Passive Recovery of Mediterranean Coastal Dunes Following Limitations to Human Trampling

摘要: Because of the important functional role that plants play in dune ecosystems, assessing their ability to recover following human disturbance is an task for restoration and conservation coastal ecosystems. In this study we assess effects limitations trampling on vegetation a protected area central Italy. Using diachronic approach (studying community changes over time), compared species cover richness two fenced sectors with open sector has been subjected course 4-year experiment. Random sampling was performed three using geo-referenced points located GPS (10 each sector). At randomly assigned point, all vascular plant were sampled 4-m2 plot. Our results indicated significant increase sectors, while both parameters remained relatively constant control. It appeared by reducing effect trampling, system started some spatial structure along sea-inland gradient typifies communities, which absent sector. These findings highlight great potential fencing as passive recovery method improving status degraded trampled Mediterranean foredune habitats, well helping gain clearer picture how process takes place. The are encouraging managers stakeholders they show cost-effective practice such can help restore ecosystem functioning within short time-frame.