Restoration ecology research above the timberline: colonization of safety islands on a machine-graded alpine ski run

摘要: Colonization was studied in safety islands installed on a machine-graded downhill ski run (ca 2500m asl) and respectively aged 7, 8, 9 years. For comparison, the neighbouring non-restored plots were investigated. The study included assessment of species richness (alpha diversity), size spatial structure immigrant populations, nearest possible diaspore sources. number colonizing recorded totalled 44 whereas only 25 found close by. mean per whole plot, 1m2 0.1m2 significantly higher than plots. Population founders small populations represented more half all islands, but medium-sized large also present. overall distribution plants patchy individuals run. Travelling distances separating from source often exceedingly short ranged between 0.10m 1m 47.7% studied. It seems that sources mostly secondary i.e. scattered over run, those previously used restoration trials, served as donors. results clearly demonstrate successful colonization alpine runs area is ultimately limited by safe-site availability not deficiencies seed rain or remote process apparently well-advanced.