Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Sorin ȘTEFĂNUȚ, Miruna-Maria ȘTEFĂNUȚ, Tiberiu SAHLEAN, Ana-Maria MOROȘANU, Florența-Elena HELEPCIUC, Georgiana-Roxana NICOARĂ, Constantin-Ciprian BÎRSAN, Gabriel-Mihai MARIA, Mihnea VLADIMIRESCU, Anca MANOLE, Constanța-Mihaela ION
Peatland habitats are well-known for their function in sequestering carbon, characterized by peat-forming species such as Sphagnum mosses. The Avrig peat bog, located at the foothills of the Făgăraș Mountains in the Olt River basin, is a small site (less than 4 hectares) proposed for designation as a Natura 2000 site. A eutrophic palustrine zone encircles the peat bog's center oligotrophic zone, dominated by Sphagnum mosses. This area is characterized by the presence of the European-protected priority habitat Active raised bogs (habitat code 7110). We employed a combination of field surveys and aerial investigations to assess the site's biodiversity and evaluate potential threats. The collected Sphagnum samples were morphologically examined in the laboratory, revealing several species, like Sphagnum medium Limpr., Sphagnum capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw. and Sphagnum girgensohnii Russow. The bog also supports rare plant and amphibian species of conservation interest. Targeted management strategies are necessary to mitigate pressures including agricultural runoff, drainage, invasive species, and peat extraction.
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