A palaeoecological perspective for the conservation and restoration of wetland plant communities in the central French Alps, with particular emphasis on alder carr vegetation

摘要: Abstract Wetland conservation and management are generally only based on present-day studies, without integrating historical considerations. However, wetlands contain palaeoecological archives that can provide accurate records of their own history. Our study aims at reconciling this paradox in the central French Alps, by reconstructing past wetland diversity/richness controls Holocene hydroseral dynamics, discussing basis conservation, restoration. Previously published data, complemented a sedge mire, reveal three main stages regional succession: initial aquatic plant communities (Nymphaea alba, Nuphar cf. lutea, Menyanthes trifoliata), carrs (Alnus glutinosa/incana, Salix spp., Thelypteris palustris), then meadows (Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Lythrum salicaria…). This dynamic comprises (1) classical evolution from open water bodies to treed wet communities, controlled relationships between sedimentation processes climate, (2) an unexpected return herbaceous habitats mainly triggered Subatlantic human-induced managements. Such recent changes induced studied region decline Alnus glutinosa, disappearance palustris, extinction carr they constituted. The historically-based assessment community naturalness resilience appears critical for defining priorities, refining actions, identifying baseline conditions restoration initiatives. implications our results reinforce measures less impacted increase isolated lowland mires, notably restoring alder some them.