Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Anca MANOLE, Ana-Maria MOROȘANU, Attila MÁTIS, Anna SZABÓ, Georgiana-Roxana NICOARĂ, Florența-Elena HELEPCIUC, Mihnea VLADIMIRESCU, Ioana Cătălina PAICA, Mihaela CIOBOTĂ, Daniela Elena MOGÎLDEA, Constantin-Ciprian BÎRSAN, Constanța-Mihaela ION, Tiberiu SAHLEAN, Sorin ȘTEFĂNUȚ
The Stupini mire, proposed as a new Natura 2000 site, is a wetland located in Romania's Bârsa Depression. The site hosts a diverse range of habitats, including alkaline fens (7230), calcareous fens (7210*), Molinia meadows (6410), hygrophilous tall herb communities (6430), and alluvial forests (91E0*). This study highlights the ecological importance of the mire and evaluates the impact of recent restoration efforts. Vegetation surveys conducted between 2022 and 2024 confirmed the presence of rare and protected species, such as Swertia perennis and Primula farinose as well as the glacial relict Ligularia sibirica, a species protected under European legislation. However, the rare orchid Liparis loeselii was not detected, raising concerns about its possible local extinction due to drought and habitat degradation. To counteract these threats, restoration efforts focused on reestablishing the hydrological balance and removing invasive species. These measures resulted in a notable increase in the water table, with levels rising by up to 10 cm. The findings underscore the urgency of continued conservation efforts and formal designation of the site under Natura 2000 to prevent further biodiversity loss.
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