Assessing the environmental status of Mediterranean temporaryponds in Greece

Abstract

Mediterranean temporary ponds (MTPs) are highly distinctive habitats with intermittent and unstable environmental conditions,inhabited by several rare and endemic plant and animal species. Temporary pond ecosystems have been classified asendangered all over the world; nevertheless, they are disappearing at a high rate, especially in the Mediterranean region. MTPsare a priority habitat under the European Union Habitats Directive and thus appropriate management and conservation effortsshould be applied. Further research is needed in order to better understand the environmental characteristics and ecology of thishabitat which is not always the case in many countries. In this study a range of environmental data were collected from the GreekMTP habitat sites including the altitude, the geology, the representativity, the ecological status and other biological data aimingto assess the environmental status of all known Greek MTPs. Statistical analysis were performed and thematic maps were createdusing a Geographical Information System (GIS). Greek MTP’s were classified according to their characteristics and habitatpressures were identified and further analysed. A comparison between the present environmental status of the MTPs in Greecewith the MTPs in other Mediterranean countries was undertaken and relevant conservation and management measures were proposed.The outcome of this study was that a significant percentage of the MTP habitat sites in Greece are at risk mainly due tohuman activities, such as agricultural pollution, expansion of cropland and water resources over-exploitation. It was concludedthat immediate restoration and conservation actions should be taken so as to prevent further ecological degradation.