Plant Species Diversity and Conservation

Dear Colleagues,

Estimates suggest around 500,000 land plant species, exceeding the diversity of birds and mammals, and rivaled only by fungi and beetles. The diversity of plant species is an elemental component of ecosystems worldwide, playing a fundamental role in maintaining ecological balance and sustaining life on Earth. Plant species diversity refers to the variety and abundance of plant species in a given area and is essential for the stability of ecosystems: diverse plant communities are more resilient to environmental changes such as extreme weather events, diseases and invasive species. They provide essential ecosystem services such as soil stabilization, water purification and carbon sequestration. However, in recent decades, habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation, overexploitation, pollution, invasive species and climate change have led to a significant loss of plant diversity. Despite its importance, plant species diversity is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution, climate change and invasive species.

In this context, the conservation of plant species diversity requires coordinated efforts at local, national and global levels, such as habitat protection and restoration, sustainable land-use management and invasive species management.

We invite manuscripts aimed at highlighting the importance of plant species diversity in maintaining ecological balance and sustaining life on Earth. In addition, contributions may highlight threats to plant diversity such as deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution and climate change. They may further advocate the conservation of plant species diversity through coordinated efforts at different levels, including habitat protection and restoration, sustainable land use and invasive species management.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: 

• Plant species diversity;
• Threats to plant diversity;
• Conservation of plant species diversity.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Claudia D. Nicolae
Dr. Maria Mihaela Antofie
Dr. Oliviu Grigore Pop
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• plant species
• plant diversity
• plant ecology
• plant conservation
• habitat restoration
• invasive species

Title: Conservation of Endemic Plant Species in the Romanian Carpathians
Authors: Claudia Bita-Nicolae1, Oliviu G. Pop2*, Mihaela M. Antofie3
Affiliation: 1. Taxonomy, Ecology and Nature Protection Department, Institute of Biology Bucharest, Romanian Academy, 060031 Bucharest, Romania 2. Foundation Conservation Carpathia, 500450 Brașov, Romania 3. Faculty of Agricultural Science, Food Industry and Environmental Protection, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 550012 Sibiu, Romania
Abstract: The Romanian Carpathians region hosts a wide range of threatened species, predominantly endemic, highlighting its exceptional conservation value for Europe. This study focuses on endemic vascular plant species communities residing in the Bucegi Massif, Piatra Craiului, and Făgăraș Mountains. The study aims to highlight their conservation importance for all Carpathians as well as for the European continent. The Natura 2000-designated habitats in the Carpathian Mountains support numerous plant species of significant conservation value, especially in the higher altitude meadows, known for their remarkable species richness. Despite various anthropogenic pressures, these endemic vascular plant species continue to survive, highlighting the resilience and ecological importance of these habitats. Developing a long-term strategy for endemic species, for at least 30 years is a must, taking into consideration climate change effects and anthropic pressure on the region. In this context, it is imposed to take into consideration an innovative approach and conservation measures should be developed for endemic species conservation. The current management plans in protected areas or those developed on species are no longer efficient if the vision for conservation is only for ten years. A new set of indicators should be defined to monitor the long-term action plans for endemic species conservation.