Spatial diversity of herpetofauna in Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli National Park
Reptiles are declining worldwide at an alarming rate and are extremely vulnerable due to their ecological requirements. Most of them have a small home range and their ability to disperse is confined. The loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitats are believed to be some of the main causes responsible for the reduction of reptile populations. The knowledge of species abundance and diversity is fundamental so as to understand several processes such as community dynamics and habitat use. Species diversity is one of the main elements of community organization and it has an immediate effect on the decisions made in ecosystem management and protection. The present study examined the diversity of herpetofauna in nine different habitat types located in Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park. Five sampling plots which measured 10m × 100m were randomly selected for each habitat type. From a total of 1.703 observations, eight lizard species and ten snake species were recorded. Species diversity differed among habitat types, with grasslands and non-intesively cultivated areas having the highest values, whereas rocky and intensively cultivated areas had the lowest values. The importance of maintaining open areas to support a great diversity of herpetofauna is discussed.
Presence of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in pastures in Greece
Μosquitoes cause considerable problems in many areas of Greece and significant amount of money is spent every year for control programs. However, there is still a considerable lack of knowledge about the mosquito species occurring in the country. In an effort to enrich the existed list of mosquito species we investigated mosquito breeding habitats in 57 different locations of the country. Samplings were carried out in various types of larval habitats (river’s estuaries, lakes, ponds, streams, wells, permanent and semipermanent water), from April 2009 to August 2012. Eleven zoophilous mosquitoes’ species were recorded which can develop high population densities with the prevalence of appropriate climatic conditions. Those mosquitoes’ species may create problems for the animals that grazing near mosquitoes’ breeding sites and the people involved with them. We collected and indentified the following species: Anopheles claviger (Meigen) 1804, Anopheles hyrcanus (Pallas) 1771, Anopheles maculipennis Meigen 1818, Aedes caspius (Pallas) 1771, Aedes detritus (Haliday) 1833, Culex laticinctus Edwards 1913, Culex mimeticus Noe 1899, Culex pipiens Linnaeus 1758, Culex theileri Theobald 1903, Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles 1901, Culiseta annulata (Schrank) 1776. Culex pipiens found in almost all breeding sites sampled. Among the collected mosquitoes some species are potential vectors of medically and veterinary arboviruses.
Impact of rangeland management to raptors
Rangelands constitute the largest natural resource of Greece and correspond to approximately 40% of the total surface area. Grazing is the major management tool of these areas. The husbandry system can change the use and character of rangelands. It is generally accepted that the presence of grazing animals in Mediterranean ecosystems has contributed to their evolution through the effect of grazing on landscape, plant cover, plant species diversity and avifauna. In this paper the possible effects of rangeland management on birds of prey was reviewed. Rangelands are important feeding habitats for most raptor species. Rational grazing contributes to the maintenance of vegetation in desirable hight, so birds could identify and catch their prey. Also the transhumant livestock system is vital for large raptors, such as vultures. The reduction of livestock, the housing during the winter and the removal of carcasses from the countryside, have a negative impact on these species, which they benefit from livestock presence during the last decades.
The hunter activity in the island of Cyprus
In the present paper analyzed the personal characteristics and the hunting activity of the hunters in the island of Cyprus. The research was carried out with the help of a questionnaire. According to this research the hunters are satisfied with their hunting activity in the island. The hunting constitutes a way of life for them and they go for hunting with company, twice a week travelling for 10-20 km. They have dog and a rifle. As the most desirable games they prefer mistle thrush, hare and partridge.
Synergies between forest biomass exploitation and grazing for avifauna conservation and rural economy
Greek forests host about one third of bird species across Europe. Of particular importance are the Mediterranean forests, characterized by the existence of a mosaic of forest and rangeland cover types. These landscapes are lost due to abandonment or are transformed to build environment. Often, the forests that merge afterwards are very dense, resulting fewer habitats suitable for bird species, while they face greater wildfire risks. In this paper, synergies between biomass production and extensive grazing are being proposed as an effort to support the sustainable management of Mediterranean forests for the benefit of biodiversity and rural communities.
