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Romania's biodiversity is a natural treasure, offering a vast array of species and ecosystems, but faces increasing threats from human activities and climate change. Education, awareness and conservation of biodiversity are key to protecting this priceless biological diversity. In this article, through statistical methods of analysis, we aim to explore the role of education and awareness in the conservation of Romania's biodiversity, highlighting initiatives and efforts to promote public understanding and commitment to protecting the environment and unique species. This analysis allowed us to identify relevant patterns, trends and conclusions related to biodiversity education, awareness and conservation in Romania. Protecting Romania's biodiversity is therefore not only a necessity for the environment, but also for society, the economy and human well-being. Biodiversity conservation is essential for our well-being and the health of the planet, and it is our responsibility to act on it. We will explore the importance of education in schools and universities, the role of NGOs and government actions, and their impact on biodiversity conservation in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to present the evolution of coastal landscape, as well as the defining component of it, sand dunes. The current situation of sand dunes, their impact on ecosystems, the threats and difficulties they face, along with the importance of their conservation were analyzed. The introduction is based on the statistical data gathered from numerous international reports regarding the environment, specifically the sustainability of coastal and marine zones. The information was processed and compared during the materials and methods phase to the analyzed site, which is unique for Romania, hosting the only natural reserve of marine dunes in the country, the protected area “Marine Dunes of Agigea”. The analysis focused on the physical environment, land use, history and heritage, flora and fauna. As for the results and discussions, a synthesis of the analysis and a diagnosis, vision and mission were elaborated, while the conclusion of the paper is summing up a sustainable landscape planning and management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article aims to analyze scientific information in the scientific literature, data provided by the main herbaria in the country, and information collected from the spontaneous flora regarding the presence of the C. avellana species on the territory of Romania. Also, the distribution of C. avellana species has been analyzed according to the average annual temperature and the amount of average annual precipitations in Romania. The presence of the species on the territory of Romania was reported approximately 125 years ago in the "Conspectus of Romanian Flora" paper. In southwestern Romania, the species has been identified in different locations, for example, dendrological parks and natural parks. The practical value of this species is given by its edible fruits, which are valuable both for food and medicinal point of view or due to their agronomic characteristics. A primary objective for biodiversity conservation regarding this species should be protecting forested areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home-gardens are at grounding the definition of the cultural rural universe all over the world and are paving for centuries our entire existence as human civilizations. They are directly connecting people to nature and are securing our rapid access to genetic resources for food and agriculture in a close connectivity to all them believes and achievements. The natural landscape was sculptured towards the human needs and for centuries they represent the borders between human settlements and wild biodiversity. In Romania traditional home-gardens are not recognized yet as heritage values of our ancestors even certain papers are describing home-gardens but they are not considering that traditional home-gardens can still be found or investigated. Sibiu county has unique villages with peculiar attributes related to the organization pattern of households, the use of specific genetic resources into their home-gardens including landraces, the access of wild biodiversity for food as well as the connectivity maintenance with the main events of the Christian calendar. The scope of this paper is to scientifically ground a set of indicators to be discussed in order to define traditional home-gardens models for Sibiu county. Furthermore, they may become important milestones for ensuring food security in the region also considering climate-change dramatic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural enterprise, seen from a sustainable development perspective, operates within an ecosystem, and aims to achieve a harmonious interpenetration and integration with it. The way in which this interpenetration and integration is realized depends on the level achieved by its performances, which requires the adoption of policies and strategies and the economic organization of biotechnical processes. The paper emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to issues like management and sustainable development of the grassland agro ecosystem and shows that promoting ecological techniques in the grassland agro ecosystem can ensure its versatility. All these supported by obtaining appropriate pastoral values, namely biodiversity conservation and improvement of meadows, and knowing that Romania has a variety of floral structures with high biodiversity indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper is aiming to present some of the most significant scientific results developed in the framework of FP7 enviroGRIDS project - Building Capacity for a Black Sea Catchment Observation and Assessment supporting Sustainable Development, in terms of assessing the occurrence, development and spread the main Invasive Terrestrial Plant Species (ITPS) in the Romanian protected areas. Taking into consideration the intensification of the human-induced influences in various habitats, the authors undertook an in-depth analysis of selected ITPS (Amorpha fruticosa, Acer Negundo, Ailanthus altissima, Fallopia japonica, Impatiens glandulifera) in relation to the key environmental driving forces in some protected areas considered as case-studies for each biogeographical region in Romania: Maramureş Mountains Natural Park (Alpine region), Mureş Floodplain Natural Park (Pannonic region), Comana Natural Park (Continental region), Mãcin Mountains National Park (Steppic region) and Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (Pontic region). Based on the complex assessment of spatial and statistical data as well as field surveys an ITPS potential distribution model (ITPS-podismod) was also developed. Additionally, some relevant biological indicators (abundance, frequency and ecological significance) in relation to its key environmental driving forces (both natural and humaninduced) have been calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Turkish hazel or Turkish filbert ( Corylus colurna) is a less widespread tree species in Romania. Data on the presence of C. colurna species in the Romanian flora are quite rare. The article's aim is to analyse the scientific information and those of the main herbariums regarding the presence of C. colurna species on the Romanian territory. The presence of the species on the Romanian territory was signalled about 122 years ago in the paper "Conspectus of Romanian Flora". Subsequent scientific information identifies the species in different locations, especially in the southwest of Romania, in dendrological and natural parks. Scientific importance of the species lies in its rarity, the species has an area limit on Romanian territory and in the value, it gives to natural ecosystems in which it grows. The practical value is given by its edible fruits, valuable from a food or medicinal point of view and by its agronomic characteristics. As a result, the biodiversity conservation strategy should include forest protected areas as important objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuejdel Lake is the largest aquatorium among the Romanian natural dam lakes and one of the top 5 largest natural dam lakes in the Romanian Carpathians (surface - 13.88ha, max.depth - 14.9m, total volume - 815,986m3 in 2013). The lake was generated by a large landslide that dammed the Cuejdel brook (in Ştânişoarei Mountains, Eastern Carpathians) during the summer of 1991. Cuejdel Lake was officially designated a national natural reserve by the Governmental Decision 2151/2004 regarding the creation of new protected areas and the conservation of natural flora and fauna habitats. Since 2011, our team has monitored the lake and studied the evolution of this limnosystem at the level of the lacustrine depression and its reception basin. Our research results indicated that, after 20 years of evolution and negative changes in the value of its morpho-bathymetric parameters (surface - 2.37ha, max. depth - 2.3m, total volume - 26.77.104m3), the lake is now in a relative hydrodynamic equilibrium with the obstructive dam. This paper is aimed to highlight the ecological features of this limnosystem that could further help to identify better solutions for the conservation of the lacustrine cuvette, in the context of an increasing anthropic pressure (deforestations, water pollution, uncontrolled tourist impact etc). The research indicates that the integration of the Cuejdel natural reserve and its reception basin within the Vâ nători-Neamţ Natural Park could be the best solution to preserve this hydro-morphological site and its biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity, as variation of life form on Earth is the base of agriculture, in each of its fields, from the food to the services provided by ecosystems, the main streams and links of production. Standards or requirements that farmers must meet to be eligible for subsidies contribute to maintain biodiversity. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the costs needed to implement environmental standards and their implications for farm rentability. This study was made in farms with different size in the south part of Romania. Even if it can be seen a increase of production expenses which lead to a light decrease of farms profitability, the long-term benefit of biodiversity conservation is considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building resilient rural areas or communities is one of the major goals of any strategy supporting food security for the future. Under these circumstances the major stakeholders are the people working in agriculture such as producers. In Romania, Sibiu county they can be landowners, custodians or non-formal land-loaning people dedicated for practicing agriculture. The scope of this article was to survey the awareness level regarding the value of genetic resources for food and agriculture of producers that are selling their agri-food products in Sibiu city. Based on the analysis of our results most of producers are of orthodox religion and are coupling the religious fests ‘calendar to agricultural practices calendar. If they are aware about the value of old animal bred, they are not aware about the value of preserving landraces for more than 100 years in the same agro-ecosystem. About 15 crops species are among the best traded on the Sibiu market, but their genetic pools is much wider reaching up to 40 species in traditional gardening. The landowners are not ye associated at the commune level and therefore it is a great need to be supported at the local and county level by officials. A recognition of the history of importing genetic resources for the region is a must due to current failures in importing crops not suitable for very peculiar local conditions. Also, we recommend the adoption of the list of crops varieties traditionally cultivated in villages. The willingness of producers to be recognized for a potential network for on farm conservation should also be part of a process to be adopted an official list for on farm conservation of genetic resources in a bottom-up approach up to the national and European levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European farmlands are vital arenas for socio-ecological sustainability because of their significant land coverage and potential for integrating food production with biodiversity conservation. The knowledge produced by scientific research is a critical ingredient in developing and implementing socio-economically and ecologically sustainable management strategies for farming landscapes. The grasslands of Europe have been managed for millennia. They have exceptional socio-cultural and economic value and are among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. The quality of scientific knowledge on them and its potential to address grasslands as complex socio-ecological systems is strongly dependent not only on the creativity and scientific ambition of the researcher, but also on the network around the researcher (including both academic and non-academic sectors). The goal of this study is to map the research network around Romania’s grasslands using bibliometrics analysis, a well-developed scientific domain that utilizes network theory to analyze relationships between affiliations networks, co-authorship networks, and co-word analysis. The number of studies targeting grasslands in Romania is increasing, owing mostly to international involvement. However, management of the grasslands is still deficient and the contribution of science to the process is virtually absent. The current research is mainly related to the biological and ecological characteristics of grasslands, with topics related to their management notably absent from internationally visible research, especially in the context of EU Common Agricultural Policies. To increase scientific inquiry and better inform the EU and local policies on grasslands management, Romanian researchers should capitalize on international collaborations and local academic leaders. Our findings can be used to identify research gaps and to improve collaboration and knowledge exchange between practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This paper examines eight fossil pollen datasets from Romania with the aim of exploring regional and elevational patterns in site similarity throughout the Holocene. In particular, we aim to determine whether there are clear intervals of homogenization/differentiation and to ascertain the potential driving factors. Location Romania. Methods Qualitative (pollen diagrams) and numerical methods including principal components analysis and Bray-Curtis similarity analyses were used. Results We found strong variability in the past vegetation dynamics during the Holocene. Bray-Curtis similarity analyses show large fluctuations in vegetation similarity and distinct periods of homogenization and differentiation throughout the Holocene. The magnitude and length of these periods appear quite variable in time, but the significant ones can be delimited as follows: (1) differentiation between 11,250 and 11,000 cal. yr bp, 10,000 and 9750 cal. yr bp, 6000 and 5750 cal. yr bp, 2500 and 2250 cal. yr bp, and especially over the last 200 years; and (2) homogenization between 9750 and 9500 cal. yr bp, and 2750 and 2500 cal. yr bp, with more stable periods between 9000 and 7750 cal. yr bp, 4750 and 3500 cal. yr bp, and 2000 and 1000 cal. yr bp. Main conclusions First, periods of biotic homogenization that occurred before significant anthropogenic impact on vegetation demonstrate that not all homogenization is a product of anthropogenic change: it can also be driven by natural causes. In fact, recent human impact (over the last 200 years) appears to have resulted in increased regional differentiation and not in homogenization - a result that contradicts most studies based on more modern, short-term records. Second, both abiotic (climate and disturbance) and biotic factors are likely drivers of intervals of differentiation and homogenization. We suggest that differentiation may be triggered primarily by climate changes and disturbances (mostly natural pre-2500 cal. yr bp and human-induced thereafter), whereas homogenization may be driven predominantly by biotic interactions (e.g. immigration and interspecific competition). Third, this long-term study raises awareness that assessments of pattern in vegetation homogenization/differentiation may depend on the specific time period and length of investigation. Long-term investigations through multiple generations are likely to yield particularly useful information on the mechanisms and effects of biotic homogenization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper presents a study upon the scientific knowledge on the conservation status and future perspectives of the endemic species Pietrosia levitomentosa Nyárády ex Sennikov. The scope of the paper is to improve our understanding about this endemic species and to underline its importance. The present study case is being used to highlight the main features of biodiversity conservation in Romania, a country with a high number of endemic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization occurs now more rapidly than before, due to the development of compact cities or urban sprawl, threatening quasi-natural areas, especially those protected within/near built-up ones. Europe lacks laws dedicated to natural protected areas within built-up areas, which are subject to the same provisions as natural protected ones, or a legislative vacuum. This research aimed to find the best planning approach for resiliently conserving and developing these areas and establishing grounds for a new tool used for planning the proximity of natural areas within cities. The methodology involved selecting two groups of countries, Nordic and eastern European, and treating these areas differently. The choice was based on specific political history. The study analyzed the legislative and planning framework and compared the approaches of 11 analyzed countries to pinpoint the basic aspects accounted for and applied to other European territories, in order to preserve the characteristics of urban morpho-typology and the particularities of local landscapes. The comparison results suggest solutions such as adopting specific regulations for urban protected areas and their adjacent zones through legal documents, completing/detailing environmental legislation in Nordic countries, adopting laws dedicated to protected natural areas within and/or close to built areas, and changing the approach to protecting natural areas with urban planning or land use tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romania has aligned itself with objectives related to the conservation and protection of biodiversity, the safeguarding of natural habitats, and the protection of wild species by identifying and assessing Natura 2000 sites. These are recognized and protected not only at the European level but also internationally. They can be connected to broader ecological networks, such as the Pan- European Ecological Corridors and international biodiversity protection networks, playing a significant role in promoting sustainable development by integrating nature conservation with socio-economic activities. Additionally, they provide opportunities for biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource utilization, tourism development, and involvement of local communities. The study aims to identify the main forms of tourism practiced, as well as those with potential within the 15 Natura 2000 sites in the North-East region of Romania. In a comparative manner, it highlights best practices and measures necessary for promoting ecotourism and other sustainable economic activities that support nature conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main concerns and challenges of raising silkworms include economic value, mulberry management, biodiversity conservation of genetic resources, and developing highly productive breeds for genetic variety. This study investigated the relationship between the economic relevance of the products generated throughout the value chain, limitations, and opportunities to generate incomes for sericulture farmers, trends, and perspectives worldwide, particularly in Romania. Seventy-seven publications were considered from online databases. The diversification of products generated at each level of the value chain of silkworm rearing and their multipurpose applications impact social and economic life. Hence, silk is well known as a valuable biomaterial for industry, suitable for textile and medicine. There are several arguments to use silkworms in human food even though they are not yet authorized as edible insects at the European level. Thus, as a nutrient-rich by-product, silkworm pupae (extract, cakes, and oil) have medicinal properties and can be used for human and animal nutrition. Sericin, silk fibroin, and chitin are bioactive compounds in cocoons and pupae with pharmacological implications and drug composition, while biomass is suitable for biodiesel and excreta for compost. The farmers' attitudes and mentality associated with political circumstances influence the perspectives for the sericulture field. Due to the high likelihood of using their products, small-medium-scale farmers might benefit sericulture by identifying new sales marketplaces and finding new beneficiaries for directing their multiple products. The funds allotted by government subventions for supporting this fascinating activity and opportunities for jobs may aid in encouraging to start of a new sericulture business or to contribute developing the existing one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: (i) To determine whether area and connectivity of temporary ponds can predict plant species diversity, and the diversity and abundance of different plant life histories; (ii) To explore whether pond connectivity with the river prior to river regulation predicts better plant diversity patterns than current pond connectivity, suggestive of possible effects of connectivity loss. Location: Eastern Carpathian Mountains, Romania, Europe. Methods: We fitted linear and generalized linear models (LM and GLM) to examine whether pond area and current distance from the Olt River predict plant species richness, Shannon diversity and relative cover of different social behaviour types and overall plant species richness and Shannon diversity. Using historical maps, we measured pond distance from the river ca. 60 years before the Olt River was regulated, and we refitted the LM and GLM models using pond area and past distance from the river as independent variables. Results: Total plant species richness increased with pond area, and it decreased with the distance from the river, but total plant Shannon diversity index was affected, positively, only by pond area. The strength of responses to pond area and connectivity of species richness, Shannon diversity and relative cover varied across the different social behaviour types. Past and current distances between ponds and riverbeds had similar effects on plant diversity, with some evidence for stronger effect of the present connectivity on specialist species Shannon diversity and a weaker effect on disturbance tolerants, generalists and competitors. Main Conclusions: Pond area and connectivity with the landscape are important predictors of the diversity of plant life history strategies, and therefore, useful tools in pond conservation. Consistent species richness and Shannon diversity responses of wetland specialists to pond area and connectivity make this life history type well suited for monitoring pond condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is just a partial study for an ample research regarding evolution of species from Cervidae family in Romania. The programme is developed in collaboration with Romanian Hunter's Federation. The main purpose of this study is to reveal the reality, to find causes and to elaborate long term strategies in direction of biodiversity conservation, especially for wild game. In the last years the Romanian hunters indicate that the number of roe deer population decreasing, because of intensive agriculture and also because of high number of predators (bear, wolf and lynx population). The analysis is based on the official data from national evaluation of sedentary game in Giurgiu County. Hunting territories in this area are managed by National Forest Authority, county associations of hunters and other associations for conservation of biodiversity and management of hunting territories. The real cervidae livestock was analyzed between 2006 and 2015 by county, and sex, and in comparison with the optimal livestock (maximal number of individuals who can leave in a hunting area without causing damage to the agricultural fields or in the forest). Considering the new agricultural techniques and technologies it is relatively normal to find a numerical depreciation of wild game. In analysed period in Giurgiu County, the cervidae populations is good and representative. Also, there were analyzed the differences between what can be seen in hunting territories and what is reported. As a conclusion, the official evaluation is not perfect and the problem is to put together population from fence area (intensive growth) with the population from free area. In this case, it is needed to evaluate exactly the livestock and to developed a long term strategy for conservation of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper aims to evaluate if the Natura 2000 sites in Romania are placed over dynamic areas from a land cover changes perspective, or if they are placed in areas with low human interest and what the impact of these changes are. The effectiveness of conservation measures was addressed by analyzing the number of land cover changes and their areas in Natura 2000 sites, before and after declaring them as protected areas. Corine Land Cover (CLC) data were used as a tool to identify threats and pressures from each Natura 2000 site, and also assess whether land cover changes are more frequent in sites with a high biodiversity index, compared to those with low diversity, in order to estimate the conservation status. Changes in the land cover during 1990–2018 are characterized by three types of events, from 1990 to 2000 with most changes recorded, followed by a relative period of stability from 2000 to 2012; the most dynamic period is from 2012 to 2018. The main changes are due to deforestation. Only 29.7% ROSCI (Romanian Sites of Community Importance) and 36.5% ROSPA (Romanian Special Protected Areas) sites are characterized by a good degree of conservation without or with low modifications regarding the land cover. The most frequent threats and pressures that were found through CLC changes in the ROSCIs in Romania are related to forestry, grazing, the extent of the urbanized environment and those related to agriculture. The correspondence between Corine Land Cover and Natura 2000 specific threats and pressures emphasizes new guidelines for the Corine Land Cover program; therefore, this correspondence can be a potential tool to get more information for Natura 2000 sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although conservation and development are two facets of sustainability, they are often placed in contradictory positions. In this context, planning systems are able to respond to investment pressure, especially in countries with underdeveloped institutional solutions for this purpose, and are consequently characterized by a shifting relationship between spatial planning and environmental protection. Although these issues have been relatively well conceptualized, the literature still lacks more in-depth analyses of selected case studies. In order to fill the gap, this study aimed to identify potential ways to protect the environment and natural values in urban areas from investment pressures in countries with less developed planning systems, based on a comparative Polish-Romanian perspective. The method consisted of comparing the national legal frameworks for environmental protection and spatial development and analyzing in detail two case studies from each country. The findings indicate that national protection is required in both countries to ensure the effective protection of natural areas situated within city administrative limits that provide important ecosystem services. Moreover, the results reveal the need for more research on similar areas using multi-scale interdisciplinary approaches and reviewing planning theory with respect to its efficiency in protecting nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Romania is currently one of the best-connected landscapes, with high-quality habitats and a high density of brown bears. However, regional development measures are needed for the nation's economic growth, and without responsible government actions, these measures pose a threat to brown bear connectivity, a vital pillar of the entire Carpathian region. Despite having important implications for the species conservation, bears sex-specific behaviour has been overlooked in connectivity assessments. Objectives: The study's main goals were to (i) develop sex-specific distribution and connectivity models, (ii) assess the movement patterns differences between females and males, and (iii) identify high-quality areas to be secured for species connectivity conservation. Methods: We designed a methodological framework based on interdisciplinary approaches and modelling tools for landscape connectivity combined with novel spatial analysis. Telemetry data of sixteen bears (females and males) were utilized to predict habitat selection (MaxEnt), and circuit-theoretic approaches (Circuitscape) were applied to identify the potential movement corridors of both sexes and high-priority areas. Results: The obtained results provided new evidence on the uneven movement patterns and pathways used by males and females in the study region. Males' movement preferences were related to river shores and dense forest coverage areas, avoiding urban areas, while females were predicted to move across forested and open areas and were more tolerant to human‐modified areas. Three high-quality areas were delineated for both sexes, and connectivity conservation efforts are needed due to the vicinity of anthropic pressures. Conclusions: This study depicts the usefulness of combining interdisciplinary approaches and provides planners, managers, and decision-makers with practical solutions to address sustainable design and management within the intervened landscapes. Using separate female and male spatial models for leading management and conservation measures, setting connectivity targets within environmental and impact assessments while adopting conservation easements could secure a safety network for biodiversity conservation in the Carpathians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of biodiversity conservation was set at Rio de Janeiro in 1992 when the UN adopted the Convention on Biodiversity. Agricultural biodiversity is an essential element of biodiversity. European Union adopted a series of directives in order to reduce genetic erosion which is more and more accented on cultivated plants. Between 2005 and 2010, at USAMV Cluj-Napoca, were undertaken activities for identifying vegetable landraces from 20 counties of Romania, especially from Transylvania, Banat and Bucovina. The seeds were achieved from small seed producers. Speaking about tomatoes, were collected 35 varieties from 7 counties of Transylvania. These varieties were cultivated in field and seeds were produced. For identifying the genuine landraces, these were studied from morphological, physiological and agronomical point of view. For each landrace were studied 80 characteristics and filled in the descriptors developed by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (Rome). It came out that 28 of the 35 varieties were authentic landraces. The paper presents the main characteristics, such as: fruit weight, the dry matter and soluble carbohydrates content, resistance at black fungus and juicy yield. The seeds were given for preservation to Suceava Gene Bank. Each landrace is attended by passport description and characterization. The Gene Bank provides' small quantities of seeds to researchers and vegetable growers. The fact of seed preservation in the Gene Bank ensures' the safety of landraces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large branchiopods are among the most spectacular representatives of temporary pond fauna, suitable as flagship species for the conservation of this habitat type. Romania has one of the largest documented species numbers among European countries, but for most of the country, very few recent data exist on the presence and status of this group. In this paper we summarize the current knowledge on large branchiopod distribution, in order to have a comparable picture of distribution patterns of species between regions, to highlight the gaps and to encourage further research. One third of the Romanian large branchiopod fauna is represented by endemic species localized to the country, to eastern or southeastern Europe. Half of the species have been found in only one out of the seven regions investigated. These data show the rarity and diversity of the fauna, and show that the conservation of the Romanian large branchiopod fauna is important at a European level and Romania has a great responsibility to preserve it. Almost one third of the species were last documented 10-100 years ago, indicating the need for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to reveal the massive involution of wild boar herds in Romania and especially in Dobrogea area. Everybody knows about the effects of the African swine fever on wild boar herds, but no one talks about the impact it has on the environment. In the current conditions, there would have been the possibility to intervene and to populate with animals raised in these hunting complexes. The study focused on the Dobrogea area because it was the first and most affected area of the country. We analyze the official data from national evaluation of sedentary game in Dobrogea area, more exactly Constanta and Tulcea County. Hunting territories in these two counties are managed by National Forest Authority, county associations of hunters and other associations for conservation of biodiversity and management of hunting territories. We analyze wild boar real effective between 2018 and 2021 by counties, by sexes, and in comparison with optimal effective (maximal number of individuals who can leave in a hunting area, without causing damage to the agricultural fields or in the forest). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Romania and Ukraine share the Black Sea coastline, the Danube Delta and associated habitats, which harbor the endemic, aquatic Pontocaspian biota. Currently, this biota is diminishing both in numbers of species and their abundance because of human activities, and its future persistence strongly depends on the adequacy of conservation measures. Romania and Ukraine have a common responsibility to address the conservation of Pontocaspian biodiversity. The two countries, however have different socio-political and legal conservation frameworks, which may result in differences in the social network structure of stakeholder institutions with different implications for Pontocaspian biodiversity conservation. Here, we study the social network structure of stakeholder organizations involved in conservation of Pontocaspian biodiversity in Romania and the implications of network structure for conservation outcomes. Then we compare the findings from Romania to an earlier similar study from Ukraine. We apply a mix of qualitative and quantitative social network analysis methods to combine the content and context of the interactions with relational measures. We show that Pontocaspian biodiversity plays a minor and mostly incidental role in the inter-organizational interactions in Romania. Furthermore, there is room for improvement in the network structure through e.g. more involvement of governmental and nongovernmental organizations and increased motivation of central stakeholders to initiate conservation actions. Social variables, such as lack of funding, hierarchical, non-inclusive system of conservation governance and continuous institutional reforms in the public sector are consequential for the network relations and structure. Social network of stakeholders in Ukraine is more connected and central stakeholders utilize their favorable positions. However, neither in Ukraine is the Pontocaspian biodiversity a driver of organizational interactions. Consequently, both networks translate into sub-optimal conservation actions and the roads to optimal conservation are different. We end with sketching out conservation implications and recommendations for improved national and cross-border conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vineyard inter-rows are important biodiversity hotspots within agricultural landscapes, especially when they are covered with vegetation. However, little is known on the effects to management intensity on a broad range of surface-dwelling invertebrates and their interaction with vegetation. We assessed the diversity and activity density of ants, beetles, millipedes, mites, spiders, springtails and woodlice using pitfall traps in vineyards with either high management intensity (HI) consisting of frequently tilled inter-rows or low management intensity (LO) with alternating tillage in every second inter-row. The study was performed in the Târnave wine region in Central Romania. We wanted to know whether, (i) vineyard management intensity affects the diversity of plants and invertebrates, and (ii) local habitat characteristics affect species richness of different functional guilds and taxa. Species richness of some invertebrate taxa (Coleoptera, Araneae, Formicidae) did significantly differ between HI and LO vineyards. Only phytophages (some Coleoptera) increased in species richness and activity density with vegetation cover. Vineyard soil properties (organic matter content, pH, P, and K) did not significantly differ between HI and LO vineyards. We conclude that vineyard inter-row management can affect both the conservation of biodiversity and the provision of biodiversity-driven ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to analyze grassland areas in relation to the activities and financial support schemes dedicated to the conservation of grassland habitats, with a view to sustainable development of Romania's mountainous area. A multitask analysis was carried out: the geomatic approach of pastoral space and its relations with other environmental components, having "localized" results in space and therefore the possibility of intervention "from the general to the specific". The grasslands cover 22.30% of the Romania's mountainous area, a percentage which gives them a special importance. The large number of identified protected areas (770 entities of different categories) support the idea of the high biodiversity of the mountainous area, implicitly of the grassland habitats. One third of grassland areas (36.65%) are included in one or more environmental protection structures. In addition to biodiversity conservation measures imposed by different protected areas, Romania's mountainous area is fully included in the Agro-Environment and Climate and Ecological Agriculture programs, part of the Common Agricultural Policies, which encourages the pursuit of sustainable agriculture, also the protection of biological resources. This study encouraging and sustaining extensive traditional agricultural practices, determines both the maintenance of biodiversity and the diversity of semi-natural grassland habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is another just part for an ample study regarding evolution of species from Cervidae family in Romania. The programme is developed in collaboration with Romanian Hunter's Federation. The main purpose of this study is to reveal the reality, to find causes and to elaborate long term strategies in direction of biodiversity conservation, especially for wild game. In the last years the Romanian hunters indicate that the number of roe deer population decreasing, because of intensive agriculture and also because of high number of predators (bear, wolf and lynx population). We analyze the official data from national evaluation of sedentary game in Calarasi County. Hunting territories in this area are managed by National Forest Authority, county associations of hunters and other associations for conservation of biodiversity and management of hunting territories. We analyse cervidae real livestock between by counties, by sexes, and in comparison with optimal livestock (maximal number of individuals who can leave in a hunting area, without causing damage to the agricultural fields or in the forest). Considering the new agricultural technics and technologies it is relatively normal to find a numerical depreciation of wild game. But for cervidae populations, in analysed period in Calarasi County, we find a good and representative population. The differences between what can be saw in hunting territories and what is reported was analyzed. We can say that the evaluation, the official evaluation, is not perfect and we must work together to know exactly the livestocks and to develop a long term strategy for conservation of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Romania there is a legislation that regulates different aspects of the protection and administration of natural areas--from the way they are being established to the way permissible activities in and around these areas are being regulated. Nevertheless, based on studies released by different interested forums, the core issue has been identified to be the poor informing of the population concerning the importance of protecting the biodiversity and its role in ensuring a support system of life and in developing socio-economical systems. The presence of the inhabitants on the natural areas and the activities they conduct have a great impact on the natural environment, thus making their involvement in protecting the biodiversity extremely important. The general public needs to become more aware of the fact that the preservation of nature does not constitute a unique, self-defeating purpose, that requires the saccrifice of all means, and that the presence of a reservation in their community could lead to a highly beneficial sustainable development, both socially and economically as a result of increasing financial stability for the local population. Throughout this process of communication/awareness raising/ecological education, a key role is being played by the environmental non-governmental organizations that, through their mission, can be more visible and more efficient in achieving the purpose of making the public aware and thus creating a responsible behaviour and a direct involvement in protecting and administrating the natural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ex situ conservation is the most important way through a Botanic Gaaden contributes to biodiversity conservation. One of the multiple directions of ex situ conservation is the diversification of the collections with spontaneous cormophytes presenting decorative value. Aconitum degenii Gáyer is an herbaceous, perennial and toxic species with the areal in Alps and Carpathian Mountains, sporadically met at forest’s margins. This species has been studied in 2009-2011 period in order to observe its behavior in the environmental conditions characteristic to the Botanic Garden of Iasi. To accomplish this aim seeds, rhizomes and individuals have been collected from the wild and introduced in experimental fields. Comparisons between flowering periods, qualitative (color of the flowers) and quantitative (number of the flowers, leaves and ramifications, plants height, rhizomes length) decorative characters of both cultivated and spontaneous individuals have been realized. It was observed that Aconitum degenii Gáyer individuals are keeping (almost the same quantitative characteristics) and even improve (longer flowering period) their decorative characteristics without being deteriorated or diminished. From the morpho - anatomical perspective none significant differences have been observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Question: What are the consequences of grazing abandonment on the Stipa lessingiana dominated steppe-like grasslands? What is the relative importance of management and environmental factors in causing variation in species composition and abundance in the continuously grazed and abandoned grassland stands? Location: Transylvanian Lowland, Romania. Methods: Repeated vegetation mapping of a grassland stand, where grazing was abandoned 35 years ago; re-sampling six grassland stands surveyed 29-57 years ago. For revealing long-term changes in species composition and rank abundance PCoA ordination was applied. The relative importance of management and environmental factors in structuring vegetation were explored by CCA ordination. Diversity, evenness and the relative number and abundance of red-listed species were compared between managed and abandoned stands. Results: Our results pointed out that grasslands which were formerly grazed and dominated by S. lessingiana, in the long-term absence of grazing, have been transformed into a S. pulcherrima dominated type. Management, probably by creating bare surfaces and preventing litter accumulation, had the strongest effect on the species composition and abundance in the grasslands. Abandoned grassland stands had lower diversity and evenness compared to continuously grazed stands. While at the same time, the relative number of threatened, rare species did not differ between managed and abandoned sites. Conclusion: Maintaining extensively grazed, as well as unmanaged, Stipa dominated grasslands would be important in order to create various habitat conditions for plant species, especially threatened and rare species, and promote diversity on the landscape scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas (PAs) represent real cornerstones in the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitats. Their protection must be a priority today for each society. The enhanced socio-economic requirements increase the pressure upon protected areas, and the effect can result in a reduction of biodiversity. The aim of this study is to quantify forest fragmentation in the pre- (1986-2002) and post-establishment (2002-2016) periods, inside and around (buffer 1, buffer 2 and buffer 3) Apuseni Natural Park (ANP), Romania, using a series of classified Landsat satellite images and six landscape metrics. The results show that forest fragmentation occurred both in the pre- and post-establishment periods, inside and around ANP. Inside the park, the deforestation rate increased four times, from 0.03% year−1 in the pre-establishment period to 0.14% year−1 in the post-establishment period. Around the park, the deforestation rate decreased from 0.31% year−1 in the pre-establishment period (buffer 1) to 0.10% year−1 in the post-establishment period (buffer 1). Forest fragmentation resulted in an increase in the patch density and edge density, and a decrease in the total core area and mean patch size leading to isolation of patches and fragmentation of landscape, especially in ANP in the post-establishment period. Several measures can be taken in order to stop forest fragmentation inside and around ANP, including the education of buffer-zone communities, reforestation, enforcement of park regulations, and forest legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]