the decreasing in germination capability and increasing in the dead seeds' share. The preliminary studies, presented in this paper, show that Cnidion and Molinion meadows may be most difficult to restore because of the necessity of breaking the seeds' dormancy and higher sensitiveness for the unfavourable weather conditions during the seed ripening stage. The studies have practical significance for the works connected with the floristic diversity' increasing of threatened communities and the restoration of the destroyed meadow habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents results of a study on the population structure of the orchid Liparis loeselii growing in the Warta River valley peat bog in Myszków (Woźnicko-Wieluńska Upland, S. Poland). Individuals of L. loeselii occurred in patches of Menyantho trifoliatae-Sphagnetum teretis and Eleocharitetum pauciflorae - associations. The demographic structure of L. loeselii populations was described by variations in plant height, the length and width of leaves and the number of flowers of the constituting individuals. It was observed that habitat conditions such as conductivity, pH and the percentage cover of tall perennials had the strongest effect on the structure of L. loeselii populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of geobotanical studies on the distribution and resources of Aster tripolium L. and Plantago maritima L, two rare halophytes in Poland. The research was conducted in northern Poland, along the Baltic coast in 2013. The present distribution of the two species was compared with historical data and general trends of and threats to these two species were examined. In total, 33 sites of A. tripolium and 18 of P. maritima were found in the research area. The resources of both species have been perceptibly depleting during last 150 years, which is mostly due to human agencies (e.g. habitat devastation caused by growing urban areas and the change in management and/or habitat condition). In order to preserve both species, it may be necessary to start an ex situ conservation program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talavera aperta is a rare member of the Salticidae (jumping spiders). Its presence in Poland has been questioned. This paper presents data on 20 new localities of this poorly known species and a map of its distribution in western and central Poland. Detailed drawings of the male body, male palps and the female epigynum are also provided. T. aperta was usually collected from dry, sunny habitats, mostly in June, although some specimens were recorded in other months. In winter, spiders of this species were found in shells of small snails (Cepaea spp., Helicella obvia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most semi-natural open habitats in Europe have been traditionally maintained by anthropogenic activities, such as grazing or mowing, preventing the establishment of woody vegetation. These habitats harbour a remarkably rich biodiversity in terms of both plant and animal species, but are also highly threatened, mainly by agricultural intensification and land abandonment. With this Editorial we introduce a Special Issue initiated by the European Dry Grassland Group (EDGG) at the Open Landscapes Conference (Hildesheim, 2013) and the 11th European Dry Grassland Meeting (Kulikovo Pole, 2014). We aim to give a short introduction to the current conservation status, significance and research of semi-natural open habitats in Europe and present the collected articles of the Special Issue. These papers cover a wide range of different semi-natural open habitats, including wood-pastures, heathlands, steppes, semi-dry and dry grasslands across the Palearctic region and address issues related to the assessment methods, threats, management and restoration of these habitats. We conclude that, in order to ensure their conservation and to monitor the changes in open habitats, integrative approaches are needed that take into account not only vegetation records, but also multiple animal taxa, abiotic factors, management practices, ecosystem services and modelling simulations for anticipating possible future scenarios. We also recommend that decision-makers should support actions to conserve open habitats in Europe by addressing such major challenges as the encroachment of woody vegetation. We are convinced that the present Special Issue will contribute to a better understanding of ecosystem functions and support the biodiversity conservation and management of semi-natural open habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of research of plant macrofossils from the grain deposit deriving from the 18th/19th centuries. The analysed material included 24760 diaspores representing 73 taxa. The majority were cultivated cereal crop species, and there was also abundance of accompanying segetal weed species. About 95% of the gathered crop material was Secale cereale. Another important crop was Hordeum vulgare and there were also some remains of Avena sativa, Triticum aestivum, Fagopyrum esculentum. Cannabis sativa and Linum usitatissimum were found as well. Weeds competing with these crops were, among others, the following species: Agrostemma githago, Raphanus raphanistrum, Apera spica-venti, Bromus secalinus, Centaurea cyanus, Spergula arvensis, Thlaspi arvense, Viola arvensis/tricolor, Fallopia convolvulus, Polygonum persicaria, Mentha arvensis, Anthemis arvensis, Papaver rhoeas, Rumex acetosella, Scleranthus annuus, Aphanes arvensis, Setaria pumila, Setaria viridis/verticilata. Extremely large presence of wild plant diaspores in the material allowed conducting economic and environmental interpretations. Reconstruction methods applied, used primarily in the case of macroremains from granaries, were fully applicable to the analysed plant residues. Weed species composition in the analysed material showed that they were mostly typical for the main winter crop. Some amount of species typical for other habitats were also found and they probably came from the near-by rye field. The presence of perennial diaspores indicated that the field was probably set aside [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Western Pomerania, as in other areas of Europe, alien species play an increasingly important role. In particular, invasive plants tend to spread rapidly and in large numbers which may reduce diversity of native species, leading to the phenomenon of 'trivialisation of flora', and transform ecosystems. The list of invasive species (32 taxa) includes alien species occurring throughout Western Pomerania, and penetrating natural or semi-natural habitats. The second group consists of potentially invasive species (23 taxa), i.e. those distributed across the area under study and tending to increase the number of their localities in semi-natural and natural habitats, taxa invasive only locally, as well as species with missing data, which does not currently allow including them into the first group. Invasive weeds, as well as some epecophytes and archaeophytes occurring only on anthropogenic sites and tending to spread, were not taken into account. Among hemiagriophytes, the most common and troublesome ones are: Conyza canadensis, Erigeron annuus, Lolium multiflorum, Lupinus polyphyllus, Solidago canadensis, S. gigantea. Among holoagriophytes, i.e. the taxa which received the highest naturalisation status, very expansive species, successful in land colonisation, like Acer negundo, Bidens frondosa, B. connata, Clematis vitalba, Elodea canadensis, Epilobium ciliatum, Heracleum sosnowskyi, Impatiens glandulifera, I. parviflora, Padus serotina, Quercus rubra and Robinia pseudoacacia, should be given particular attention. Among the invasive and potentially invasive species, most taxa penetrate plant communities of the Artemisietea and Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class, followed by Querco-Fagetea, Vaccinio-Piceetea, Stellarietea mediae, Salicetea purpurae and Koelerio-Corynophoretea. The number of invasive species is twice as high when compared to the situation of these species in Poland; on the contrary, the number of species inhabiting anthropogenic, semi-natural and natural habitats is two times lower, while that of holoagriophytes and hemiagriophytes is 56.3% and 43.7%, respectively. It seems that in the case of some invasive and potentially invasive species, a decrease in the number of their locations may be observed from the west to the east (e.g. for Acer negundo, Bromus carinatus, Clematis vitalba, Helianthus tuberosus, Lycium barbarum, Reynoutria japonica, Rosa rugosa, Vicia grandiflora). Distribution patterns for some species (e.g. for Parthenocytisus inserta or Xanthium albinum) are indicative of a likely major role of the Odra River valley in the spreading of invasive species. It should be kept in mind that the area of the North-West Poland is poorly examined in terms of its flora, so the results provided in this paper are tentative. Nevertheless, the maps illustrate colonisation trends and directions and, moreover, have been so far the only attempt to synthesise this problem in NW Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Conference on the Conservation of the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) was held on September 25-27, 2014 in Lesanka Gesthouse at Košická Belá, Slovakia. It was organised by Raptor Protection of Slovakia (RPS) in cooperation with Východoslovenská energetika Holding a.s. The conference dealt with (i) delivering further inputs for updating the European Action Plan for the species, (ii) sharing information on biology and ecology of the species, and (iii) exchange of experience with best practice and innovative species conservation measures. A total of 59 participants from 1 4 countries attended the conference. The agenda included 17 presentations and 7 posters. Some of the contributions are published in Slovak Raptor Journal volume 9 (2015) as full papers, and a further 23 contributions are published as abstracts. The conference also included two field trips during which participants had the opportunity to observe the installation of console barriers on poles of 22 kV power lines, and typical habitats of the lesser spotted eagle. The conference was organized within the framework of the project LIFE09NAT/SK/000396 Conservation of Aquila pomarina in Slovakia, implemented by Raptor Protection of Slovakia, Východoslovenská energetika Holding a.s., Stredoslovenská energetika, a.s. and Stredoslovenská energetika-Distribúcia, a.s. The project was cofinanced by EU-LIFE and the Ministry for Environment of the Slovak Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Natura 2000 habitat type 91E0* Alluvial forests of Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) include three subtypes of forests. In the Maramureş Mountains Nature Park (MMNP) the alluvial forests are represented by Alnus incana forest situated on the banks of mountain rivers. Starting from 2007, 70% of the MMNP is also a Natura 2000 site of community interest. In the standard form for the site are listed 18 Natura 2000 habitat types, but that of alluvial forests 91E0* is not listed either due to an error or lack of available research data. Our study seeks to provide information regarding this high conservation value habitat such as: structure, distribution, management measures and monitoring protocol. The purpose of this paper is to offer a management tool for this conservation value habitat which is also exposed to human impact more than any other priority habitat in MMNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marsilea quadrifolia L. (water clover) is a unique species from Romanian flora that belongs to Marsileaceae family and one of the most vulnerable plants in Europe due to loss of its habitats. In this paper it is reported the demographic evolution of a new occurred M. quadrifolia population in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and its natural and anthropic threats. The aquatic fern M. quadrifolia has colonized a suitable man-made water body. After a decade of monitoring the demographic trend is positive but the support capacity of habitat for the water clover remains limited in the long term. The population is vulnerable due to succession of vegetation and its vicinity with a human settlement. The establishment of a micro-reserve represents a suitable method to protect and maintain this threatened M. quadrifolia population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]