Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Sorin ȘTEFĂNUȚ, Florența-Elena HELEPCIUC, Constantin-Ciprian BÎRSAN, Georgiana-Roxana NICOARĂ, Tiberiu SAHLEAN, Gabriela TAMAS, Gabriel-Mihai MARIA, Viorel-Dumitru GAVRIL, Miruna-Maria ȘTEFĂNUȚ, Larisa-Isabela FLORESCU, Mirela-Mădălina MOLDOVEANU, Constanța-Mihaela ION, Ana-Maria MOROȘANU
The Bahnele Bancului peatlands, located in Suceava County, were selected for restoration due to multiple threats, such as habitat degradation, overgrazing, and drainage. The peatland currently faces an unfavourable conservation status, with Picea abies trees, over 80 years old, being the dominant vegetation. By integrating national moss species surveys with ongoing peatland restoration efforts, local research has been significantly supported. Field assessments conducted between 2022 and 2023 revealed valuable species and habitat data. Buxbaumia viridis (Moug. ex Lam. & DC.) Brid. ex Moug. & Nestl., a key moss species that serves as an indicator of well-preserved spruce forests and is protected by the EU Habitats Directive, was identified on the site in June 2022. In addition, priority habitats, such as 91D0* Bog Woodland were observed, with notable species including Sphagnum spp., the rare orchid Epipactis helleborine, and the Carpathian newt (Lissotriton montandoni). These findings have contributed to the completion of the Natura 2000 site designation forms, which include detailed habitat and species data along with a map, highlighting the site’s importance for conservation.
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