Search

Gypsum ecosystems occur in arid and semi-arid areas, where evaporation is intense and annual precipitation is low and insufficient to leach the gypsum. They host sparse and scattered vegetation, composed of species specialized in this soil type. In Cyprus, gypsophilous vegetation is part of the priority habitat *1520 Iberian gypsum steppes (Gypsophiletalia) characterized by Campanula fastigiata, Gypsophila linearifolia, and Teucrium salaminium. Despite the ecological importance of gypsophilous vegetation, its distribution and ecology in Cyprus is still understudied. This study aimed to provide the first comprehensive account of the gypsum communities, focusing on the distribution of gypsophytes in relation to the substrate and the floristic composition of gypsum soils. Floristic inventory was carried out in 27 sites with gypsum soil. Biophysical information and data about human impact were also recorded. A total of 97 taxa were identified, including three gyspophile species, two gypsoclines, 20 gypsovags, and 72 waifs. A new endemic Rostraria hadjikyriakou was recorded in five locations. The known geographical distribution of gypsophilous vegetation has been updated. For 35% of the sites, gypsophilous vegetation was recorded for the first time while none of the characteristic gypsophilous species was found in the western part of the island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the ongoing global extinction, conservationists must prioritize future conservation investments to ensure that such measures are biologically effective and economically viable. To propose an effective conservation plan for Orthoptera assemblages on Cyprus Island, we introduce the Standardized Conservation Index (StCI), a biodiversity index accounting for the conservation value (ci), presence, dispersal ability, endemism and conservation status of a species. We evaluated the effect of eleven environmental variables on StCI, ci, species richness and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index, using linear and generalized linear models. Species and environmental data were collected in 60 localities that were placed along four elevational zones and included seven habitat types. Our results revealed the importance of rural mosaics and forests for the conservation of Orthoptera. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index failed to show the importance of high-altitude forests. The Orthoptera species diversity was favored by flower heads and the soil humidity, while rock cover and high shrubs had a positive and negative effect, respectively, on the StCI and ci values. Our results underline the value of StCI in complementing traditional diversity indices, as a scale-independent index that can be used for different taxa to prioritize sites of conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]