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Habitats Directive in northern Italy: a series of proposals
for habitat definition improvement
Gianmaria Bonari1, Michele Dalle Fratte2, Michele Lonati3, Marco Caccianiga4, Cesare Lasen5, Stefano Armiraglio6,
Matteo Barcella7, Gabriella Bua8, Bruno Enrico Leone Cerabolini2, Andrea Mainetti9, Luca Miserere10,
Giuseppe Oriolo11, Alberto Selvaggi12
1 Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, I-39100, Bolzano, Italy
2 Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant 3, I-21100, Var ese, Italy
3 Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (DISAFA), University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, I-10095, Grugliasco, To r in o, Italy
4 Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milano, Italy
5 Arson di Feltre, Via Mutten 27, I-32032, Feltre, Italy
6 Municipality of Brescia - Museum of Natural Sciences, Via Ozanam 4, I-25128, Brescia, Italy
7 Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Sant’ Epifanio 14, I-27100, Pavia, Italy
8 Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca’ Foscari University Venice, Via Torino 155, I-30172, Venic e, Italy
9 Biodiversity service and scientic research, Gran Paradiso National Park, fraz. Valnontey 44, I-11012, Cogne, Italy
10 Via Melchiorre Voli 14, 10135, Torin o, Italy
11 For Nature srl, Via Teobaldo Ciconi 26, I-33100, Udine, Italy
12 Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l’Ambiente (IPLA), Corso Casale 476, I-10132, Tor ino, Italy
Corresponding author: Gianmaria Bonari (gianmaria.bonari@unibz.it)
Subject editor: Simonetta Bagella♦
Received
21 April 2023♦
Accepted
26 June 2023♦
Published
30 June 2023
Abstract
Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) is the cornerstone of nature conservation in Europe and is at the core of the EU Biodiversity Strategy
for 2030. ere is room, however, for its improvement, at least for northern Italy, where ambiguities in the denition of habitat types
of Annex I of the Habitats Directive are not novel and interpretation diculties have been highlighted. Sharpening the characteriza-
tion of habitat types represents an opportunity for lowering classication uncertainties and improving conservation success. With the
aim to rene the denitions of habitat types and associated typical species of the Habitats Directive, a group of vegetation scientists
of the Italian Society of Vegetation Science based in northern Italy made the exercise of nding viable proposals for those habitat
types having a problematic interpretation in the Alpine biogeographical region of Italy. Such proposals arise from group discussions
among scientists, and professionals, thus oering a shared view. We prepared 9 habitat proposals important for this geographic area.
ey include new habitat types at the European level, new subtypes within pre-existing habitat types, including some adjustments of
the recently proposed subtypes with respect to northern Italy, and recognition of priority criteria for a pre-existing habitat type. With
a vision of tailored conservation, our proposals represent a starting point in view of a future update of Annex I. Furthermore, the list
of typical species could be useful for preparing expert systems for automatic classication. Irrespective of legally binding solutions
in place, we caution these proposals represent relevant baseline conservation indications that local and regional administrations of
the Alpine Arch should consider.
Keywords
Alpine biogeographical region, Alps, Annex I, Habitats Directive, Habitat types, Natura 2000 network, Nature conservation
Plant Sociology 60(1) 2023, 67–89|DOI 10.3897/pls2023601/06
Copyright Bonari Gianmaria et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which
permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Società Italiana di Scienza
della Vegetazione (SISV)
68 Bonari Gianmaria et al.: Proposals for habitat definition improvement in northern Italy
Introduction
Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) deals with the conserva-
tion of natural habitats, wild fauna and ora, and aims to
promote the maintenance of biodiversity, also consider-
ing economic, social, cultural, and regional requirements.
is European Union (EU) community legislative tool
is widely recognized as cornerstone of nature conserva-
tion in Europe. Annex I of Habitats Directive lists today
200+ European natural habitat types, including 70+ pri-
ority ones (i.e. habitat types in danger of disappearance
and whose natural range mainly falls within the territory
of the EU). A scientic reference document, namely the
Interpretation Manual of EU Habitats EUR28, aims to
clarify any ambiguities in the interpretation of Annex I
of the Habitats Directive by developing common deni-
tions for all habitat types (European Commission, 2013).
Nevertheless, inherent problems of imprecise interpre-
tation concerning Annex I habitat types have long been
highlighted (Evans, 2010). In many cases, a better, more
extensive, denition of the habitat types in the Interpreta-
tion Manual of EU Habitats EUR28 would be enough to
avoid misinterpretations. is would mean, for example,
to mention specic syntaxa in the description. Similarly,
in some cases, the removal of the keywords linked to the
substrate (i.e. basiphilous/acidophilous) would make the
habitat types more inclusive. In other cases, extending the
geographical range of the habitat type would clarify its
identity. In doubtful habitat type assignment cases, how-
ever, the adoption of a mosaic solution with multiple hab-
itat types, typically between transitional ones, has been
adopted to overcome such issues, making it dicult to ap-
ply conservation measures. In addition, similar problems
arise for degraded vegetation for which a clear habitat
identication is oen compromised. When dealing with
this decision, the recommendation has been to assign the
habitat type when elements of naturalness are still pres-
ent, dierently to what happens with reforestations, in
which the assignment of a habitat type is instead not rec-
ommended (Lasen, 2006). Other structural problems are
related to the lack of experts of a given geographical area
in the initial planning phase of the Habitats Directive. In
spite of that, considering cascading implications entailed
by the denition of habitat types, habitat types deserve to
be unambiguously identied regardless of all the limita-
tions due to the assignment procedure or other problems
derived from the initial planning. us, sharpening their
characterization represents an opportunity for lowering
the classication uncertainties and improving the overall
conservation success. is step is practically implement-
ed by dening more net oristic-vegetation boundaries
among dierent habitat types that are essential for the
identication of more accurate lists of typical species
(Bonari et al., 2021; Dalle Fratte et al., 2022). In recent
years, a parallel new habitat classication at the pan-Eu-
ropean level has been proposed (Chytrý et al., 2020). e
new EUNIS (European Nature Information System) clas-
sication is more consistent and removes many ambigu-
ities and overlapping in the denition of habitat types.
Still, because the Habitats Directive currently remains le-
gally binding, implementation eorts of the denitions of
habitat types and associated typical species are desirable.
In view of the h EU reporting 2019-2024 (Art. 17
Habitats Directive; DG Environment, 2017), the Italian
Society for Vegetation Science started a series of contri-
butions to rening habitat type distribution knowledge at
the national scale. To date, this initiative resulted in new
grid-cell data for 30+ EU habitat types in Italy (Gigante et
al., 2019a; 2019b; Gianguzzi et al., 2020; Rivieccio et al.,
2020; Bazan et al., 2021; Rivieccio et al., 2021; Tavilla et
al., 2022; Rivieccio et al., 2022). In parallel, the growing
necessity to improve the list of Annex I habitat types, led
to a series of proposals for new habitat types and subtypes
for Sicily, Sardinia, southern and central Italy (Casavec-
chia et al., 2021; Fois et al., 2021; Guarino et al., 2021;
Spampinato et al., 2023). ough the Directive is known
to be more decient in (sub)mediterranean areas for
what concerns habitat type denitions, other non-medi-
terranean areas are also subjected to some inaccuracies,
meaning having problems of poorly dened or even ne-
glected habitat types (Lasen, 2006). When considering
the Alpine biogeographical region, on one hand, there
are habitat types reported by the Habitats Directive as a
priority (e.g. 4070, 6230) that are de facto not threatened
in northern Italy, and on the other hand, there are many
other habitat types that are not classied as a priority but
represent peculiar natural aspects requiring special con-
servation (e.g. 3130, 3140, 3150, 3160, 3230, 3260, 4080,
5110, 62A0, 6410, 7140, 7150, 7230, 8310, 9160, 9340).
To counteract this gap, some recent studies have inves-
tigated hygrophilous forests, scrubs, and aquatic vegeta-
tion in northern Italy (Poldini et al., 2020; Castello et al.,
2021). Furthermore, checklists of habitat types have been
improved and extended (Wilhalm et al., 2022). Yet, de-
spite these thematic contributions, many aspects linked
to Annex I habitat types within the Alpine biogeograph-
ical region (sensu EU) have still to be elucidated. is
eort is essential to identify habitat types more easily in
the eld and thus develop more accurate maps of habi-
tat types and, more generally, for improved habitat type
conservation and monitoring (Gigante et al., 2016; Dalle
Fratte et al., 2019; Bonari et al., 2021). e last assessment
of habitat types in the Alpine biogeographical region of
Italy reports an evident and undeniable deterioration of
habitat types compared to the previous report: 29 habitat
types are currently threatened here (Angelini et al., 2021).
Since many habitat types are of great natural value but ne-
glected or with an unclear denition for northern Italy,
in this contribution, we aim to clarify the poor denition
of some habitat types of northern Italy by rening their
typical species, improve their distribution, propose new
habitat types and subtypes, and highlight priority recog-
nition criteria.
Plant Sociology 60(1) 2023, 67–89 69
Materials and methods
Backed by their experience, a core group of thirteen
vegetation scientists of the Italian Society of Vegetation
Science and skilled practitioners (hereaer all reported
as experts) based in northern Italy made the exercise of
nding viable, shared, proposals for those habitat types
having a problematic interpretation in the Alpine biogeo-
graphical region of Italy. Specically, the Italian regions
here considered are, from East to West: Friuli-Venezia Gi-
ulia, Veneto, Trentino-South Tyrol, Lombardy, Piedmont,
and Aosta Valley (Fig. 1).
e workow took place in ve steps essentially rep-
resented by the identication of the proposals, assess-
ment of their urgency in terms of conservation, draing
of the text, and control quality check. In particular, i) In
the rst meeting, each expert proposed one or multiple
potentially suitable habitat type case(s) suering inter-
pretation problems, lacking in the Habitats Directive for
northern Italy, or worthy of priority recognition. Because
this step aimed to produce the rst list of potential “work-
ing habitats” (i.e. candidate-proposals) this process was
expeditive and devoid of any discussion. is list com-
prehended 27 candidate-proposals; ii) In the second step,
this list was shared among the experts in an online doc-
ument for three months. Each expert had the possibility
to comment - positively or negatively - on this list, along
with comments and explanations of her/his opinion; iii)
In the third step, the proposals were then re-assessed and
streamlined collectively, so that only the most sound and
urgent proposals were retained and continued up to the
next step. Because of the dierent competence of the ex-
perts involved (e.g. aquatic vegetation, grassland, forest),
in this step, a coordinator for each proposal was identi-
ed. e coordinator had the responsibility of nding the
best collaborators among the experts to elaborate the full
proposal; iv) In the fourth step, proposals were draed
by dierent subgroups of specialists led by the coordina-
tors. e proposals mostly followed a standard template
provided by the Italian Society for Vegetation Science, al-
ready used for other series of proposals for dierent geo-
graphic areas of Italy (Casavecchia et al., 2021; Fois et al.,
2021; Guarino et al., 2021; Spampinato et al., 2023); v) In
the h and last step, each proposal was commented in
a choral fashion and improved with minor comments by
the whole team of experts.
Proposal template
Title of the proposal
Natura 2000: Habitat type name present in the Interpre-
tation Manual of EU Habitats EUR28 (European Com-
mission, 2013).
Type: ree possible cases of proposals are reported: i)
new habitat type proposal; ii) new subtypes in a pre-ex-
isting habitat type; iii) recognition of priority criterion for
habitat types or subtypes.
Authors: List of authors who contributed to the propos-
al. e rst name is the coordinator, followed by collab-
orators.
Figure 1. Map of northern Italy encompassing the regions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Trentino-South Tyrol, Lombardy, Pied-
mont, and Aosta Valley from East to West (administrative borders not shown) for which our proposals apply.
70 Bonari Gianmaria et al.: Proposals for habitat definition improvement in northern Italy
Macrotype: Macrotype code according to European
Commission (2013); when the habitat type or subtype is
new, the proposed code is consistent with the structure
designated in Annex I of the Habitats Directive.
EEA Biogeographical region: Biogeographical region ac-
cording to EEA (2022a).
Region: Italian administrative regions (in alphabetic or-
der).
CORINE Biotopes/PALAEARCTIC: CORINE Biotopes
and PALAEARCTIC classication codes according to
Devillers et al. (1991) and Devillers and Devillers-Ter-
schuren (1996), respectively.
EUNIS 2012: EUNIS 2012 classication code (EEA,
2012), based on Davies et al. (2004) and updated in 2012.
EUNIS 2021: EUNIS 2021 classication code (EEA,
2021), based on Chytrý et al. (2020).
European Red List of Habitats: European Red List of
Habitats according to Janssen et al. (2016).
Bern convention: Bern Convention Resolution 4 habitat
types (Evans and Roekaerts, 2019).
Motivation: Scientic reason of the proposal.
Diagnostic sentence: Description of the new habitat type,
subtype or priority criteria.
Reference list of typical species: Typical species, typically
ten, in addition to and/or comprising those already listed
in the Interpretation Manual of EU Habitats EUR28 (Eu-
ropean Commission, 2013); new list of species if a new
habitat type/subtype is proposed, comprising the species
already reported in the Italian Interpretation Manual
of habitat types (Biondi et al., 2009); typical species are
meant as a combination of literature, expert evaluation,
and, if present, local or regional habitat interpretation
manuals.
Syntaxonomic reference: Syntaxonomic reference to the
alliance level, followed by classication to high-ranking
syntaxa. If not specied, syntaxonomic nomenclature of
alliances, orders, and classes follows Mucina et al. (2016,
v. 2, 2022-06-30). Where necessary, the syntaxonomic lev-
el of association is specied.
Dynamics and contacts: Vegetation dynamics and con-
tacts.
Nomenclature of vascular plants follows Bartolucci
et al. (2018) and subsequent updates available on Portal
to the Flora of Italy v. 2022.1 (Portal to the Flora of Italy,
2022) and for bryophytes Ale et al. (2020).
Results
Overall, aer the streamlined process, we retained 9 pro-
posals. ey include new habitats at the European level,
new subtypes within pre-existing habitats, including some
adjustments of recently proposed subtypes with respect to
northern Italy, and a recognition of priority criteria for a
pre-existing habitat type (Table 1).
i) New habitat types
FRESHWATER LARGE SEDGES
Natura 2000: Not yet included in any Annex I habitat
type. e vegetation dominated by Cladium mariscus
(7210*) is classied within the class Phragmito-Magno-
caricetea Klika in Klika and Novak 1941 but can also de-
velop adjacent to sedge vegetation attributable to the alli-
ance Caricion davallianae Klika 1934 or with other types
of helophytic vegetation (Phragmition communis Koch
1926) or large sedges (Magnocaricion elatae Koch 1926).
Type: New habitat type.
Authors: Selvaggi A., Lasen C., Mainetti A., Lonati M.
Macrotype: 3 "Freshwater habitats"; 31 "Standing water".
EEA Biogeographical region: Continental (Alpine).
Region: Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy,
Piedmont, Trentino-South Tyrol, Veneto.
CORINE Biotopes/PALAEARCTIC: 53.21.
EUNIS 2012: C3.29, D5.21.
EUNIS 2021: Q53.
European Red List of Habitats: VU (C5.2).
Bern convention: D5.2, C3.2.
Motivation: Habitat very sensitive to land reclamation,
water regulation, eutrophication, pollution by phytosan-
itary products, and deterioration due to the invasion of
alien species (Casavecchia et al., 2021). Chytrý et al. (2020)
highlighted that the main threats are the expansion of ag-
ricultural, industrial, and urban areas, and changes in the
level of groundwater and its pollution. In many places, the
habitat is totally transformed, and strong intervention is
needed for recovery. Tall-sedge beds are assessed as VU
(Vulnerable) in the European Red List of Habitats (Jans-
sen et al., 2016) and included in the list of natural habitats
requiring specic conservation measures under the Bern
Convention (Evans and Roekaerts, 2019). Some regions,
such as the Aosta Valley in Italy, have already included the
habitat within regional nature conservation laws (Aosta
Valley Regional Law no. 8/2007). It hosts rare or threat-
ened species of Italian vascular ora as Carex buekii and
C. vulpina, listed as Endangered, elypteris palustris,
listed as VU (Rossi et al., 2020). e Red List of vascu-
lar ora of Veneto (Bua et al., 2016) includes the typical
species Carex appropinquata, C. elongata, C. vulpina and
Ranunculus lingua, listed as Critically Endangered, and C.
randalpina as VU. e habitat hosts the threatened snails
Vertigo moulinsiana and V. angustior, listed in Annex II of
Habitats Directive.
Diagnostic sentence: Terrestrial stands or water-fringing
stands vegetation by lakes, rivers and brooks. It includes
stands of Carex species growing on waterlogged ground,
usually species-poor, from plain to montane (subalpine)
level. Tall-sedge communities are oen dominated by one
species with dense tussocks, accompanied by few charac-
teristic species growing among the tussocks.
Reference list of typical species: Carex acuta, C. acuti-
formis, C. appropinquata, C. buekii, C. elata subsp. elata,
C. elongata, C. lasiocarpa, C. paniculata, C. pseudocype-
rus, C. randalpina, C. riparia, C. rostrata, C. vesicaria, C.
Plant Sociology 60(1) 2023, 67–89 71
vulpina, Galium palustre, Lycopus europaeus, Lythrum
salicaria, Mentha aquatica, Phalaris arundinacea, Ranun-
culus lingua, Scutellaria galericulata, Stachys palustris,
elypteris palustris, ysselinum palustre.
Mosses: Calliergonella cuspidata, Climacium dendroides,
Plagiomnium ellipticum.
: e habitat includes the alli-
ances Magnocaricion elatae Koch 1926, Magnocaricion
gracilis Géhu 1961, Carici-Rumicion hydrolapathi Pas-
sarge 1964) (order Magnocaricetalia Pignatti 1953, class
Phragmito-Magnocaricetea Klika in Klika et Novák 1941).
In northern Italy, reedbeds (alliance Phragmition commu-
nis Koch 1926, order Phragmitetalia Koch 1926) are not
included, in contrast to the previous proposals for central
and southern Italy, and Sicily (Casavecchia et al., 2021;
Guarino et al., 2021; Spampinato et al., 2023).
Dynamics and contacts: e habitat oen occurs at the
transition from submerged to emerged areas, placing
between the classes Phragmito-Magnocaricetea Klika in
Klika et Novák 1941 and Molinio-Arrhenatheretea Tx.
1937 (Biondi et al., 2014); the habitat is adjacent or in
transition mainly with the alliance Phragmition commu-
nis Koch 1926 and Carici-Rumicion hydrolapathi Pas-
sarge 1964; dynamic relationships are observed with the
alliance Calthion palustris Tx. 1937 by reduction of soil
moisture, and with the class Epilobietea angustifolii Tx. et
Preising ex von Rochow 1951 (habitat type 6430) at marsh
margins on eutrophic to mesotrophic soils. Further mois-
ture reduction or water drainage can lead to dynamic
transformation towards alliance Arrhenatherion elatioris
Koch 1926 (habitat type 6510) or Triseto avescentis-Poly-
gonion bistortae Br.-Bl. et Tx. ex Marschall 1947 (habitat
type 6520). e habitat can be colonized by pre-forest wil-
low carr (alliance Salicion cinereae T. Müller et Görs ex
Passarge 1961) which are a prelude to the formation of
marshy woods of the alliance Alnion glutinosae Malcuit
1929 (habitat type 91E0*). Contacts can be observed with
the Bidention tripartitae Nordhagen ex Klika et Hadač
1944 alliance (habitat type 3270), with tall-herb humid
meadows (habitat type 6410), and with fens, mires and
bogs belonging to alliances Caricion fuscae Koch 1926
nom. conserv. propos., Caricion davallianae Klika 1934,
Scheuchzerion palustris Nordhagen ex Tx. 1937, Sphag-
no-Caricion canescentis Passarge (1964) 1978 nom. con-
serv. propos., Sphagno warnstori-Tomentypnion nitentis
Dahl 1957, Sphagnion medii Kästner et Flössner 1933
(habitat types 7110*, 7120, 7140, 7150, and 7230).
GREY WILLOW CARRS
Natura 2000: Not included in any Annex I habitat type.
Type: New habitat type.
Authors: Selvaggi A., Oriolo G.
Macrotype: 4 “Temperate heath and scrub”.
EEA Biogeographical region: Continental, (Alpine).
Region: Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy,
Piedmont, Trentino-South Tyrol, Veneto.
CORINE Biotopes/PALAEARCTIC: 44.921.
EUNIS 2012: F9.21.
EUNIS 2021: S9.21.
European Red List of Habitats: NT (F9.2).
Bern convention: -
Motivation: is habitat type plays an important role
in the conservation of diversied riparial and alluvial
ecocomplexes consisting mostly of mosaics of wet and
swampy woods, swamps and tall sedges wetlands.
Salix fen scrub (EUNIS 2012 F9.2) are assessed as NT
(Near threatened) in the “European Red List of Habitats”
(Janssen et al., 2016). In alpine countries the habitat type
is considered in low decline in France (Villaret et al.,
2019) and in Switzerland is assessed as NT (Delarze et al.,
2016). It can host rare and threatened plant species (Rossi
et al., 2020) like elypteris palustris (VU) and Osmun-
da regalis (NT), or amphibians like Hyla arborea, Rana
latastei, R. dalmatina, Pelobates fuscus subsp. insubricus.
Furthermore, this habitat suits many bird species, espe-
cially for the nesting of the herons Ardeola ralloides and
Nycticorax nycticorax.
Diagnostic sentence: Large or medium sized shrubby wil-
lows, generally dominated by Salix cinerea, alone or in as-
sociation with Alnus glutinosa and Frangula alnus subsp.
alnus. e herb layer is usually sparse due to shading by
shrub species; presence of species of marshes, wet mead-
ows or beds of large sedges.
Reference list of typical species: Alnus glutinosa, A. in-
cana, Carex acutiformis, C. elata, C. elongata, C. pseudocy-
perus, Calamagrostis canescens subsp. canescens, Frangula
alnus subsp. alnus, Galium palustre s.l., Lycopus europae-
us, Lysimachia vulgaris, Osmunda regalis, Phragmites aus-
tralis, Salix cinerea, S. myrsinifolia, Scutellaria galericula-
ta, Solanum dulcamara, elypteris palustris.
Syntaxonomic reference: Alliance Salicion cinereae T.
Müller et Görs ex Passarge 1961 (order Salicetalia auri-
tae Doing 1962, class Franguletea Doing ex Westho in
Westho et Den Held 1969) according to Mucina et al.
(2016). Biondi et al. (2014) considered class Franguletea
as syntaxonomic synonym of Alnetea glutinosae Br.-Bl. et
Tüxen ex Westho, Dijk et Passchier 1946.
Dynamics and contacts: e fringes of lakes and ponds
in the silting phase (e.g. meander lakes), marshy ood-
plains or fens where maintenance or mowing interven-
tions are interrupted can evolve into permanently ooded
sedges and common reed beds. ey can be colonized by
pre-forest willow carr of Salix cinerea which are a prelude
to the formation of marshy woods with Alnus glutinosa
(habitat type 91E0*).
ACIDIC FENS
Natura 2000: Not yet included in any Annex I habitat type.
Type: New habitat type.
Authors: Selvaggi A., Lasen C., Miserere L.
Macrotype: 7 “Raised bogs and mires and fens”.
EEA Biogeographical region: Alpine, Continental.
Region: Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy,
Piedmont, Trentino-South Tyrol, Veneto.
CORINE Biotopes/PALAEARCTIC: 54.41, 54.42.
EUNIS 2012: D2.21, D2.22.
72 Bonari Gianmaria et al.: Proposals for habitat definition improvement in northern Italy
Table 1. Overview of the series of habitat proposals and, if present, their associated subtypes. Legend for proposal type: New = New habitat types; Sub = New subtypes within pre-existing habitat
types; Prior = New priority criteria for pre-existing habitat types. Abbreviations of the Red List of Habitats EUR28 are: EN = Endangered, LC = Least Concern, NT= Near reatened, VU = Vul-
nerable. p.p. = Pro parte.
Proposal
type Proposal Subtype N2000 CORINE Biotopes /
PALAEARCTIC EUNIS 2012 EUNIS 2021 Red List of Habitats EUR 28 Bern convention Syntaxon
New
[31XX] Freshwater
large sedges -
- 53.21 Large Carex beds D5.21 Beds of large
Carex spp. Q53 Tall-sedge bed Included as VU at dierent level
(C5.2 Tall-sedge bed)
Included in a Resolution
4 habitat type at a higher
level (D5.2)
Magnocaricion elatae;
Magnocaricion gracilis
- 53.21 Large Carex beds
C3.29 Water-fringing
large sedge commu-
nities
Q53 Tall-sedge bed Included as VU at dierent level
(C5.2 Tall-sedge bed)
Included in a Resolution
4 habitat type at a higher
level (C3.2)
Carici-Rumicion hydro-
lapathi
[4XXX] Grey
willow carrs - - 44.921 Grey willow
scrub
F9.21 Grey willow
carrs S921 Grey willow carrs Included as NT at higher level
(F9.2 Salix fen scrub) -Salicion cinereae
[7XXX] Acidic fens -
-54.42 Black-white-star
sedge fens
D2.22 Carex nigra,
Carex canescens, Carex
echinata fens
Q24 Intermediate fen
and so-water spring
mire
Included as VU at higher level
(D2.2c Intermediate fen and
so-water spring mire)
-Caricion fuscae; Sphag-
no-Caricion canescentis
-54.41 Alpine cotton-
grass lake girdles
D2.21 Eriophorum
scheuchzeri fens Q22 Poor fen Included as VU at higher level
(D2.2a Poor fens) -Drepanocladion exan-
nulati
[9XXX] Scots pine
forests
A) - 42.53 Inner-alpine rest-
harrow steppe forests
G3.43 Inner-Alpine
Ononis steppe forests
T353 Inner-Alpine
Ononis steppe forests
Included as NT at higher level
(G3.4a Temperate and continen-
tal Pinus sylvestris woodland)
Included in a Resolution
4 habitat type at the same
level (G3.43)
Ononido rotundifoli-
ae-Pinion sylvestris
B) -
42.541 Alpine spring
heath scots pine forests
G3.441 Alpine spring
heath Scots pine forests
T3541 Alpine spring
heath Pinus sylvestris
forests
Included as NT at higher level
(G3.4a Temperate and continen-
tal Pinus sylvestris woodland)
Included in a Resolution
4 habitat type at a higher
level (G3.44)
Erico carneae-Pinion
42.58 Southwestern
Alpine mesophile scots
pine forests
G3.48 Southwestern
Alpine mesophile
Pinus sylvestris forests
T358 Southwestern
Alpine mesophile Pinus
sylvestris forests
Included as NT at higher level
(G3.4a Temperate and continen-
tal Pinus sylvestris woodland)
Included in a Resolution
4 habitat type at a higher
level (G3.44)
Erico carneae-Pinion
C) -
42.55 Inner Alpine
sandwort steppe forests
G3.45 Inner Alpine
Minuartia laricifolia
steppe forests
T355 Inner Alpine
Minuartia laricifolia
steppe forests
Included as NT at higher level
(G3.4a Temperate and continen-
tal Pinus sylvestris woodland)
-Dicrano-Pinion sylvestris
42.525 Eastern Alpine
acidophilous Scots pine
woods
G3.425 Eastern Alpine
acidophilous Scots
pine woods
T3525 Eastern Alpine
acidophilous Pinus
sylvestris forests
Included as NT at higher level
(G3.4a Temperate and continen-
tal Pinus sylvestris woodland)
-Dicrano-Pinion sylvestris
D) -
42.53 Inner-alpine res-
tharrow steppe forests
(p.p.)
G3.43 Inner-Alpine
Ononis steppe forests
(p.p.)
T353 Inner-Alpine
Ononis steppe forests
(p.p.)
Included as NT at higher level
(G3.4a Temperate and continen-
tal Pinus sylvestris woodland)
Included in a Resolution
4 habitat type at the same
level G3.43) (p.p.)
Calamagrostio pseudo-
phragmitae-Pinetum
sylvestris
42.5 Scots pine forests
(p.p.)
G3.4C Southeastern
European Pinus sylves-
tris forests (p.p.)
T361 Southeastern Eu-
ropean Pinus sylvestris
forests (p.p.)
Included as LC at higher level
(G3.4b Temperate and submedi-
terranean montane Pinus sylves-
tris-Pinus nigra woodland)
Included in a Resolution 4
habitat type at a dierent
level (G3.44) (p.p.)
Salici eleagni- Pinetum
sylvestris
42.541 Alpine spring
heath scots pine forests
(p.p.)
G3.441 Alpine spring
heath Scots pine forests
(p.p.)
T3541 Alpine spring
heath Pinus sylvestris
forests (p.p.)
Included as NT at higher level
(G3.4a Temperate and continen-
tal Pinus sylvestris woodland)
Included in a Resolution 4
habitat type at a dierent
level (G3.44) (p.p.)
Alno incanae-Pinetum
sylvestris
E) - 42.5 Scots pine forests
(p.p.)
G3.4C Southeastern
European Pinus sylves-
tris forests
T361 Southeastern Eu-
ropean Pinus sylvestris
forests
Included as LC at higher level
(G3.4b Temperate and submedi-
terranean montane Pinus sylves-
tris-Pinus nigra woodland)
Included in a Resolution 4
habitat type at a dierent
level (G3.44)
Erico-Fraxinion orni
Plant Sociology 60(1) 2023, 67–89 73
Sub
[4060] Green alder
scrub with tall
herbs
- 4060 31.611 Alpine green
alder scrub
F2.3111 Alpine green
alder scrub
S25111 Alpine green
alder scrub
Included as LC at dierent
level (F9.2 Subalpine deciduous
scrub)
- Alnetum viridis
[6130] Calami-
narian grasslands
of the Violetalia
calaminariae
A) 6130 36.44 Alpine heavy
metal communities
E1.B5 Alpine
heavy-metal grassland
R1S5 Alpine
heavy-metal grassland
Included as EN at higher level
(E1.B Heavy-metal grassland)
Included in a Resolution 4
habitat type at higher level
(E1.B)
Caricetum mbriatae
B) 6130 - E1.B Heavy-metal
grassland
R1S Heavy-metal grass-
land in Western and
Central Europe
Included as EN at higher level
(E1.B Heavy-metal grassland)
Included in a Resolution 4
habitat type at higher level
(E1.B)
Community with Cerasti-
um utriense and Alyssoides
utriculata
[6230*] Spe-
cies-rich Nardus
grasslands, on
siliceous substrates
in mountain areas
(and submountain
areas in Continen-
tal Europe)
A) 6230 35.11 Mat-grass swards E1.71 Nardus stricta
swards
R1M1 Nardus stricta
swards
Included as VU at higher level
(1.7 Lowland to submontane,
dry to mesic Nardus grasslands)
Included in a Resolution
4 habitat type at the same
level (E1.71)
Violion caninae
B) 6230 35.11 Mat-Grass
swards
E1.71 Nardus stricta
swards
R1M1 Nardus stricta
swards
Included as VU at higher level
(1.7 Lowland to submontane,
dry to mesic Nardus grasslands)
Included in a Resolution
4 habitat type at the same
level (E1.71)
Nardo-Agrostion tenuis;
Nardo-Agrostion caninae
C) 6230
37.32 Heath rush
meadows and humid
mat-grass swards
E3.52 Heath Juncus
meadows and humid
Nardus stricta swards
R372 Heath Juncus
meadows and humid
Nardus stricta swards
Included as EN at higher level
(E3.5 Temperate and boreal
moist or wet oligotrophic grass-
land)
Included in a Resolution 4
habitat type at higher level
(E3.5)
Nardo-Juncion squarrosi
D) 6230
36.311 Pyreneo-Alplne
mesophile mat-grass-
lands
E4.311 Pyreneo-Alpine
mesophile mat-grass
swards
R4311 Pyreneo-Alpine
mesophile mat-grass
swards
Included as LC at higher level
(E4.3a Boreal and arctic aci-
dophilous alpine grassland)
Included in a Resolution 4
habitat type at higher level
(E4.3)
Nardion strictae
[6510] Lowland hay
meadows - 6510 38.1 Mesophile
pastures
E2.1 Permanent
mesotrophic pastures
and aermath-grazed
meadows
R21 Mesic permanent
pasture of lowlands and
mountains
Included as VU at the same level
(E2.1 Mesic permanent pasture
of lowlands and mountains)
-Cynosurion cristati
Prior
[62A0] Eastern
sub-mediterranean
dry grasslands
(Scorzoneretalia
villosae)
- 62A0
34.75 Eastern
sub-mediterranean dry
grasslands
E1.5524 Triestine
knapweed-Chrys-
opogon grasslands
R1K24 - Triestine
knapweed-Chrysopogon
grasslands
Included as LC at higher level
(E1.5d Greek and Anatolian
oromediterranean siliceous dry
grassland)
Included in a Resolution 4
habitat type at higher level
(E1.55)
Chrysopogono grylli-Koele-
rion splendentis
- 62A0 34.1 Middle european
pioneer swards
E1.1 Inland sand
and rock with open
vegetation
R19 Dry steppic sub-
mediterranean pasture
of the Amphi-Adriatic
region
Included as VU at the same level
(E1.1j Dry steppic, submediter-
ranean pasture of Southeastern
Europe)
-Saturejion subspicatae;
Centaureion dichroanthae
- 62A0 38.6 Steppe meadows E2.5 Meadows of the
steppe zone
R1A Semi-dry perenni-
al calcareous grassland
(meadow steppe)
Included as VU at the same
level (E1.2 Semi-dry perennial
calcareous grassland)
- Scorzonerion villosae
Table 1. Continuation.
74 Bonari Gianmaria et al.: Proposals for habitat definition improvement in northern Italy
EUNIS 2021: Q22, Q24.
European Red List of Habitats: VU (D2.2a, D2.2c).
Bern convention: -
Motivation: Very rare habitat type in the plains and in
reduction on the montane belt. It is frequent in the sub-
alpine-alpine belt of the Alps but limited to small surfac-
es. It plays a very important functional role in the con-
servation of diversied wetland eco-complexes, mostly
consisting of mosaics of habitat types. e wettest and
more peaty communities are the most interesting from a
biological point of view. As all mires, ranging from fens
to bogs, they are threatened by multiple impacts, like in-
tensive cattle grazing (overgrazing and trampling), drain-
ing (Spitale, 2021), and climate change (Essl et al., 2012).
Acidic fens (Poor fens and intermediate fens listed with
codes D2.2a and D2.2c) are considered VU in European
Red List of Habitats (Janssen et al., 2016). In the Alps, the
habitat is considered in decline in France (Villaret et al.,
2019), and in Switzerland is assessed as VU (Delarze et al.,
2016). Some Italian regions, such as the Aosta Valley, have
already included the habitat within regional nature con-
servation laws (Aosta Valley Regional Law no. 8/2007).
It is the habitat of some rare or specialised odonates like
Aeshna juncea, Leucorrhinia dubia, Somatochlora alpes-
tris, and Sympetrum danae (Delarze and Gonseth, 2008;
Villaret et al., 2019).
Diagnostic sentence: Fen communities associated with
acidic lithological substrates with low values of conduc-
tivity and high average values of annual precipitation,
dominated by small sedges and mosses, associated with a
reduced number of other vascular plants. e moss layer
is made up of brown mosses, Sphagnum spp., or both. On
the montane-alpine belt, they occupy wet gentle slopes
and plateaus where snow meltwater remains or encircle
lakesides with Eriophorum scheuchzeri or Carex rostrata.
Reference list of typical species: Agrostis canina, Carex
canescens subsp. canescens, C. demissa subsp. demissa, C.
echinata subsp. echinata, C. lachenalii subsp. lachenalii, C.
magellanica subsp. irrigua, C. nigra, Drosera rotundifolia,
Epilobium palustre, Eriophorum angustifolium subsp. an-
gustifolium, E. scheuchzeri, Juncus liformis, Trichopho-
rum caespitosum subsp. cespitosum, Viola palustris.
Mosses and liverworts: Aulacomnium palustre, Drepano-
cladus aduncus, Gymnocolea inata, Sarmentypnum exan-
nulatum, S. sarmentosum, Scapania paludosa, Sphagnum
compactum, S. fallax, S. palustre, S. subsecundum, S. warn-
stori, Straminergon stramineum.
Syntaxonomic reference: Alliances: Caricion fuscae Koch
1926 nom. conserv. propos., Sphagno-Caricion canescen-
tis Passarge (1964) 1978 nom. conserv. propos., Drepano-
cladion exannulati Krajina 1933 (order Caricetalia fuscae
Koch 1926, class Scheuchzerio palustris-Caricetea fuscae
Tx. 1937). Mucina et al. (2016) proposed to conserve the
name Caricion fuscae Koch 1926 “in order to use this
well-established name for moderate to lowly calcium-rich
slightly acidic fens dominated by calcifuge brown-moss-
es or nutrient-demanding peat-mosses of Europe” while
Biondi et al. (2014) used the name Caricion nigrae Koch
1926 em. Klika 1934 nom. mut. propos.
Dynamics and contacts: Acidic fens are characterized
by the presence of a regular and permanent or semi-per-
manent oligotrophic water table. Evolution is slow and
leads to the formation of hydromorphic, peaty, acidic,
and poorly oxygenated soils. In a peaty context, local
topographical conditions, evolution, and current or his-
torical use, can create mosaics of habitat type including
at areas, reliefs, and depressions (pools and hummocks).
e reliefs (hummocks) can host vegetation of the alli-
ance Sphagnion medii Kästner et Flössner 1933 (habitat
type 7110*), while depressions (pools) can be occupied by
transitional communities classied into the alliances Ca-
ricion lasiocarpae Vanden Berghen in Lebrun et al. 1949
(habitat type 7140) and Rhynchosporion albae Koch 1926
by some authors (Biondi et al., 2014), but included in Ca-
ricion fuscae Koch 1926 nom. conserv. propos. by others
(Mucina et al., 2016; Peterka et al., 2017; Preislerová et
al., 2022). If the fen is fed by spring waters, there may be
contact with the spring and runo vegetation belonging
to the alliance Cardamino-Montion Br.-Bl. 1926 (EUNIS
2012 D2.2C1), characterized by the presence of a compact
layer of specialized bryophytes.
In the driest part of the acidic fens, oen raised and/
or at the edge of the wetland, there is an increase in the
coverage of Trichophorum caespitosum, which, with Nar-
dus stricta, highlights the transition to pastures of Nardion
strictae Br.-Bl. 1926. e mosaics with the pasture vegeta-
tion belonging to alliance Nardion strictae Br.-Bl. 1926 or
Poion alpinae Gams ex Oberd. 1950 are also inuenced by
the intensity and type of grazing.
SCOTS PINE FORESTS OF THE ITALIAN ALPS
Natura 2000: Not yet included in any Annex I habitat type.
e subtype E is geographically contiguous and ecologi-
cally similar to the habitat type 91R0 “Dinaric dolomite
Scots pine forests (Genisto januensis-Pinetum)” to which
it can be associated. e Pinus sylvestris mire woods (CO-
RINE Biotopes/PALAEARCTIC 44.A2) belonging to the
associations Vaccinio uliginosi-Pinetum sylvestris Kleist
1929 and Molinio coeruleae-Pinetum sylvestris (Hofm.)
Passarge 1978 em. Minghetti et Pedrotti 2000, recorded
and described in Trentino-South Tyrol (Minghetti, 2003)
are included in Annex I habitat 91D0* "Bog woodland"
(Biondi et al., 2009).
Type: New habitat type with subtypes.
Authors: Caccianiga M., Armiraglio S., Bonari G., Dalle
Fratte M., Lasen C., Selvaggi A.
Macrotype: 94XX “Temperate mountainous coniferous
forests”.
EEA Biogeographical region: Alpine, Continental, Med-
iterranean.
Region: Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy,
Piedmont, Trentino-South Tyrol, Veneto.
CORINE Biotopes/PALAEARCTIC: A) 42.53; B) 42.54,
42.58 (SW- Alps); C) 42.55 (W-Alps, Inner alpine); 42.525
Plant Sociology 60(1) 2023, 67–89 75
(E-Alps); D) 42.53 p.p. (W-Alps); 42.5 p.p., 42.541 p.p.
(E-Alps); E) 42.5 p.p.
EUNIS2012: A) G3.43; B) G3.441, G3.48 (SW- Alps); C)
G3.45 (W- Alps, Inner alpine), G3.425 (E-Alps); D) G3.43
p.p. (W-Alps); G3.4C p.p., G3.441 p.p. (E-Alps) E) G3.4C.
EUNIS2021: A) T353; B) T3541, T358 (SW- Alps); C)
T355 (W-Alps, Inner alpine), T3525 (E-Alps); D*) T353
p.p. (W-Alps), T361 p.p. (E-Alps); E) T361.
European Red List of Habitats: A) NT (G3.4a); B) NT
(G3.4a); C) NT (G3.4a); D) NT (G3.4a) (W-Alps), LC
(G3.4b) (E-Alps); E) LC (G3.4b).
Bern convention: A) G3.43; B) G3.44; C) -; D) G3.43 p.p.
(W-Alps), G3.44 p.p. (E-Alps); E) G3.44.
Motivation: Pinus sylvestris forests in northern Italy host
oristically relevant species and represent a valuable for-
est type from the landscape point of view (Minghetti,
2003; Armiraglio et al., 2006; Lasen, 2006; Lasen, 2014).
ey occur in dierent environmental conditions due to
the high ecological amplitude and genetic variability of P.
sylvestris (Del Favero, 2004), also reected in its wide geo-
graphic distribution (Euroasiatic). In the Alps, the habi-
tat is threatened by forest decay (Vacchiano et al., 2008).
Most subtypes are considered NT in the European Red
List of Habitats (Janssen et al., 2016) and the subtypes
(A, B, D, E) are listed in Resolution No. 4 1996 listing en-
dangered natural habitats requiring specic conservation
measures under Bern convention (Evans and Roekaerts,
2019). However, in spite of their relevance throughout the
Italian Alps, no habitat type specically includes P. sylves-
tris-dominated forests.
Diagnostic sentence: Forests of the Italian Alps dominat-
ed by P. sylvestris. Dierent subtypes can be distinguished,
mainly corresponding to syntaxa identiable on the basis
of the ecological characteristics of the substrate (pH, soil,
water), elevation, climate, internal or external position
with respect to the Alpine Arch.
Subtypes: A*) Inner-Alpine Ononis steppe P. sylvestris
forests; B) Alpine spring heath Pinus sylvestris forests; C)
Alpine acidophilous P. sylvestris forests; D*) Montane P.
sylvestris forests on gravel beds; E) P. sylvestris forests of
dolomites and dolomite rendzinas of the eastern Alps and
Pre-Alps, with a predominantly suboceanic climate.
e subtypes A and D are proposed as priority habitat
types sensu Habitats Directive.
Reference list of typical species: Pinus sylvestris A) Amel-
anchier ovalis subsp. ovalis, Astragalus austriacus, A. exs-
capus subsp. exscapus, A. monspessulanus s.l., A. onobry-
chis, A. hypoglottis s.l., Berberis vulgaris, Calamagrostis
varia, Carex digitata, Coronilla minima subsp. minima,
Daphne alpina s.l., Hieracium symphytaceum subsp. sym-
phytaceum, Juniperus communis, J. sabina, Ononis natrix
subsp. natrix, O. pusilla subsp. pusilla, O. rotundifolia, O.
spinosa subsp. procurrens, Onobrychis saxatilis, Oxytropis
xerophila, Prunus mahaleb subsp. mahaleb, Rosa rubigino-
sa, Silene otites subsp. otites, alictrum foetidum subsp.
foetidum, Viburnum lantana, Viscum album subsp. austri-
acum; B) Achnatherum calamagrostis, Amelanchier ovalis
subsp. ovalis, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Berberis vulgaris,
Buxus sempervirens, Calamagrostis varia, Carex alba, C.
ornithopoda, C. humilis, C. acca s.l., Centaurea scabiosa
s.l., Cytisophyllum sessilifolium, Cytisus nigricans s.l., Epi-
pactis atrorubens, Erica carnea subsp. carnea, Goodyera
repens, Juniperus communis, Laserpitium halleri subsp.
halleri, Melampyrum pratense s.l., M. sylvaticum subsp.
sylvaticum, Molinia caerulea, Monotropa hypopitys, Neot-
tia nidus-avis, Phyteuma betonicifolium, Polygaloides cha-
maebuxus, Pyrola chlorantha, Quercus pubescens, Sesleria
caerulea subsp. caerulea, Sorbus aria, Tolpis staticifolia; C)
Avenella exuosa subsp. exuosa, Calamagrostis arundi-
nacea, Calluna vulgaris, Dianthus seguieri subsp. seguieri,
Festuca acuminata, Genista germanica, Lathyrus linifolius,
Luzula nivea, L. pedemontana, Melampyrum pratense s.l.,
Minuartia laricifolia subsp. laricifolia, Molinia arundina-
cea, Rhododendron ferrugineum, Vaccinium myrtillus, V.
vitis-idaea; D) Alnus incana, Calamagrostis epigejos subsp.
epigejos, C. pseudophragmites subsp. pseudophragmites,
Hippophae uviatilis, Salix eleagnos, S. purpurea subsp.
purpurea; E) Brachypodium rupestre, Carex alba, Cytisus
purpureus, Erica carnea subsp. carnea, Euphorbia kerneri,
E. variabilis, Fraxinus ornus, Ostrya carpinifolia, Sesleria
caerulea subsp. caerulea, liphthisa purpurea subsp. pur-
purea.
Syntaxonomic reference: A) alliance Ononido rotundifo-
liae-Pinion sylvestris Br.-Bl. 1950, order Astragalo mon-
spessulani-Pinetalia sylvestris Oberd. in eurillat et al.
1995, class Pyrolo-Pinetea sylvestris Korneck 1974; B)
alliance Erico carneae-Pinion Br.-Bl. in Br.-Bl. et al. 1939
nom. invers. propos., order Erico-Pinetalia Horvat 1959
nom. conserv. propos., class Erico-Pinetea Horvat 1959;
C) alliance Dicrano-Pinion sylvestris (Libbert 1933) W.
Matuszkiewicz 1962 nom. conserv. propos.; order Pine-
talia sylvestris Oberd. 1957, class Vaccinio-Piceetea Br.-Bl.
in Br.-Bl. et al. 1939; D) W-Alps: association Calamagros-
tio pseudophragmitae-Pinetum sylvestris Mondino 1963
ex Poldini 1984, alliance Ononido rotundifoliae-Pinion
sylvestris Br.-Bl. 1950, order Astragalo monspessulani-Pin-
etalia sylvestris Oberd. in eurillat et al. 1995, class Py-
rolo-Pinetea sylvestris Korneck 1974; Eastern Alps: as-
sociation Alno incanae-Pinetum sylvestris Poldini 1984,
alliance Erico-Fraxinion orni Horvat 1959 nom. invers.
propos., class Erico-Pinetea Horvat 1959; association Sa-
lici eleagni-Pinetum sylvestris Oberd. 1957, alliance Erico
carneae-Pinion Br.-Bl. in Br.-Bl. et al. 1939 nom. invers.
propos., order Erico-Pinetalia Horvat 1959 nom. conserv.
propos., class Erico-Pinetea Horvat 1959; E) alliance Eri-
co-Fraxinion orni Horvat 1959, order Erico-Pinetalia Hor-
vat 1959, class Erico-Pinetea Horvat 1959.
e alliance Deschampsio-Pinion sylvestris Br.-Bl. 1961,
previously attributed to acidophilous alpine P. sylvestris
communities, geographically vicariant of the central Eu-
ropean alliance Dicrano-Pinion sylvestris (Libbert 1933)
W. Matuszkiewicz 1962, is currently considered its syn-
taxonomic synonym.
Dynamics and contacts: Subtype D has dynamic relation-
ships with habitat types 3220, 3230, 3240, of which they
represent the nal successional stage.
76 Bonari Gianmaria et al.: Proposals for habitat definition improvement in northern Italy
ii) New subtypes within pre-existing
habitat types
GREEN ALDER SCRUB WITH TALL HERBS
Natura 2000: 4060 “Alpine and Boreal heaths”.
Type: New habitat subtype.
Authors: Lasen C., Mainetti A.
Macrotype: 4 “Temperate heath and scrub”.
EEA Biogeographical region: Alpine.
Region: Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy,
Piedmont, Trentino-South Tyrol, Veneto.
CORINE Biotopes/PALAEARCTIC: 31.611.
EUNIS 2012: F2.3111.
EUNIS 2021: S25111.
European Red List of Habitats: LC (F9.2).
Bern convention: -
Motivation: e lack in the Interpretation Manual of EU
Habitats EUR28 of valuable green alder scrubs deserves
attention. In view of the considerable heterogeneity of the
formations that can be included in the habitat type 4060,
an extension is proposed here. Scrubs of the sub-alpine
belt are generally zonal communities and, except for basi-
philous P. mugo scrub (habitat type 4070*) and Salix spp.
scrub (habitat type 4080), are grouped under the code
4060. e Interpretation Manual of EU Habitats EUR28
(European Commission, 2013) gives examples, with mul-
tiple subtypes, that allow Rhododendron spp. scrub to be
easily referred to this code, also with Juniperus communis.
ese communities are a zonal expression of the vegeta-
tion enclosed between the upper limit of the forest and
the primary grasslands or other types of scrubs such those
dominated by Ericaceae, suruticose dwarf-shrubs, Geni-
sta spp. and other thermophilous formations of the forest
margins, located on average at lower elevations. However,
Alnus alnobetula formations (Alnetum viridis s.l.) are not
mentioned in the Interpretation Manual of EU Habitats
EUR28 although they host, in the entire Alpine Arch,
well characterised communities both oristically (herba-
ceous layer with elements of habitat 6430 with tall herbs)
and ecologically (extensive slopes with long snowfall or
even avalanche-prone slopes) on soils derived from both
siliceous and calcareous-terrigenous substrates, capable
of retaining humidity even in periods of relatively low
precipitation. Moreover, Alnus alnobetula formations
belonging to the Alnetum viridis characterise the alpine
landscape in various sectors and are communities of
naturalistic value for the species they can host, also with
respect to the fauna. e alliance Alnion viridis includes
also more trivial communities developing on abandoned
pastures on subacidophilous soils. ese communities are
to be referred to the Rhododendron ferruginei-Alnetum
viridis association (Boscutti et al., 2014), which are not to
be considered habitats of community interest.
Diagnostic sentence: Scrubs dominated by Alnus alnobet-
ula, widespread in the subalpine belt and at lower eleva-
tions on avalanche-prone slopes. Together with a few oth-
er shrub species, the herbaceous layer is characterised by
extensive tall-herbs cover, favoured by the site conditions
typically characterised by long snowfall and high humidity,
as also indicated by the presence of high bryophyte cover.
Reference list of typical species: Achillea macrophylla,
Adenostyles alliariae, Alchemilla spp., Alnus alnobetula,
Chaerophyllum hirsutum, Cicerbita alpina, Descurainia
tanacetifolia, Doronicum austriacum, Dryopteris dilatata,
Geranium sylvaticum, Milium eusum subsp. eusum, Poa
hybrida, Primula matthioli, Rumex arifolius, Salix appen-
diculata, Saxifraga rotundifolia, Sorbus chamaemespilus,
Stellaria nemorum subsp. nemorum, Streptopus amplexi-
folius, Tozzia alpina, Viola biora.
Syntaxonomic reference: e proposed subtype corre-
sponds to the association Alnetum viridis Berger 1922
(alliance Alnion viridis Schnyder 1930, order Alnetalia
viridis Rübel ex Karner et Willner in Willner et Grabherr
2007, class Betulo carpaticae-Alnetea viridis Rejmánek ex
Bœuf, eurillat, Willner, Mucina et Simler in Bœuf et
al. 2014).
Dynamics and contacts: Alnus alnobetula formations are
in contact with other subalpine communities, in particu-
lar with various types of willow scrubs (habitat type 4080,
in which the distinction derives from the dominance
relationship, but also from the herbaceous tall herb lay-
er that is much less widespread or completely absent in
willow groves). Transitional situations are oen observed
with P. mugo scrubs (also basiphile in habitat type 4070)
and Rhododendron scrubs. Contacts of a serial nature are
known with communities of Salix appendiculata or Sor-
bus aucuparia subsp. aucuparia in which the tall herb lay-
er is diminished. Within formations dominated by Alnus
alnobetula, small springs frequently occur and furrows
are formed. Here, elements of class Montio-Cardaminetea
occur. An elevational/serial sequence occurs in dolomitic
areas with volcanic substrate, starting from pure Alnus al-
nobetula formations, which becomes enriched by Sorbus
aucuparia subsp. aucuparia and then by Acer psuedopla-
tanus, revealing possible contacts with the habitat type
9140. Contacts with dierent types of Fagus sylvatica for-
ests can be observed in correspondence of impluvia con-
ditioned by snow discharge.
ULTRAMAFIC GRASSLANDS OF NORTHWESTERN
ITALY
Natura 2000: 6130 “Calaminarian grasslands of the Viole-
talia calaminariae”.
Type: New habitat subtypes.
Authors: Selvaggi A., Lonati M.
Macrotype: 61 “Natural grasslands”.
EEA Biogeographical region: Alpine, Continental, Med-
iterranean.
Region: Aosta Valley, Piedmont.
CORINE Biotopes/PALAEARCTIC: 36.44.
EUNIS 2012: E1.B5.
EUNIS 2021: R1S5.
European Red List of Habitats: EN (E1.B).
Bern convention: E1.B.
Motivation: As suggested by Casavecchia et al. (2021),
herbaceous and dwarf shrub-surutescent plant commu-
Plant Sociology 60(1) 2023, 67–89 77
nities typical of Italian ultramac soils have been gener-
ally referred to the habitat type 6130 based on broad eco-
logical similarity, rather than on syntaxonomic evidence
(Mucina et al., 2016), limiting the vegetation of the Viole-
talia calaminariae only to communities on screes and the
“heavy-metal tolerant vegetation on mining spoil heaps
of cool-temperate Europe”. On the contrary, the Interpre-
tation Manual of EU Habitats EUR28 (European Com-
mission, 2013) explicitly highlights that this habitat type
includes open natural or semi-natural grasslands on nat-
ural rock outcrops rich in heavy metals and cites the ref-
erence to the PALAEARCTIC codes 34.2 (Lowland heavy
metal grasslands) and 36.44 (Alpine heavy metal commu-
nities). For these reasons we propose here, in agreement
with Casavecchia et al. (2021), to adopt a more inclusive
concept and diagnostic sentence for the habitat type 6130,
and to include all the communities present in northern
Italy on ultramac soils. We consider necessary to better
dene their attribution to subtypes. ese open grass-
lands are characterized by a highly specialized ora with
the presence, mainly among the nickel hyperaccumulator
taxa, of threatened endemic taxa and species, subspecies,
and ecotypes adapted to heavy metals. Baker et al. (2010)
highlighted the rarity and fragmentation of primary sites
of metallophytes, oen forming small geographically iso-
lated ‘islands’ in areas characterized by background veg-
etation with non-elevated metal concentrations. Because
of their restricted geographical distribution and very
limited ecological amplitude, metallophytes are prone to
extinction due to habitat destruction, genetic dri, demo-
graphic stochasticity, and inbreeding.
Diagnostic sentence: Herbaceous or herbaceous-surute-
scent formations with sparse cover, natural or semi-natu-
ral, on shallow soils oen with rocky or gravelly outcrops,
rich in heavy metals (e.g. nickel, zinc, chromium, copper),
mostly of ultramac nature, locally in mining districts.
e ora is highly specialized, with taxa adapted to heavy
metals and oen Ni-hyperaccumulators. Variants are rec-
ognized based on geographical distribution, oristic com-
position and nature of the substrate.
We propose to better dene, in Piedmont and Aosta
Valley, two of the ve subtypes described by Casavecchia
et al. (2021), and we highlight the need for further anal-
ysis to delimit other subtypes proposed by the same au-
thors in northwestern Italy.
Subtypes: A) Herbaceous or herbaceous-surutescent
communities on the subalpine-alpine belt of the Italian
western Alps, developed on serpentine rocks; B) North-
ern Apennines garrigue communities growing on ophi-
olitic substrates.
Communities strictly found on ultramac clis and
screes deposits (chasmophytic, comophytic and glareico-
lous) should be referred to other habitat types.
Reference list of typical species: A) Carex mbriata; B)
Alyssoides utriculata subsp. utriculata, Cerastium utriense,
Euphorbia spinosa subsp. spinosa, Centaurea aplolepa sub-
sp. aplolepa, Cherleria laricifolia subsp. ophiolitica, Linaria
supina subsp. supina, Linum campanulatum, Potentilla pe-
data, Sesamoides interrupta, Viola bertolonii.
Syntaxonomic reference: A) association Caricetum m-
briatae Richard, alliance Oxytropido-Elynion myosuroidis
Br.-Bl. 1950, order Oxytropido-Elynetalia Albrecht 1969,
class Carici rupestris-Kobresietea bellardii Ohba 1974; B)
Community with Cerastium utriense and Alyssoides utric-
ulata, order Rosmarinetalia ocinalis Br.-Bl. Ex Molinier
1934, class Ononido-Rosmarinetea Br.-Bl. in A. Bolòs y
Vayreda 1950.
Mucina et al. (2016) considered the alliance Alyssion
bertolonii E. Pignatti et Pignatti 1977 included in order
Erysimo-Jurineetalia bocconei S. Brullo 1984, class Festuco
hystricis-Ononidetea striatae Rivas-Mart. et al. 2002; ac-
cording to the Italian literature (Biondi et al., 2014; Casa-
vecchia et al., 2021), we adopted the syntaxonomic treat-
ment within the class Rosmarinetea ocinalis.
e association Campanulo bertolae-Alyssoidetum
utriculatae Montacchini et al. 1982, described for Susa
Valley (Piedmont) on ophiolitic rocky habitats, would be
attributed to the alliance Potentillion caulescentis by the
authors (Montacchini et al., 1982); therefore, it seems ap-
propriate to associate it with the habitat type 8210, wait-
ing for further analyses.
Communities consisting only of chasmophytes of
serpentine rocks (alliance Asplenion serpentinii Br.-Bl.
Et Tüxen 1943) (PALAEARCTIC 62.213, EUNIS 2012
H3.113) are included in the habitat type 8220 (Siliceous
rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation), according
with European Commission (2013).
e alliance Galio anisophylli-Minuartion vernae Ernst
1965, with the association Violetum dubyanae Ernst 1965
described on the basis of surveys carried out in the Ber-
gamo Alps, are indicated by Ernst (1965) as typical herba-
ceous communities of heavy metal substrates belonging to
order Violetalia calaminariae Br.-Bl. Et Tx. Ex Ernst 1965.
As also reported by other authors (Baker et al., 2010),
they should be excluded and must be traced back to the
alliance laspion rotundifolii Jenny-Lips 1930 (Punz and
Mucina, 1997; Mucina et al., 2016).
Dynamics and contacts: e community of the subtype A
mainly contacts the association Caricetum mbriatae and
is at the crossroad of three orders (Richard, 1985) char-
acterized by acidophilous species of Caricetalia curvulae
Br.-Bl. In Br.-Bl. et Jenny 1926, neutrophilous species of
Seslerietalia caeruleae Br.-Bl. In Br.-Bl. et Jenny 1926, and
indicator species of windy ridge vegetation (Oxytropi-
do-Elynetalia Albrecht 1969). Consequently, contacts can
be identied with habitat types 6150, 6170, and 6130. Ca-
vallero et al. (2007) highlighted contacts with: 1) Nardus
stricta and Carex sempervirens with Trifolium alpinum
grasslands (habitat type 6150); 2) grasslands belong-
ing to the alliance Festucion variae (habitat type 6150),
in more rocky areas; 3) with Festuca violacea grasslands
(association Trifolio thalii-Festucetum nigricantis, alliance
Caricion ferrugineae, habitat type 6170), where the slope
decreases and the soil improves; 4) with basiphilous for-
mations with Onobrychys montana and Helianthemum
78 Bonari Gianmaria et al.: Proposals for habitat definition improvement in northern Italy
nummularium subsp. grandiorum (alliance Seslerion
variae, habitat type 6170).
Vegetation dynamics of the subtype B are very slow as
underlined by Casavecchia et al. (2021). ere are contacts
with meso-xeric grasslands (habitat type 6210) with Bro-
mopsis erecta, Brachypodium genuense and Sesleria pichi-
ana, and stable stages dominated locally by Erica cinerea
or Erica scoparia (habitat 4030), or Juniperus communis
matorral (habitat 5130). e vegetation on screes (habitat
8130) and clis (habitat type 8210) partially shares the o-
ristic composition and hosts also other serpentinophytes
species like Asplenium cuneifolium, Paragymnopteris ma-
rantae subsp. marantae.
SPECIESRICH NARDUS GRASSLANDS ON SILI
CEOUS SUBSTRATES OF THE ALPS
Natura 2000: 6230* “Species-rich Nardus grasslands, on
siliceous substrates in mountain areas (and submountain
areas in Continental Europe)”.
Type: New habitat subtypes.
Authors: Dalle Fratte M., Barcella M., Caccianiga M., Ori-
olo G., Cerabolini B.E.L.
Macrotype: 62 “Semi-natural dry grasslands and scru-
bland facies”.
EEA Biogeographical region: Alpine, Continental.
Region: Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy,
Piedmont, Trentino-South Tyrol, Veneto.
CORINE Biotopes/PALAEARCTIC: A-B) 35.11, C) 37.32,
D) 36.311.
EUNIS 2012: A-B) E1.71, C) E3.52, D) E4.311.
EUNIS 2021: A-B) R1M1, C) R372, D) R4311.
European Red List of Habitats: A-B) VU (1.7), C) EN
(E3.5), D) LC (E4.3a).
Bern convention: A-B) E1.71, C) E3.5, D) E4.3.
Motivation: Nardus grasslands (6230*) represent a prior-
ity importance habitat type largely widespread in the EU
(Galvánek and Janák, 2008). Italy is the country with the
greatest surface of the habitat 6230* within the Natura
2000 sites (Galvánek and Janák, 2008), mostly located in
the Alpine biogeographical region (EEA, 2022b).
e denition of this habitat type determines critically
important features that are mandatory for its identica-
tion, specically relating to substrate, elevation, and num-
ber of species. However, the habitat denition has been
extended to cover wider ecological conditions, speci-
cally to substrates not strictly siliceous (e.g. Biondi et al.,
2009; Gennai et al., 2014; Lüth et al., 2011; Bensettiti et al.,
2005), likely including communities with higher plant di-
versity (e.g. Pittarello et al., 2017). Furthermore, over the
years there have been changes in the syntaxonomic clas-
sication of Nardus grasslands in northern Italy that have
increased the possibility of confusion in the interpretation
of this habitat type. e identication of habitat subtypes
seems thus necessary to disentangle all the facets of this
habitat type in northern Italy.
Diagnostic sentence: Closed, dry or mesophile, perennial
Nardus grasslands occupying siliceous soils in Atlantic or
sub-Atlantic or boreal lowland, hill and montane regions
of middle and northern Europe and western Iberia. Veg-
etation highly varied, but the variation is characterised
by continuity. Species-rich sites should be interpreted as
sites which are remarkable for a high number of species.
In general, habitats irreversibly degraded by overgrazing
should be excluded.
e following habitat subtypes can be identied in
northern Italy: A) Meso-subxerophytic oligotrophic
grasslands in the lowland to submontane belt of the
sub-Atlantic regions of western and central Europe, sub-
ject to grazing or regular mowing without fertilization
(Violion caninae); B) Dry and oligotrophic pastures in
the montane belt of the Alps (Nardo-Agrostion tenuis and
Nardo-Agrostion caninae); C) Hygrophilous oligotrophic
meadows on peaty soils in the montane belt of the subat-
lantic regions of western and central Europe (Nardo-Jun-
cion squarrosi); D) Chionophilous grasslands in the sub-
alpine belt of the Alps, usually subject to grazing (Nardion
strictae).
Reference list of typical species: Nardus stricta, A) Agros-
tis capillaris subsp. capillaris, Avenella exuosa subsp.
exuosa, Campanula rotundifolia subsp. rotundifolia,
Centaurea jacea s.l., Danthonia decumbens subsp. decum-
bens, Dianthus deltoides subsp. deltoides, Euphrasia oc-
inalis s.l., Galium pumilum, Genista sagittalis, G. tincto-
ria, Hypericum maculatum subsp. maculatum, Leontodon
hispidus subsp. hispidus, Pimpinella saxifraga, Potentilla
erecta, esium pyrenaicum subsp. pyrenaicum, ymus
gr. serpyllum, Viola canina subsp. canina; B) Agrostis
canina subsp. canina, Asphodelus albus subsp. subalpinus,
Bromopsis caprina, Carex pilulifera subsp. pilulifera, C.
repens, Cerastium tomentosum, Festuca ovina agg., Fili-
pendula vulgaris, Geranium austroapenninum, Helianthe-
mum oelandicum subsp. incanum, Laserpitium latifolium,
Luzula sylvatica subsp. sieberi, Polygala alpestris subsp.
alpestris, Rhinanthus minor, Tragopogon crocifolius subsp.
crocifolius, Tragopogon pratensis, Viola cassinensis subsp.
pseudogracilis; C) Agrostis canina subsp. canina, Carex
echinata subsp. echinata, C. nigra subsp. nigra, C. panicea,
Erica tetralix, Festuca ovina agg., Gentiana pneumonanthe
subsp. pneumonanthe, Juncus squarrosus, Lysimachia eu-
ropaea, Molinia caerulea, Sphagnum spp., Trichophorum
cespitosum subsp. cespitosum; D) Antennaria dioica, Ar-
nica montana subsp. montana, Bellardiochloa variegata
subsp. variegata, Carex pilulifera, Gentiana acaulis, Geum
montanum, Patzkea subsp. paniculata, Pilosella lactucella
subsp. lactucella, Pilosella ocinarum, Polygala vulgaris
subsp. vulgaris, Potentilla aurea subsp. aurea, Pseudorchis
albida, Scorzoneroides helvetica, Veronica ocinalis.
Syntaxonomic reference: In northern Italy, this habitat
type includes the alliances (A) Violion caninae Schwic-
kerath 1944, (B) Nardo-Agrostion tenuis Sillinger 1933,
Nardo-Agrostion caninae Cortini-Pedrotti et al. 1973, (C)
Nardo-Juncion squarrosi (Oberd. 1957) Passarge 1964
belonging to the order Nardetalia strictae Preising 1950
(class Nardetea strictae Rivas Goday et Borja Carbonell in
Rivas Goday et Mayor López 1966 nom. conserv. propos.),
and the alliance (D) Nardion strictae Br.-Bl. 1926 of the
Plant Sociology 60(1) 2023, 67–89 79
order Festucetalia spadiceae Barbero 1970 (class Juncetea
tridi Hadač in Klika et Hadač 1944). e Nardion strictae
alliance shows a strong regional dierentiation, that in the
Alps and Pyrenees can be referred to the Sieversio-Nar-
detum strictae Lüdi 1948 association (European Commis-
sion, 2013) but limited to the montane-subalpine belt.
Dynamics and contacts: Nardus grasslands are mainly in
contact with beech forests on siliceous substrates (habitat
types 9110 and 9120) in the montane belt or spruce forests
(habitat type 9410) at higher elevations. is habitat type
is in contact with dierent scrubs, ranging from alpine
and boreal heaths (habitat type 4060) to dry heaths (hab-
itat type 4030) or Juniperus communis formations (habi-
tat type 5130). Nardus grasslands are in contact also with
hay meadows (habitat type 6520) mainly in the montane
belt, grasslands of primary origin (habitat type 6150), and
cenosis of the Agrostion schraderianae Grabherr 1993 in
the subalpine belt. On wetter soils, they contact Molinia
meadows (habitat type 6410), or even transitional peat
bogs (habitat type 7140). Sometimes this habitat type can
be in contact with subnival aspects of the alliance Arabi-
dion caeruleae Br.-Bl. in Br.-Bl. et Jenny 1926. In absence
of management, Nardus grasslands tend to be invaded by
shrubs (e.g. Calluna vulgaris, Juniperus spp., Vaccinium
spp.) or trees (e.g. Betula pendula, Corylus avellana, Pinus
sylvestris, Populus tremula, and sometimes Larix decidua,
Picea abies, and Pinus cembra). In cooler and wetter sites,
they can be invaded by Deschampsia caespitosa.
ITALIAN LOWLAND, COLLINE AND SUBMON
TANE PERMANENT PASTURES OF CYNOSURION
CRISTATI
Natura 2000: 6510 “Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus
pratensis, Sanguisorba ocinalis)”
Type: New habitat subtype.
Authors: Lonati M., Selvaggi A., Mainetti A.
Macrotype: 6 "Natural and semi-natural grassland forma-
tions"; 65 "Mesophile grasslands".
EEA Biogeographical region: Alpine, Continental, Med-
iterranean.
Region: Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy,
Piedmont, Trentino-South Tyrol, Veneto.
CORINE Biotopes/PALAEARCTIC: 38.1.
EUNIS 2012: E2.1.
EUNIS 2021: R2.1.
European Red List of Habitats: VU (E2.1).
Bern convention: -
Motivation: In Italy these semi-natural pastures have a
peculiar oristic richness and host many species (Casa-
vecchia et al., 2021). Like other semi-natural pastures,
these communities in northern Italy are strongly depen-
dent on grazing and are threatened by the intensication
of agricultural practices or by undergrazing and aban-
donment. e oristic richness of these communities is
strongly dependent by the mechanical action of grazing
animals: grazing and trampling create a heterogeneous
grass cover compared to mown grasslands, which favour
the coexistence of dierent plant species (annual, thorny,
sub-nitrophilous, reptant) (Bua et al., 1988-89). Animal
droppings (dung, urine) are also important, ensuring reg-
ular fertilisation of the soil (Delarze and Gonseth, 2008).
Diagnostic sentence: Mesic permanent grassland of low-
lands, hills and sub-mountain areas of northern Italy.
Reference list of typical species: Bellis perennis, Crepis
capillaris, Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca rubra s.l., Hypo-
choeris radicata, Lolium perenne, Lolium pratense, Phleum
pratense subsp. pratense, Poa pratensis subsp. pratensis, P.
trivialis, Prunella vulgaris subsp. vulgaris, Scorzoneroides
autumnalis, Taraxacum ocinale sect. Taraxacum, Trifo-
lium repens, Veronica serpyllifolia.
Syntaxonomic reference: Alliance Cynosurion cristati Tx.
1947 (order Arrhenatheretalia elatioris Tx. 1931, class Mo-
linio-Arrhenatheretea Tx. 1937). is proposal includes
permanent communities associated with an agricultural
use of grasslands. On the contrary, communities result-
ing from the temporary abandonment of cultivation (e.g.
communities with Lolium multiorum; Poldini and Ori-
olo, 1994) or turf relegated to archaeological sites and/or
public parks (e.g. communities with Plantago major and
Trifolium repens) are excluded. However, this is in con-
trast with Delarze and Gonseth (2008). In their view, grass
carpets in parks and sport grounds constitute a very im-
poverished variant of Cynosurion cristati.
Dynamics and contacts: e maintenance of this habi-
tat is strongly linked to regular grazing. In the lowlands,
abandonment leads to rapid invasion by alien herbaceous
species (Artemisia verlotiorum, Solidago spp.). e hab-
itat is dynamically linked to scrubs of the class Cratae-
go-Prunetea Tx. 1962 nom. conserv. propos. A change in
agricultural practices, from grazing to mowing, favours
tall grasses (Arrhenatherum elatius, Trisetaria avescens
subsp. avescens) with progressive transformation of the
community towards hay meadows (Habitat 6510 in low-
land, Habitat 6520 in sub-montane area). Overgrazing
could favour ruderal and nitrophilous species typical of
heavily grazed zoo-anthropogenic nutrient-rich grass-
lands, belonging to the order Potentillo-Polygonetalia
avicularis Tx 1947. Catenal contacts with semi-natural
dry grasslands dominated by Bromopsis erecta (Habitat
6210) and acidophitic grasslands dominated by Nardus
stricta (Habitat 6230*) occur.
iii) New priority criteria for pre-existing
habitat types
XERIC AND MESOXERIC GRASSLANDS OF THE
EASTERN SUBMEDITERRANEAN ZONES OF THE
SOUTHERN PREALPS
Natura 2000: 62A0* “Eastern sub-mediterranean dry
grasslands (Scorzoneretalia villosae) (* important orchid
sites)”.
Type: New priority criteria for a pre-existing habitat type.
Authors: Armiraglio S., Bua G., Caccianiga M., Cer-
abolini B.E.L., Dalle Fratte M., Oriolo G.
80 Bonari Gianmaria et al.: Proposals for habitat definition improvement in northern Italy
Macrotype: 6 “Natural and semi-natural grassland for-
mations”.; 62 “Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland
facies”.
EEA Biogeographical region: Mainly Continental, par-
tially Alpine.
Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Veneto.
CORINE Biotopes/PALAEARCTIC: 34.1, 34.75, 38.6.
EUNIS 2012: E1.1, E1.5524, E2.5.
EUNIS 2021: R19, R1A, R1K24.
European Red List of Habitats: VU (E1.1j, E1.2).
Bern convention: E1.55.
Motivation: Eastern submediterranean dry grasslands
(62A0) are present along the eastern coast of the Adriatic
Sea, the southern Pre-Alps, and the southeastern coast-
al districts of the Italian Peninsula (Feoli Chiappella and
Poldini, 1993; Lasen, 1995; Poldini, 1995; Sburlino et al.,
2008). In Italy, the conservation status of these grasslands
is Unfavourable-Bad in the alpine and continental bio-
geographical regions, and they show a decreasing trend
(Angelini et al., 2021). Along the southern Prealps, the
oristic composition of these plant communities is oen
rich in Orchidaceae (Meyer, 1977; Lasen, 1989; Poldini,
1995; Frisinghelli et al., 1996; Perazza and Lorenz, 2013),
some of which (e.g. Himantoglossum adriaticum) are also
protected species according to the Habitats Directive.
e habitat type 62A0 has been included in Annex I
of the Habitats Directive to dene the Illyrian-submedi-
terranean localities in northeastern Italy and the Adriat-
ic. However, the same community has been more likely
attributed to the habitat type 6210(*) "Semi-natural dry
grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrate
(Festuco-Brometalia) (* important orchid sites)" (Olmeda
et al., 2019). Similarly to habitat type 6210(*), the xeric
grasslands of 62A0 might be rich in orchids, as well as in
rare and endemic species (Biondi et al., 2009). erefore,
habitat type 62A0 would deserve to be considered of pri-
ority importance when it meets the same priority criteria
attributed to the grasslands of habitat type 6210(*) (Orio-
lo and Tomasella, 2014).
Diagnostic sentence: Xeric and meso-xeric grasslands of
the submediterranean zones of the southern Pre-Alps,
Istria, and Balkan peninsula, where they coexist with
steppic grasslands of the Festucetalia valesiacae (6210),
developing in areas of lesser continentality than the lat-
ter and incorporating a greater number of Mediterranean
elements. ey are also found in the southeastern coast-
al districts of the Italian Peninsula. ese grasslands in
northern Italy should be interpreted as priority sites on
the basis of one or more of the following three criteria:
(a) the site hosts many orchid species;
(b) the site hosts an important population of at least
one orchid species considered not very common on
the national territory;
(c) the site hosts one or several orchid species consid-
ered to be rare, very rare, or exceptional on the nation-
al territory.
Reference list of typical species: Achillea virescens, An-
thyllis vulneraria subsp. polyphylla, Brassica glabrescens,
Bromopsis condensata, Bupleurum veronense, Centaurea
dichroantha, Centaurea scabiosa subsp. fritschii, C. rup-
estris, Cirsium pannonicum, Crepis chondrilloides, Cytisus
pseudoprocumbens, Dianthus sylvestris subsp. tergestinus,
Eryngium amethystinum, Euphorbia fragifera, E. kerneri,
Gelasia villosa, Genista holopetala, G. sericea, G. sylves-
tris, Iris cengialti, Gentiana verna subsp. tergestina, Juri-
nea mollis subsp. mollis, Knautia ressmannii, K. illyrica,
Leucanthemum platylepis, Linum tommasinii, Matthiola
fruticulosa subsp. valesiaca, Muscari tenuiorum, Nocca-
ea praecox, Onosma echioides subsp. dalmatica, Ophrys
sphegodes, Ornithogalum kochii, Pentanema ensifolium,
Plantago argentea, P. holosteum, Polygala forojulensis
subsp. carniolica, Potentilla tommasiniana, P. cinerea, P.
heptaphylla subsp. australis, Pulsatilla montana subsp.
montana, Rhinanthus pampaninii, Satureja subspicata, S.
montana subsp. variegata, Senecio scopolii, Seseli kochii, S.
tommasinii, Sesleria juncifolia subsp. juncifolia, Stipa ve-
neta, Teucrium capitatum subsp. capitatum, Trinia glauca,
Veronica barrelieri subsp. nitens.
Syntaxonomic reference: In northern Italy, in agreement
with Mucina et al. (2016), this habitat type includes the
alliances, Scorzonerion villosae Horvatić ex Kovačević
1959 (prealpic and Illyrian meso-xerophytic submediter-
ranean grasslands on deep and partly decalcied soils),
Saturejion subspicatae Tomić-Stanković 1970 (Dinaric
submediterranean montane calcareous rocky grasslands
on shallow soils), Centaureion dichroanthae Pignatti 1952
(Prealpic submediterranean montane calcareous rocky
grasslands on shallow soils), and Chrysopogono gryl-
li-Koelerion splendentis Horvatić 1973 (Illyrian submed-
iterranean rocky grasslands on shallow calcareous soils),
while in southern Italy it includes the alliance Hippocre-
pido glaucae-Stipion austroitalicae Forte et Terzi in Forte
et al. 2005 (submediterranean xeric pastures on rocky
calcareous soils of Apulia (southern Italy), belonging to
the order Scorzoneretalia villosae Kovačević 1959 (class
Festuco-Brometea Br.-Bl. et Tx. ex Soó 1947).
Dynamics and contacts: In the southeastern Pre-Alps, the
habitat type 62A0 is mostly in contact with oak forests on
basic substrates (91H0*, Pannonian woods with Quercus
pubescens) sometimes with Carpinus orientalis, or local-
ly in contact with Fagus sylvatica forests in the internal
Pre-Alps, or evergreen forests dominated by Quercus
ilex (habitat type 9340) in the northern coast of Adriatic
Sea. is habitat type is in contact with dierent scrubs,
ranging from submediterranean bushes with Cotinus cog-
gygria, Pistacia terebinthus, Prunus spinosa, Rhamnus ca-
tharticus, and Juniperus communis formations (5130). In
southern Italy, these grasslands are mostly in contact with
Quercus ilex and Quercus rotundifolia forests (9340), with
eastern white oak woods (91AA*) and Quercus trojana
woods (9250).
In northeastern Italy, primary situations and cli edges
can be considered stable or long lasting. Here these grass-
lands are in contact mainly with rupicolous grasslands
of the Alysso alyssoidis-Sedion Oberd. et T. Müller in T.
Müller 1961 (6110) and submediterranean screes with
Plant Sociology 60(1) 2023, 67–89 81
Achnatherum calamagrostis along the riverbanks. In the
Mediterranean region, they are also in contact with the
scrubland with Salvia ocinalis and with arid pioneer
communities of annual plants (6220), other than with
grasslands of the habitat type 6210(*), as also stated in the
habitat type denition.
Discussion
We report several proposals that can be considered the
most urgent Annex I amendments and new habitat pro-
posals for what concerns northern Italy. Our proposals
for adjustments concern habitats with a very dierent
ecology (i.e. wetlands, fens, scrubs, forests, grasslands)
thus suggesting shortcomings for dierent macrohab-
itat types. To add more specics to our proposals, be-
sides the information reported for each proposal in the
standard template provided by the Italian Society for
Vegetation Science, we report below more insights for
those habitats that deserve further discussion. We orga-
nized our proposals as: new habitat types, new subtypes
within pre-existing habitat types, and new priority cri-
teria for a pre-existing habitat type.
i) New habitat types
FRESHWATER LARGE SEDGES
Formations of the alliance Magnocaricion elatae Koch
1926 represent habitat types of unquestionable conserva-
tion value. ey are relatively easy to identify and map. As
a typical community of humid environments, it is partic-
ularly aected by pressures as periods of drought which
are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Compared to the proposal of Casavecchia et al. (2021),
which also includes the vegetation dominated by Phrag-
mites australis, for northern Italy it was agreed here to
consider only the communities belonging to the Magno-
caricion elatae Koch 1926, as they are generally of higher
conservation value.
e conservation of this habitat type requires regu-
lar management, which in the past was implemented by
mowing (and subsequent use of sedges for chair stung)
and/or re (Lonati and Lonati, 2005). e abandonment
of such management practices saw the following emer-
gence of tall caespitose Poaceae typical of uctuating
watershed (e.g. Molinia arundinacea, Deschampsia caespi-
tosa) and then of hygrophilous woody species, with pro-
gressive deterioration of the quality of this habitat type. In
periuvial areas, Magnocaricion elatae Koch 1926 is high-
ly dependent on river dynamics (ooding, bank erosion,
creation of temporary ponds) and it oen constitutes a
short-term habitat.
GREY WILLOW CARRS
is habitat type must be distinguished from wet hedge-
rows and shrubby dynamical stages with Frangula alnus
and Salix cinerea that are common in lowland wet areas.
ey present a richer oristic composition with several
mesic shrub species (i.e Cornus sanguinea s.l., Viburnum
opulus, Prunus spinosa subsp. spinosa, Euonymus euro-
paea). In the dynamical stages, herb species like Molinia
caerulea, Filipendula ulmaria, Carex spp. are oen pres-
ent. ese communities are referred to the alliance Sal-
icion cinereae T. Müller et Görs ex Passarge 1961 (order
Salicetalia auritae Doing 1962, class Crataego-Prunetea
Tx. 1962). A correspondence can be established between
this habitat type and the forest type (“tipologia forestale”)
“Formazioni di Salix cinerea” by Del Favero (2004).
ACIDIC FENS
Belts of Eriophorum scheuchzeri (EUNIS 2012 D2.21) are
included in the proposal, according to the interpretation
given by Delarze and Gonseth (2008). Alkaline fens dom-
inated by Carex nigra (EUNIS 2012 D4.16) must be ex-
cluded and referred to habitat 7230.
From an ecological perspective, acidic fens communi-
ties could be referred to communities identied by some
dominant bryophytes. More precisely, in the western
Alps, they are characterized by Sphagnum subsecundum,
S. compactum and S. girgensohnii altogether, and S. fal-
lax, Sarmentypnum exannulatum, Sphagnum warnstori,
Eriophorum angustifolium and Sarmentypnum sarmen-
tosum altogether (Miserere et al., 2003). Similarly, the
same species have been found in the rest of Southern Alps
(Bragazza and Gerdol, 1996) and more broadly together
with vascular plants in Europe (Peterka et al., 2016).
Miserere et al. (2003) highlighted that many vascular
plants (e.g. Carex nigra, C. echinata, Viola palustris, Poten-
tilla erecta, Nardus stricta and Eriophorum angustifolium
subsp. angustifolium) that are frequently found with sig-
nicant cover values in fens, mires and bogs, should not
be easily used to classify and characterize homogeneous
communities, particularly on the Italian side of the Alps,
where the limited size of the wetlands, causes an over-
lapping in the composition of species in the individual
communities. Meanwhile, bryophytes play an important
role in identifying plant communities, owing to both their
high cover values and to their greater sensitivity to chang-
es in water chemistry and to the depth of the water table.
A pan-european study on fen vegetation (Peterka et al.,
2017) recognizes as a major compositional gradient with-
in fens at continental scale the base richness gradient and
consider the bryophytes in the delimitation of alliances,
recognising that bryophytes indicate habitat conditions
and have a crucial importance for the functioning of mire
habitat types. at study did not support the classication
at alliance level based on dominance of selected vascular
plants along with hydrological characteristics (i.e. water
table depth). Accordingly, the alliances Caricion lasiocar-
pae Vanden Berghen in Lebrun et al. 1949 (Annex I: 7140)
and Rhynchosporion albae Koch 1926 (Annex I: 7150) are
not supported and mainly included in Caricion fuscae
Koch 1926 nom. conserv. propos. Caricion fuscae, within
this interpretation, overlaps with the interpretation giv-
82 Bonari Gianmaria et al.: Proposals for habitat definition improvement in northern Italy
en to habitat types 7140 and 7150. Peterka et al. (2017)
and Preislerová et al. (2022) also recognized the presence
in the Italian Alps of the alliance Drepanocladion exan-
nulati Krajina 1933 and of the alliance Sphagno-Caricion
canescentis Passarge (1964) 1978. e presence and the
boundaries between Caricion fuscae and Drepanocladion
exannulati or Sphagno-Caricion canescentis in the Italian
Alps must be better investigated and dened. At the same
time would be necessary re-evaluate the boundaries be-
tween the descriptions and interpretations of bogs, mires,
and fens habitat types (especially 7140, 7150) in the light
of the pan-european works provided by Mucina et al.
(2016), Peterka et al. (2017) and Preislerová et al. (2022).
In Italian Alps the vegetation of acidic fens has been stud-
ied and described mainly by the works of Gerdol and Pic-
coli (1980), Balátová-Tulácková and Venanzoni (1990),
Würz (1992), Gerdol (1994), Lasen and Argenti (1996),
Gerdol and Tomaselli (1997), Pascal and Varese (1999),
Gerdol and Bragazza (2001), Miserere et al. (2003).
SCOTS PINE FORESTS OF THE ITALIAN ALPS
e diversity of P. sylvestris communities within the Ital-
ian Alps and northern Italy is described and testied in
numerous works. e main contributions derive from the
work by: Mondino (1963), Montacchini (1982), Demas
et al. (1990), Poldini (1984), Varese (1996), Mondino et
al. (1997), Del Favero et al. (2000), Minghetti (2003), Del
Favero (2004), Armiraglio et al. (2006; 2011), Lasen (2006),
Camerano et al. (2007; 2008), Caccianiga and Armiraglio
(2011), Lasen (2014). e importance of Pinus sylvestris
forests has been highlighted also beyond the Alps (Hemp
et al., 2022). Remarkably, Scots pine forests of the Italian
Alps have already been proposed for inclusion in Annex
I of the Habitats Directive by Lasen (2014) and Lasen et
al. (2016). Within the subtype B, the southwestern Alps
communities (EUNIS 2021: T358) includes elements of
order Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae Klika 1933 and or-
der Brachypodietalia pinnati Korneck 1974 nom. conserv.
propos. In northern Italy, outside of the Alps, further P.
sylvestris communities deserve to be cited: the Po terrac-
es with P. sylvestris forests (EUNIS 2021: T362) and the
supramediterranean P. sylvestris forests of the inland hills
of Piedmont (EUNIS 2021: T364). Subtype A include the
basophiles steppic P. sylvestris woods of the inner west-
ern Alps, included in the list of endangered natural habi-
tat types requiring specic conservation measures under
Bern Convention (Evans and Roekaerts, 2019). Subtype D
includes the mountain P. sylvestris woods on gravel beds,
described in the Alps with three dierent associations.
Although classied in dierent alliances, these communi-
ties are conditioned by a strong determinism linked to the
river dynamics and the ecology of the gravel beds, regard-
less of the associated species composition. For this reason,
they have been included in a separate subtype, which we
proposed as a priority, because of its rarity and vulnera-
bility.
A correspondence can be established between the pro-
posed subtypes and the forest types (“tipologie forestali”)
proposed by Del Favero (2004). However, a specic forest
type for highly continental steppe forests has not been es-
tablished. us, Subtype A may be partially included into
dierent forest types linked to the inner Alpine areas (“Pi-
neta di pino silvestre dei substrati carbonatici mesalpica
e/o endalpica, Pineta a pino silvestre dei substrati silicatici
montana”) as well as to specic edaphic conditions such
as rocky outcrops (“Pineta a pino silvestre primitive di
rupe”) and moraines (“Pineta di pino silvestre dei substra-
ti silicatici mesalpica e/o endalpica su morena”).
A more straightforward correspondence can be estab-
lished between Subtype B and the type “Pineta di pino
silvestre dei substrati carbonatici mesalpica e/o endalpica
tipica” and “con abete rosso”, as well as between Subtype C
with “Pineta di pino silvestre dei substrati silicatici mon-
tana” and “Pineta di pino silvestre dei substrati silicatici
submontana”. Subtype D corresponds to “Pineta di pino
silvestre primitiva di falda detritica” and Subtype E can be
rather easily ascribed to the types “Pineta di pino silvestre
dei substrati carbonatici esalpica tipica” and “con faggio”.
ii) New subtypes within pre-existing
habitat types
GREEN ALDER SCRUB WITH TALL HERBS
Notably, there is a lack of a specic code for Alnus alno-
betula scrubs, being this plant community quite charac-
teristic and well distributed across the Alps with pecu-
liar vegetation characteristics. e community is a scrub
where the dominant species Alnus alnobetula is a shrub.
erefore, the code 6430 ´Hydrophilous tall herb fringe
communities of plains and of the montane to alpine lev-
els´ has to be rejected, notwithstanding a similar ecology
and sometall herb species in common. Within 4xxx there
are only two other possibilities: when Alnus alnobetula is
admixed with Salix spp., the code 4080 ´Sub-Arctic Salix
spp. scrub´ can be used, while in presence of abundant
Rhododendron ferrugineum, the code 4060 ´Alpine and
Boreal heaths´ can be alternatively used. is latter case
can be adopted also for pure Alnus alnobetula formations,
aware of not being an optimal solution. However, it has
to be recalled, that including Alnus alnobetula formations
within the code 4060 ´Alpine and Boreal heaths´ should
be done carefully and only when Alnus viridis formations
are truly admixed to other woody species and on hy-
gro-nitrophilous soils along avalanche gullies and mod-
erately steep slopes.
At the phytosociological level, the alliance Alnion vi-
ridis Schnyder 1930 is not sucient to characterise the
subtype proposed under habitat code 4060 because it
comprises several associations including the Rhododen-
dron ferruginei-Alnetum viridis association (Boscutti et
al., 2014) which develops on species-poor abandoned
pastures on subacidophilous soils where tall herbs are not
present. e subtype proposed must be referred to the
Alnetum viridis association which is well dened from a
vegetation and ecological perspective and is also easy to
Plant Sociology 60(1) 2023, 67–89 83
recognise physiognomically directly in the eld (Boscutti
et al., 2014). Also relevant is the ecological homogeneity
that nds its highest expression (as dominance and conti-
nuity) in the inner alpine sectors with siliceous substrate.
Biodiversity is highest in the outer sectors and carbonate
(albeit terrigenous) substrates. e weak ecological value
of the Rhododendron ferruginei-Alnetum viridis associa-
tion is also outlined by Bühlmann et al. (2014) which con-
sidered these formations too homogeneous, of little natu-
ralistic and landscape value, and fundamentally linked to
the abandonment of pasture use (see also Anthelme et al.,
2001; David, 2010; Svensk et al., 2021; 2022). In the Dolo-
mites area, these formations are among the most favoured
by the black grouse (Tetrao tetrix).
Formations of Alnus alnobetula can be considered
long-lived, although they are not climax vegetation. ey
occur in the subalpine belt in which the Rhododendron fer-
rugineum scrub can be considered the head of the series.
In the alpine area they occupy cool sites conditioned by
prolonged snowfall and in avalanche furrows even at el-
evations below the potential forest limit. e persistence
of such conditions considerably slows down the evolution
towards tree formations (in this case mainly Larix decidua
or Larix decidua-Pinus cembra woodlands, habitat 9420,
more rarely Picea abies woodlands, habitat 9410). Gener-
ally, these communities are highly natural formations that
should not be seen as disruptive. Transition stages and mo-
saics can still be observed in which Alnus alnobetula does
not yet form compact, well-structured communities. e
nitrogen-xing action of Alnus alnobetula leads to an in-
crease in nitrogen that favours nitrophilous aspects and the
development of an interesting species composition. Green
alder scrub can be classied to the forest type (“tipologia
forestale”) “Alneto di ontano verde” by Del Favero (2004).
ULTRAMAFIC GRASSLANDS OF NORTHWESTERN
ITALY
In the subalpine-alpine belt of the western and southern
Alps (Cottian, Graian, Pennine, Lepontine, and Rhetian),
in Italy, France, and Switzerland, on slopes of intermediate
exposure and the cracks of rocks rich in ne soil, a re-
markable association, specic to serpentine outcrops and
dominated by Carex mbriata, develops. e association
Caricetum mbriatae was rst described by Guyot (1925)
in the South of the Aosta valley, then found and specied
by Verger (1983; 1987) in the North of Aosta Valley, close
to Monte Rosa, and formerly described by Richard (1985),
who also detailed the phytosociological and ecological
characteristics. Further studies were conducted in Pied-
mont, Aosta Valley, and Queyras (Verger, 1993a; Verg-
er, 1993b; Verger et al., 1993; 1998; D’Amico et al., 2009;
D’Amico and Previtali, 2012) outlining and identifying
limits between the Caricetum mbriatae and other com-
munities that develop on ultrabasic and serpentine sub-
strates in dierent environments (rocks, debris, woods,
scrubs and heaths, windy ridges, grasslands), combining
vegetation, pedological and ecological analysis.
Communities of Caricetum briatae are dynamically
relatively stable, limited not only by elevation and slope
but also by the presence of high levels of phytotoxic heavy
metals; the suruticose species (e.g. Vaccinium uligino-
sum subsp. microphyllum) can however develop. When
the slope is reduced and the dynamics more accelerated
the extensive grazing of beef cattle favors maintenance
(the animals seek above all the few palatable species pres-
ent, e.g. Trifolium alpinum, Carex sempervirens).
e presence of the subtype B (alliance Alyssion berto-
lonii) is underlined by Vagge (2001), Barberis et al. (2004),
Marsili and Barberis (2012) in Piedmont in the northern
Appennines at SAC/SPA IT1180026 – Capanne di Mar-
carolo.
In the western Alps, we consider that other subtypes,
such as those suggested by Casavecchia et al. (2021), can
be better described and clearly separated from 6210 and
6240 habitats only by further analysis. In particular, we
consider necessary to better investigate the: 1) serpentine
sub-steppes of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, dominated by
perennial grasses; 2) herbaceous-surutescent communi-
ties on the montane belt in the western Alps on serpentine
and ophiolitic bedrocks.
We highlight that CORINE Biotopes and PALAEARC-
TIC habitats classications (Devillers et al., 1991; Devil-
lers and Devillers-Terschuren, 1996) consider as heavy
metal alpine communities only the alliance Galio aniso-
phylli-Minuartion vernae Ernst 1965, with the associa-
tion Violetum dubyanae Ernst 1965. As previously argued
these syntaxa must be included in alliance laspietea ro-
tundifolii and excluded from the interpretation of the hab-
itat 6130; therefore, more appropriately the PALAEARC-
TIC code 36.44, EUNIS 2012 code E1.B5 and EUNIS
2021 code R1S5 must be traced back to alpine serpentine
communities here described. New codes and descriptions
of the EUNIS classication will have to be designed to in-
clude the northern Apennine and Mediterranean serpen-
tine and ophiolitic communities.
SPECIESRICH NARDUS GRASSLANDS ON SILI
CEOUS SUBSTRATES OF THE ALPS
e phytosociological classication of Nardus grasslands
has long been somewhat problematic (Gennai et al., 2014;
Lüth et al., 2011). Diculties arise because Nardus grass-
lands are anthropogenic communities that originate in
dierent ways inside their geographical and elevational
range while preserving oristic traces of their original
natural composition.
Traditionally, Nardus grasslands were all included in
the unique order Nardetalia within the class Nardo-Cal-
lunetea (Oberdorfer, 1959; Peppler-Lisbach and Petersen,
2001; Lüth et al., 2011). Other authors partitioned the
Nardus grasslands into two dierent classes (Calluno-Uli-
cetea and Caricetea curvulae) (Ellmauer, 1993; Foucault,
1994; Grabherr, 1993; Poldini and Oriolo, 1997), consid-
ering their syngenetic evolution and thus their chorologi-
cal pattern (Krahulec, 1985). More recently, other authors
recognized the class Nardetea strictae, which includes all
84 Bonari Gianmaria et al.: Proposals for habitat definition improvement in northern Italy
Nardus grasslands while excluding scrubs (Molina Abril,
1993; Biondi et al., 1999; Rivas-Martínez, 2002). is class
also includes alliances Nardo-juncion squarrosi (Oberd.
1957) Passarge 1964, typical of humid and peaty soils, in-
dicated in Italy only for the western Alps (Lonati, 2009),
and Cirsio vallis-demoni-Nardion Giacomini et Gentile ex
Di Pietro et eurillat in Di Pietro et al. 2015, which is re-
ferred to supramediterranean grasslands of southern Italy
(Di Pietro et al., 2015).
Depending on the elevation, continentality of the
climate, and soil humidity, we identied three subtypes
within the class Nardetea strictae Rivas Goday et Bor-
ja Carbonell in Rivas Goday et Mayor López 1966 nom.
conserv. propos. (subtypes A, B, C). However, this scheme
hardly classies the subalpine Nardus grasslands of the al-
liance Nardion strictae Br.-Bl. 1926. ey cannot be easily
incorporated into the class Nardetea strictae Rivas Goday
et Borja Carbonell in Rivas Goday et Mayor López 1966
nom. conserv. propos. owing to their strict similarities in
oristic and environmental relationships with the prima-
ry grasslands of Juncetea tridi Hadač in Klika et Hadač
1944. In the suggested classication, we included these
grasslands into the subtype D, which comprises subalpine
grasslands belonging to the Nardion strictae Br.-Bl. 1926.
Nardus grasslands are typical semi-natural grass-
lands on acidic soils in large part of temperate Europe
(Damgaard et al., 2011; Dupré et al., 2010). However, in
some countries (e.g. France, Slovakia) the habitat is also
found on calcareous substrates where the calcium content
is highly decreased in the upper layers of the soil because
of high precipitation (Bensettiti et al., 2005; Galvánek and
Janák 2008; Stanová and Valachovič, 2002). e same in-
terpretation could be used also in northern Italy, provided
that calcareous soils are leached and that only subalpine
situations are considered.
One of the contacts that can cause major problems of
interpretation is between subalpine Nardus grasslands
(subtype D) and higher elevation grasslands of primary
origin of the lower alpine level. In these grasslands, Nar-
dus stricta can oen determine the physiognomy of the
vegetation, oen following grazing (e.g. Dakskobler et al.,
2022). Here we suggest that such grasslands of primary
origin above the timber line should be referred to as nat-
ural grasslands (group 61, habitat type 6150 or 6170, re-
spectively on siliceous or calcareous substrates).
In general, it is extremely important to avoid the inclu-
sion of Nardus grasslands at its ecological extremes (e.g.
on carbonatic substrates, in the alpine belt, or overgrazed
pastures) since they would require dierent thresholds of
conservation values, lowering the conservation value as-
sessment.
ITALIAN LOWLAND, COLLINE AND SUBMON
TANE PERMANENT PASTURES OF CYNOSURION
CRISTATI
In northern Italy, these communities are extensively
grazed by means of rotational grazing systems. e ad-
aptation of the species to frequent trampling and grazing
results in a physiognomy dominated by small species with
stolons (epigeal or hypogean) and/or rosettes with leaves
appressed to the soil surface (Delarze and Gonseth, 2008).
ey dier from the typical mowing grasslands (habitat
types 6510 and 6520) not only in their oristic compo-
sition but also in their heterogeneous appearance, due
to the presence of heads not consumed by livestock. In
lowland environments, the main threat is the transforma-
tion from permanent pasture to arable land and improved
temporary grasslands; in hilly and low-mountain envi-
ronments this habitat type is threatened by the abandon-
ment of traditional grazing practices.
iii) New priority criteria for pre-existing
habitat types
XERIC AND MESOXERIC GRASSLANDS OF THE
EASTERN SUBMEDITERRANEAN ZONES OF THE
SOUTHERN PREALPS
Dry and semi-dry grasslands are among the species-rich
plant communities of Europe but their conservation sta-
tus in Europe and even more in Italy is of conservation
concern. In both the EU28 and EU28+, the 3 Critically
Endangered habitat types are two types of dry grass-
lands, while four types are endangered, and more types
are vulnerable. e greatest threat is the abandonment
of traditional management which led to dierent forms
of degradation and a reversion to scrub and woodland
(Jansen et al., 2016). Fringe species, shrubs and trees
tend to invade dry grasslands of habitat type 62A0.
ese dynamical processes are very common in several
areas where successional stages can be more spread than
the grasslands themselves.
Although some of the communities belonging to this
habitat type are of primary origin, and can therefore be
considered stable or long-lasting, most of these commu-
nities are secondary grasslands of anthropogenic origin,
mainly related to pastoral and mowing activity. ese
grasslands in southeastern Europe are indeed the result of
a long time of human inuence, but they have been pro-
gressively abandoned aer the Second World War, start-
ing from the less productive ones. Nowadays, a mosaic
with various stages of scrub encroachment can be found
(Tryfon, 2016).
Due to the imprecise denitions in the Interpretation
Manual of EU Habitats EUR28, some very similar types
of grasslands in certain countries have been included in
other priority habitat types despite they belong to E1.2a
(Semi-dry perennial calcareous grassland), as a subtype of
6210(*) from a oristic-ecological point of view (Olmeda
et al., 2019). In particular, this refers to the mesoxeric and
base-rich facies of habitat type 6270 (northern countries),
the mesoxeric facies of habitat type 6240* (eastern central
Europe) and mesoxeric facies of habitat type 62A0 (Illyr-
ian region). erefore, Olmeda et al. (2019) suggested to
include in the habitat type 6210(*) all the mesoxeric basi-
Plant Sociology 60(1) 2023, 67–89 85
philous grasslands of Europe to avoid misunderstandings
between the countries.
In northern Italy, the boundary between the commu-
nities of habitats 6210 and 62A0 is oen very dicult to
establish. As a rule of thumb, the limit between these two
complex vegetation communities falls on the hydrograph-
ic right of lake Iseo, a region in which the calcareous and
dolomitic substrates of the central-eastern Pre-Alps are
replaced by marly arenaceous rocks. Furthermore, in cor-
respondence with this limit, the average annual rainfall in-
creases progressively towards west (Armiraglio et al., 2010).
Finally, it is relevant to note that in southeastern Ita-
ly, the communities belonging to the habitat type 62A0
are well dierentiated from a oristic-ecological perspec-
tive and indeed refer to an endemic alliance (Hippocre-
pido glaucae-Stipion austroitalicae Forte et Terzi in Forte
et al. 2005). is alliance includes xeric grasslands of the
class Festuco-Brometea with accentuated Mediterranean
characteristics which, although presenting anities with
those trans-Adriatic or North Adriatic, dier from these
grasslands for their own endemic species pool and for the
presence of species that seem to nd their synecological
optimum here. Due to this peculiarity, it would be appro-
priate for southeastern Italy to identify this habitat as al-
ways of priority importance (*).
Conclusion
With a vision of tailored conservation, we oered an
overview of the most urgent issues to implement, rene,
or solve in terms of Annex I Habitats Directive habitat
type denitions in northern Italy. e wide community
of experts who participated in this contribution rep-
resents a well-established network that allowed insights
and open-minded discussions that improved the overall
output. We are aware our proposals will not easily or
soon become part of the Habitats Directive or within
other legal frameworks. Further, we acknowledge the
list of typical species should be corroborated by numer-
ical analysis. Still, they represent a starting point in view
of a future update of Annex I Habitats Directive or the
Italian Interpretation Manual of habitat types and they
could be useful to prepare expert systems for automatic
classication. Irrespective of legally binding solutions
in place, biodiversity conservation should also act lo-
cally to preserve relevant natural aspects in need of con-
servation. We thus caution these proposals represent
applicable baseline conservation indications that local
administrations should consider.
Acknowledgments
We thank Lucio Sottovia for his precious advice on hab-
itats and their management, Mauro Giorgio Mariotti for
sharing original documentation useful for the denition
of the subtypes of ultramac grasslands, Giovanni Sburli-
no for recommendations on pine forests, Kryštof Chytrý
for making the map, and omas Deola for nding the
literature about green alder communities.
Authors contributions
GBo conceived the idea, coordinated the activities of the
group, and wrote the rst dra of the paper, with major
contributions from MDF, AS, CL, ML, and MC. SA, MC,
MDF, CL, ML, and AS coordinated the writing of one or
more proposals. All the authors read and approved the -
nal version of the manuscript.
Funding statement
is work was supported by the Open Access Publishing
Fund of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano. MDF was
funded by Fondazione Lombardia per l’Ambiente (FLA).
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