EU habitats of interest: an insight into Atlantic and Mediterranean beach and foredunes

摘要: We compared the Atlantic and Mediterranean beach foredune habitats of European interest, focusing on floristic, structural ecological features. selected two representative sites (The Netherlands) (Italy) coastal dunes. From a georeferenced vegetation database, samples of: (a) annual drift lines (European Union habitat type 1210), (b) embryonic shifting dunes (2110), (c) along shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (2120), were selected. Floristic representativity comparability plot sizes considered. For each habitat, frequency fidelity species, life form spectra Ellenberg indicator values assessed. found consistent floristic differentiation between dune only small set shared species. The Italian Dutch (1210) register high similarity that strongly declines landwards. composition, forms show higher similarities among different same site than homologous coasts. results confirm current description distribution interest (1210). On other hand, differences (2110) (2120) point at an inconsistency existing those highlight need adding in Directive specific types describe them basin. suggest introduction new named “Dunes arenaria” (new code 2280) “Mediterranean dunes” 2290) within class “Sea coast” (class 22 Annex I Habitats 92/43/CEE).